Proving that Southern hospitality is alive- and very well, my friends {both from well below the Mason Dixon} hosted a wonderful dinner last night to celebrate Southern cooking.

The idea started with me asking so many questions about the foods they grew up with and boy did they serve up some treats! We dined on everything from fried okra to grits and greens casserole and even johnny cakes. I learned how to really use my cast iron skillet and more importantly, walked away with an immense appreciation for the sweetness of my Southern friends.