"Pimm's Cup" is fun to say and even more fun to drink. But what exactly is Pimm's No. 1? Like Southern Comfort or Fernet-Branca, this type of liquor is synonymous with its brand; Pimm's No. 1 is just that, and nothing else. This gin-based booze hails from England and carries a lower alcohol content (25 percent) than most hard liquor. For that reason, it's one of my absolute favorite ingredients Read more

My relatives live in Mississippi, so it's tradition for my immediate family to gather there every Christmas. Mississippi is famous for its Southern hospitality, and it's common for family friends to drop by unexpectedly and leave incredible, homemade confections. This particular bundt cake was left by the next-door neighbor, and despite our small family's size, we have managed to gobble it up in Read more

The secret to great cornbread is a well-seasoned and well-loved cast iron skillet. Also, bacon doesn't hurt. I consider myself a connoisseur of cornbread, and this decadent recipe from the cookbook Good Grits is a game changer. Speaking of games, it would make a great side for Super Bowl Sunday, especially if you're making chili. Southern chef Jim Shirley uses not only his grandma's recipe but Read more

In the South, homemade biscuits are a staple for any household or Southern restaurant. Natchez, MS, a small town on the Mississippi River, is known for its Antebellum homes and unbeatable Southern cuisine. Stanton Hall, an official National Historic Landmark and one of the largest and most prominent Natchez mansions, was built in 1858. On the grounds of Stanton Hall, toward the back of the Read more

Is there any better excuse for debauchery than Mardi Gras?! Get in the purple, green, and gold spirit with provisions shaped by and inspired from the city's rich history and culture. Start off your day with a Ramos gin fizz, and end it on a sweet note with a decadent ice cream bombe topped with flambéed bananas Foster! Here are a few of our Nola favorites; for more, check out all of our Mardi Read more

If you're interested in cooking authentic Louisiana fare for Mardi Gras, look toward a plethora of awesome cookbooks that have come from New Orleans recently. Cooking Up a Storm features tons of classic savory recipes, and when it comes to desserts, you can't go wrong with Damn Good Sweet. It's full of delicious-sounding treats like red velvet cake, lemon icebox pie, and the creamy luscious Read more

I'm a little sick of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. That's why this year I plan on serving slightly different versions of old favorites — like a turkey roulade instead of a whole roasted turkey, for instance. Rather than the usual green bean casserole, I'm reaching for a neo-Southern riff on the creamed spinach standby, and plan on impressing guests with creamed collard greens. Unlike Read more

While seafood gumbo is a classic dish native to New Orleans, to celebrate Fat Tuesday tonight, why not make another favorite with origins in the South? The traditional shrimp and grits gets a quick and modern makeover in this wonderful recipe. Instant polenta replaces the grits, and the addition of pancetta adds a porky goodness to the flavorful sauce. To kick start your Mardi Gras festivities, Read more