On Wednesday, Oct. 10, SCAD Alumni Atelier ambassador Matt Terrell released his book, “The Magnolia Bayou Cookbook.” Students gathered at Ivy Hall to help celebrate the book and the work of fellow students who worked alongside Terrell. Lila Dostal is a graduate writing student whose role was to help edit and manage the book. Rachel Needham, also a graduate writing student, took the role of researching and writing part of the recipes. Lastly, Katherine Diaz Villegas, a third-year fashion student, was in charge of all illustrations.
“The Magnolia Bayou Cookbook” differs from your typical collection of recipes. Readers get to delve into the world of the characters associated with the recipes and their significance. The book transforms recipes to connect food with lifestyle and heritage.
Along with the reading, students were also able to try recipes from the cookbook. The spread included Southern chicken salad, goat cheese with grapes and mini sandwiches. Third-year writing student Tyler Rheaves said, “The food was good, but had a weird aftertaste.”
Terrell presented the book and used voices to illustrate each character. At the end, there was a Q&A session where many ideas were thrown around about expanding the book. Cooking shows, plays and films were all ideas that were pitched that Terrell seemed to consider for the future.
It’s clear there was much research done to understand the various personalities and backgrounds of the characters. However, third-year writing student Mohammed El-Kurd said, “I felt there were many stereotypes indulged in with this book. They were written in attempt to get laughter but it backfired and the jokes flat-lined. I couldn’t know if I was supposed to take the book seriously or not.”
While presenting, Terrell seemed very excited about what he and his team created. His passion was clear through his words, and it was easy to tell he would like to continue exploring and publishing new forms of storytelling.
Regardless, thanks to Terrell and the students who helped him, readers are given a new and entertaining way to cook recipes that have unique stories behind them. The book is presented very well. Diaz Villegas also illustrated the cover, which featured the fountain the story is based around. By creatively intertwining the illustration, the book become more personal to the writers, readers and even SCAD.
“The Magnolia Bayou Cookbook” is self-published by Terrell and bound by a popular old-school method. He told the audience he focused on getting an “original cookbook look and feel.” The book also comes with loose notes and handwritten cards — making it even more personal and unique.
The cookbook costs $50 and may be purchased at shopSCAD Savannah soon. You can also check out some of the recipes presented in the book on its Instagram page.
