Kitchen Tips

Smoked brisket don’t clock out after the first meal, it just changes lanes. Around here, leftovers are an opportunity to layer flavor, remix texture, and stretch that low-and-slow investment into multiple crave-worthy dishes. Whether you’re chasing comfort, global inspiration, or quick weeknight wins, these leftover brisket recipes show exactly what to do with brisket leftovers. …

If you’ve ever stood over the stove stirring roux nonstop, worried it might burn the second you look away, the oven method is about to change your life. Oven-baked roux gives you deep, nutty flavor with far less stress. The steady, even heat of the oven reduces scorching risk and allows you to develop anything …

From buttermilk brines to global spice blends that hit deep We ain’t seasoning just the crust—we building flavor in layers, from the bone to the bite. Seasoning fried chicken the right way means building flavor at every level—inside the meat, in the coating, and in the finish. The best fried chicken uses a combination of …

Backyard barbecue flavor with rhythm, smoke, and a little Love Daddy swagger. When somebody says “bring a dish to the cookout,” you don’t show up empty handed—you bring something that makes the whole block lean over your plate. These soul food cookout recipes deliver the smoky barbecue meats, classic Southern sides, sweet desserts, and cold …

From buttery crusts to creamy layers, these beloved Southern sweets bring comfort, nostalgia, and pure joy to the table. Whether you’re baking for holiday dinner or craving something soulful after supper, these desserts deliver flavor that feels like home. 1. Southern Peach Cobbler A soulful spin on a summertime classic, this peach cobbler is loaded …

A seven-day soundtrack of food, history, and ancestral flavor Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration observed from December 26 through January 1, created to honor African heritage, collective values, and purposeful living through the Nguzo Saba—seven guiding principles that shape how we gather, build, create, and believe. Food plays a central role in Kwanzaa because it …

Holiday cooking with basslines, butter, and big feelings. Southern Christmas food doesn’t rush. It simmers. It hums. It moves like a slow jam with a good bridge. This is the season when cast iron stays hot, ovens work overtime, and the table fills up with dishes that feel like memories—even when you’re tasting them for …

From slow-cooked mains to buttery breads and sweet, soulful desserts—this is how you build a Thanksgiving plate with real feeling. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday meal—it’s a soul food showcase. The kind where the kitchen smells like love, the playlist stays on vinyl-length rotation, and every dish has a story. This roundup brings together …

Grits are a staple of Southern cuisine, loved for their versatility and comforting texture. When it comes to cooking grits, the preparation methods play a crucial role in understanding the differences between yellow and white grits. But when it comes to choosing between yellow grits and white grits, many people wonder—what’s the difference? While both …

This post is all about how to make ceviche. It’s a breakdown of the basics as well as a roundup of recipes that highlight the versatility and regional differences of a great dish whether it's served as an appetizer or light and delicious meal. What is ceviche? Ceviche (pronounced "seh-VEE-chay") is a raw seafood recipe …

Cotija cheese, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is known for its salty flavor and crumbly texture. It's a versatile cheese that enhances a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads. However, when Cotija cheese is not available, there are several excellent substitutes that can mimic its unique characteristics. This article explores the best Cotija cheese …

Do you love the subtle, herby flavor of bay leaves? But have never been able to find any when it comes time to cook? You're not alone! Whether because of limited availability, or just desire for something different, many foodies are on a quest to find alternatives to using bay leaves in their recipes. Luckily, …

Cooking the perfect reverse seared ribeye steak is an art like no other; it's a culinary experience that can turn even the most novice cook into a master chef. With its mouth-watering taste and tender texture, this cut of meat never fails to leave its diners satisfied. If you're trying your hand at cooking up …

It may not be familiar to some, but Caribbean green seasoning is one of the most essential ingredients in Caribbean cooking. Bursting with flavour and zest, this concoction of herbs, spices, onions and peppers will add a unique twist to your dishes! From marinades and sauces to salads and sides, greens seasoning is a Caribbean …

Start with a visual check. A healthy sweet potato has smooth, unbroken skin and feels firm. If you notice deep wrinkles, dark spots, or mold (usually white, black, or green fuzzy patches), it’s a clear sign of spoilage. Soft or mushy areas, especially near the ends, signal internal rot. Trust your nose—an off, sour, or …

Are you looking for the best way to reheat your favorite fried chicken wings? Look no further! Reheating chicken can be tricky and if not done properly can result in a rubbery texture or worse, food poisoning. That’s why it is important to follow certain steps when reheating your delicious wings. Let’s explore the best …

Welcome to my kitchen, where soul food recipes collide with fresh veggies from the garden! This week I'm focusing on one of my favorite vegetables-- okra. It's a Southern soul food staple. Consuming okra in big amounts is a must!!! From adding texture and flavor to dishes like gumbo or steaming them alongside a juicy …

Do you want to make a delicious fresh collard greens dish but don't know how to get started? Sourcing the freshest and best quality collard greens is one important element in creating your desired meal, but you also need to know how to properly clean it before cooking. Cleaning your collards does not have to …

Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in Southern and soul food cooking. It has a slightly bitter taste, so is often cooked with bacon or ham to balance out the flavor. Cabbage is also used in slaws and salads, and can be pickled for a tangy treat. So whether you're looking …

No doubt the legacy of American slavery has had a huge impact on black folks culinary history and traditions. This is acutely obvious when you consider some of the meat cuts that have been very popular in soul food cooking when it comes to meat cuts. Historically enslaved people in colonial times got the leftover …

Related Posts Ham hocks are a staple in soul food cooking, adding rich and smoky flavors to a variety of recipes especially stewed dishes. These flavorful cuts of meat come from the pork leg, and are a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, greens, and more. What Is A Ham Hock Ham …

Sweet potatoes are a type of root vegetable that is native to South America. They were first cultivated by the Incas, and later spread to the Caribbean and Africa via the Transatlantic slave trade. Yams, which most people mistake for the more common sweet potatoes, were essential part of African culture and diet. During colonization …

Have you ever made delicious jerk chicken? It's so good! And it's really easy to make. But what do you serve with it? I've got some ideas for you. Check out my blog post for some banging delicious ideas. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Jerk Chicken along with brown stew chicken is like Jamaican …

If trying to find the best wood for smoking ribs you have some quality choices with each offering distinct flavor characteristics that will elevate your ribs. Consideration will need to be given to the flavor profile you're going for and its fit with a particular type of food, which in this case is pork. Today …

This is the one-stop post to get  4-1-1 hun on all things collard greens. If you were ever interested in learning how to cook collard greens, you’re in the right place. I grew up in a house where we ate collard greens at least once a week. So in my mind, everyone else did also. …

I love black-eyed peas and not just on New Year’s. Though it’s probably the #1 soul food side dish for New Year’s dinner, at least in the South for sure, we eat them all the time. WHAT are black-eyed peas? Black-eyed peas are a gift to the world courtesy of Africa. They are actually a …

I’m not Jamaican but I jerk a lot. And if you’ve had good jerk, and was curious to know what was in it, you’ve come to the right place. This is a breakdown of that aromatic, fiery and addictive flavor that we know as Jamaica jerk seasoning. What is jerk? So what is jerk exactly? …

We go through a lot of oatmeal in my house so we tend to buy oats in bulk or get those large tubs of oats. We enjoy all types of oats and in different ways. I’ll share below how to make oatmeal and provide different real recipe examples for you to develop your own routines …

Looking for a sure-fire way to reheat fried chicken? Well this is your place. I always have leftovers on hand when I make fried chicken. Don’t trip, cause it ain’t because the chicken wasn’t good. I’m usually cutting up an entire chicken for testing and compounding things is the fact that only 2 people in …

Fonio is a super grain native to Africa. We’ll explain what it is further including where to find it as well as detail ways to use it. What exactly is Fonio? Fonio is an ancient grain indigenous to West Africa particularly in countries like Senegal, Nigeria, and Chad.  It’s somewhat similar in appearance to quinoa, …

My campaign to put okra on the map. I love okra. Okra is good for you. Okra tastes good. Eat more okra. If you don't know how, then read this post for recipes and cooking tips. Plus I'm sure you'll learn a bunch of cool facts about okra that I bet you never knew.

My Instant Pot has become my do it all cooking appliance. It's great for stews, soups, braised vegetables and meats, and sides. To take your Instant Pot skills to the next level, you gotta know how to brown meat. If you’ve used the saute mode to brown meat in your Instant Pot then you’ve likely …

Healthy Soul Food and The African Diet There have been many attempts to define soul food. Without getting deep down into the nuanced minutia of what it actually is, let's just agree that like porn, we know it when we see it. However, might we be too narrow in our consideration of what constitutes soul …

Velvety Vibes: Learn How to Cook Green Lentils with Soul, Spice & Texture That Sings Well now, welcome to the groove kitchen, baby—where flavor speaks in deep tones and texture hums in harmony. Today we’re slow-simmerin’ a pot of Smokey Green Lentils, the kind that stick to your ribs and slide across your tongue. These …