A table surrounded by brimming bookshelves beckons friends to partake in a literary luncheon with an inspired menu. Embellished with exotic garden vistas, two classic china patterns mirror that magical ability of captivating fiction to take us on far-away adventures.
A gilded cream charger anchors the striking layers of black and blue, while fuchsia calla lilies, crimson gerbera daisies, and blue delphinium lend a captivating color spectrum to the august atmosphere. Hand-screened with letters of advice by distinguished writers, cotton napkins double as fascinating conversation starters. Complement the scene by serving appetizers and individual desserts influenced by the South’s rich literary legacy.
Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Created in the early 1900s by Louisville, Kentucky, restaurateur Jennie Benedict, Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a cool combination of cream cheese, cucumber, and onion. It makes the perfect spread for simple tea sandwiches and pays homage to the Kentucky-reared author of The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver.
Warm Oyster-Spinach Dip
With many of their stories set in New Orleans or the Louisiana bayous, it would not be a surprise to find the characters of Kate Chopin and Shirley Ann Grau delighting in a freshly shucked oyster. Mix this coastal delicacy into a creamy spinach dip and dollop servings onto collected shells or dishes.
Ham-Filled Sweet Potato Biscuits
A celebration of Southern writers wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Mississippian and Pulitzer Prize-winner Eudora Welty. Our comforting biscuit sandwich showcases another Mississippi icon: sweet potatoes. Year after year, the Magnolia State remains one of the country’s highest producers of this delectable tuber.
Smoked Brisket Hand Pies
The works of Katherine Anne Porter, an acclaimed short story writer, novelist, and essayist, rank among the most influential of the 20th century. Since nothing says Texas quite like smoky barbecued brisket, fold the delicious flavors of Porter’s home state into a buttery, flaky crust.
Autumn-Spiced Pecans
From the Southern gothic works of Flannery O’Connor and Carson McCullers to novels by contemporary author Sue Monk Kidd, literature permeates Georgia’s history and culture. These delectable nuts are a Southern staple: cracked and enjoyed straight from the shell; frozen until needed for a multitude of sweet or savory dishes; or tossed in a harmonious blend of pantry spices.
Mini Lane Cakes
In 2016, the Lane Cake became the official state cake of Alabama. While this brandy-infused confection can be traced back to Emma Rylander Lane’s 1898 recipe, most of us fondly recall Miss Maudie Atkinson’s extra-spiked rendition in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Channel Miss Maudie’s hospitality by serving a petite version bursting with the same timeless flavors.
Creamy Citrus Tartlets
Legendary scribes such as Zora Neale Hurston and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings hail from the Sunshine State. An integral part of Florida’s economy, citrus fruits symbolize this breezy region and imbue tiny tartlets with a sweet zest.
Bourbon-Maple Cider
Offer a toast to the female writers who have contributed to the South’s unparalleled literary traditions. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, a warm sipper infused with bourbon and maple syrup perfectly befits the occasion.
Find the full “Literary Luncheon” feature in our September 2018 issue.
Recipe Development and Food Styling by Kathleen Kanen
Styling by Tracey MacMillan Russell
Photography by Stephanie Melbourne Steele
Discover seasonal recipes, inspiring style ideas, and more by ordering your Southern Lady print subscription and digital subscription today!
