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!