I would hazard a guess that for many people, the image that comes to mind with the words strawberry shortcake are those electric yellow sponge cake cups with the little crater on the top that are sold as “shortcakes,” usually next to the berries in the produce section. Maybe served with fresh berries, maybe with frozen berries in syrup or maybe even gel-glazed pie filling. … [Read more...] about Strawberry Shortcake
Southern specialties
Cane Syrup Cupcakes
Any good Southern cook has a supply of sweetening syrups that would put Willy Wonka to shame. Corn syrup, light and dark, and generally known by its brand name Karo (pronounced KAY-Ro). Molasses, regular and blackstrap. Sorghum. Cane syrup. Maybe even maple syrup, though that smacks somewhat of the Yankee. I use them all. Corn syrup for chess pie and pecan pie, molasses … [Read more...] about Cane Syrup Cupcakes
Chicken and Dumplings
Real Chicken and Dumplings have got to be one of the best examples of good, Southern country cooking. It is creamy and comforting and one of those dishes that makes something from nothing with amazing results. There are undoubtedly as many ways to make Chicken and Dumplings as there are cooks who make it. The biggest debate is probably strips-of-dough dumplings or fluffy … [Read more...] about Chicken and Dumplings
Buttermilk Pie
For some reason, I tend to think of pie as a summer or spring dessert. Maybe I hold that image of picnics and outdoor parties where the loaded summer fruit pies come out, peach and strawberry and fresh, juicy fruit – with a pecan pie thrown in for good measure. But pie is really an all-round treat, and a perfect, creamy, tangy winter Southern pie is classic Buttermilk … [Read more...] about Buttermilk Pie
The Gravy Train
So, now you have, I am sure, studied the primer for making good Buttermilk Biscuits. And you’d like to know all the many ways you can serve your beautiful creations. Here are two of my favorites. I once had some friends by for a biscuit bar, serving baskets full of homemade biscuits, homemade preserves, tomato gravy, sausage gravy and lots of good butter. I even made … [Read more...] about The Gravy Train
