Modern Southern Cook

So meatloaf is typically a heavy loaf of meat covered in a thick layer of tomato sauce and glaze. Although we love a good meatloaf, tonight, I thought I would put a healthier twist on the classic. This recipe replaces the bread crumbs with oatmeal to increase the fiber content and removes the thick layer of glaze for a lighter topping.





Ingredients:                                          Preheat Oven Temperature: 375 degrees
1 pound 93% lean hamburger
1 egg
1 Tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon grated garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
2 Tablespoons ketchup + 1 Tablespoon ketchup for topping
2/3 cup Quick Oats

Some weekends I will fix a really great, complex meal with a lot of ingredients and hours spent in the kitchen. However, this weekend, it was all about taking it easy! So today I am going to share one of the recipes my family uses for oven baked potato wedges.





Ingredients:                                                   Preheat Oven Temperature: 375 degrees
6 Large Baking Potatoes
1 stick of Butter
1/2 cup Flour
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder or Flaked Onion



*Note: This recipe can be kept warm in the oven on a setting of 200 degrees covered with foil for up to 2 hours.

Barbecue chicken is a great dinner option.  Tonight we used chicken legs to make the stick-to-your-fingers meal, but it works well for any type of chicken, you might just have to adjust the cooking time for larger pieces. The combination of Dr. Pepper in the sauce gives a nice sweetness to counter the vinegar.
Ingredients:                                                        Preheat Oven Temperature: 375 degrees 6 Fresh Chicken Legs 1 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda 1/4 cup Jack Daniel's No. 7 Sauce (or your favorite sauce) 2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard 1 teaspoon Crushed Garlic 1/2 teaspoon Dried Minced Onion 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar


*Note: Cooking times will vary depending on type of chicken used as well as size of pieces. Always make sure to cook meat completely.*
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Cinnamon rolls are a traditionally covered in butter, sugar, and a heavy frosting and require the creation of a yeast dough that must proof several times before use. In my hectic life, making homemade yeast bread dough is not an option. In order to create a delicious, quick and lighter version of the classic sweet, I have taken a few shortcuts and removed the butter. Give theses a try; I think you will love them as much as we do!


Ingredients:                                                             Preheat Oven Temperature: 375 degrees
1 package of refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

As a true southern girl, cooking has always been a passion of mine. I believe that the best way to share moments, values, and create family is around a table. Part of my passion is to preserve family traditions and recipes through the current generation. However, I also like to make food lighter, brighter, and healthier than some of the best loved dishes. I mean, anyone who knows anything about Southern cooking knows that butter, sugar, cream, and frying almost anything are staples in the diet, so I like to mix it up, add in some new spices and flavors, but still maintain the good flavor we are all used to in food.
So welcome to The Modern Southern Cook site. I hope you enjoy following me on my journey of culinary exploration. I think it will be a tasty one!