I’m the type of person who plans all my trips around food experiences, so visiting « landmarks » usually revolves around iconic eateries, food halls, markets…you get the picture. The only place I’ve ever been to in the South is New Orleans, and while I’m a bit fuzzy on the details of the various trips themselves—way too many Hurricane slushies and bourbon cocktails—my sense memory of the food remains crystal clear: creamy grits, smoky collard greens, rich gravies, and a plethora of sweet, sweet desserts.
Putting together this collection of 17 iconic Southern recipes made me feel like I was embarking on a road trip through the American South, tucking into a big plate of country ham and sopping up the red-eye gravy with as many fluffy cathead biscuits I could get my hands on. Although I’m admittedly a wimp when it comes to spicy food, I’d happily brave a Nashville hot chicken sandwich—as long as I could quell the heat by digging into a bowl of cool banana pudding afterward. Even if you can’t travel through the South, cooking these recipes will easily take you on a delicious sensory adventure. Happy trails!
