Bold, distinctly seasoned, with a bounty of poultry, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, southern cooking forms a league of its own. But take note that this can be dangerous territory!

Gumbo is perhaps the richest soup on the planet. Thickening roux is a technique that actually incorporates fat into soup. A favorite appetizer is Smelt, a small fish that is high in protein but fatty when fried. A much better choice is the Spinach Salad, especially with the dressing on the side, used sparingly. Make sure the nuts and other fried garnishes are left out.

The Cornmeal-Fried Catfish entrée is served with a mayonnaise-based sauce and fried potatoes. Chicken or Blackened Salmon roasted over an open grill are lower in fat. Both deserve the title “comfort food.” Spicy Jambalaya is a delicious seafood combo. Note that rice adds carbohydrates. Dirty Rice is cooked with chicken liver and heart, as well as butter-browned ground pork, all very high in cholesterol and fat. There are, however, ways to lighten up. Even the Pork Porterhouse makes a fine entrée if you are smart about the side dishes. For instance, you can substitute Collard Greens for Mashed Potatoes, or Steamed Rice and Blackeyed Peas for Hush Puppies (high in fat and calories). Creamy Corn Grits? You could replace them with steamed vegetables (but perhaps that’s going too far).

If you haven’t had enough yet, there is Pecan Pie, a “sinful” dessert, loaded with pecans and butter. Chocolate Cake is a classic, rich with eggs and butter. Bread Pudding has plenty of eggs and cream, and it “must” be served with whipped cream on top. You may consider leaving a suicide note.

Southern Home Menu

Appetizers

Spicy Rooster and Crawfish Gumbo
(A roux thickened soup with fried chicken, crawfish, okra, and vegetables)

Crispy Smelt with Horseradish and Barley Malt Mayonnaise
(Fried small fish with a horseradish flavored mayonnaise)

♥ Green or Spinach Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
(Fresh greens or spinach leaves tossed with apple cider vinaigrette)

Entrées

Cornmeal-Fried Catfish with Remoulade and French Fries
(Fried catfish filet and tomato-based tartar sauce)

♥ Roast Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Butter
(Oven roasted chicken with buttery potatoes and asparagus)

♥ Blackened Salmon with Collard Greens and Hush Puppies
(Grilled filet with braised greens and fried corn)

♥ Grilled Vegetables
(Seasonal vegetables, seasoned and grilled over an open fire)

Spicy Jambalaya
(A Creole rice dish with clams, mussels, rock shrimp, and sausage)

Pork Porterhouse Steak with Corn Grits
(A bone-in pork steak grilled and served with creamy ground corn (similar to polenta))

Side Sishes

♥ Blackeyed Peas
(Fresh beans cooked in chicken broth and ham hocks)

♥ Collard Greens
(Fresh greens braised in garlic and chicken broth)

Dirty Rice
(Rice seasoned with chicken gizzards, pork, and vegetables cooked in butter)

Desserts

Pecan Pie
(Toasted pecans atop a dark corn syrup filling in a pie shell)

Chocolate Cake
(A rich chocolate cake topped with cream or ice cream)

Bread Pudding
(Brioche soaked in cinnamon scented cream and eggs, baked into a casserole)

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