When I was growing up, PP&P was my mom's "go-to" cookbook. It was ragged and worn, but she used it for everything. After I got married, I found myself calling mom for recipes from her cookbook. It is an old book, published in 1979, but I consider it the encyclopedia for southern cooking. Want to make gravy? There are several recipes to choose from. Pecan pie? Take your pick. I am currently working my way through the "tea cakes" trying to find a recipe that is similar to my grandma's recipe, that, sadly, died with her. If you are looking for new, healthy recipes, you may want to look somewhere else. If you are looking for a cookbook full of old-fashioned, Southern staples, this is a must-have.