How to Cook Southern

There is a resurgence in the interest of Southern cooking which can be attributed to the popularity of one lovely Southern lady. Paula Deen and her many shows on the Food Network will give you inspiration to cook Southern. Read on for ideas to accomplish this tasty task.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cast iron skillet
• Kosher salt
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Fresh produce
• Ingredients for a favorite dessert

1. Purchase a very heavy cast iron skillet and season it by rubbing the inside with kosher salt and placing in a 400 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove and let cool. Wipe down the inside of the pan.
2. Have a lot of butter and heavy cream on hand. Nearly every southern recipe has one or the other of these ingredients, if not both.
3. Purchase the freshest produce you can. If you aren't lucky enough to live in the south where you can get fresh fruits and vegetables year round, find a farmer's market near you. Southern cooking demands fresh ingredients.
4. Use parts of an animal that you maybe are not accustomed to using. We are talking pork hocks for seasoning a pot of beans or chicken gizzards soaked in milk and then pan fried right along with the legs and thighs.
5. Bake any dessert that you like, but make sure you have dessert. A southern cook will have favorites such as peach cobbler or red velvet cake, but any sweet will do after a meal. There's always room for dessert.

Tips & Warnings

• A southern cook always makes enough food to allow for visitors to drop in and eat. If no one comes by, you will have enough leftovers for another meal.
• Southern cooking can be heavy on the calories and fat content. If you are watching your weight, this is not the cuisine for you.
• Never use soap in your cast iron skillet. It will be absorbed and the food you cook in it will taste like soap. Simply wipe it out good with a paper towel. The more you cook in it and wipe it out, the more the oil will soak into the skillet, making it beautifully seasoned.