Lady Pea Summer Salad

Having a friend who knows where to get the best field peas is a blessing. Brooke Stortz is a friend of mine who also grew up in a small town and had a grandmother who taught her the value of cooking. She lets me know when lady peas are arriving in town and helps me…

Pineapple Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

This tropically inspired dish elicits remarks rarely heard about fried chicken; for example, I’ve heard it called “refreshing,” “light,” and “delightful.” Brining the chicken in pineapple juice delivers a surprising burst of sweetness with each bite. It’s one of my favorite recipes in this book.

Herbed Buttermilk Biscuits

I grew up eating biscuits several times a week. My grandmothers, Tom and Sa, made very different biscuits, each sort divine in its own right. Thanks to Tom, I learned to appreciate the taste of raw biscuit dough as a child, and I still snack on the last little bit of dough scraps. I think…

Korean-Style Fried Chicken with Gochujang Sauce

Korean fried chicken is shaken midfry to remove crispy bits and pieces that Americans treasure on their fried birds. The result is a thin but beautifully brittle coating. A frying basket (think fast-food French fries) makes the shaking process easier, but a wire mesh colander is a good substitute. Gochujang is a fermented Korean chile…

Dressed-Up Oysters

Oysters beds dot the coast of much of the South. Oysters are a big business and an even greater delicacy. Some people slurp them down raw, others cook them to perfection. You’ll need an oyster knife and an old kitchen towel or glove ready for prying open the shells. Dressed-Up Oysters 6 ounces bacon, chopped…

Chicken Milanesa with Chimichurri

Milanesa is a style of breading and cooking meat that is sometimes called the unofficial dish of Argentina. Often made with steak, Milanesa can also be made with chicken by pounding breast meat, frying it in a skillet, and topping it with a spicy tomato or chimichurri sauce. This recipe is great for beginner fryers.…