The Ashantilly Center was the place to be on Saturday, November 8, as guests gathered for an engaging author talk and book signing with Valerie Frey to hear about her latest book, Georgia’s Historical Recipes: Seeking Our State’s Oldest Written Foodways and the Stories Behind Them. The event drew a wonderful crowd, and the atmosphere was as warm and welcoming as the autumn sunshine that filled the historic grounds.
Valerie captivated attendees with her insightful and informative presentation, blending personal stories, research, and passion for preserving Southern heritage and culinary history. Her talk was not only educational but truly enjoyable, sparking lively discussion and plenty of smiles throughout the afternoon.
During her presentation, Valerie delighted the audience with a fascinating discussion about antique kitchen utensils. She also recounted heartwarming memories of cooking with her own family, weaving nostalgia and heritage together through food. One highlight was her story about making Orange Drops—a delicate, citrusy cookie from an 1898 Atlanta recipe—offering a sweet reminder of how recipes can preserve both family bonds and history.
She truly brought her depth of knowledge to life — as though each old recipe were a story waiting to be told.
Following the presentation, guests were treated to delicious refreshments and continued conversation. Valerie graciously took time to sign books and chat personally with attendees, answering questions and sharing stories with genuine warmth.
As the afternoon lingered on, no one seemed in a hurry to leave. The combination of good company, thoughtful discussion, and the beautiful setting made for a delightful day that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
It was a truly memorable afternoon at Ashantilly Center — one that celebrated community, history, good food, and the power of stories.
About Valerie J. Frey and Her Book
Valerie J. Frey is a writer and archivist based in Athens, Georgia, whose work focuses on genealogy, local history, foodways, and storytelling.
Her latest book, Georgia’s Historical Recipes: Seeking Our State’s Oldest Written Foodways and the Stories Behind Them, published by the University of Georgia Press in 2025, explores Georgia’s culinary heritage through a rich mix of archival research and personal narrative. In it, she examines how old cookbooks and recipe manuscripts reveal broader cultural and social changes — not just what people ate, but how they lived. The result is both a historical account and a lively celebration of food traditions.
Valerie is also the author of Preserving Family Recipes: How to Save and Celebrate Your Food Traditions (2015) and other works.