UGA Welomes Author & Chef Valerie Frey

Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, storytelling, and inspiration as we welcome acclaimed

cookbook author Valerie Frey!

April 21^st, 2026, 6:30 pm – Stuckey Conference Center

Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments & Beverages!

Come be part of an evening where food meets story—and every dish has something to say!  More than just a collection of recipes, Georgia’s Historical Recipes is a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the power of bringing people together around the table. During this engaging event, Valerie will share the stories behind her dishes, her approach to blending tradition with modern flavors, and the personal journey that shaped her culinary voice.  Guests will enjoy a book presentation with behind-the-scenes insights, as well as a glimpse into signature recipes and cooking inspiration.  Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a lover of meaningful storytelling, or simply someone who enjoys great food and community, Georgia’s Historical Recipes promises to leave you inspired and hungry for more. 

 An exploration of our state’s oldest recipes from the antebellum period through World War II, Georgia’s Historical Recipes was painstakingly researched by Georgia archivist Valerie J. Frey. This volume begins with a discussion of old recipes as primary sources and what they can tell us about the history and culture of their era and how to bring them to life in modern kitchens. Frey then moves into fifty sections that can be read alone yet allow readers to build an understanding of how foodways evolved over time.