HARPERCOLLINS engages Marthanna Yater for Dorothea Benton Frank's Fanfest.

Marthanna is in Charleston for New York Times Best Selling author Dorothea Benton Frank's Fanfest.

Sullivan Island's famed novelist is the feature for a weekend book signing and festivities held at The Mills House in Charleston. Guests enjoyed a

walking tour of historic Charleston, cooking classes at Charleston Cooks!, an afternoon cocktail reception at Mrs. Franks's residence on Sullivan's Island, dinner at Shem Creek, the origin of one of Frank's many titles, concluding with brunch with additional book signings on Sunday.

Charleston, SC - The Post and Courier

News and Events / 12.3.14 / by Stephanie Burt

DOTTIE AND VICTORIA DISH IT UP AT CHARLESTON COOKS!

Photo by Marthanna Yater

The fans and readers of novelist Dorothea Benton Frank (DBF) enjoy being transported into a Lowcountry world filled with strong women, sweet tea, and shrimp and grits. So for the first Dorothea Benton Frank Fanfest, which took place in Charleston, South Carolina recently, Frank wanted to dish up a hefty dose of Lowcountry hospitality for her fans.

So, of course, she made shrimp and grits.

Frank’s secret culinary weapon (although she is an accomplished cook herself) was her daughter Victoria, a chef. Together, they conducted two sold-out classes at Charleston Cooks! where they taught participants how to make the iconic Charleston dish, along with a decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie.

One of the major secrets shared was how to make grits super creamy, and the answer to that question was easy - add cream and cheese! Although many in the class had never tasted grits before, they were fans by the end of this Fanfest.

Dorothea Benton Frank and Charleston Cooks!, Charleston, SC