By Michele D. Baker This richly photographed book leads readers through a gastronomical tour of the south. It explores little-known dives, pubs and small wonders across 17 states. Your alphabetical tour begins in Alabama, visiting Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar, Dreamland BBQ, Pie Lab, Ezell’s Fish Camp, Rosie’s Cantina, and Rumor’s Deli. Arkansas stops include Big John’s Shake Shack, Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets, Colonial Pancake House, Ray’s Dairy Maid, and Ed & Kay’s. Delaware offers Krazy Kat’s and Sweet Somethings. You can find Blue Heaven Island Cow, Stinky’s Fish Camp and Whitey ..read more

Red, White & Blue Apron & Chef’s Hat set, $13.99 This lovely Independence Day set is made from poly cotton yarn dyed fabric. The sturdy cooking apron has a front pocket; both the apron and chef’s hat are machine washable, fade proof, lightweight and easy to clean. Available on Amazon. MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer, $99.95 The MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat! It can estimate how much longer it will take your meat to reach the desired temperature, and Bluetooth capability allows you to monitor without opening the oven door. Get one on Ama ..read more

These darling desserts are the perfect addition to a Father’s Day picnic featuring meats on the grill. (This recipe is adapted from an Instagram reel created by Rachel Lindsay of Australia (@CakedByRach). Follow her for more unique and beautiful dessert decorating ideas!) Step 1: Make the grill tops Melt 1 cup of your favorite milk or dark chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small piping bag fitted with a small circular nozzle (such as size 3, 4 or 5). Using wax or parchment paper as a base, pipe 2" circular “grill tops” wit ..read more

By Susan Marquez There is no doubt that when the napkins are dirty, the food is good. At least, that’s how Kayland Partee thinks. “If the food is good at a restaurant, the napkins should be dirty!” That is how the Jackson native came up with the name of his online show that highlights Jackson and Mississippi in a positive way through his love of food. “I began going to different restaurants when I lived in New Orleans, and that gave me a greater appreciation of good food,” says Partee. “I started taking pictures of the food I ate.” The pandemic lockdown gave Partee time to think about things ..read more

By Michele D. Baker This article first appeared in the April/May 2023 issue of eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI. My grandmother used to tell me it wasn’t a coincidence that our last name is Baker. We were that family that contributed to church bazaar cookbooks, charity fundraising cookbooks and sent recipes to the local paper. The women – and most of the men, too – would pore over stacks and stacks of cookbooks on every culinary topic imaginable, and my grandmother (and then my mother) had the entire 1970s “Good Cook” cookbook set published by Time Life. My favorites were always the baking books. I con ..read more

For those of you who love beer in all its forms and flavors, this list is for you! Compiled from multiple web sources, it lists over 60 beer-themed holidays from across the globe. No matter what the season, no matter what the weather, there's probably a good excuse to drink beer coming up really soon. Cheers! JANUARY January 1: National Hangover Day New Years’ Day is dubbed national hangover day, because it’s a universal unspoken tradition to spend the night before drinking your weight in craft beer (We don’t condone this). But we do hear the best way to get over a hangover is to (moderately ..read more

As always, we've curated a fun collection of culinary tools, experiences, and just-plain-fun items. This edition celebrates Mother's Day! Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner, $8.99 This microwave cleaner is a charming, quirky, cute gift for Mother’s Day. Add a little water and vinegar into this hilarious momma, pop her into the microwave, and let the steam streaming from her head loosen all the gunk in the microwave for an easy wipe-down finish. Find her on Amazon. Bread Warming Blanket, $32 The best thing to happen for sliced bread, this blanket keeps your favorite loaf warm and fresh for much lon ..read more

Recipe & Photography by Divian Conner The arrival of April is exciting. It marks the true start of really getting back outdoors. Even though this winter has certainly been one roller coaster of a weather ride, the authentic expected beginning of summer is right around the corner come April and May. Those are the months that the outdoor gatherings begin, trips and vacation getaways planned, people kneel in their gardens plucking weeds and making sure their lawns are the envy of all the neighborhood. I am a huge flower person, so these months mark the arrival of beautiful wild flowers and Q ..read more