26. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
This DIY JOY original is a copycat of the famous Grist Mill cinnamon bread, and the video walks through it start to finish. Thawed frozen bread dough gets coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, baked low at 300 degrees for about 40 minutes, then drenched in a quick powdered sugar and milk glaze while it’s still warm. Put a sheet pan on the rack below to catch buttery drips. Then try to wait before pulling it apart.
27. Southern Fish Fry
A backyard fish fry is a southern celebration. Catfish fillets are cut into long strips, coated in eggs, yellow mustard, hot sauce and a homemade blend of creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika, then shaken in cornmeal and flour. They fry in oil heated to 350 degrees. The mustard is the secret, and it won’t taste like mustard once fried. Serve with lemon and extra hot sauce.
28. Southern Style Shrimp And Grits
Shrimp and grits started as a humble coastal breakfast and now shows up on fancy menus everywhere. This version fries bacon first, then sautes flour-dusted shrimp, sliced mushrooms and green onions in the drippings. A splash of low sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice and a bit of hot sauce makes a quick pan gravy that’s spooned over creamy cheese grits. Crumble the bacon on top for a salty crunch.
29. Jambalaya
One pot, big flavor and enough to feed a crowd. Andouille sausage and chicken get seasoned with Cajun seasoning and browned, then onion, bell peppers and celery go in with garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Shrimp and sliced okra join the rice at the end. Brown the meat in batches so it sears instead of steams. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your heat level.
