Southern/Cajun Cuisine

Carolina Pulled Pork

Pork:
8 hickory wood chunks (about 4 pounds)
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (5-pound) bone-in pork shoulder
1 cup cider vinegar
2 1/4 cups water, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon canola oil
Cooking spray

Sauce:
1 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

To prepare pork, soak wood chunks in water about 16 hours; drain. Combine turbinado sugar and next 4 ingredients (through ground red pepper); reserve 2 tablespoons sugar mixture. Rub half of the remaining sugar mixture onto pork. Place in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and refrigerate pork overnight.

Remove pork from refrigerator; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Rub remaining half of sugar mixture onto pork. Combine reserved 2 tablespoons sugar mixture, 1 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and oil in a small saucepan; cook over low heat 10 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

Remove grill rack; set aside. Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating one side to medium-low and leaving one side with no heat. Maintain temperature at 225°. Pierce bottom of a disposable aluminum foil pan several times with the tip of a knife. Place pan on heated side of grill; add half of wood chunks to pan. Place another disposable aluminum foil pan (do not pierce pan) on unheated side of grill. Pour remaining 2 cups water in pan. Coat grill rack with cooking spray; place on grill.

Place pork on grill rack over foil pan on the unheated side. Close lid, and cook for 4 1/2 hours or until a thermometer registers 170°, gently brushing pork with vinegar mixture every hour (avoid brushing off sugar mixture). Add additional wood chunks halfway during cooking time. Discard any remaining vinegar mixture. Preheat oven to 250°.

Remove pork from grill. Wrap pork in several layers of aluminum foil, and place in a baking pan. Bake at 250° for 2 hours or until a thermometer registers 195°. Remove from oven. Let stand, still wrapped, for 1 hour or until pork easily pulls apart. Unwrap pork; trim and discard fat. Shred pork with 2 forks.

To prepare sauce, combine 1 cup vinegar and remaining ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1 1/4 cups (about 5 minutes). Serve sauce warm or at room temperature with pork. Makes 12 servings

Baked Cheese Grits

2 2/3 cups water
2/3 cup quick-cooking grits
2 tablespoons light margarine
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 (8-ounce) package light pasteurized prepared cheese loaf, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Vegetable cooking spray

Bring 2 2/3 cups water to a boil; add grits, and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Add margarine and next 4 ingredients, stirring until blended. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 3 1/2 cups

Classic Pecan Pie

Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Cooking spray

Filling:
1 large egg
4 large egg whites
1 cup light or dark-colored corn syrup
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To prepare crust, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add milk and butter; toss with a fork until moist.

Press mixture gently into a 4-inch circle on heavy-duty plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap. Roll dough, still covered, to an 11-inch circle. Freeze 10 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed.

Remove 1 sheet of plastic wrap; fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Remove top sheet of plastic wrap. Fold edges under; flute. Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare the filling, beat the egg and the next 4 ingredients (egg through 1/4 teaspoon salt) at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Stir in the pecan halves and the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.

Bake the pie at 350° for 20 minutes, then cover with foil. Bake the pie an additional 20 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. Do not overbake. Cool pie on a wire rack. Makes 10 servings

Rice Pilaf with Pecans

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup (1-inch) julienne-cut carrot
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
5 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 cup orange juice
3 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot and onion; sauté 5 minutes. Add broth and orange juice, and bring to a boil. Add rice, raisins, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with pecans. Makes 8 servings

Mashed Potatoes with Tomato Gravy

1 (22-ounce) package frozen mashed potatoes
2 1/3 cups milk
1/2 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
Tomato Gravy

Stir together potatoes and milk in a large bowl. Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes; stir and microwave 5 to 7 more minutes. Let stand 2 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese, salt, and seasoned pepper, stirring until cheese melts and mixture is blended. Serve with Tomato Gravy. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Tomato Gravy
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add broth, stirring until smooth. Add diced tomatoes, sugar, and pepper, and cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Makes 2 1/2 cups

Double Apple Pie With Cornmeal Crust

2 1/4 pounds Granny Smith apples
2 1/4 pounds Braeburn apples
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons apple jelly
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup sugar
Cornmeal Crust Dough
Wax paper
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
Brandy-Caramel Sauce

Preheat oven to 425º. Peel and core apples; cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place apples in a large bowl. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Let stand 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally.

Place 1 Cornmeal Crust Dough disk on a lightly floured piece of wax paper; sprinkle dough lightly with flour. Top with another sheet of wax paper. Roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness (about 11 inches wide).

Remove and discard top sheet of wax paper. Starting at 1 edge of dough, wrap dough around rolling pin, separating dough from bottom sheet of wax paper as you roll. Discard bottom sheet of wax paper. Place rolling pin over a 9-inch glass pie plate, and unroll dough over pie plate. Gently press dough into pie plate.

Stir apple mixture; reserve 1 Tbsp. juices. Spoon apples into crust, packing tightly and mounding in center. Pour remaining juices in bowl over apples. Sprinkle apples with 3 Tbsp. sugar; dot with butter.

Roll remaining Cornmeal Crust Dough disk as directed in Step 2, rolling dough to about 1/8-inch thickness (13 inches wide). Remove and discard wax paper, and place dough over filling; fold edges under, sealing to bottom crust, and crimp. Brush top of pie, excluding fluted edges, lightly with reserved 1 Tbsp. juices from apples; sprinkle with 1 tsp. sugar. Place pie on a jelly-roll pan. Cut 4 to 5 slits in top of pie for steam to escape.

Bake at 425° on lower oven rack 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°; transfer pie to middle oven rack, and bake 35 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake 30 more minutes or until juices are thick and bubbly, crust is golden brown, and apples are tender when pierced with a long wooden pick through slits in crust. Remove to a wire rack. Cool 1 1/2 to 2 hours before serving. Serve with Brandy-Caramel Sauce. Makes 8 servings

Cornmeal Crust Dough
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plain yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup chilled shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 to 10 Tbsp. chilled apple cider

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut butter and shortening into flour mixture with a pastry blender until mixture resembles small peas. Mound mixture on 1 side of bowl.

Drizzle 1 tbsp. apple cider along edge of mixture in bowl. Using a fork, gently toss a small amount of flour mixture into cider just until dry ingredients are moistened; move mixture to other side of bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining cider and flour mixture. Gently gather dough into two flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 24 hours.

Brandy-Caramel Sauce
1 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring whipping cream to a light boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in butter, brandy, and vanilla. Let cool 10 minutes. Makes about 2 cups

Cinnamon-Apple Cake

1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until blended.

Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl, and stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife. Makes 12 servings

Coconut-Almond Cream Cake

2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Parchment paper
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
1 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract
Coconut-Almond Filling
Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 325°. Bake coconut in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 minutes. Place almonds in a single layer in another shallow pan; bake, with coconut, 7 to 9 minutes or until almonds are fragrant and coconut is lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Line 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour paper. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a very large bowl.

Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating until blended. Beat 8 minutes or until very fluffy, scraping bottom and sides of bowl as needed. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition (about 30 seconds per egg). Stir in whipping cream and next 3 ingredients.

Gently fold butter mixture into flour mixture, in batches, just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 325° for 30 to 32 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of chilled Coconut-Almond Filling over cake layer. Top with 1 layer, pressing down gently. Repeat procedure with remaining half of Coconut-Almond Filling and remaining cake layer.

Gently spread Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting on top and sides of cake. Press toasted coconut onto sides of cake; sprinkle toasted almonds on top. Makes 12 servings

Coconut-Almond Filling
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups loosely packed sweetened flaked coconut
1/4 cup sour cream

Stir together cornstarch, almond extract, and 2 tbsp. water in a small bowl. Bring whipping cream, brown sugar, and butter to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and immediately whisk in cornstarch mixture. Stir in coconut and sour cream. Cover and chill 8 hours. Makes 3 cups

Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cream of coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat in cream of coconut and vanilla until smooth. Makes about 3 cups

Caramel-Pecan Tart

3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons whipping cream

Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture evenly on bottom and up sides of a lightly greased 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in toasted pecans, and spoon hot filling into prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes or until completely cool. Makes 12 servings

Mustard Greens with Smoked Turkey

18 pounds mustard greens (about 4 bunches)
2 quarts water
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
5 thyme sprigs
2 (8-ounce) smoked turkey wing drumettes, skinned
1 bay leaf
1 1/4 pounds turnips (about 8 medium), peeled and quartered

Trim stems from mustard greens. Coarsely chop leaves. Combine greens, water, and remaining ingredients in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until tender. Remove thyme sprigs, turkey wings, and bay leaf. Makes 8 servings

Onion Bread Pudding

1 vidalia or other sweet onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 cups cubed French bread (about 8 ounces)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425°. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion slices (keep slices intact); cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned.

Combine milk, salt, thyme, pepper, and eggs in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add the bread cubes and 1/2 cup cheese; toss mixture well. Place the bread mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Arrange onion slices on top of bread mixture. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Bake at 425° 25 minutes or until set and golden. Makes 4 servings

Turkey Jambalaya

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups shredded cooked turkey
6 ounces andouille sausage, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 6 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in bell peppers and next 5 ingredients (bell peppers through black pepper); sauté 1 minute.

Add rice; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add turkey and sausage; cover and cook 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions. Makes 8 servings

Bayou Fried Shrimp

3 pounds unpeeled, large raw shrimp
2 cups milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 (12-oz.) package fish fry mix
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Vegetable oil

Peel shrimp, leaving tails on. Butterfly shrimp by making a deep slit down back of each from large end to tail, cutting to but not through inside curve of shrimp. Devein shrimp, and place in a large bowl. Whisk together milk and next 3 ingredients. Pour mixture over shrimp. Let stand at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Combine fish fry mix and 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning. Dredge shrimp in fish fry mixture, and shake off excess. Arrange on baking sheets. Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 325º. Fry shrimp, in batches, 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown; drain on wire racks over paper towels. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Cajun Roast Pork With Garlic-Onion Gravy

1 (5- to 6-lb.) bone-in pork shoulder roast
10 garlic cloves, halved
Kitchen string
5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 medium onions, halved and sliced
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 (14.5-oz.) can chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons cold water
Garnishes: red grapes, sliced pears, collard green leaves, persimmons

Preheat oven to 325°. Make 20 small, deep cuts in roast, and insert garlic pieces. Tie roast with kitchen string, securing at 2-inch intervals. Rub Cajun seasoning onto roast.

Cook roast in hot oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat 2 minutes on all sides or until browned. Remove from skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and celery to skillet; cook, stirring frequently, 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. Place onion mixture in a roasting pan; top with roast. Add broth to pan. Cover loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Bake at 325° for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 180° to 185°. Remove roast from pan; cover with foil, and let stand 20 minutes before slicing.

Pour pan drippings through a wire-mesh strainer into a measuring cup to equal 2 cups, adding additional broth or water, if necessary. Discard solids.

Whisk together 3 tbsp. flour and 5 tbsp. cold water in a medium saucepan. Whisk in pan drippings. Cook, whisking often, over medium-high heat 6 to 7 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork. Garnish, if desired. Makes 8 servings

Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Alfredo Sauce Over Pasta

1 pound unpeeled, medium-size fresh shrimp
1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine
1/2 pound Andouille sausage, chopped
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Set aside. Prepare fettuccine according to package directions; drain pasta, and set aside. Cook sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium heat 10 minutes or until browned; remove sausage, and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in Dutch oven. Set sausage aside.

Melt butter in drippings in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shrimp, and cook 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp, and keep warm.

Add onion and next 3 ingredients; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 10 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and flour. Cook over medium heat, 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in heavy cream; cook over medium-low heat 8 minutes or until mixture simmers. Add pasteurized cheese cubes, sausage, and shrimp, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in chopped green onions, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve over hot cooked fettuccine. Makes 6 servings

Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
4 skinned bone-in chicken breasts
Vegetable oil
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 quarts hot water
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce
4 green onions, sliced
Filé powder (optional)
Hot cooked rice
Garnish: chopped green onions

Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until browned. Drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. Set sausage aside.

Cook chicken in reserved drippings in Dutch oven over medium heat 5 minutes or until browned. Remove to paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. Set chicken aside.

Add enough oil to drippings in Dutch oven to measure 1/2 cup. Add flour, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 20 to 25 minutes, or until roux is chocolate colored.

Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook, stirring often, 8 minutes or until tender. Gradually add 2 quarts hot water, and bring mixture to a boil; add chicken, garlic, and next 5 ingredients. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour. Remove chicken; let cool.

Add sausage to gumbo; cook 30 minutes. Stir in green onions; cook for 30 more minutes. Bone chicken, and cut meat into strips; return chicken to gumbo, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves. Remove gumbo from heat. Sprinkle with filé powder, if desired. Serve over hot cooked rice. Garnish, if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Bacon-Topped Meat Loaf

1/2 cup chili sauce
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 bacon strips, halved

In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Top with bacon.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 70-80 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160°. Drain; let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Makes 8 servings.

Rabbit Gumbo

1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 dressed rabbit (about 3 pounds), cut into pieces
1/2 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup sliced okra
Hot cooked rice

In a Dutch oven, saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Add rabbit and enough water to cover. Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is very tender.

Add sausage, salt, thyme, pepper and cayenne. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. Remove rabbit; cool. Debone and cut into bite-size pieces; return to pan. Stir in okra; bring to a boil. Serve in bowls over rice. Makes 4-6 servings.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Makes 6 servings.

Sweet Potato Layer Cake

1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups finely shredded uncooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
1/4 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 cans (5 ounces each) evaporated milk
4 egg yolks, beaten
2-2/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, beat oil and sugar. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sweet potato, water and vanilla; mix well. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff; fold into the sweet potato mixture.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to potato mixture. Stir in pecans. Pour into three greased 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.

For frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan; whisk in sugar, milk and egg yolks until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla. Cool slightly. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the frosting. Repeat layers. Makes 10-12 servings.

Pot Roast with Gravy

1 beef bottom round roast (5 pounds)
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 bay leaves
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup boiling water
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
4 to 5 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Cut roast in half; rub with 2 tablespoons vinegar. Combine the salt, garlic powder and pepper; rub over meat. In a large skillet, brown roast in oil on all sides. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker.

Place the garlic, bay leaves and onion on roast. In a small bowl, dissolve bouillon in boiling water; stir in soup and remaining vinegar. Slowly pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender.

Remove roast; keep warm. Discard bay leaves. Whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until gravy is thickened. Slice roast; return to slow cooker and heat through. Makes 10 servings.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brewed coffee, room temperature

Peanut Butter Frosting:
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional

In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat for 2 minutes. Stir in coffee (batter will be thin).

Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

For frosting, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter in a bowl until smooth. Beat in sugar, milk and vanilla. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 12-16 servings.

Boiled Peanuts

2 to 3 pounds fresh green peanuts
1 1/2 cups salt

Put the peanuts and the salt in a large stockpot. Cover completely with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours. To check whether they are done, pull 1 or 2 peanuts out of the pot and crack them open. When they are soft, they are done.

If they are still slightly crunchy, they are not done yet, If they are not salty enough, leave them in the salted water and turn off the heat. When they are done, drain and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Peanut oil, for frying
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Honey Mustard

Preheat oil to 350 degrees. Cut the chicken breasts into long strips and set aside. Beat the 3 eggs in a separate bowl and measure the flour into another separate dish.

Measure the panko into a pie plate or shallow bowl and season with garlic powder, lemon-pepper, cayenne, salt and pepper. Dip the chicken strips into the flour, the beaten egg and then dredge them into the seasoned panko.

Fry in the hot peanut oil for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown, and remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray. Serve with honey mustard sauce.

Honey Mustard:
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. The sauce can be held in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Southern Potato Salad

5 large red potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 hard-boiled eggs, 2 chopped and 1 sliced
2 heaping tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained
1/2 cup Dukes Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
Paprika, for garnish
Salt

Boil cubed potatoes until they are tender. Drain and cool. In a large bowl add celery, onion, 2 eggs and pickled relish. Add the salad dressing, yellow mustard and sugar. Stir well. Place the sliced egg on top of potatoes and sprinkle with paprika and salt. Let the potato salad chill in the refrigerator for 2 1/2 hours or overnight. Makes 4 servings