An Overview of Southern Cooking

Many generations of Southerners have contributed to the concept of Southern cooking by preparing large meals that could be shared by family and friends. This is one of the main reasons why these recipes are difficult to be put down in writing because most Southern cooks perform their magic through feel, taste and experience rather than by using a recipe. For Southern cooks, if it looked right and tasted right, that was all that mattered. They kept on tasting while cooking, and prepared the yummiest of dishes imaginable.

A blend of American, European and African food techniques have made Southern cooking what it is. From the Biscuit and gravy dishes of Oklahoma and the famous hams from Tennessee, to the Cajun flavors of New Orleans, southernmost point buoy photos is absolutely delicious and nowhere else in the world can you find such a vast and different range of flavors.

Southern Cooking, calls for a lot of oil and if you are very health conscious, its always better to use corn, safflower or olive oil instead of animal fat; because delightful as it is, southern dishes are not for the weak hearted literally, since all that oil can only weaken your heart more. The unique flavor that "screams" Southern cooking is the buttermilk and seasoning that is used when a recipe calls for milk. Another technique to the art of Southern cooking is the use of a cast iron skillet which is said to enhance the flavor of a dish.

A combination of Fried pork chops, fried chicken, green beans, turnips. Fried okra, and cornbread consists of a typical Southern meal where vegetables such as green beans are cooked until they are very tender and are almost brown in color while the okra is fried until it is almost burned.

Southern cooking does not call for bright colored vegetables such as those used in Chinese stir fries while bacon, onion and salt are used extensively for the purpose of seasoning. Although the unique taste of the southern dishes is attributed to its seasoning, it is believed that every southern kitchen has a secret ingredient that goes into their fried chicken which is like no other anywhere in the world. Only an authentic grandma from the south would know how to cook this world famous fried chicken.

While Southern cooking changes from region to region, It is important to remember that it requires special spices that are not available in the ordinary grocery store. These spices and seasoning is what gives the Southern dishes their unique and exotic flavor and is a 'must have' if you are preparing to learn the art of Southern cooking.

The South is also famous for its fresh and great tasting seafood. Southern seafood such as oysters, fried shrimp, crab, and crawfish are made into mouth watering dishes that goes splendidly with the hot sauces made with peppers, or the barbecue sauces which changes from region to region.

No article on Southern cooking would be complete if their desserts are not mentioned. The famous pecan pie, their bread pudding and banana pudding as well as the very special lemon icebox pie are just a few of the delicious deserts and puddings that the Southerners have contributed to the world. Most unfortunately however, these recipes known only by the grandmas of days long gone have followed them to their graves.

If you are hoping to treat your family to an authentic southern treat, follow these basic requirements, and try your hand at real southern cooking and watch with delight as your family asks for more.