Being Dead Is No Excuse

In this deliciously entertaining slice of Southern life (and death), inveterate hostess Gayden Metcalfe explains everything you need to know to host an authentic Southern funeral. Each chapter includes a delicious, tried-and-true Southern recipe you'll need if you plan to die tastefully any time soon, including Pickled Shrimp, Aunt Hebe's Coconut Cake, and the ubiquitous Bing Cherry Salad with Coca-Cola. Even if you've never been south of Rochester, this book will charm, it will entertain, and it will give you all the ingredients for the perfect Southern send-off.