Paula Dean has made a good living with Southern cooking. Food in New Orleans is something really special.. it simply tastes different there. People who visit the South look for and want to taste real Southern food. What is real Southern food? I have been lucky enough to eat it most all of my life, but an answer to that question isn't easy. I know it when it is in front of me or in my mouth, it is easy to tell when it misses the mark. This week with the 4th coming I plan to post a few Southern cooking tips ..not that I am a Paula or anything :
tip #1 : Duke's mayonnaise this is the mayonnaise of the gods I kid you not don't fool yourself that it isn't that important.. chicken salad? potato salad? the Duke's mayonnaise + a big fat South Georgia tomato + crispy bacon+ a little lettuce+ toasted wheat bread= a divine BLT sandwhich
tip #2 Southern Living magazine's recipes ... never, ever disappoint a true resource for Southern food.. usually simple with the reward of something special... Hummingbird layer cake is kitchen magic one of their most popular recipes
tip# 3 Okra..ok, I heard you say yuck... African slaves brought this plant to the new world.. it is a member of the cotton family... some one sliced it up and coated it in flour and fried it.. that was genius fried okra: the ultimate summer vegetable .. select only pinky finger size pods that are soft to the touch.. you can grill it or roast it as well.. my Grandmothers would boil it that is where the slimy legend comes from.. add it to gumbo or vegetable soup for flavor that is delightful
here's how to grill or roast it:
start with the small tender pods trim off the tops
to grill : toss the pods in canola oil salt and pepper thread them on skewers and grill on each side
about 2 to 4 minutes
to roast: leave pods whole trim off the tops toss with olive oil salt to taste roast on rimmed baking sheet @ 400 for 30 mins.. shake the sheet now and then
BON APPETIT Y'ALL a busy week lies ahead ... packing and outfits no closer to being together ... food to plan for the 4th ... you think some red bull would put my butt in gear? no it might jolt me too much.. no need to make for difficulty for myself ......