Amanda Dalton Wilbanks - Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie

To my husband Alex, I have so

many reasons to celebrate

because of you. I love you!

A cookbook is so much more than pages filled with delicious recipes and stunning photographs. It is also a journey and an adventure; one that is chock-full of stories, memories, long days filled with belly-aching laughter, and countless hours of hard work. Writing this cookbook has been a joy because of the support and guidance I have been blessed with from my family, my friends, and my teams at both Southern Baked Pie Company and Gibbs Smith. This book would not be what it is without each and every one of you.

Special thanks to Gill Autry, my photographer and creative director, who understood my vision without even having to ask. The photographs he captured truly speak my storyno words are needed and that is such a gift.

To Abby Breaux, for capturing the gentle love I have for my two boys, and the fun we have in the kitchen together. Your photographs show the authentic me.

To Maggie Auffarth, for taking my ideas, my stories, and my thoughts and turning them into the loveliest words imaginable. You brought the South that I know and love to life.

To Gena Hood, my Auntie Articulate, for editing this book countless times. You gave me the words I was looking for and made them sound as if they were my own.

To my talented team at Southern Baked Pie Company, you held down the fort in my absence. And Autumn Nyugen, my personal assistant, your belief in me pulled me through this book.

To my friend James Farmer, who believed in me and introduced me to the amazing folks at Gibbs Smith.

To the incomparable team at Gibbs Smith, especially to Madge Braid for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to write my first cookbook, and to Michelle Branson for your guidance and patience with me.

To Sarah Billingsley, my dear friend, for not only opening up her home and allowing me to shoot photos in her gorgeous kitchen, but also for supplying me with the most unique props for styling. Your advice, support, and friendship means the world to me.

To Cathy Auffarth, MaryBeth Wood, Nancy Addison, Dana Gay, and all the sweet friends who shared their silver, dishes, and antiques with me, as well as the friends and family who taste-tested countless recipes and offered feedback.

To the patrons of Southern Baked Pie Company, without your support, none of this would be possible.

To Wanda Dalton, my mother, who lifted me up every day and whose encouragement made this book possible. You are my lifesaver. All my love and admiration to you.

To my mother-in-law Sandy Wilbanks, you taught me to make pie dough and provided me with countless recipes. Your influence over this book is evident on every page. You are such an inspiration to my life.

And finally, to Alex, my husband and most favorite person in the world, thank you for loving me through all the crazy days of stress, and the disasters I created while cooking and photographing in our tiny home. You allow me to shine as you quietly work in the background, bringing my dreams into reality. You are one in a million. Austin, Dalton, and I are so blessed because of you.

Last, but certainly not least, to my two precious boys, Austin and Dalton, who gave up countless hours of my attention and love so I could write and cook for this book. My greatest joy in life is being your mom. I love you.