Innholdsfortegnelse for November/December 2025 i Taste of the South

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, I’ve always had a difficult relationship with Thanksgiving turkey. It’s beautiful and certainly a time-honored tradition, but it’s also so different from other proteins that we cook throughout the year that it can be quite stressful for the cook as they try to complete not just the bird but also a cornucopia of side dishes and desserts for a house full of guests. Over the years, I have roasted turkeys whole, cut them into serving pieces, dry brined them, wet brined them, and gently cooked them in a sous vide bath. The results were generally good but mixed. I’ve tried other birds, like duck, pheasant, and quail, but none of them quite match the grandeur of a whole turkey wrapped in crunchy golden-brown skin. In this…

Gingerbread Pudding Cake MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS Sauce 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar1 cup heavy whipping cream½ teaspoon kosher salt Cake ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened¼ cup granulated sugar1 large egg, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract1¼ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg¼ teaspoon ground cloves½ cup unsulphured molasses½ cup whole buttermilk, room temperatureWhipped Crème Fraîche (recipe follows)Garnish: confectioners’ sugar 1. For sauce: In a medium saucepan, stir together brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently; cook, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool for at least 5 minutes, or until ready to use. 2. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray…

Grilled Turkey Breast MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS (photo on page 84) 2 teaspoons kosher salt2 teaspoons ground black pepper2 teaspoons smoked paprika1 teaspoon lemon zest1 (3- to 4-pound) bone-in turkey breast, boned6 slices thick-cut baconHollandaise Sauce (recipe follows) 1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest. Rub salt mixture onto both sides of turkey breast. Tightly wrap turkey in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. 2. Unwrap turkey, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. 3. Spray grill rack with nonflammable cooking spray. Place a drip pan under a burner of grill. Preheat opposite side of grill to low heat (250° to 300°). 4. Place bacon on top of turkey; place turkey, bacon side up, on cool side of grill, centered over drip pan.…

Brown Sugar Baked Brie MAKES 8 SERVINGS 1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie cheese1 cup Brown Sugar Cranberry Sauce (recipe follows)¼ cup walnuts, coarsely choppedCrackers, toasted baguette slices, apple slices, and pear slices, to serveGarnish: chopped fresh rosemary 1. Preheat oven to 400°. 2. Using a thin-bladed knife, carefully remove top rind of Brie. Place Brie, cut side up, in a 6-inch cast-iron skillet. Top with Brown Sugar Cranberry Sauce and walnuts. 3. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheese becomes soft and gooey, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with crackers, baguette, apples, and pears. Garnish with rosemary, if desired. Best served same day. Brown Sugar Cranberry Sauce MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar½ cup water⅓ cup fresh…

Holiday Express MAKES 1 SERVING 1 ounce Amaro Nonino1 ounce Tart Cranberry Syrup (recipe follows)¾ ounce bourbon¾ ounce fresh lime juiceGarnish: fresh rosemary sprig, sugared cranberries 1. Fill a double rocks glass with ice. 2. In a cocktail shaker, combine amaro, Tart Cranberry Syrup, bourbon, and lime juice. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until very cold. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with rosemary and cranberries, if desired. Tart Cranberry Syrup MAKES ABOUT ¾ CUP ½ cup tart cranberry juice*½ cup sugar 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat cranberry juice on high for 1 minute. Add sugar, and stir until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until cold, up to 1 week. *We used RW Knudsen Just Cranberry Juice.…

1 THE ALABAMA PECAN CO. Samson, Alabama Give the gift of Southern charm with the Alabama Pecan Co.’s premium pecans. Perfectly roasted, rich in flavor, and beautifully packaged, these gourmet nuts make thoughtful, delicious presents for any occasion. Whether for holidays, corporate gifts, or simple thank-yous, share a taste of tradition everyone will remember. alabamapecanco.com 2 THE FLEET LANDING COOKBOOK Charleston, South Carolina Beloved waterfront restaurant Fleet Landing in Charleston, South Carolina, brings its signature flavors to your home kitchen with this cookbook. Featuring cherished recipes, chef tips, and stunning photography, this beautifully crafted collection captures the heart of its coastal Southern cuisine, inviting you to try its iconic drinks, dips, and dishes in your own kitchen. fleetlanding.net 3 RANGEMARK TEXTILES Chattanooga, Tennessee Add a festive touch to your home…

GROWING UP, we spent some holidays on my daddy’s family farm in Pickens County, Alabama. Others, we spent at our family home in the nearby town of Northport. And many of our holiday traditions involved one place or the other. Our Christmas tree, for instance, was always a fresh-cut cedar from the farm. Our ham often came from a pig farmer down the road. And our friends from Northport always came to eat during the holidays. Mama loved a full table. Daddy loved a full belly! One Christmas, we welcomed a serviceman, in full uniform, for a visit. Back then, families welcomed service members into their homes during the holidays when “home” wasn’t an option for them to go to. I don’t recall what branch he served in. I may…

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole MAKES 8 SERVINGS 2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 (8-ounce) package white mushrooms, slicedKosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and room temperatureHomemade Cream Soup (recipe follows)2 (29-ounce) cans seasoned Southern-style green beans*, drained1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained1 (11-ounce) can white shoepeg corn, drained1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese1 (6-ounce) package french-fried onions* 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until tender and liquid has evaporated. Add cream cheese, and cook, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in Homemade Cream Soup, green beans, artichokes, corn, and Cheddar until combined.…

Classic Cornbread Dressing MAKES 8 SERVINGS 1 cup unsalted butter, divided3 cups whole buttermilk8 large eggs, divided3 cups plain yellow cornmeal1 cup all-purpose flour2 tablespoons sugar4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda3 cups sliced celery2 cups chopped yellow onion2 cloves garlic, minced1 (32-ounce) carton chicken broth1 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)4 teaspoons poultry seasoning1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 425°. 2. In a deep 13x9 dish, melt ½ cup butter over medium-high heat. Pour butter into a medium bowl. Place skillet in oven to preheat. 3. Add buttermilk and 3 eggs to melted butter, and whisk until combined. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add buttermilk mixture,…

APPETIZERS Bacon Popovers 98 Brown Sugar Baked Brie 103 Crawfish Spinach Dip 71 Holiday Jalapeño Poppers 68 Little Holiday Smokies 69 Radish Toast 70 Shrimp Pâté 68 Smoky Baked Vidalia Onion Dip 71 BEVERAGES Holiday Express 125 BREADS Alabama Pecan Bread 80 Cheesy Bacon Star Bread 79 Cinnamon-Sugar Twists 75 Cranberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Rolls 78 Egg Bread (Cornbread) 17 Sweet Potato Biscuits 79 Sweet Potato Cornbread 114 DESSERTS Apple Crumb Pie 119 Brown Sugar Coconut Pie 107 Brown Sugar Rice Pudding 107 Butter Cookie Stars 54 Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies 17 Gingerbread Cookie Cake 62 Gingerbread Men Sandwich Cookies 62 Gingerbread Pudding Cake 59 Molasses Crinkles 55 Penuche 106 Peppermint Bars 55 Snowball Cookies 55 Sparkling Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Cookies 56 Woodland Gingerbread Layer Cake 64 MAINS Brown Sugar-Glazed Pork…

Pork and Beans Skillet MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS 1 tablespoon unsalted butter2 cups chopped yellow onion1 cup chopped bell pepper4 cloves garlic, minced1 (28-ounce) can baked beans1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained2 (15-ounce) cans tamales, drained and cut into 1-inch pieces1½ pounds pulled smoked pork without sauce1 cup barbecue sauce1 cup cooked chopped baconTexas toast, to serve 1. Preheat oven to 375°. 2. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add all beans, tamales, pork, and barbecue sauce, stirring until combined. Cover with lid or foil. 3. Bake until heated through, 25 minutes. Top with bacon. Serve with Texas toast. Chicken and Broccoli Mac…

Butter Cookie Stars MAKES 36 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened1 cup granulated sugar½ teaspoon kosher salt3 large egg yolks1 teaspoon vanilla extract2½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flourSanding sugar and gold, white, and silver dragées (optional), for sprinkling 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and salt at medium speed until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add egg yolks and vanilla, and beat until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, beating until dough starts to form a ball. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 3 baking…

Cinnamon-Sugar Twists MAKES 20 These goodies make great on-the-go sweets. 1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed½ cup sugar1 tablespoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon ground cardamom¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Line a cast-iron baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each pastry sheet into a 10-inch square. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom. 4. Brush melted butter on top of each pastry sheet. Sprinkle sugar mixture on top of 1 pastry sheet. Top with remaining pastry sheet, buttered side down, gently pressing to adhere. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut into ½-inch-wide strips. Holding one end in each hand, gently twist strip, and place…

Butter and Herb Beef Tenderloin MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS ½ cup unsalted butter, softened2 cloves garlic, minced1½ tablespoons kosher salt1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme1 tablespoon ground black pepper1 (3½- to 4-pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed, tied with butcher’s twine, and patted dryGarnish: fresh thyme, fresh parsley 1. Preheat oven to 500°. Line a large roasting pan with foil. 2. In a small bowl, stir together butter, garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and pepper. Rub mixture on top and sides of beef. Place beef in prepared pan. 3. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 145°, about 45 minutes, or to desired degree of doneness. Cover with foil, and let stand for 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with thyme and parsley, if desired. Bacon…

Apple Crumb Pie MAKES 1 (9-INCH) PIE Topping ½ ​ cup unsalted butter1⅓ ​cups all-purpose flour¼ ​ cup granulated sugar¼ ​cup firmly packed dark brown sugar½ ​ teaspoon kosher salt Filling 3 ​ tablespoons unsalted butter3 ​ cups sliced Granny Smith apples3 ​cups sliced Honeycrisp apples½ ​ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar⅓ ​cup granulated sugar2​​ tablespoons cornstarch2​​ teaspoons apple cider vinegar1 ​teaspoon apple pie spice1 ​teaspoon ground cinnamon½ ​ teaspoon kosher salt½ ​teaspoon ground cardamomPie Dough (recipe follows) 1. For topping: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter turns a medium-brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 10 minutes. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars, and salt. Slowly add browned butter, stirring with a fork until mixture is crumbly…

THE GRISWOLD VINTAGE CAST IRON SANTA CAKE MOLD is one of the rarer and most sought-after molds produced by the Griswold Manufacturing Co. in Erie, Pennsylvania. This jolly piece with the message of “Hello Kiddies” at the base is from Lodge’s Private Collection. Produced from 1920 through 1940, with values ranging from $150 up to $500, the prices fluctuate significantly based on market demand and the item’s specific history, quality, and condition. The true Griswold molds have distinguishing markings that make it possible for collectors to determine authenticity: The castings typically have a very satin-smooth finish as opposed to the reproductions’ pebbly finish. They have the pattern number 897 imprinted on one handle and small-print “GRISWOLD MFG. CO. ERIE, PA” on the opposite handle, whereas reproductions have it in larger…