Ivy Odom, the senior lifestyle editor for Southern Living magazine, has officially published her first cookbook, titled “My Southern Kitchen: From Suppers to Celebrations, Recipes for Every Occasion.” This highly anticipated release hit the shelves this month, making Odom’s dream of becoming an author a reality.
In an interview from her home in Birmingham, Alabama, Odom expressed her excitement about the publication. She stated, “Most people know me from social media, but that was never the dream. Publishing a cookbook was. I love our social media videos. They are a cool way to bring in a new generation to the Southern Living audience. But the cookbook is ‘fully Ivy’ — the chance to tell my story and take people behind the scenes.”
Odom’s cookbook features a diverse assortment of recipes divided into six thematic chapters. One chapter focuses on kitchen essentials, while the other five are organized according to different occasions, such as “lawn parties” and “joys and sorrows.” “The approach is based on how I cook, based on the occasion at hand. What do I want to take to a new neighbor or share at a tailgate?” said Odom.
Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Moultrie, Georgia, Odom includes a variety of region-specific recipes in her cookbook. Among her favorites is a cherished chocolate layer cake, which she recalls her great-grandmother making for special celebrations. “It’s the cake my mother and I always requested for our birthdays,” she reminisced.
The cookbook’s launch comes in conjunction with a book tour during which Odom will be showcasing her crafting and cooking skills. She is set to host various events across the South. Odom is particularly excited about the blend of personal stories and Southern traditions in her recipes, highlighting a desire to connect with readers on a deeper level.
- Event Details:
- Book Signing and Cooking Class: 5:30 p.m., November 22, 2023, at The Cook’s Warehouse, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. The package, priced at $99, includes the cookbook and a hands-on cooking class.
- Free Book Signing: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the same day at Dillard’s North Point Mall, located at 7000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta.
As Odom shares her beloved recipes, she hopes to present what she considers Southern classics transformed through her personal culinary lens. One featured dish is Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, a comforting and savory recipe perfect for gatherings. The following is an excerpt of the recipe:
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1½ cups of chopped sweet onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Include 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 drained 7-ounce can of chopped green chiles, ½ cup of whole milk, and 2 teaspoons of roasted chicken base. Continue cooking for about a minute until combined.
- Then, add 3 cups of cooked, shredded or chopped chicken and 1½ teaspoons of Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
- Layer 2 cups of the chicken mixture in the bottom of your prepared dish, followed by half the torn corn tortillas and 1½ cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Repeat the layering.
- Finish with a layer of the remaining chicken mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serves 8.
Each recipe in “My Southern Kitchen” is crafted to celebrate community and family bonds over a shared love of wholesome food. Odom’s cookbook not only invites readers into her kitchen but also into her life, filled with rich Southern heritage.
As a chef and influencer, Ivy Odom hopes that her cookbook serves as an engaging guide for both seasoned cooks and newcomers wishing to explore the delights of Southern cuisine. With her passion for storytelling woven through each page, “My Southern Kitchen” aims to inspire gatherings, celebrations, and countless delicious meals.
