FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Eastern Shore resident and author Betty Ruth Speir’s cookbook has been very popular.

What would you get if you added equal parts of Walt Whitman to Paula Deen, mixed briskly for five minutes, and then served fresh to your guests?

The answer is “Come Cook With Me,” Speir’s witty compilation of poetry and home-cooked recipes.

In this one-of-a-kind cookbook, Speir shares some of her favorite things to make for her friends and family, sprinkling in a very generous helping of whimsical poetry to help enlighten and entertain along the way.

Learn how to make mouthwatering and delectable Southern fare such as Braunsweiger peppercorn paté, Sally West'’ croustades, chilled avocado soup with caviar, Frittata Alla Veneta, Speir’s brunch torte, Issy King’s shrimp, Sophia Clikas’ oyster pie, Tony’s Creole custard flan and Elmira’s lane cake.

Speir, a gynecologist by training, traded her scalpels for paring knives.

She enjoys cooking and entertaining. Now that she has time, she has substituted medical classes for cooking classes.

Recipes and poetry, instead of medical writing, keep her busy.

She designs and sews, and recently had gowns featured in a show at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

The book is available at Page & Palette in Fairhope.

For more information, call (251) 928-5295.