Recipe Swap
Share your favorite Southern recipes with us.
Some of my fondest memories from growing up are my birthday celebrations. These special days were always celebrated surrounded by either my childhood friends or family. However, every year one thing was always the same – the cake. I remember as the time grew near to my birthday I would watch mother make our
Mother’s Banana Cake Read More »
I wanted coffee to start my morning. I gave a whiff of the stuff in the hotel lobby and decided that coffee could wait. I struck out down I-95 and figured I would find a shop on my way to Gilliard Farms. I settled for a Starbucks and ordered two cups of dark roast. As
Sonny Landreth plays a mean slide guitar. From his humble beginnings in Mississippi to stages around the world, he has managed to stay grounded, his roots firmly set in the South. Oddly enough, his first instrument was the trumpet, guitar came later. Guitar was my first love.” Landreth is on the phone from Lafayette,
Rockbridge Guitar Company co-founder and luthier, Brian Calhoun, sits at a 2013 Thanksgiving party suffering an unanticipated gauntlet of boardgames with friends and their preteen children. He slaps bubbles, rolls dice, moves pieces along rote cardboard routes—all the while feigning enthusiasm, biting his tongue. But the frustration is mounting. “This was supposed to be
Outfitted in the camo baseball hat he often wears, Chef David Bancroft kneels down and pushes lettuce between a space in the wire fence separating him from two hogs and a wiggly pack of piglets. “Hey girl.” He’s addressing a black sow who gladly and greedily devours the offering, the large curly green leaf disappearing in
After more than a decade working with some of the best Southern chefs around in Charleston and Nashville Chef Cole Ellis decided to return to his roots. He moved back to his hometown of Cleveland, Mississippi and in 2013 opened Delta Meat Market in the heart of town as a butcher shop and boutique grocer
Two men sit at a picnic table on a sunny day. The contrast is striking. On one side sits Craig Martin a white, fifty-something producer at the helm of a TV show called The Good Road, here to document life in Alabama Village. Across from him sits a young African American man, Da’Cino Dees, describing
It Takes a Village Read More »
The tradition of Southern Blues-Rock is in great shape, in the capable hands of Eli Cook of Nelson County, Virginia. Located west of Charlottesville, Nelson County is farm country, home to orchards and vineyards, as well as traditional crop farming. But young Eli had different plans. He started guitar at a young age and by
From a bustling downtown to relaxing country drives framed by extravagant fall color, Clarksville, Tenn. is a favorite mid-south fall road trip. If your getaway wish-list includes off-the-beaten-path but convenient, affordable with plenty to do, natural beauty and not too crowded, Clarksville checks all your boxes. Let these ideas inspire you to start planning today.
10 Inspiring Reasons to Visit Clarksville, TN this Fall Read More »
For those who have preconceived notions about sleepy little southern towns in America, nestled along the shores of the Barnett Reservoir (locally known as “The Rez”) and just off the Natchez Trace Parkway is the vibrant small city of Ridgeland, Mississippi. Ridgeland is bringing a fresh urban feel to the soul of southern living. Inside
Visit Ridgeland: Inside + Out Read More »
Driven is a word used to describe many successful people, and it’s no different for Robert St. John. Most chefs have their plate full with a restaurant or two. Robert St. John has eight in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and all eight are good–very good, with the emphasis on serving great food and treating people right. St.
We’re one of those cute blogger couples you follow on Instagram. I cover food. Ines covers travel. We write about restaurant openings and trending hot spots. We used to think our job required flying to big cities and foreign countries. Then, the pandemic hit and suddenly the American passport was useless. So, we rented a
Discover Greenwood, Mississippi Where The Spirit of Food, Music and History Lives On Read More »
Road tripping along the Natchez Trace can build up quite a hunger. Luckily, this legendary route cuts straight through Tupelo, Mississippi. Famous for being the birthplace of Elvis, Tupelo has been steadily building a reputation for its thriving epicurean scene. Key to the fresh tastes coming out of this part of Hill Country: collaborations where
Five Tupelo Favorites Making Waves in Southern Cuisine Read More »
Chef Irv Miller of Jackson’s Steakhouse in Pensacola, FL believes in the beauty of local flavors. He’s been working in the Florida Panhandle and writing about the foods of the Gulf Coast for more than three decades. Adding oysters to Thanksgiving stuffing is a practice with a long history in the South, especially along the coast. In his simple
Oyster and Chorizo Corn Bread Dressing Read More »
Ragged Branch Distillery was born from an idea Alex Toomy had with friends and now co-owners, Russell Nance and Chris Sarpy during the financial downturn in 2003. The trio embarked on a journey to establish a distillery at a farm in central Virginia on Ragged Mountain near Charlottesville. After seeing David Pickerell, the former
Chef Ross Burtwell of the famed Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg, TX brings us this great appetizer. This brie is simple to make, yet so elegant on the table and its flavors are perfect for the holiday season. Paired with a great Texas wine, it will make a great addition to your holiday party. Ingredients
Warm Maple Brie with Apples, Cranberries, Dates & Pecans Read More »
Jonathon Scott Barrett is a seventh-generation Georgian with a deep appreciation of the history, foodways, and culture of the South. A nonprofit executive and CPA, Barrett is also a talented cook and host in culinary rich Savannah where he enjoys good bourbon and fine food – and when he gets the chance, fishing. This recipe for Glazed Fig
Glazed Fig Preserve Cake Read More »
Born in 1908, outside of Buena Vista, Georgia, a small community near Columbus, Eddie Owens Martin ran away to New York City in his early teens, where he worked odd jobs, delved into the drag queen scene, was a merchant seaman and even studied dance. While it’s quite the combination of experiences, nothing compares to his adventure with the
Q & A with Author Bryce Gibson Bryce Gibson is a farmer by day, writer by night. He’s lived in South Carolina his entire life, grew up on a farm, and when he’s not writing, that’s where you’ll find him. Though he was a voracious reader as a teenager, he doesn’t really remember any
Katherine Hanks McAlister and Stephanie Anne Martin originally met as neighbors in Chattanooga, TN and spent most of their time together rock climbing and attending weekly pottery classes. It was at those pottery classes where they recognized their love and talent for ceramics could be a forever-hobby or they could work to create something more permanent
Annie Hanks Ceramics Read More »
Mariana and Ross Burtwell made a bold decision. At Cabernet Grill, their fine dining restaurant in Fredericksburg, Texas, the wine list would exclusively feature Texas wines. Wine Director Elizabeth Rodriguez says it was a natural choice. “Here we are surrounded by beautiful vineyards and delicious wines. What better choice to pair with Texas cuisine than
Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding Read More »
As Executive Chef for Motor Supply Co. Bistro in Columbia, SC, Chef Wesley Fulmer loves to use foods locally produced in his native South Carolina and in particular heritage breed meats. For this recipe using a leg of lamb (found at most neighborhood butcher shops or grocery stores) he uses a St. Croix heritage breed lamb from
Rosemary-Thyme Roasted Leg of Lamb Read More »
Jefferson, Texas The flat bottomed skiff navigates the curves of the Big Cypress Bayou as the boat’s guide, Chase Vallery, a 24 year old Louisiana State University alumnus degreed in cartography, motions toward a standalone brick structure on an elevated bank as we round a bend. “Here was where ammunition was dropped off for the
Forever Queen of the Cypress Read More »
Near a cascading waterfall at Lula Lake on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, a long stretch of rustic gray wooden tables is tucked in a blissfully shady corridor between two high rock walls, waiting for the 150 guests who’ll be here soon. Late-afternoon shadows and patches of sun bathe the metallic gold tableware, bottles of wine, and
Back when their guitar-making business was still in its infancy, when they couldn’t afford to turn down even the most bizarre orders, Mark Dalton and Jeff Huss got a call from two guys who identified themselves as members of the LRORRSCS. The Loyal Rectified Order of Ridge Runners and Skunk Callers Society,” says Huss,
Growing up as the youngest of five kids, south Louisiana native Scott Serpas helped his mother cook family meals from an early age. His memories of eating the simple, yet flavorful and memorable meals his mother prepared in their kitchen – red beans, seafood, crawfish, po-boys and shrimp boils – were the inspiration for keeping
Seasonal Inspiration Read More »
As Executive Chef for Motor Supply Co. Bistro in Columbia, SC, Chef Wesley Fulmer loves to use foods locally produced in his native South Carolina, mixing traditional culinary processes with modern techniques. Everything on the menu at Motor Supply Co. Bistro is either provided from local farms or house-made, such as stocks and sauces, desserts and house-butchered and
Creamy Southern Rutabaga Smash Read More »
As Executive Chef for Motor Supply Co. Bistro in Columbia, SC, Chef Wesley Fulmer loves to use foods locally produced in his native South Carolina, mixing traditional culinary processes with modern techniques. For this Smoky Brussels Sprout recipe he uses cured pork jowl Carolina Heritage Farms in Pamlico, SC. If you don’t have it, don’t worry–just use
Smoky Brussels Sprout and Bacon Hash Read More »
Calling on the flavors of Fall and Winter, Pastry Chef Tess Ward of Motor Supply Co. Bistro in Columbia, SC created a dessert with the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and warm spice flavored sweet potatoes. As one of our tasters said “This may be the best cheesecake I’ve ever eaten.” We think so, too.
Sweet Potato Layered Cheesecake Read More »
Driving from Llano to Brady, Texas along TX-71 you might miss the roadside hamlet of Pontotoc. It’s not a large place. From edge to edge it’s about the length of a long, par-5 golf hole and there’s not much commerce happening to catch your eye. No billboards. No storefronts with neon. Not even a gas
New Life at Pontotoc Read More »
It all started with an unwanted boulder. New road construction near the small community of Hollywood, AL. left a boulder deposited on the property of farmer Leonard Dawson. But as he looked at the boulder and pondered what to do with it, he saw a rooster take shape, instead. Deciding to move it in front
Through a nondescript wood door lighted by a single, wrought iron lamp, Micah LeMon and his staff pour their latest libations at James Beard award-nominated restaurant, The Alley Light, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Reminiscent of a speakeasy, the team works with Prohibition-level creativity to quench the ongoing cocktail renaissance. Cooler months usher in holidays with citrus
At Circa 81 in Beaufort, NC, Chef Clarke Merrell believes the cocktail is king. With over 30 cocktails on their menu at any given time (including seven different mojitos) they are always pushing the boundaries. What better way to celebrate the Holidays than with these cocktails that highlight the tastes of Winter and are as fun
Acre, located in Auburn, AL, is named for its actual lot size and its fresh, seasonal approach to food. Leading the charge is Chef David Bancroft, who sources from on-site gardens and orchards, local farms, and the bounty provided by the Alabama Black Belt Region. Bancroft is reinterpreting the rich heritage of Alabama cuisine describing
Acre Restaurant’s Fried Green Tomatoes Read More »
Let the Deer Camp Special shine its ever-lovin’ light on me! This past summer I went missing; not literally but figuratively. I was going through the motions of everyday life and work. I carried on “adulting”, as they call it. This is an expression some folks use meaning to do grown-up stuff like taking
Magee’s Southern Accent Read More »
The line of people stretched out the door of Tri-County Family Ministries. Third-grader Katie Stagliano helped to serve the more than 275 guests who waited for what might be the only meal they would have that day. It forever changed her life. Backtrack to early 2008 when Katie’s class participated in the Bonnie Plants
Caleb Caudle explores new musical territory and in the process reaffirms his country roots. The result is the best record of his career. On the surface Caleb Caudle would seem to be a puzzle. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Caudle is a rising country star who absorbs a world of diverse musical influences,
Carolina Troubador Read More »
The future of Delta blues may rest in the hands of one man. Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram swims into deeper waters on his debut album. When people talk about Clarksdale, MS, it’s often in reference to the fabled crossroads, where blues legend Robert Johnson exchanged his soul for the devilish guitar licks that made him famous. Or
The New King of the Delta Blues Read More »
This salad does seem like a quite a bit of work, two pots on the stove and one in the oven. Admittedly, it does not adhere to Willis’ belief to make it easy for the home cook! But it’s so good we think it’s worth the extra effort. The chicken could easily be baked, as
Virginia Willis’ Composed Salad for Spring Read More »
With summer produce at its peak, Chef Mike Davis of Columbia, S.C.’s Terra is spotlighting the South’s bounty in this simple, yet crave-worthy dish. Using all locally sourced produce, this dish is expertly crafted to let the ingredients shine and is a guest favorite. The recipe begins with perfectly cooked field peas from Yandle’s, a small produce market located right in the heart of Columbia. The field
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Field Pea & Carolina Rice Hoppin’ John and Fried Okra Read More »
Whether you consider it a décor decision gone awry or a hobby that got out of hand, the allure of this mug covered cabin is unmistakable. Located at the end of a dirt and gravel road, this cabin in the woods is not the expectation for rural North Carolina. Well, maybe anywhere. While visiting
Never did Lauri Jo Bennett think that the love of canning would lead to a successful business. She spent many hours in the kitchen with her husband’s grandmother, Nita, canning the fruits and vegetables from the farming community where they lived. After his grandmother passed, Lauri Jo and Mike moved back to her hometown of
“My Grandmother was the major inspiration for my business,” explains Ashley Schoenith. “I grew up with all things made-from-scratch – it’s all I knew. I was always cooking and baking with her and my mom.” Schoenith was looking for a way to spend more time with her Grandmother, who was a wonderful seamstress; they
Southern Beaten Biscuits date from the 19th century. They are different from regular soft biscuits in that they are more like soda crackers. The dough was originally made from flour, salt, sugar, lard, and cold water, and beaten with a hard object or against a hard surface. It is pricked with a fork prior to baking
Southern Beaten Biscuits Read More »
Texans are a stubborn lot.
Texas, the Other, Other Wine Country Read More »
LEMON ICEBOX TART WITH SALTINE CRACKER CRUST is excerpted from SECRETS OF THE SOUTHERN TABLE © 2018 by Virginia Willis. Photographs © 2018 by Angie Mosier. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. I first tasted this pie at Crook’s Corner, the legendary Chapel Hill restaurant that’s had my friend and
Lemon Icebox Tart with Saltine Cracker Crust Read More »
SORGHUM BUTTER ROAST CHICKEN is excerpted from SECRETS OF THE SOUTHERN TABLE © 2018 by Virginia Willis. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. Sorghum is Appalachia’s version of maple syrup. It’s the evaporated cane juice of a grain called sorghum that is pressed and then cooked in a shallow pan
Sorghum Butter Roast Chicken Read More »
Southern Stir-Fry with Turnips and Greens is excerpted from SECRETS OF THE SOUTHERN TABLE © 2018 by Virginia Willis. Photographs © 2018 by Angie Mosier. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. The Mississippi River Delta, stretching for about one hundred miles along the banks of the mighty Mississippi and extending
Southern Stir-Fry with Turnips and Greens Read More »
During a kindergarten visit to a living history museum in Staunton, Virginia, Jed Curtis first fell in love – he was entranced by the blacksmith. This passion was destined to grow alongside him. Even now, he dreams of fire and sparks and shapes that emerge from the flames. As a kid,” Curtis says, “you
Like everything in New Orleans, Algiers Point celebrates a cast of characters in this historic hamlet across the river from NOLA. From long-time locals with their own vernacular-style accents, one that can never be imitated, to the Europeans who paid a visit, fell in love and never left. Be it the Brits, Italians or
A Small Town Big On Character Read More »
It wasn’t easy being uprooted from the seafood-laden waters of south Louisiana and moving to the mountainous land-locked mill town of Dalton, Georgia. My momma, Doris Helen Richard, met and married my father, William Martin Sapp, Jr. in 1945 in Alexandria, Louisiana. With that single move, she not only encountered cultural and religious differences –
Part poet, part farmer, Bryon Herbert Reece was a riddle to the small mountain community in which he grew up. Born in 1917 in a one-room cabin on Wolf Creek near Blairsville, Georgia, Reece was destined to be a farmer like his father before him. His family grew potatoes, beans, corn, rye, apples, chickens,
Barbecue is the quintessential essence of all things Southern. Bonnie Bratton is an outdoor girl at heart. “I’m happiest when I am working in my greens patch on my farm in Shady Grove, TN, hosting friends and family or relaxing with my dog Huckleberry.” She sure wasn’t planning on being the sole proprietor of
Bratton’s Best BBQ Sauce Read More »
While Fredericksburg, TX boasts over 400 festivals and events annually, the fall season brings a few signature celebrations that many loyal visitors simply refuse to miss. This year Fredericksburg’s Annual Oktoberfest, running October 4, 5 and 6, will celebrate 39 years. It’s the festival of all festivals in Fredericksburg, setting the standard for German-style
Fall Festivals Full of Friends, Family and Fun! Read More »
Labor Day cookouts signal the end of summer and with it, enjoying the last of iconic seasonal foods. Soon grilling hot dogs and cheeseburgers outside, eating farmers market blueberries, and making homemade ice cream will be things to look forward to for next year. Go out in a blaze of warm-weather glory with this recipe
Peppered Bacon Wrapped Grilled Corn on the Cob Read More »
Bill Nelson is the sort of guy who would rather go a little out of his way to get what he likes. The sort of things you can’t get in a supermarket, even one in a town as big as Nashville. Bill and his two sons, who were both home from college on summer break,
Distillery Interrupted Read More »
Growing up in Fort Valley, Georgia, Stephen Rose never had a bad peach. Eating succulent peaches right off the tree in the heart of Georgia’s peach country was de rigueur for him in summer. “When you bite into a perfectly ripe peach, it should surprise you with its sweetness,” Stephen claims. “You should have to
Cowboy Culture in the Mississippi Delta At the 2016 Christmas parade in Cleveland, Mississippi, I had an epiphany of sorts. Finishing up the end of the parade was a small group of African American cowboys. Their presence instantly struck me. My entire life, I had failed to consider the diverse history of cowboy culture. My imagination
Enduring Traditions Read More »
Whole Hog Pudding, Mustard Pommes Puree, Oyster Mushrooms, Fresh Tomato and Soft Egg This dish, named after the Primus song, is inspired by a traditional Irish breakfast. With oats and grains often in plentitude, they carry the pork well. White Pudding has been a popular cultural staple across much of England, Ireland and Scotland with variations
Katherine “Peanut” Belk • Shawn Jardnicek Molly Belk • Henry Hernandez Chester, SC MEET PEANUT: Where did you grow up and how did it influence your life? I grew up in the suburbs of Charlotte and as one of five kids with a much larger extended family, I was energized by chaos and commotion. I spent
Wild Hope Farm : “Peanut” Belk Read More »
Q & A with Author: Augustus Jenkins Farmer A self-proclaimed “plantsman,” Augustus Jenkins “Jenks” Farmer began growing his own plants as a young boy after stealing some seeds from the nuns at a convent, near where he went to school. “I think I was sitting there with my Scooby Doo lunchbox and I saw some
Lessons From the Past Read More »
Around Derby time in Kentucky horse country you’re likely to hear spirited debates about jockeys, breeders and trainers, but the fiercest disagreements are generally reserved for a cocktail, the Mint Julep. Muddled –vs- Bruised Mint Sugar Cubes –vs- Powdered
Beyond the Mint Julep Read More »
Laurel, Mississippi The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened as Mississippi’s first art museum in 1923 and is nestled among the live oak trees of Laurel’s beautiful historic district adjacent to downtown. Founded by the timber family, which settled the town, the museum boasts nationally known collections of American and European paintings, Native American baskets,
Lauren Rogers Museum Read More »
Food has consequences. To sustain our lives with nourishment, something else must perish. Plants are cut and harvested, animals are butchered. All of it comes to the table for our sustenance. It sounds like a clichéd trope, but the taking of life to sustain life is truly the “circle of life.” Over time we’ve lost
To say Vent Haven is the only museum of its kind in the world would be an understatement. In this unique place you will find over 800 ventriloquist figures or “dummies”. Lining its walls are hundreds of publicity photos of vents (short for ventriloquists) and their dummies. It also houses a vast collection of vent-related books, some of which
Museum For Dummies Read More »
Andalusia, Alabama Much like the flower of the Southern Magnolia, Andalusia, Alabama, is a city in bloom. Nestled between the pine boughs and cotton fields of South Alabama, Andalusia is situated at the confluence of the Wiregrass and the BlackBelt. Mirroring the contrast of the milky white magnolia blossom against the waxy green leaves, Andalusia’s
If you want the taste of a boucherie at home, try this recipe for pork neck bones, made in the tradition of backbone stew. At a boucherie, you would render pork fat for your lard and steal some of the water used to boil the meats for boudin as your stock, but for this recipe,
Pork Neck Bone Stew Read More »
Biscuits are a great vehicle for any sandwich. But why not combine three of our favorite Southern ingredients for the ultimate Southern taste – collards, a fried egg and crispy prosciutto or bacon. [separator type=”thin”] Easy Basic Collard Greens Everybody has their own way of preparing this Southern staple. You can add onions, garlic, red pepper flakes
Southern Breakfast Biscuit Read More »
Formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the late 90’s, The Dexateens have since been redefining the sound of Southern rock n’ roll. They’re one of a handful of bands in the Southeast currently coupling the mix of country and rock, made famous by originators like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Marshall Tucker Band, with punk rock influence
Listen to the Mocking Bird [dropcap letter=”T”]here is a row of old crepe myrtle trees that line the sidewalk in front of the house I grew up in. They are gigantic trees now, even towering above the house. A little tidbit of information for you here, don’t park your car under them because you’ll get
Magee’s Southern Accent Read More »
The Blind Pig Supper Club followers & fans of the Primus album Pork Soda clicked the ticket link immediately, as if Les Claypool himself would be the entertainment. They knew that the affordable price would go farther than paying for a meal, even if that meal was more stellar than any one restaurant would provide. [dropcap
“It’s like medicine to me. I suffer with arthritis, but when I’m quilting, I can’t feel the pain,” said Mary Ann Pettway. Sitting in the Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, she selected a long, thin piece of purple fabric, laid it next to a small square of pink and white shapes already
Putting it All Together Read More »
Cold, crisp cucumbers are a refreshing addition to any summer meal and Darby Weaver of Timpson Creek Farm in Clayton, GA loves to make these quick refrigerator pickles with various crops grown on the farm. Instead of cucumbers, experiment with carrots, radishes, zucchini, squash, beets, okra and more. The possibilities are endless. No need to
Tarragon and Honey Quick Pickles Read More »
Clayton, GA MEET DARBY: Where did you grow up and how did it influence your life? I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the heart of Amish Country. As a teen, I took for granted the lush agricultural community that surrounded me and had no real interest in farming. After going to College, I
Timpson Creek Farm : Darby Weaver Read More »
Summer means tomatoes. Lots and lots of tomatoes! Who doesn’t love them? Paired with fresh basil and cheese and baked as a pie, you have the perfect Southern lunch. Use your favorite type or mix them. You can’t go wrong. In her recipe, “Peanut” Belk from Wild Hope Farm in Chester, SC uses Greek yogurt
Bánh Mì is typically a meat filled Vietnamese sandwich. Usually made with French bread, our version substitutes English Muffins and our good Southern bacon made extra spicy with Sriracha for a great twist on this Vietnamese staple. [columns_row width=”third-and-two-thirds”] [column]Ingredients 4 toasted English muffins 8 pieces Honey Sriracha Bacon (see below) 4 large eggs
Vietnamese-Styled Breakfast Sandwich Read More »
Selma, AL Jason Smith MEET JASON: Where did you grow up and how did it influence your life? I grew up in Selma, Alabama and never in my younger years did I ever think about being a farmer. How did the journey to farming begin? We had become conscious of what we were eating and decided
Cog Hill Farm : Jason Smith Read More »
It goes without saying, that if you put a basket of okra in front of us, we are going to make something – anything! We love okra anyway you fix it. But of all the ways to prepare it, frying must top the list. Jason Smith of Cog Hill Farm shared this recipe for okra
The Vanishing Point or “No Way, Jose” I listen to the radio a lot when I’m driving. My job can send me all over the state of Mississippi, state to state lines sometimes. I usually try to tune in to AM radio when I’m in rural areas just to hear what the locals might
Magee’s Southern Accent Read More »
“It’s intoxicating,” Justin Hill says as he leans over an open bee box and inhales deeply while 40 or so bees buzz around his head and his constant companion, Jake the hound dog, bounces around behind him, chasing cloud shadows across the grass. The perfume of still-curing honey, a slightly more floral fragrance than harvested
As they so often say, necessity is the mother of invention; and that was certainly true for Jared Thatcher as he tossed aside knife after knife when they’d dulled into uselessness during the course of fabricating a deer back in 2012. Breaking down a doe is a challenge in itself, but when your knife is actually
Fly Me to the Moon Pie, Ruby I have just returned from a visit to my hometown’s Piggly Wiggly— the queen of grocery stores known to most Southerners – and I shall be forever in awe of simply for the long gone moments recalled there. Many a time I was sent to “The Pig” to fetch
Magee’s Southern Accent Read More »
Summertime when I was a child meant waking up before dawn on Saturdays to my father singing “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain” or “This Train Is Bound for Glory”—his signal that it was time to pile in the truck and head to the country. There were vegetables and fruit to be gathered, and he wanted us pullin’ and
Picking Figs with Mama & Daddy Read More »
Kevin Gillespie’s love affair with Southern food.
Defending Southern Food Read More »
The acidity of the tomato when combined with a sprinkle of iodized table salt was nearly enough to split my tongue. Which is just the way I like it, and when combined with a generous smear of Duke’s mayonnaise, good bacon, and Capt. John Derst bread makes for about the perfect painting of summer
Food has a way of connecting us to the past.
Sissu’s Chocolate Sauce Read More »
“Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just because they are beautiful but because they are fleeting.” – Richard Paul Evans, The Gift
“High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water.” – Mark Twain
“You learn to forgive (the South) for its sometimes narrow mind and growing pains because it has a huge heart. You forgive (the South) for the stifling summers because the spring is lush and pastel sprinkled, because winter is merciful and brief, because corn bread and sweet tea and fried chicken are every bit as
The Southern Landscape Read More »
Keeping the rural South alive through painting.
Southern Impressionism Read More »
[columns_row width=”third-and-two-thirds”] [column]Ingredients 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 bunch celery, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 Tbsp. lard 1 stewing hen, cut up Salt Black pepper 2 cloves garlic, chopped [/column] [column]Directions In a stock pot, cook the onion, celery and bell pepper in 1 Tbsp. lard until they release all of their
Mama Okra’s Stewed Hen Read More »
[columns_row width=”third-and-two-thirds”] [column]Ingredients 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 bunch green onions 2 bell peppers, chopped 1 lb. cut okra 1 ½ cups lard 1 lb. turkey necks ½ lb. chicken giblets 1 ½ cups flour Water 4 gumbo crabs, split 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 Tbsp. file powder Salt 1 lb. peeled shrimp [/column] [column]Directions
Gabe McCauley uses humor on his TV show to look at America’s future and examines our past as a framework for what lies ahead. Written by J. M. McSpadden / Photography courtesy Reconnecting Roots Questions: In 2023 – three years after a global pandemic, a summer of riots, political division, and unrest not seen since the
Reconnecting Roots Read More »
For one Texas woman, inheriting family quilts inspired a journey to repair, restore and conserve this legacy for another hundred years. Written by Sarah Durst / Photography Lena Seaborn Additional Photography Courtesy of Sue Ann Goodman When Alabama really quilted, the winters were colder. That’s not true, though, and you know it, as well as I. Alabama has never
Overalls, Dungarees, Work Shirts, and More: The Iconic Brand that is L.C. King Written by Marianne Leek / Photography by Briana Fillers For 110 years, L.C. King Manufacturing has made durable workwear and streetwear of unmatched quality and craftsmanship, and for the past 25 years Jack King, the great-grandson of Landon Clayton King, has been
An Enduring Legacy Read More »
Near Birmingham, Alabama, a mother-daughter farmstead looks to new products as a way to revitalize the small, Southern farm. Written by Trudy Haywood Saunders / Photography by Alexandra Stone When most women in their early twenties finish college, farming is not usually the career path they have in mind, but to Alexandra Stone of Stone
A New Kind of Farm Read More »
For Sara McDaniel, with every season of despair, faith has been the architect of her restoration, both personally and professionally. Written by Susan Marquez / Photography by Hector Sanchez Sara McDaniel has a passion for old houses. “There is something special about them,” she says. “I love the history and the charm of an old home.”
Visit Lost Isle and you’ll find a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Located on John’s Island, South Carolina, this fire to table concept is a joint concept by restaurateur T.J. Lynch from Folly Beach bar Lowlife, entrepreneur Thomas Wilson, and chef Josh Taylor. Lost Isle serves up a unique menu executed by Chef Taylor,
Outstanding Stand-Out Read More »
Ribs are always a good idea and these ribs from Little Coyote in Chattanooga, TN, work perfectly for summer outdoor cooking. Little Coyote is Chef Erik Niel’s ode to smoked meats and tortillas – two things that stole his heart during his time living in Texas. Located right at the base of Lookout Mountain the vibes
HERE IN THE SOUTH, summers are hot, and depending on where you are in the South, it may be sweltering! There’s a part of us that wants to stay inside in the cool air conditioning, but honestly, who doesn’t love the romantic notion of sitting outside on a beautiful evening with a cool drink, a
Summer Entertaining Made Easy Read More »
IF YOU’RE AN ASPIRING HOME BARTENDER and would like to try your hand at something special, Bar Manager Nick Ritchie from Rhubarb in Asheville, NC, offers two unique herbaceous cocktails. Both are shaken, strained, and poured into a coupe glass. Grass in the Glass was inspired by the flavor combination of coconut, lemongrass, and vanilla. The
HERBACEOUS COCKTAILS Read More »
THOUGH THE OFFICIAL START OF SUMMER IS STILL A WEEK AWAY, here in the South it’s already hot. Time to cool down with one of these two unique, brand-new cocktails from Atlanta’s nostalgic all-day taco shop, Muchacho. Vibrant in both color and flavor, these cocktails can be easily recreated at home. Lead Bartender, Erin Walsh created
My paternal grandmother made the best biscuits. They were small, little old lady biscuits with a baking soda-forward flavor profile. Correction: They were the best biscuits I had ever eaten until we perfected the cathead biscuit recipe at The Midtowner. The Midtowner’s Cathead Biscuits are, by far, the best biscuit I have ever eaten. Period. End
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These Southern “hot-spot” restaurants have just what we’re looking for on their beverage menus. These extravagant concoctions are worthy of a visit or if you are a home bartender, give them a try at home. Alaina Waldrop keeps the bar offerings just as top notch as the outstanding culinary menu at Helen, located in Birmingham,
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LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA’S COUNTY SMOAK IS ON FIRE Written by Laura Drummond / Photography by Scott Speakes The tantalizing smell of smoke and meat slowly cooking over a pit draws you in. From the outside, County Smoak in Lynchburg, Virginia may look unassuming. On the inside, however, classically trained chefs and husband-and-wife duo Ken and Jess
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Shaking the hand that feeds you Written by Melissa Corbin / Photography Courtesy Microledon Farm While it’s unclear why exactly the human species turned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, the art of nourishing our bodies with the very food that we raised brought a nomadic species together forming villages because they needed to stay
Written by Susan Marquez / Photography by Hunter Norris With long curly locks spilling out from the western-style hat atop her head, Mary Landrum Pyron is a perfect mixture of old-world manners and modern sensibilities. She wears a heavy canvas work apron over a simple cotton dress. There is no doubt Mary Landrum is at
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Recipes Courtesy Mark Bolchoz / Photograph Courtesy Indaco Located on Charleston, South Carolina’s lively Upper King Street, Indaco is a rustic Italian restaurant from the award-winning team at the IndigoRoad Hospitality Group. Helmed by Executive Chef Mark Bolchoz, Indaco presents an unpretentious dining experience focused on refined Italian flavors and leisurely meals shared amongst friends
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Alabama Artist Andrew Lee Loves the Bond He Creates With Clients Written by Jennnifer Kornegay / Photography courtesy Craig Godwin of Godwin Photography No matter what specific works flow from their heart, soul and hands, makers are bound together by a few shared traits: passion, innovation, and creation. But so many never truly pursue the
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SINGER-SONGWRITER CHARLIE MARS RELEASES A NEW ALBUM, BUYS SOME LAND, AND FALLS IN LOVE Written by Joseph McSpadden / Photography by David McClister RAMBLING MAN Charlie Mars has lived, as he likes to say, in a lot of places for short periods of time, but he always comes home to Mississippi. Born in Laurel, the forty-nine-year-old
Written by Melissa Corbin / Photography courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach Chef-owner Darren Smith of Rivertown Bistro in Conway, South Carolina, is one of those chefs that prefers to make dishes from ingredients on hand. “I never go into a situation like whether it’s a market or my walk-in and go, ‘I’m gonna make blank.’
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The celebrated French classic, Coq au Vin, is given an innovative take at Charleston’s popular neighborhood French restaurant, Brasserie La Banque, nestled in the historic downtown. The team at La Banque, led by Jared Hammond, elevates roasted chicken breast with red wine, mushroom, bacon, watercress, and chicken jus to take this classic to a new level. Make the
AFTER FORTY YEARS OF BEING A SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN, MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, A HIDDEN GEM ON THE AMTRAK RAILROAD LINE, FINDS IT HAS AWAKENED TO A FAIRYTALE-LIKE REALITY. The story begins when the Threefoot Hotel opened its doors in November 2021 in a festive grand opening in Meridian’s historic downtown. Decades in the making,
Fredericksburg invites you to come celebrate Texas Wine Country during Harvest Season 2021! Vineyards and wineries are preparing to reap the fruit of their vines, and visitors can be a part of this exciting season. Texas Wine Country is one of the United States’ most visited wine regions and part of the fifth largest wine-producing
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Feel the Beat & Fill Your Belly In Tupelo, finding a good meal and great live music is guaranteed. In fact, you’ll find both at many venues across town. Whether you’re looking for classic Southern food and country tunes, Italian fare paired with acoustic strings or the bold tastes and sounds of tomorrow, Tupelo
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Planning a family getaway means finding a destination that pleases both grown-ups and children. That means kid-friendly activities and accommodations, of course. But how about a sophisticated restaurant scene for the parents? Throw in some natural beauty, a historical setting, and enough indoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Sounds a lot like Clarksville, Tennessee.
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If you have never been to carnival in New Orleans, then you have not been formally introduced. It begins on January 6, Twelfth Night, with nearly two months of pageantry where an endless theater of creative souls flaunt their laissez-faire attitude parading on rolling stages called floats. It’s a telling portrait of a complex city
Krewe of Floats…One Porch at a Time Read More »
Natchez, Mississippi, is your getaway full of fun, safe, and socially distant activities to get you out of the house and into something new. We know precisely how much cabin fever everyone has developed, and we invite you to visit responsibly and discover the very best of our pandemic-sensitive places, events, and spaces. High