You Know You're Southern When...

I was raised on an island. Seriously, yours truly was born and raised in the Philippines. My dad did a 26 year stint with the Air Force and I had the pleasure of being brought up overseas. It was a charmed life. You're probably wondering what the heck does that have to do with being southern?!

My father was raised in the south. Port Allen, LA to be exact. My southern-ness comes from him. I don't have an accent; but my kitchen skills reflect his influence. I believe in the power of bacon grease, the necessity of a good cast iron skillet, and most importantly, the idea of soulful cooking made with love. I also believe that a rightfully earned hang-over is eased with a good southern, greasy breakfast!

I made livermush, eggs and toast this morning. It hit the spot. The trick to good livermush is frying it in a little bacon grease, and then crisping it in the oven. I wouldn't consider myself an organ meat connoisseur; but livermush is the perfect mixture of cornmeal, innards, liver and whatever else is scrapped from the pig. Sounds like mess, but it is worth a try! I need to mention that the livermush of my choice is produced in my neighborhood.  Look for the green and red building on North Davidson.