Proper Southern Lady

I've grown up in the South my entire life and say things like "fixin' to" and "used-ta could." In addition to that, I've also grown up watching my grandmothers and my mom cook delicious entrees and side dishes that are considered Southern classics. I wish I could go back in time and work in the kitchen with my grandmothers. I'm sure I could have learned a lot from them both. Thankfully, my mom picked up on many of her mother's techniques and continues her cooking traditions. I've been thinking up a list of classic Southern cuisine that I think I should conquer (eventually) - a list of things that any proper Southern lady should know how to make.

1. Buttermilk biscuits - a Southern breakfast staple. Golden tops with a flaky center. Topped with syrup and butter, and often served with salmon patties. I've made these HERE, but could try again and make them a little bigger.

2. Fried okra - the best way to eat okra. Don't confuse this with the fried okra you can get from the frozen foods aisle, or what many restaurants serve (which is probably from the frozen foods aisle). Homemade fried okra should have a thin, crispy coating - dusted in flour and seasonings, not a full, thick batter.

3. Pound Cake - the iconic dessert to bring to any gathering. I've already made my Memaw's recipe HERE.

4. Stewed squash - yellow squash only, preferably from your garden or local farmer's market. Next to fried squash it's my second favorite way to eat yellow squash. And it's the healthier version... and probably the healthiest thing on this list.

5. Fried cornbread - can be served with anything, especially if there are peas on the table.

6. Dressing - made from cornbread and a good chicken stock. To be served at each holiday occasion, whether Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. And not to be confused with "stuffing."

7. Salmon patties - it would probably sound better to call them "salmon cakes," like crab cakes, but that's not what they are known as. Serve with #1, because they are also best with syrup. Cane syrup - preferably Daddy Buck's, but if that's not available, Yellow Label will do.

8. Jelly/Preserves - also often served with #1. This will take a while to cross off my list, I'm sure, as it's the most challenging and requires some knowledge of canning, which a true Southern lady knows how to do as well.  Fig preserves were always in my Memaw and mom's cabinet, and rightfully so, they are delicious. And if you have the problem of having too many figs, then preserve them, because they are like gold (in my opinion). Delicious!

9. Peach Cobbler - thanks to my mom, I have this one down pat already, but I will revisit it and share the recipe with you. Mmmm....cobbler...

10. Chicken and Dumplin's - a comfort food classic. Best made from scratch, although you can buy frozen dumplin' strips. Read strips, not balls of dough, and definitely not made from canned biscuits (bleck!).

I'll refer back to this post as I make my way through the bold items on this list.  Did I forget any of your favorite Southern dishes?