Taste of the South November/December 2022

EACH YEAR as the first real chill descends, I start to crave more cinnamon and nutmeg (along with cardamom, ginger, and mace). I welcome the shorter days and colder evenings, as they give me an excuse to see loved ones more and cook for them. In this issue, we did our best to make the most of iconic seasonal flavors and give you great ways to share them with your family and friends. Whether they’re casual and comforting or stunning showstoppers, these recipes will help you get into the holiday spirit. To me, and to many, cranberry sauce is one of those things that makes Thanksgiving. Growing up, we left the ridges of the can visible on the sauce, but now that I’m cooking most years, I have a few go-to…

dishing with Serving up success with Tallahassee’s rising star SYLVIA GOULD When Sylvia Gould moved from southeastern Florida to Tallahassee for college, she didn’t expect to make the panhandle her forever home. A creative at heart, she has had her hands in everything from fine art and sculpture to ceramics and printmaking over the years. But one thing was a constant in Sylvia’s life through it all—baking. The opportunity to make it her career came while waiting tables at Kool Beanz Cafe. Their pastry chef position opened up, and Sylvia knew this was her chance, convincing the team she could do it. And for the now James Beard Award nominated chef, the rest is history. Are you self-trained or did you attend culinary school? I never went to culinary school, but I was…

Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole MAKES 1 (13X9-INCH) CASSEROLE Side dishes don’t get much more irresistible than this flavor-packed recipe. 2½ pounds small red potatoes1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature1 (8-ounce) container sour cream¾ cup mayonnaise¼ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon ground black pepper1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided½ cup sliced green onionsGarnish: sliced green onions 1. In a medium pot, bring potatoes, 1 tablespoon salt, and water to cover to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and let cool to room temperature. 2. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash potatoes, leaving them chunky. 3. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish…

WHEN OUR CHILDREN, Dallas and Hannah, were young, my late husband, George, worked as a state police officer with the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Early in his career, George traveled all over South Alabama “busting moonshine stills.” His job kept him away from the supper table more than once, but most nights, he was home. But, as time advanced, so did George’s career, and after years of hard work and dedication, he was offered a promotion to chief of the enforcement division of the ABC Board. I was so proud of him, and I still am. He earned that promotion, and he was faithful in his service to the people of Alabama. With the promotion, though, came new difficulties. George’s office was in Montgomery, Alabama, and so for most of…

YOU’D BE HARD-PRESSED to find a drink as unique and Christmassy as eggnog. Its signature richness, often infused with some holiday spirits, has created many a loyal fan. Some can’t wait to see their favorite brands of the beverage on grocery store shelves as the season draws near, and others hold out for only homemade concoctions. No matter how you usually enjoy this sweet seasonal drink, we know you’ll fall in love with these recipes for classic eggnog and desserts that incorporate the festive sip. Eggnog MAKES ABOUT 6 CUPS Impress your holiday guests with an indulgent scratch-made version of this beloved beverage. 4 cups whole milk2 cups heavy whipping cream3 cinnamon sticks1 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg6 egg yolks¾ cup sugar¼ teaspoon kosher salt1½ tablespoons vanilla extractGarnish: sweetened whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and grated…

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Apple Pork Chops MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS Simple recipes like this one come in handy during the holiday season. 2 cups chopped white onion1 large Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced into ½-inch wedges (about 1½ cups)1½ cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries, thawed2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided4 thick-cut boneless pork chops1 tablespoon olive oil¼ cup apple cider vinegar¼ cup fresh orange juice¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon water1 tablespoon cornstarchMashed potatoes and salad, to serveGarnish: fresh sage 1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine onion, apple, cranberries, sage, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. 2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides of pork chops evenly with remaining 1 teaspoon salt…