Southern entertaining and food style
1926–2003 · United States
Lee Bailey was born in Louisiana in 1926 and worked in advertising and fashion before his first book, Country Weekends (1983), made his name. He was his own photographer, and the books are as much about a way of living as about recipes.
He wrote a series of books about cooking for friends in the city and the country, favoring fresh, unfussy food and tables set without ceremony. Southern dishes and simple seasonal cooking recur throughout his work.
He died in 2003. His books are prized for their calm, generous approach to entertaining at home.
A chilled, silky avocado soup with lime and a little cream, served in small cups.
A Southern pie of sliced tomatoes, basil, and cheese baked in a buttery crust.
A rich Southern pie of pecans baked in a dark corn syrup and brown sugar custard.
A long lunch on Long Island · 1988 · Long Island, New York
A Cajun supper in Louisiana · 1983 · Louisiana