Whether it’s a cherished heirloom, thoughtful gift, or flea market gem, one thing is for sure: cast iron is treasured. From the passionate cook to the forged-in-fire fan, our readers are some of our favorite collectors. We wanted to see some of your favorite unique or antique pieces, and naturally, each one had a story to tell.  When my mother died, we didn’t save many of her pots and pans, but we did bring her cast-iron pan home, even though we had two of our own. When a friend lost everything she had in a fire, I was so glad I could give her a seasoned cast-iron pan, but she was overwh ..read more

A Dutch oven is one of the most worthwhile investments in the world of cooking equipment and our buying guide lifts the lid on what makes it so special. What other tool can bake, fry, boil, and braise with such ease? Like its many talents, there are also many variations of how the Dutch oven came to be. One version tells the story of an Englishman named Abraham Darby who, in the early 1700s, observed the Dutch using sand to cast cooking vessels out of brass. He returned to England, and in an attempt to make a cheaper product, he turned to cast iron. In 1707, Darby patented the process, and it ..read more

A must-visit destination for history buffs, food fanatics, and anyone in between, the one-of-a-kind Houmas House Estate & Gardens is nestled on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. One of the oldest and grandest homes of a bygone era, Houmas House features an inn, stunning grounds and gardens, and three distinct, delectable restaurants, each providing an unforgettable culinary experience. All three restaurants—Dixie Café, The Carriage House, and Latil’s Landing—are run by Jeremy Langlois, one of Louisiana’s well-known chefs. You’ll find menus that reflect the best of ..read more

Life is sweet in Louisiana’s Ascension Parish, where sugar is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Renowned for its sugarcane, Ascension Parish proudly stands as one of the top producers in the state. Tall green stalks, kissed by the warm Louisiana sun, seem to stretch on forever in sprawling fields that hold a longtime tradition of farming.   The name Houmas House Estate & Gardens once echoed through the South as a grand testament to sugar production. Now serving as a historic estate with several restaurants and an inn, Houmas House still draws crowds. The property’s genteel archi ..read more

From the holidays into the new year, the merrymaking continues in Louisiana’s Jefferson Parish in anticipation of the Epiphany on January 6, when the party truly begins! The welcoming community keeps the festivities alive through a unique, family-friendly Carnival season that rivals the fanfare in nearby New Orleans. Mardi Gras in Jefferson Parish is a season filled with parades, elaborate costumes, and, of course, mouthwatering food. The carnival spirit is alive and well, with spicy crawfish boils on and off the parade route, plenty of king cake January 6 through Mardi Gras day, and creative ..read more

Historic streets come to life with the verve of the New Year in Downtown Tupelo, Mississippi. On December 31, the city lets its hair down for one of the most diverse New Year’s Eve celebrations you’ll see in the South. Multiple stages overtake Downtown Tupelo with music, and fireworks light up the sky as the countdown to 2024 begins. There are even festivities for the kids! With safe and exciting events starting as early as 6 p.m. and wrapping up at 8 p.m., your little partygoer can rock in the New Year before the later events kick off.    Find your perfect New Year’s Eve celebratio ..read more

Fall is here and while pumpkin lattes may be at the top of your list of must-haves, there are other fall favorites that are sure to tempt your taste buds. From Pumpkin Hummus to Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Biscuits, or Cajun Cheesy Potato Casserole with Andouille Sausage, add Tony’s to your fall flavors. It’s the perfect way to spice up your life this season. Save Recipe Print Cajun Cheesy Potato Casserole with Andouille Sausage   Ingredients 2 Pounds Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes 10 ½ Ounces Cream of Chicken Soup 1 Cup Sour Cream 2 Teaspoons Tony’s Original Creole Seas ..read more

After many years of testing and cooking with cast iron, Jeff Rogers, The Culinary Fanatic, has developed a tried-and-true method for seasoning cast iron, and now he’s sharing it with the readers of Southern Cast Iron. His seasoning method works well for vintage cast-iron cookware as well as modern pieces. Jeff uses Crisco vegetable shortening to season cast iron, which produces a durable finish. He recommends heating the cast iron to no more than 400° (40° to 50° higher than the smoke point for Crisco). If you use a different fat, with a higher smoke point, you should adjust the oven temperatu ..read more

Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a great place to visit any time of year, but fall is especially outstanding. The weather is mild and there are a number of great festivals to enjoy.  Here’s a possible itinerary for a fall festival weekend in Lake Charles:  Thursday, check into your hotel or resort and head out for dinner at Bodega Wine Dive. This cozy restaurant offers a wide selection of wine, pizza, pasta, and more.   On Friday, start your day with breakfast at The Bekery. This popular spot serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.  After breakfast, head downtown t ..read more

Story and recipe by Tracie Squire. Growing up, my time was spent split between two homes, and I was lucky enough to have amazing cooks on both sides of my family. My grandfather on my dad’s side was always cooking wild game and meat dishes, and I was encouraged to try everything he cooked. Now as an adult, I’m not afraid to try foods most people wouldn’t even consider. My grandmother on my dad’s side was a professional cake baker and decorator, and she taught me how to measure ingredients and bake correctly from a young age. My grandma on my mom’s side, though, is who inspired me most in my co ..read more