ALABAMA FOOD

Free Southern Cooking Recipes, Healthy Recipes, and More

            Today my daughter turned 9; Eleni’s birthday present was a surprise weekend visit from her friend, Brianna, and my buddy, the mom.  This morning over coffee, I shared with Melissa my favorite youTube video: a capella jazz choir, Perpetuum Jazzile, performs Toto’s “Africa”. They simulate a storm with their hands and feet and the... Full story »

Alabama women remember their first time cooking for their families. Full story »

   Everything is ready: The final plans have been made, and the guests have been notified to show up wearing their best gravy-colored clothes.  The turkey is in the fridge, ready to go into the oven; the side dishes have been decided upon; and the rolls are on order. All that’s left is for everybody to show up and... Full story »

            By SALLYE IRVINE           Special to the Press-Register    Pumpkins, squash and gourds are all classic symbols of the season.  From late September through Thanksgiving, they crop up everywhere — piled on porches, atop tables and overflowing the aisles in the grocery store.  Some serve simply as festive fall décor. Many, however, are quite edible, very nutritious... Full story »

   Football coaches and fans of the game with the funny-shaped ball talk a lot about the need for having a game plan.  They like to prattle on about putting together a plan of attack before the game and then sticking to it. The idea is that if you talk enough about what you want to do at least... Full story »

   In our discussion thus far of the turkey and its role at the Thanksgiving Day meal, we have pretty much covered all the bases.  We’ve talked about baking, smoking, grilling, frying, brining and today we offer some tips on how to cut up the bird so that even your fussiest uncle can tell a wing from a leg.... Full story »

  ***As a Southern girl, I just can't resist fried chicken every once in a while. It doesn't get much better than chicken marinated in buttermilk, breaded with fresh bread crumbs, and then fried to a perfect golden brown. However...the one thing that does get better (well, at least healthier!) is when the chicken is baked...instead of fried.  Full story »

In my opinion, side dishes don't get much better or certainly...comforting!...than a cheesy casserole. This recipe has comfort food written all over it...After all, what Paula Deen recipe doesn't? Plus, this dish is super easy!  Full story »

WOW...I just made this a few minutes ago, and I couldn't wait to share this recipe with you. This appetizer is the perfect fusion of French and Southern cuisine...In fact, it makes me want to say "Bonjour, Ya'll!" Haha. This time of year, I also like experimenting with new recipes that I might incorporate into our Thanksgiving dinner. Without... Full story »

By my count, and you really do need to check my math on this, there are approximately 21 official dining opportunities in any given week.           I went to public school, but I think if you eat three meals a day for seven days a week, that adds up to 21 chances to eat on a regular... Full story »

As the days grow shorter, I start to think about pie -- after all, holiday baking is just around the corner.  I don't consider making pie for dessert during the off-season, but right now I am obsessed with finding the right combinations of pumpkin and pecans and maybe bourbon and ginger or even chocolate this year for our Thanksgiving... Full story »

Big Blue Test Saturday encourages diabetics to maintain active lifestyle to manage disease. Full story »

Even if your child is not a budding Mario Batali, you'll end up with a meal that would win the approval of Rachael Ray. Full story »

     Before we walk with all earnestness wide-eyed into what I call “The Eating Season,” let’s take a break from the traditional foods of the season and look at something special.  In fact, let’s pay a visit to a land far, far away across the big water in the old country.  For five years running, the folks in... Full story »

 If you seek admittance to the Lower Alabama Turkey-Fryer Legion of Honor, you first must learn the secret handshake.  Among the growing legion of folks who prefer their Thanksgiving turkeys deep-fried, that handshake is very simple and direct. It goes like this: 3 minutes a pound, 340 degrees.  Learn it so you can say it in your sleep; the... Full story »