Fried & Griddled Green Tomatoes

Fried & Griddled Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes are as deeply rooted in Southern culture as a field of kudzu. I have a confession. I am not a huge fan of Fried Green Tomatoes, the vegetable. (I love the movie!) Fried Green Tomatoes served piping hot and fresh out of the skillet can be pretty good. But, usually, sadly they always seem to be soggy, greasy, and dull, best suited as a delivery device for rémoulade (old school) or goat cheese (new school). Ha! Are you ready to take away my “Southerner” card? Well, read on…you won’t believe it. (more…)

Continue Reading Fried & Griddled Green Tomatoes
Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp

Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp are perhaps the original fast food. A few years ago while visiting the Low Country I stopped at the pier in Mount Pleasant, SC to pick up some shrimp. The man in front of me asked the young dockhand how to boil them. Before he could answer a lady with a slow Southern drawl interrupted, ” Bring seasoned watah to a boil and add ya shrimp. Take two sips ‘a wine. Stir thuh pot. Thay are done.” This recipe isn’t for boiled shrimp, but it’s nearly just that quick so get your skillet — and your wine glass ready.

(more…)

Continue Reading Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp
Sheet Pan Supper: Panko Crusted Fish Filet with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Sheet Pan Supper: Panko Crusted Fish Filet with Asparagus and Tomatoes

sheetpan supper on virginiawillis.com

Who doesn’t love a sheet pan supper? One pan and you’re good to go. It’s an easy and healthy meal that your family is certain to love! I know I am all about simple suppers right now and I bet you are, too! Between all-day zoom calls, juggling schedules, and what I lovingly refer to as “quicksand,” supper has to be ultra manageable. This flexible recipe fits the bill. (more…)

Continue Reading Sheet Pan Supper: Panko Crusted Fish Filet with Asparagus and Tomatoes
Skillet Suppers: Pork Chops with Cabbage and Sweet Potatoes

Skillet Suppers: Pork Chops with Cabbage and Sweet Potatoes

 

skillet supper on www.virginiawillis.com

Skillet suppers, one-pot meals, sheet pan suppers — I’m sure you hear these terms all the time. They’re popular not only for their simplicity but also, of course, the easy cleanup. But choosing the right cooking vessel is key.
(more…)

Continue Reading Skillet Suppers: Pork Chops with Cabbage and Sweet Potatoes
Southern Recipes: Spicy Pickled Okra

Southern Recipes: Spicy Pickled Okra

How to Cook Okra and Okra Recipes


okra on www.virginiawillis.com

Of all the Southern recipes and ingredients I might love okra the most. I love this vegetable so much I wrote a book about it. Yup, a few years ago, I wrote an entire book about okra!

However, folks are confused. Excited, they gasp, “You wrote a book about Oprah?! OMG! Did you get to meet her?”

“No”, I reply, “I wrote a book about Okra.” The humble, oft-maligned vegetable, not the  celebrated media mogul….. (more…)

Continue Reading Southern Recipes: Spicy Pickled Okra
Holiday Cheer: Bourbon Apple Cider

Holiday Cheer: Bourbon Apple Cider

bourbon apple cider on www.virginiawillis.com

The smells, sights, and colors of fall are brilliant, vibrant, and comforting. However, once the leaves change and the days grow shorter, to many it can feel dreary, grey, and sad. We all know 2020 has been a tough one. One of my favorite winter combinations to serve during the holiday season is Bourbon Apple Cider. It’s delicious warm or chilled over ice. (more…)

Continue Reading Holiday Cheer: Bourbon Apple Cider