Tag: SOUTHERN

*TAMY’S SOUTHERN APPLE WALNUT CARROT CAKE ~ BLOG 365.142

TAMY’S SOUTHERN APPLE WALNUT CARROT CAKE

CAKE

1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup Malibu rum
2 cups plus more for pans all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons QUALITY ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 LARGE eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups grated apples – half grated and half chopped (I used Pink Lady apples)
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
1 cup small chopped walnuts

  • Pour rum over raisins in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes and then drain well for several minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round pans or a 9×13 cake pan.
  • Line bottom of the pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  • Add eggs and vegetable oil, blending JUST until combined.
  • Dredge drained raisins in Wondra flour, shaking off excess.
  • Fold in apples, carrots, raisins and walnuts, if using.
  • Pour into pans.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from pans to a cooling rack.
  • Allow to cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces salted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
FINELY chopped walnuts for garnish, optional

  • In a large bowl cream together the cream cheese and butter.
  • Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  • Fold in nuts if using.
  • Spread frosting on top of each cake layer.
  • Stack the cakes on a serving plate and serve.

NOTE: I tried making this gluten free. I also tried using Bob’s red mill egg substitute in making this recipe. Both are FAILS!

MISSISSIPPI MUD POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.184

This dish full of golden potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese and crisp bacon is baked to a perfect blending making it a decadent and hearty side dish full of creamy texture, rich flavors and a bit of crunch that you’ll find in every good southern cooks recipe box. I’d wager it is prepared by at least one cook for every church supper and/or holiday meal. These are the PERFECT comfort food! The key to these delectable potatoes is baking them LOW & SLOW so the flavors meld together!

Research on how the recipe originally acquired its name shows very little on the original version – its exact origins are unclear and as muddy as the name, but appears to have been named for the earthy flavors and the “muddy” mixture of ingredients. It does embody the spirit of Southern cooking with its generous use of local staples like potatoes and bacon, making them that staple in Southern kitchens and beyond.

MISSISSIPPI MUD POTATOES
6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup DUKES mayonnaise
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/2 cup FINELY chopped green onions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Mix together the diced potatoes, cheese, bacon, garlic and onion.
  • In a larger bowl whisk the FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper into the mayonnaise.
  • Fold the potato mixture into the mayonnaise mixture until everything is evenly coated.
  • Spread into prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
  • Serve hot!

SOUTHWEST BLACK EYED PEAS ~ BLOG 366.89

SOUTHWEST BLACK EYED PEAS
1 pound black eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 ounces pork belly, chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small can chopped green chiles, drained
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 tablespoon FRESH minced thyme
4 cups homemade chicken stock
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 ham hocks

  • Place peas in a large dutch oven. Add water and cover by 2 inches.
  • Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1-2 hours.
  • Drain and rinse peas. Set aside.
  • In the dutch oven heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion, sauteing until tender.
  • Add pork, garlic, green chiles, thyme, pepper flakes, FRESH ground salt and pepper, cooking 1 minute more.
  • Add the broth, peas and ham hocks.
  • Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered 35-40 minutes or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as necessary.
  • Remove ham hocks, cool and remove meat from bone.
  • Finely chop meat and return to the pan.
  • Discard bones.