After months of hard work and wait, Andalusia’s tourism and relocation committee cookbook, “Heart & Soul” has arrived and is available for sale.

For nearly a year, volunteers have worked to immortalize the area’s most notable recipes, as well as the stories about their cooks – the end result is a historical cookbook that reflects the culture and heritage of the Andalusia area, said T&R member Barbara Nichols.

“Residents were encouraged to support this project by sending in their favorite recipes with a comment or story about the history behind that recipe,” Nichols said. “The result is this beautiful cookbook.”

Inside the 264-page cookbook are countless pleasers for even the pickiest eaters.

“The book’s story is told for the perspective of a rocking chair sitting on the front porch of anywhere in this town,” Nichols said. “The nature of the narrative, as well as the historical comments and helpful cooking tips, promise the reader a truly great read.”

To make sure the book included only the best-tasting recipes, volunteers taste-tested some 350-plus recipes submitted for the project.

The seven-section cookbook features wonderful event foods, men’s favorite foods, delicious breads and recipes handed through the generations.

“We even have a section called ‘Serving Up Stories,’ which gives wonderful memories of those submitting the recipes,” Nichols said. “To me, it’s the best part of the cookbook.”

Beginning on Monday, the distribution of pre-ordered cookbooks will begin. The public sale will open on Thurs., Oct. 10, and can be made at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce. The books will also be for sale at the chamber’s Kiwanis Covington County Fair booth. After Oct. 11, residents can also purchase the books from Andalusia City Hall or local businesses until the books are gone.

“Due to the overwhelming presale activity and public interest, books are selling rapidly,” Nichols said. “We’re encouraging people to purchase a book during October to get one before they’re gone.”

The book is $25.