Ten Items Every Southern Chef Needs

Southern cooking is an art and just like any other artist, the Southern cook needs certain tools. These tools help them prepare some of the best food you will ever eat. But, what makes a Southern kitchen? What tools does every Southern cook need?

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #1: Bacon Press

A bacon press is a very useful tool for every Southern cook needs. As you may know, Southern cooks prepare bacon several times a week. A bacon press keeps the pieces of bacon nice and straight. Without a bacon press, the pieces will curl up and shrink much more.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #2: Chicken Fryer

A chicken fryer is a large skillet with deep sides. Of course, it's great for frying chicken, but it's also great for frying potatoes and even okra. Every Southern cook needs a chicken fryer because every Southern cook loves to fry just about anything.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #3: Family Recipes

Every Southern cook needs family recipes. In my recipe files you will actually find recipes that my great grandmother made. She made a delicious coconut cake, which she used to make every Christmas. My mother made the cake and now I make the cake as well.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #4: Spatter Guard

Because they love to fry so much, every Southern cook needs a spatter guard. A spatter guard keeps grease from getting all over your kitchen. Without a spatter guard you will find yourself cleaning your stove, counters, and even your floor.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #5: Canning Jars

Southern cooks love to have a garden each year. They also love to make homemade soup, jellies, jams, and even fruit butters. That's why ever Southern cook needs canning jars. Plus, canning jars make a wonderful storage device for bacon grease.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #6: Large Stock Pot

Every Southern cook needs a large stock pot. A large stock pot is great for preparing homemade soups, chicken and dumplings, greens, and so many other delicious treats. You can also use a large stock pot during the canning process.

Ten Items Every Southern Cook Needs #7: Passed Down Equipment