The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes

by Suzanne Pollak, Lee Manigault, Tania Lee (Illustrator)

Overview

From the ABCs of cooking to perfect cocktail parties and the proper care of houseguests, this is the ultimate guide to domestic Southern hospitality.

Nestled deep in the South is a tiny academy that teaches classes in the most important subject in the world: the domestic arts. The Academy’s unique curriculum includes everything from cocktail-party etiquette to business entertaining, dealing with household guests, and cooking for the holidays.

Here, after a little gentle instruction from Deans Pollak and Manigault, interspersed with plenty of humor, students find they are living healthier, having stronger ties to friends and family, and using their houses to branch out in ways they never dreamed possible. Since not everyone can get to their sold-out classes in Charleston, the Deans are now offering this book so happier liv­ing can be within everyone’s grasp, not just the select few.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613125991
Publisher:	ABRAMS, Inc.
Publication date:	08/16/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	220
Sales rank:	736,146
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Suzanne Pollak is the author of Entertaining for Dummies and The Pat Conroy Cookbook. She was the spokesperson for Federated Department Stores, giving seminars on home decorating, entertaining, and cooking for many years. Lee Manigault lives in one of the grand 18th-century Charleston homes and hosts an array of activities there.

Editorial Reviews

05/15/2014
While how to set a table and rotate seasonal meals have fallen to the wayside with the era of "at our fingertips" and convenience, the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits in South Carolina keeps the fire of the domestic arts burning. And while such matters are not necessarily common practice anymore, there is an interest in exploring the difference between manners and etiquette and exactly what one should serve for which occasion. This title not only explores the domestic arts with etiquette fact but does so in a relaxed, approachable Southern way. Cofounders and deans of the academy, Pollak (The Pat Conroy Cookbook) and Manigault bring expertise, a sense of humor, and approachability to hosting and cooking. They provide recipes for classics like decadent coconut pie (with a secret ingredient!) and cheese soufflé without making the reader feel incapable or uncomfortable. As the deans note, one needs not to be cool and overly polished but warm and welcomingly at peace with oneself when it comes to hosting and being happy. VERDICT A proper and relaxed resource for cooking and hosting year-round with a Southern flair.—Cassidy Charles, Morristown & Morris Twp. Joint Free P.L., NJ

Library Journal

In The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits (Stewart, Tabori & Chang), Suzanne Pollak and Lee Manigault, who teach etiquette and cookery classes in some of the Holy City’s most genteel quarters, condense their years of experience into a handbook of tips and recipes for Sunday brunches, cocktail parties, and everything in between.

Garden & Gun

From cocktails for one to pulled pork for 100, "The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits" features recipes for a range of occasions, ages and tastes. While a number are geared toward party giving, there are also many weeknight family dinner ideas, some holiday-oriented fare and lots of basics, such as biscuits, that can be dialed up or down to be as simple or as fancy as you need them to be.

The Post and Courier

“The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits is the most charming, funny, down to earth, sweetheart of an etiquette book. It’s perfect for a graduation gift, bridal shower prezzie, or a fun read for your own self.

Mrs. Wheelbarrow.com