Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without shared memories. One of the best things about spending time with family and friends during the holidays is hearing about their most treasured Christmas stories and traditions. It gives the season a personal, cozy tone that doesn’t come from flashy decorations or overpriced gifts.

My wife, who enjoys the Christmas season more than anyone else I know, shares in my enjoyment of family Christmas memories. She also loves to cook new decadent dishes each year to make holiday meals even more special. That’s why I bought her the Food Network star Paula Deen’s book, Christmas with Paula Deen: Recipes and Stories from My Favorite Holiday last Christmas. It’s the perfect combination of memoir and kitchen companion, and really, who doesn’t love downhome southern cooking?

My wife loves the little personal stories and pictures that accompany some of Deen’s most sinfully delicious holiday treats, and I can’t say I that I hate sampling them either.

Inside Christmas with Paula Deen are numerous recipes, from breakfast and brunch ideas to cookies and edible gifts to share with those you love. The recipes included range from simple treats to elaborate, mouthwatering entrees that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

My wife loves this book and now that this year’s holiday season is underway, she’s happily pulled it from her kitchen library and started digging into the stories and recipes again. This is one of the best gifts I ever gave her, because while she’s chuckling or sighing over Deen’s family Christmas stories, I’m munching some of the best eats of the season.