Cookbooks.

Heritage: My Journey Told Through Food

Natelege’s earliest memories of cooking began as a little girl as she sat and watched in awe of her own mother Helen, her grandmother Virginia and great aunt’s Reval and Saluda in their private sanctuaries, their kitchens. When she found herself many years later, at one of the lowest points in her life staring down divorce after only two years of marriage, her kitchen became her sanctuary. Through faith, family, food and cooking she found healing. Virginia & Co., her full service catering company was birthed from her desire to share her joy of cooking and the healing she experienced through cooking.

Her first cookbook is her love letter to her ancestors; to the art of cooking which has being a tool in her healing; and to the amazing men and women like her own father who cultivate and farm the land that produces the food we eat. The recipes in the cookbook are an extension of that love letter and honor her heritage that includes the Gullah Islands in South Carolina, the farm lands in eastern North Carolina and the James River in Prince George County in Virginia. Her style of cooking has been moulded by her culture, travels, and the people she has met along the way. This cookbook includes her very best recipes, tips, and the personal stories that helped shaped her journey.

Celebrations Cookbook: Recipe’s for Life’s Sweetest Moments

Celebrations: Recipes for Life’s Sweetest Moments is a collection of recipes and menus for special occasions and celebrations throughout the year. Featuring a variety of desserts, finger foods and entire meals to serve at a baby or bridal shower, backyard barbecue or Christmas Celebration, Natelege includes some favorites and reimagining of the classics. There's a full Thanksgiving spread-complete with turkey and stuffing and pies-and menus for Christmas dinner; a New Year's Eve cocktail party and Easter brunch are covered, along with suggestions for beverages and cocktails and the all-important desserts. Recipes can be mixed and matched among the various occasions, and many of the dishes are simple enough for everyday cooking. Stunning full-color photographs of dish’s make browsing the pages as delightful as cooking the recipes, and beautiful party images provide approachable and creative entertaining ideas. Natelege has transformed her most cherished family traditions into trustworthy recipes you can feel confident serving for every celebration.

Inside Celebrations: Recipes for Life’s Sweetest Moments

What People Are Saying

“Natelege’s book is as flavorful as her food-heart, heritage and heat.”

“This book made me want to cook, but more importantly, made me feel seen.”

About the Author

Natelege Bryant is a chef, author, and cultural curator known for blending bold Southern flavor with meaningful storytelling. As the founder of Virginia & Co., she creates elevated culinary experiences that celebrate Black foodways, tradition, and creativity. Her debut cookbook, Heritage: My Journey Told Through Food, is a love letter to memory, seasoning, and the sacredness of the kitchen.

Ready to bring this book into your kitchen-or your next event?

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Chef and author Natelege Bryant is available for: