Taste of the South

editor’s letter

THIS TIME OF YEAR, when late spring meets summer’s first golden rays, has always been my favorite. With so many Goldilocks days and the best variety of goodies at the farmers’ markets, May and June are really hard to beat. Tomato sandwiches and corn on the cob compete for attention with ripe berries and peaches. Because of all that delightful fruit available, pies and cobblers are a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of fresh produce, and we’ve come up with a few winners to add to your collection. From the Peach and Whiskey Cobbler (page 65) and double-crust Blueberry Pie (page 66) to the chocolaty Possum Pie (page 64), there’s something wonderful for just about anyone. For a fun take on an old Southern classic, surprise your guests with a…

dishing with kelsey barnard clark

Growing up in Dothan, Alabama, Kelsey knew that food was her future from the get-go. Cooking and baking came naturally to her as a young child while growing up in the Deep South and were pastimes everyone around her could tell she was deeply passionate about. She left the South briefly to attend culinary school but later returned when an opportunity to continue her work at home presented itself. Now, she’s taken the culinary world by storm with her namesake restaurant in Dothan and her win on Bravo’s Top Chef in 2019. She’s become a respected representative of the Southern food scene, and this is a glimpse at her journey. When did you get your start in the kitchen? I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember, so I…

tastes & tools

1 LODGE CAST IRON PIE PAN For our fellow cast iron collectors, enough is never enough. Our friends at this Tennessee maker share that thought, so they’ve released this all-new beautiful and lightweight pie pan. We appreciate the design’s durability and are already putting it to use for our early summer baking. It’s perfectly sized for all the classic pie recipes of the summer, so be sure to get your hands on one of your own. $22.95; lodgecastiron.com 2 THE PEACH TRUCK PEACH BOX Orchard-fresh peaches are one of those precious treats that can only be enjoyed this time of year, and some of the best peaches around can be dropped off at your doorstep thanks to this Nashville-based business. With careful shipping and handling, the company ships a box of 13 peaches…

new + noteworthy

TEMPEST | Charleston, South Carolina Located on historic Market Street next to its sister location, 5Church Charleston, Tempest is the latest addition to the city’s acclaimed seafood scene. When you take a seat in their lushly appointed dining room, you’ll be treated to a menu packed with only the freshest local catches from the South Atlantic each season like oysters, shrimp, and snapper. Chef Adam Hodgson and Top Chef alum Chef Jamie Lynch curated a one-of-a-kind experience that’s calling your name. We’ll see you there. tempestcharleston.com BOM BAKESHOP Austin, Texas Through all the ups and downs of 2020, there’s been a slew of brand-new businesses like Bom Bakeshop doing what they can to turn lemons into lemonade. From first selling their unique baked sweets to neighbors via Facebook to selling out of their…

classic pimiento cheese

PIMIENTO CHEESE is not originally a Southern snack, true enough. A farmer in New York state apparently had too much cheese and too much time and invented the delicious spread that we Southerners love so much. However, in the South, pimiento cheese is much more than just a spread. Pimiento cheese is also a warm welcome. When my husband, George, and I moved back to his family's land in Andalusia, Alabama, a group of church ladies stopped by our modest home to welcome me to the community. They greeted me with a nice helping of pimiento cheese and a sleeve of crackers, among other tasty treats. I didn’t know these ladies well, but I could tell they were genuine in their love. Nothing says “we welcome you” like giving someone your…

herbs

DILL (Dill Parker House Rolls page 22) Best known as a pickling spice, dill tends to get overlooked as a Southern culinary herb. It is easy to grow at home, and dill’s sweet flavor improves deviled eggs, seafood, and fresh summer salads. TARRAGON With its sweet-yet-herbal flavor, fresh tarragon is a secret ingredient in vinegar- and mayonnaise-based salads. To make your own tarragon vinegar, combine a 2:1 mixture of washed, lightly muddled tarragon sprigs and distilled white vinegar in a sterilized jar. Cover and store in a cool dark place for two weeks. Herby Macaroni Salad MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS A quick stir-together salad is an easy choice to make for your next picnic. ½ cup tarragon vinegar¼ cup grated white onion½ cup chopped fresh parsley¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon…