Simply Southwestern

With the warm weather rolling in quickly, its time for you to revamp your dinner menu. I threw this wrap together and my husband and I loved it. The tomato and green pepper combo add a cool zest to the wrap making it great for spring and summer weather. Not only is it delicious, but so simple anyone can do it! Enjoy!



Southwestern Grilled Chicken Wrap



You will need:

• Spinach (or Spinach and Herb) Flour Tortillas
• Fully Cooked Southwestern Style Chicken Breast Strips (You can find this in your grocery's deli, Perdue brand, or Tyson brand are great choices.)
• 1 Medium Tomato- Diced
• 1 Small Green Pepper- Diced
• 1 Small Red Onion- Diced or Green Onion (Chives)- Chopped
• Shredded Taco Lettuce
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
• Guacamole
• Sour Cream

Simply...

Spread the guacamole and sour cream over the tortilla.

Sprinkle cheese, lettuce, tomato, green pepper and onion over the spread.

Heat the chicken for about one minute in the microwave.

Place the chicken over the veggie layer.

Fold and enjoy. Keep the fold in tact with a tooth pick.

Go Organic With Your Cheese

Whole Foods Market is dedicated to bringing people organic foods from all over the world. Their cheese department surpasses any other. Just check out their website and see for yourself, as well as learn a thing or two!

Southern Fried Okra

Southern Fried Okra

For this true Southern dish you will need:

1 10-ounce box frozen sliced okra
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
A hint of pepper if you prefer
Vegetable oil for frying

If you are using frozen okra, be sure you allow it to thaw. Once your okra has thawed, allow it to drain. In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper. Roll the okra in the mixture (as pictured above). Allow the okra to remain in the mixture for about an hour so that the

coating will stick better during frying. However, I don't do this and my okra always turns out great.

In a large skillet or deep-fryer, heat about 2 inches worth of oil. When the oil is hot, add your okra a few handfuls at a time. It usually takes about seven minutes to cook, the crispier the better!

Allow the fried okra to drain by placing a paper towel on a plate, then transfer the drained okra to a serving dish.

I hope you guys enjoy this as much as we do here in Lynchburg! To us it is better than fresh, popped popcorn!

All Favorite

This recipe web site--All Favorite-- has something for everyone.  From appetizers to the main course you are sure to find something you love.  So log in and enjoy!

Link to Great Fish Recipes and What to Buy

This blog, found on Rachael Ray's website, is a great source for picking fish.  Enjoy!

Hey guys, this is a new project I discovered!  Check it out, get involved, save your local economy.  Help small businesses thrive through this economic downturn.  Together we can shift the negativity and work productively to support small businesses.  For those of you who love to cook (maybe you own your own restaurant, or catering company) this may be something you want to check out.

Spring Arrivals

I stumbled across this article on The Food Network and thought everyone would enjoy the fresh produce sprouting this spring. Take a gander, then hit up your local farmers market to ensure you get the freshest produce spring has to offer.

Sometimes it is the Little Joints that Have the Most Flavor

Right outside of my hometown is a little restaurant I frequent to on weekends. Edz Wingz. A cozy, rustic little joint with the best wings in town, or even the state if you ask me. Ed, the owner, is a character in himself, with a bubbly personality to match his bubbly features. If you find yourself in the small town of Fayetteville, Tennessee, be sure to check this place out. For a look at their menu click HERE.

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Meat Loaf

Guys, this is the BEST meat loaf I have ever put in my mouth! It is not your everyday meatloaf. The homemade sauce is definitely a step up from your average bottle of catsup. The brown sugar makes this southern dish melt in your mouth while your hands are reaching for more. This recipe is taken form the Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Cookbook with a few minor changes that have worked great for me in my kitchen. The picture does no justice for the flavor bursting inside. My family was in a hurry to dig in so I didn't have the chance to make it picture perfect.

Boarding House Meat Loaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef-chuck


• 3/4 cup uncooked, quick-oats


• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt


• 1/4 cup chopped onion (I add a little extra, I love the taste of fresh onion!)


• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper


• 1/4 cup catsup


• 2 eggs, beaten

Grease a loaf pan.

Combine all of the ingredients into a loaf.

Preheat oven to 365 degrees and cook for about an hour, or until it reaches 160 degrees in the center.

Pour off the juice and place on a platter and cover with meat loaf sauce.

Boarding House Meat Loaf Sauce:

• 3/4 cup catsup


• 2 tablespoons chopped onion


• 2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper


• 1/3 cup of brown sugar, slightly packed

Heat sauce mixture in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until the onions and peppers are tender.

Support Local Farmers. Eat Fresh. Be Healthy.

This link provides those in and around the Tennessee area with a list of farmers that can cater to your everyday kitchen needs. Buying directly from farmers in your hometown not only ensures that you are getting fresh produce, but also helps your community to thrive economically.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Pork Tenderloin Sandwichs

As many of you already know, Paula Deen has teamed up with Smithfield. Smithfield may be known for their smoked hams, but a favorite in my house is Smithfield tenderloin. They always turn out so juicy and tender that no one can resist. One of the best things about having tenderloin for dinner is the great little sandwiches they make for lunch the next day! I stumbled across this great recipe from Paula herself, the Smithfield website has several tasty recipes you may find intriguing for yourself!

Quick and Tasty Taco Salad

For this dish, all you need is:

• 1- 16 oz. can refried beans.
  
• 1 -16 oz. can nacho cheese (You can use cheese from a jar as well, any brand will do just fine.)
• 2 -1.25 oz. taco seasoning packets
• 2 cups lettuce
• 1 cup pico de gallo (The great thing about this is you can find this already made up in the salad section of your grocery store. I found it at Wal-Mart. It saves you time and even money on tomatoes, chives and red onions.)
• 1 -16 oz. container of sour cream
• 1 1/2 lb. ground beef (I prefer lean beef.)
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread the beans evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.


Spread the cheese on top of the beans.


Mix one packet of taco seasoning in the sour cream and spread on top of the cheese.




Place in oven for about fifteen minutes, just long enough to heat the cheese, beans and taco cream spread.


Cook the meat until fully browned with one taco packet.


Top the dish with lettuce and pico de gallo.


Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Southern Style Hearty Sausage Gravy

I just left the dinner table where I made breakfast for dinner, a family favorite around here. Growing up I absolutely disliked gravy and biscuits, now I love it and tonight was the first time for me to make this southern delicacy. Go easy on me, I didn't keep up with the exact measurements. As soon as I realized how delicious this hearty gravy was, I had to share.

Hearty Sausage Gravy

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour


• 2 tsp. black pepper


• 1 1/2 tsp. ground sage


• 1 lb. mild pork sausage


• 2 1/2 cup milk


• 1/2 cup water


• salt to taste

Mix the flour, sage and pepper together in a small mixing bowl.

Cook the sausage until brown in a skillet for about ten minutes.

Stir in the flour mixture for a couple of minutes until the flour is fully absorbed.

Cream the sausage mixture with milk and water. Turn down the heat and let simmer until it thickens.

Season the gravy with salt.

Serve over split biscuits.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This recipe gets great feedback every time. It is a great dip for a party, or even for a quick snack at home with your favorite tortilla chips.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2-3 12.5 oz. cans Tyson Chunk White Chicken Breast (I use 3) drained
• 2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1-2 cups buffalo sauce (I love Heritage Fare's Chicken Wing Sauce and it comes in a 12 FL oz. bottle.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread the softened cream cheese on the bottom of a baking dish.

Heat the chicken in the microwave for about a minute, and shred it with a fork.

Mix the chicken and the buffalo sauce together until the taste is just right for you.

Pour the mixture over the cream cheese evenly.

Sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Bake on 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, you just want the cheese to melt nicely on top.

For an added kick mix the cream cheese with chopped jalapenos.

Coming Soon!

Hey ya'll. I know my blog has been lacking on the picture scale. I am the type to do my own photography and not copy someone else's images, so stay patient, pictures of the treats coming from my kitchen will be here soon! I hope to have some posted by next week along with many new, easy and yummy recipes. As always, feel free to leave comments and suggestions. Have a great weekend!

Lynchburg Cake and Candy Co.

If you do find yourself traveling through the rolling hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, make sure you take a little road that is off the beaten path that leads to a family owned and operated bakery full of homemade treats--Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company. What makes the cakes and candies special? Jack Danilel's! The little bakery was even featured on the Food Network when Jamie and Bobby Deen (Paula's boys!) dropped by for their show Road Tasted!

Turn Your Love for Food into a Dream Job

To me, entrepreneurship is the most valuable tool our economy has, especially right now in our economic down turn. The service sector of our economy holds opportunities for those willing to take educated risks and embark upon sharing with the market innovative ideas and techniques that fit the needs and wants of today.

What am I getting at here?

Why not turn your passion for cooking into a valued part of the food industry? One thing is for sure, people eat...usually more than they should...and a bad economy will never change that. If you, as the innovator, combine your skills in the kitchen with a unique approach to selling your service (catering, restaurant, food franchise) you will not only be helping out your very own standard of living, but you will also be contributing to your entire community's quality of life.

This week is national entrepreneurship week and by celebrating I have posted a link to an article in Rutherford County's Daily News Journal. Take a look, and remember the opportunities in the food service industry are limitless.

She DOES know Jack about cooking...

This article from Memphis Online gives FREE recipes to some of my favorite Miss Mary Bobo dishes. Check it out, the turnip greens may have you saying "ya'll" after all.

Lynchburg, Tennessee..Home Sweet Home...

My hometown is not only known for classic southern dining...

My hometown is known for...

Classic Tennessee Wiskey...



Simple Southern Charm...



Family Tradition...

Cook With Your Nintendo DS

So for those of you who lack skills in the kitchen, the world of games has you covered!

A personal "cooking" trainer right on your Nintendo DS! Read the reviews and try it for yourself!

Paula Deen is Closer Than Ya Think

Goodness gracious I love southern cooking...and you can't love southern cooking without loving Paula Deen!

The one and only Paula Deen Buffet is located at Harraha's in Tunica, Miss. with a huge selection of true southern treats. The buffet includes everything from southern fried chicken to her famous hoe cakes. The food is not even half of it. The atmosphere in itself is worth experiencing. Families dine in a mock version of her Savannah home which represents true southern charm. The gift shop includes recipe cards, every cook book she has published, along with elegant furnishings that will uplift the mood in any kitchen. Visit their website for complete details.

Oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled, Paula is known to be seen at the slot machines downstairs.

As Paula says so beautifully: "Put some south in your mouth!"

The Startiling Dangers in Food Consumption

Reality check: 1 in 4 Americans fall ill from food poisoning each year :

I stumbled across this article on the Chicago Tribune's website and thought I would pass it along. With the recent salmonella outbreaks you cannot afford to stay in the dark. Keep up with the news, pay attention to what you consume and please wash your hands, it could save your stomach some trouble.

Sippin' Smooth

What is the weekend without discovering a great cocktail? Check out Jack Daniel's website for concoctions everyone (21+) will enjoy. From the famous Lyncburg Lemonade to a simple Jack & Coke, sipping smooth is only a click away.

"Your friends at Jack Daniel's remind you to drink responsibly."

True Southern Culture

Growing up I never took much interest in cooking. When I turned 18 and graduated high school becoming a caterer was not one of my many dreams. I graduated with a Jack Daniel's scholarship, which landed me a job as a server at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Starting out there I saw the place as nothing more than a job to help pay for gas to get me to school. Now I look back and see the place where my dreams truly began.

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House

Miss Mary's is a gathering place for folks worldwide to taste and experience true southern culture. From the skillet fried chicken to the everyday fresh fried okra, Miss Mary's is southern hospitality at its finest. I have to say I contribute my love for southern cooking to this place.

Everyday I got to see the smiles on visitors faces as they passed the Jack Daniel Candied Apples around the table. I watched the cooks top homemade fudge pie with homemade whipping cream. The only complaint I ever heard was from a man who had too many apples and needed help walking down the stairs!

For those of you who are not familiar with Miss Mary Bobos, feel free to check out the Jack Daniel's website. I encourage everyone to visit this true southern establishment. Spaces are limited and only two (sometimes three) meals are served a day. Visit the website to get information on how to make your reservation.

From the family style dinning to the history you will hear from your hostess, this place offers guests more than just a taste of the south.

A Treat for any Occasion

• Anyone can put this quick snack together! Don't let the simplicity of it fool you, it is usually the most popular dish at any event.
  
  Cream Cheese & Ham Roll-Ups
  
  Ingredients:
• 1 pack of flour tortillas (They usually come in a pack of 20 and you can get up to 80 rolls. Look for them in the cold aisle, they are usually the freshest.)
• 2 blocks of cream cheese (Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature. Or you can microwave it until slightly softened.)
• 1-2 2.0 oz packages of Hidden Valley Dip's Mix in the Original Ranch flavor
• 1 package of deli ham (pick your favorite!)
• About 1/2 Cup of chopped chives (green onions)
• Chopped jalapenos, if desired for an extra kick
  
  Mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning and chives together until creamy and suitable to YOUR taste.
  Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a flour tortilla.
  Place two pieces of ham side-by-side on top of the mixture.
  Roll the tortilla neatly, and tightly.
  Cut the tortilla treat into bite size rolls. If serving at a party do not serve the end pieces, they may taste great, but they do not look good. Presentation means everything in the South!
  

ENJOY!

Next Week Insight

Last Sunday's Superbowl was more than watching a football game and laughing at commercials...it was about the BUFFET table! Next week I plan on sharing with you my favorite finger foods I discovered at a Superbowl party. From a hot wing dip to cream cheese and ham rolls, I will give you ideas so you can be the hit of next year's Superbowl party!!!!

So you think you CAN'T cook???

Blogging is the best way to learn the tips of the trade. I grew up in the South and you either learned to cook..or learned to cook haha. Cooking is a part of southern culture. Every one of my recipes are hand-me-down favorites, or recipes I stumbled upon on my own. Please feel free to comment..we can LEARN from each other.

Simply Southern Sour Cream Cornbread

Yes, you read it right. This cornbread recipe is unlike any other cornbread recipe! The secret..... sour cream and creamed corn. These two ingredients make everyday cornbread a southern delicacy. Give it a try...this recipe will become a dinner table favorite.

You will need:

• 3 large eggs


• 1 1/2 cups canned creamed corn (One can equals this amount.)


• 1 1/2 cups sour cream (I use a 16 ounce container, the extra kick of sour cream makes this cornbread even more moist!)


• 3/4 cup corn, canola or vegetable oil (I use canola oil)


• 1 1/2 cups self-rising, white cornmeal (packed)


• 3/4 teaspoon of salt


• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

melt some butter to lightly coat the finished cornbread

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Place un-greased skillet or muffin pan in the oven. You want the skillet/pan to be hot before pouring in the cornbread mixture.

Mix the ingredients in the order above. If you mix the liquid ingredients together first your sour cream will not clump. Trust me, no one wants to bite into a piece of cornbread and see a white ball of sour cream!

Grease your skillet/pan very generously with cooking spray.

Turn down oven tempurature to 375 degrees before baking.

Pour the cornbread mixture into the greased skillet/pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

I can't take all of the credit for this recipe. When people come dine at Lynchburg's BBQ Hill in the summer, it quickly becomes a favorite. During the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ Cook-Off, I caught a famous face chowing down on this all-time favorite cornbread! Check out the blurry photo of Guy Fieri!

This cornbread recipe would win a blue ribbon at The National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, TN this April!

Chili on a Cold Southern Day...Who Can Resist?

As promised, today I bring you a meal your family will find hard to resist, sweetened southern chili! On Tennessee days like today, a bowl of steamy, flavorful chili hits the spot and warms the heart. Also, I encourage comments. That is one great thing about blogging on food; everyone can help one another to make cooking fun, unique and social!

Here is what you will need:

• 2 lbs. ground beef (lean beef is my favorite)
• 2 to 3 cans of dark red kidney beans (depending on your taste)
• 1 large can of petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cans Rotel original tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper-diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper-diced
• 1 medium to large onion- diced
• 2 packets chili seasoning- Lawry's seasoning is great, McCormick is too
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (give or take a little, depending on your taste)
• a couple of sprinkles of garlic powder
• chopped jalapeños add a little extra kick if you desire

In a large pot, combine the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, Rotell, chopped pepper, 1 package of chili seasoning, brown sugar and jalapeños if desired. Dash some garlic powder into the mix for an extra burst of flavor! Go ahead and chop the onion to cook with your beef, and add as much as desired to the pot so all the flavors can zest together. Let the ingredients simmer while cooking your beef.

Thoroughly cook the beef in a large skillet with the remaining chopped onion and chili seasoning. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little garlic in the beef as well, but do not over do it.

As always, if you must, add a dash of salt to taste.

I hope your family will enjoy this simple recipe! Taste it as you go to determine how much you want to add of the ingredients. That is what is so special about this recipe, it conforms to your taste buds! So make this recipe YOURS!

A spoonful of sour cream and shredded cheese, with a helping of Fritos or Saltines, provides tasty company for this chili.

ENJOY!

Launch into Southern Dining

So, this is my first time to officially enter the world of blogging. I have to say I am pretty excited to share my tips from the kitchen. Nothing beats the cuisine served in the South land, and every week I plan on equipping you with recipes, tips and news to help bring southern fried goodness into your home. Every recipe will be simple and fairly quick! In today's fast paced world who has time to break a sweat in the kitchen? Take it from me, by the time I get home from school, and work, I find it hard to get motivated to cook a meal. Everyone is entitled to a little southern hospitality. So let me into your recipe box, I will simplify it, and afterwards you can take all of the credit! Stay updated, my favorite chili recipe will be waiting for you tomorrow!