OK, so full disclosure. This dinner party series came out of unsuccessfully trying for a FoodBuzz 24×24 dinner in February. So a photographer friend of mine, who is playing with the thought of starting his own food blog, suggested we just do our own thing. And thus this dinner was born. It’s inspired by Southern foods, as that was what Adam requested – and since that’s not really German or European, I tried to bring a little German influence into it whenever possible.
My friend Adam’s specialty is mac & cheese, and he also offered to make his to-die-for black raspberry chicken barbeque. My contributions were corn fritters and a cherry-apple pie, along with a simple tossed salad. We were at it cooking and photographing for the entire day from 10 AM until 6 PM – time really gets away from you when you’re having fun. The last exposures (all with natural light, BTW), were insanely long, but that’s why you have a tripod, right?
I’m dividing this series up into
- appetizer and salad: Southern corn fritters and simple tossed salad (4/23/2012)
- main course: mac & cheese and black raspberry chicken BBQ (4/25/2012)
- dessert: cherry/apple pie with granola/nut topping (4/27/2012)
All of the recipes are originals, and the hard part was that there are so many really good photographs it was almost impossible to choose which ones to use.
What’s your favorite Southern appetizer/dish?
Sofie’s Southern Corn Fritters
As I was looking for a Southern appetizer, I stumbled upon numerous recipes for corn fritters. There are several versions out there, some based on corn meal, some with creamed corn and some with kernel corn. I personally liked the ones with kernel corn the best, and since all the ones I could find sounded a little bland (and I hate shortening), I decided to “invent” my own. They turned out so deliciously that they were literally gone with the blink of an eye. I have since made them in different versions, yet I always come back to the one I made that day. Optional is the taco sauce for dipping – they really don’t need it.
This recipe was inspired by one I found on allrecipes.com, but I’ve so completely altered it that I believe I can call it my original.
Simple Tossed Salad
We eat at lot of salad at our house. It’s the German way of doing dinner – just some bread and butter, maybe some cheese etc. and a simple salad. Our big hot meal of the day is lunch, and even after almost 16 years in the US we still do it that way. I personally believe your body has more of a chance to digest better if you keep dinner light.
The vinaigrette I made for this salad also fits for, say, a carrot salad or a cucumber salad. It’s that versatile.
- 432 g (1 small can) kernel corn
- 113 g (1 can) diced, hot chilies
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 100 g (1 cup) grated cheese (parmesan, romano or asiago work best)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 170 g (3/4 cup) milk
- 50 g (3½ tbsp) melted butter
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 10 g (1⅔ tsp) salt
- 5 g (2½ tsp) pepper
- 6 g (1⅓ tsp) baking powder
- pinch of sugar
- oil for frying
- any salad greens of your choice
- 6 tablespoons* (3 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (1/2 tbsp) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (1/2 tbsp) white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon* (3/4 tsp) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1 tsp) black pepper
- Drain the kernel corn and diced chilies.
- Melt the butter and let stand for a little bit.
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly until all flour is hydrated and everything forms a batter. Take care not to pour the hot butter directly onto the egg.
- Heat up the oil in a non-stick baking pan. You should have about ⅛ inch of oil in the pan.
- With a spoon or scoop, place small amounts of batter into the hot oil. Fry them on one side until they turn golden brown, then turn and flatten. Keep cooking the fritters until they are golden brown on both sides and completely done inside. Drain on paper towels.
- Repeat with the remaining batter until all fritters are done. Optional: serve with a mild taco sauce for dipping.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
I wish I could have one of those fritters now, I’ll have to settle for trying them myself soon. I bet they smelled heavenly cooking.
-Gina-
If you do, be sure to let me know how it went and send photos!
Hey y’all! You must have southern roots. That is a traditional starter. I like okra fritters too. They are a good way to use up the leftover okra in the freezer before the new crop comes in.
The Contessa recently posted..Layout Box and Text Change Alignment
I’ve never had okra fritters before, but that sounds really good! Do you have a favorite recipe?
This will sound decadent but stick with me. Small potatoes baked til tender. Cut in two and scoop out a bit of potato. Brush with butter and return to oven to crisp a bit. Fill with pulled pork bbq and top with cheese. Bake again til melted and golden. Serve with sour cream.
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Food Writer Fridays – Jessica Wood from Cajunlicious
OMG, you are KILLING me. That sounds fantastic!
[...] appetizer and salad: Southern corn fritters (4/23/2012) [...]
That black raspberry chicken barbeque sounds so good
Raymund recently posted..Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings
Wait till you see it, I’m about to post the recipe.
What a great idea for 24×24. I would eat at your southern dinner party!!! The fritters look yummy, can’t wait to see the rest of your post!
Susie recently posted..Lisbon, Portugal
Thanks, they make a great addition to a picnic basket as well.
Sofie, I think this would have made a brilliant 24×24–I tried for it in February too, but didn’t get it. Those corn fritters look phenomenal, and this food would not have been out of place in New Orleans, where I went to college. I think my favorite Southern app is boiled crawfish–simple but so good.
Cucina49 recently posted..A Pox on Your House, Thomas Keller
Thank you! Boiled crawfish sounds so good! BTW, you seem to have been all over the place w/in the US. WOW.
Corn fritters sounds very yum to me, even the salads and all are calling my appetite back. At the end, a european twist had to be, right Sofie!
Ja, ohne geht’s nicht.
well, as a southerner, I can safely tell you that I would eat and serve that at a proper southern party….
Texanaskitchen recently posted..Meat. Balls. How To Make Boys Eat Veggies.
Between you and Juanita’s Kitchen, I’ll be wearing your comments as a badge of honor.
I love it! I love that you decided to do the “rejected” idea anyway because it’s great. I love that you and your friend spent the whole day cooking and photographing. So fun. I’d love to do something like that with a friend. I agree that the European way of eating the main meal at lunch is much healthier but impractical for many of us when we’re working. I want those corn fritters!!!
Anita at Hungry Couple recently posted..Southside Cocktail and a Guest Post
I’d love to do it again, maybe I can talk him into it. It sure was fun to plan out an entire meal like this and photograph our hearts out.
Hey, you can always come to OH-IO and we’ll just spend our time touring Amish country, cooking and photographing. B-)
PS. Have at it – these fritters couldn’t be easier, and I’m sure Brian would love them.
x
Sorry the 24 X 24 did not work out, however I am glad you moved forward to do your own thing. Also, this is a step outside the box for you as well and that step does suit you nicely. Delicious plating and great teamwork. Impressive post!
You’re too kind. Yes, it’s not really German cooking, but if I hadn’t decided to stick mostly w/ that theme, I’d be all over the place, b/c that’s how we’ve been cooking over the years.
I’ve decided to proclaim you a honorary southerner. Because this is the bomb and all.
Jen @ Juanita’s Cocina recently posted..Caprese Pasta ~ An Easy #SundaySupper
Aaaw, you’re too sweet! I had fun cooking w/ Adam, that’s for sure.
Those fritters look scrumptious!
Lora recently posted..Espresso Macarons with Chocolate Rum Ganache Filling
I appreciate you stopping by! BTW, LOVE the name of your blog. I couldn’t stop grinning when I saw it.
What an awesome dinner party! Certainly captured the southern style of it all
And I adore the corn fritters – they look delicious!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Anyone For A High Tea?
Thanks, sweetie! I can’t help it, tho – I alter recipes as soon as I get started w/ them, but here it didn’t hurt.
Wonderful dinner party idea! The corn fritters look so tasty with the chilies and the cheese. I’ll have to give the recipe a try. It is hard for me to pick my favorite southern dish. It is all a part of the cooking and food I am surrounded with every day.
Renee recently posted..Spaghetti and Meat Sauce – A Simple #SundaySupper
I may have to pick your brain some time. I didn’t even know such a thing as regional differences existed here when we moved to the States. I’ve since gained a true appreciation for especially Southern BBQ!
Gorgeous!!I love your corn fritters and will definitely be trying them for my next party!!Looking forward to the others
Soni recently posted..Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties
Thank you! Not sure if they will be hot enough for an Indian palate, but you can always add spices.
Just LOVELY Sofie! Printing has commenced! I’m loving the corn fritters and I’ll be substituting the chillies for something else thats green… I’ll see whats here. Awesome post – can’t want to see the other upcoming recipes!
Lyn @LovelyPantry recently posted..Orange and Almond Muffins
Thank you! If you do make these, please send me pictures/ let me know how they turn out. They have become one of our favorite finger foods.