I was inspired to write this book due to my love for cooking and my mother, who always had me to help her with the everyday meals. It was nine children at home. I had six sisters, but my mother always wanted me to help and learn how to prepare the meals. I guess my mother taught me well because whenever there was a cookout or a holiday dinner, my family always liked my corn bread dressing and potato salad. Above other things, I can't forget the lasagna. It's simply the best you will ever taste. My mother was the best cook there was; she taught me very well. I believe that this book of all my recipes would be really helpful to my sisters. Friends would call and ask me for my recipes, and I would assist them to pick up some of my good recipes. They are really excited over my writing this soul food cookbook. I believe that soul food is good for you and fills you up fast. My cooking and dishes never need you to add salt or anything. They are simply delicious and good. I have three grown kids now, and my daughter cooks very well. She got some of my recipes before she left home, and I can't forget my husband. They say a away to a man's heart is through his stomach, and he's always happy when I'm in the kitchen because he just loves my cooking. You know what they say about the country girls--they are some of the best soul food cookers. I guess I would have to say that I love to cook and entertain my guests and serve them my best recipes, so I would like for them to have a copy of this cookbook for their keepsake. This would make my family very happy.Every recipe in this book is very special to me. I am really proud to have taken the time to write this book, and at the end of each recipe, I said, "Eat and enjoy."