Lucy Anne Buffett, known mostly as LuLu and Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister, is a former personal chef who has cooked for high profile clients from coast to coast. She has two restaurant locations and her first cookbook, formerly known as “Crazy Sista Cooking” has been reprinted as “LuLu’s Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life.” It has been updated with a new introduction and new photography and includes authentic family recipes from her Alabama and Florida destination restaurants.

“LuLu’s Kitchen” is Lucy Buffett’s culinary guide to classic Southern coastal cuisine and contains more than 120 signature recipes. A note on the revised edition starts it off and is followed by a word by both Jimmy Buffett and LuLu. Recipe sections include: Gumbo Love & Other Deep South Soups, Sassy Salads, Sandwiches & Such, Perfect Sauces & Salad Dressings, Sweet Things, Child’s Play, Life Is Good Grits and Party Favors. Sprinkled in between recipes and cooking tips are family stories and the stories behind some of the author’s favorite recipes. This part cook book, part autobiography is filled with interesting stories, pictures and cooking tips.

Cookbooks come and go but this one stands out because it is more than just recipes. In the section titled LuLu Food Philosophy, LuLu writes about her love of cooking what she has learned throughout the years about cooking and life. It is a charming book that is easy to read and the recipes are simple enough for anyone to try. The author’s voice is friendly and the overall tone of the book is relaxed, much like the coastal food she writes about. It is recommended for fans of well-developed cookbooks and readers who appreciated multi-dimensional books.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.