“…caffeine is a curse, addicting us to a regime that makes us more tractable and productive workers, speeding us up so that we may better keep pace with the manmade machinery of modern life.”
-Michael Pollan, “This Is Your Mind On Plants”
Caffeine, the ultimate blessing and curse wrapped up in a cute mug. We know we shouldn’t drink too much, but now we’re hooked. Americans drink up to 400 million cups of coffee, not in a year, not in a month but daily. It is time to quit coffee?
Technically, coffee comes from a plant. So we’re drinking plants; how bad can that be? Ultimately the coffee high that starts our days creates a “chasing the dragon” effect of repetitive energy bursts and crashes. Although caffeine is found naturally in leaves, seeds, and the fruits of many plants, it also has some unhealthy downsides.
But fear not! There are plenty of great-tasting healthy alternatives to boost your energy and power you through the holiday season. Not only can they help you to maintain consistent energy, some of them even taste like coffee.
Why Take A Break From Caffeine
Caffeine found in plants is actually nature’s built-in defense mechanism giving it natural herbicide and pest-repellent powers. At some point, humans, ancient warriors, and scholars who had work to do, stumbled upon its wonders in the form of cacao beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and the bean that can now be found on every modern urban corner, the coffee.
Caffeine can not only lead to crashes in energy; your body can build a dependence on a daily cup or four of coffee. In addition, large amounts of caffeine consumed daily can negatively affect mood, sleep patterns, and leave long-lasting effects on major organ systems.
What’s So Terrible About Caffeine
Caffeine is essentially the chemical component of coffee plants. The resulting jolt of energy can cause numerous undesirable side effects that, over the long run, can be much more severe than just insomnia. Drinking more than four servings of caffeine a day can contribute to:
Hypertension
Dehydration
Breast tissue cysts
Anxiety
Fertility Issues
Digestive issues
What To Know Before You Take a Break From Caffeine
While we may not think of caffeine as a mind-altering type of drug, it is a central nervous system stimulant that falls into that drug category. If you are thinking of taking a break from your black tea or coffee, there are a few things you should take into account first:
Cut down on your caffeine consumption slowly. Gradually reduce your consumption over 2-3 weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headache, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Switch for decaf. Try alternating decaf and caffeinated tea or coffee to reduce your intake.
Set a time limit. Commit to a cut-off time to quit drinking caffeinated beverages each day.
Swap it out. Switch out your caffeinated beverage for a healthy energy-giving option, like the ones listed below.
Five Great Energy-Giving Substitutes For Caffeine
One of the best upsides to swapping out caffeinated beverages is that you might find even healthier options with their alternatives. Many alternatives are nutrient-dense and provide longer-lasting energy to avoid the typical crashes associated with drinking caffeinated beverages.
1. Cold Pressed Juices
Fresh cold-pressed juices are nutrient-dense and offer a natural way to support your body in giving you energy. Drinking juice is the equivalent of liquid nutrition, which gives your digestive system a break from dissecting the nutrients from processed drinks. This leads to faster absorption of nutrients giving your body a natural jump-start without the caffeine.
Chicory Root in Dandy Blend
2. Chicory Root Powder
If you are a coffee lover who just misses the taste, chicory root can be roasted like coffee beans into a coffee-like alternative, giving you comfort without the caffeine. Chicory root comes from a plant with bright blue flowers used for centuries in France, South Africa, and now Nebraska. Used for centuries in natural medicine and cooking the root is powdered root is hailed for its ability to regulate blood sugar, aid digestion, and help with weight loss. Products like Dandy Blend are easy to prepare and hard to differentiate from true coffee.
If you are missing a warm mug in your hand in the morning, Golden Milk is an excellent substitute for caffeinated tea or coffee. It is traditionally made by combining warm milk with spices such as; cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and sometimes a dash of honey. It has long been thought to boost immunity and reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Rooibos Tea
For the tea lovers who double up their black tea leaves for an extra caffeine kick, Rooibos Tea is caffeine free and makes a great alternative or even an option to alternate with your coffee if your ultimate goal is just to cut back.
5. Brewed Cacao
Cacao is naturally bitter on its own and makes a solid substitution for a cup of dark coffee. The cacao beans are roasted similarly and have a similar flavor profile. Cacao is 99.9% caffeine free but contains theobromine, a naturally occurring phytonutrient that can give longer bursts of energy without the caffeine crash. You can customize your cacao drink by adding vanilla, cinnamon, or plant-based milk. In addition, adding superfoods like maca and reishi mushroom can boost its energy, giving powers even further!
Never Ending Holidays: The Top Five Recipes Leftover Turkey
Photo: Unsplash
The average size of a Thanksgiving turkey is 16 to 22 pounds – and one thing is absolute; you will nearly always have leftovers. There’s nothing worse than coming up short on the main course, which means we often cook a little more than necessary. What’s better than a piping hot glazed turkey? Leftover turkey. There’s something special that happens on the weekend over the holiday break where no one wants to cook again, football is on, and it just seems easier to grab for the leftovers.
There’s something about the way that holiday leftovers just keep the spirit going through the week. They’re the flavors we only have once a year…and the calories don’t count that week, right?
In honor of reducing food waste in tasty new ways, we have compiled the top five best ideas for leftover turkey.
How To Reinvent Leftovers With Thanksgiving Turkey
Photo: The Original Dish
1. Cranberry Turkey BLT
We all have a different version of the leftover turkey sandwich, but this one might just be the best. The Original Dish has the right idea taking leftover turkey breast with all the best parts of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. This recipe also brings fresh life to leftover cranberries, renewing them as a cranberry bacon jam!
PHOTO BY JULIA GARTLAND PROP STYLIST: MEGAN HEDGPETH FOOD STYLIST: LAUREN LAPENNA.
2. Turkey Noodle Soup
When in doubt, put it in soup! This goes for many Thanksgiving leftovers; roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and turkey all make great soup ingredients. This recipe from Food 52 starts with the turkey carcass – no food waste here! A mirepoix of leftover carrots, celery, and onion is a simpler alternative to store-bought broth. Add some red pepper flakes for heat, and you have yourself the perfect after Thanksgiving leftover soup!
Photo: Taste of Home
3. Thanksgiving Casserole
We think all good casseroles have a little leftover in them – a melding of flavors that have been left to sit in the fridge overnight can sometimes be just the magic you need! This Thanksgiving leftover casserole from Taste of Home includes the stuffing, turkey, and cranberries that were part of the main event. Tossing them with pecans, milk, and eggs makes this a meal to rival the one the leftovers came from!
Photo: Savory Nothings
4. Savory Turkey Pot Pie
Savory Nothings speaks every tired mom’s language with this easy, Turkey Pot Pie Recipe. Leftover turkey and vegetables intermingle seamlessly nestled in puff pastry. These are also great to make in a batch and save for weeks to come (who doesn’t love Thanksgiving in December!)
Photo: Simply Whisked
5. Leftover Turkey Salad
Who says the holidays don’t have to be healthy? This Leftover Turkey Salad from Simply Whisked is Keto and Gluten Free, but not short in bold flavor. It’s great on it’s own or nestled between two slices of sourdough bread. This will also buy you time with a three to four-day shelf life in the fridge, meaning you won’t have to cook for at least a full week after Thanksgiving!
Can Caribbean specialties be just as good out of their native habitats? Where can you find some proper Jerk chicken, ital, or Ackee, and Saltfish in South Carolina? SAPi has compiled a list of the most beloved Jamaican eateries in the Palmetto State.
Despite what one might think, the vibrant Jamaican culinary scene outside the Caribbean can be just as irie inside of South Carolina’s state lines.
South Carolina has had a vibrant Jamaican food scene for decades. For an example of the rooted Caribbean culture and heritage tradition in the state, where Jamaican cuisine shines bright up and down the coast, look no further than the Charleston Carifest hosted each summer.
If you are looking to satisfy your tastebuds between Caribbean festivals, the region has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for the grab-and-go convenience of a food truck or a sit-down restaurant ambiance with vibrant beats, SAPi has you covered.
The Best Jamaican Food in South Carolina
Clarendon Cuisine, Myrtle Beach
1. Best By The Beach | Clarendon Cuisine
Where: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach has a robust Jamaican community, so you can be sure that the dishes served have passed the authenticity inspection by local eaters. Reviews report that for all the great, diverse restaurants on the Grand Strand, it was almost impossible to find good Jamaican cooking until Clarendon Cuisine came along. Daily lunch specials include Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken, and Jerked Chicken.
Reggae Island Grill, Myrtle Beach
2. Best Ackee and Saltfish | Reggae Island Grill
Where: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you are looking for Jamaica’s National plate of choice, Ackee and Saltfish, there is only one place that serves it in Myrtle Beach: Reggae Island Grill. Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and is usually boiled with salted cod. If it powers Usain Bolt’s breakfast, it must be something magical.
The Reggae Island Grill’s menu features other classics like Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, and Oxtail as well. One reviewer reports: “We were looking for some good authentic Jamaican food while on vacation, and this place did not disappoint. The jerk chicken was smoked just right and literally fell off the bone. Like honestly, the food was so good I had to stop to get a plate on my way headed home.”
TruJerkJamaica, Columbia
3. Best Jerk Food Truck | TruJerkJamaica
Where: Columbia, South Carolina
One look at this popular food truck’s Jerk Chicken, surrounded by plantains and peas and rice, and you know TruJerkJamaica is not playing around. Not only do they specialize in all things jerk (chicken, pork, oxtail) they also come through with some authentic Jamaican Ting soda and Coco Bread. Close your eyes, and you’re on Seven Mile Beach.
Jamaica Mi Irie, Greenville
4. Best In Greenville | Jamaica Mi Irie
Where: Greenville, South Carolina
Jamaican Me Irie proclaims itself to be “the only 100% authentic Jamaican Restaurant in Greenville. With three locations around the city, it won’t be hard to lock in your Brown Stew Chicken Lunch, Jerk Shrimp, or Curry Chicken Roti. Outdoor seating in a vibrant setting and Caribbean beats make the whole experience a vibe.
JAMROCK CARIBANA, Warrenville
5. Best Off The Beaten Path | JAMROCK CARIBANA
Where: Warrenville, South Carolina
Visitors here exclaim, “the Brown Stew Chicken is life!” While you won’t find JAMROCK CARIBANA in a major city hub, Red Pea Soup and their Annual Fish Fry certainly make the drive out to Warrenville worth the trip. One of the sure signs you’re eating at an authentic Jamaican joint is oxtail on the menu, and JAMROCK CARIBANA doesn’t disappoint with tender, juicy servings and generous side portions.
Whether you’re a die-hard Brown Stew Chicken fan or you’re looking to mix up your foodie routine, check out one of these great options in South Carolina. Not only are they all run by authentic chefs, but also local businesses run by real people.
An Experts Guide To Making A Charcuterie Board To Impress
The Holiday season has begun, and you are ready to show off your solid party-hosting skills. You’re great at creating the perfect mix of people. Your playlists are famously the kind that gets people’s heads bobbing. You love a good theme for dinner night. One problem: you’re cooking skills are lacking, or maybe time is just not on your side to prepare. Either way, we can fix that problem with two words: charcuterie board.
Is it just us, or does it trigger your foodie endorphins to see a beautiful cutting board full of finger foods with all the flavors; savory, salty, sweet, and sour? It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory for adults. It’s a time for fancy cheeses you wouldn’t buy yourself, and cured meats that smell like the best holiday gathering is underway.
Charcuterie is more than just a fancy French word for cured meat. A charcuterie board is a key gathering spot for any social get-together. A beautifully done display of mini edible delights is an easy way to level up the evening without too much effort. It is also a great way to buy yourself time while you finish preparing the main course.
To put together an Instagram-worthy charcuterie tray, you’ll need a few key neighborhood players and a little bit of creativity. Below, we outline an expert’s guide on creating a charcuterie board to impress.
First Things First: Get Prepared, Stay Prepared
The great thing about preparing for your charcuterie board debut is that most ingredients are non-perishable. We find it handy to keep some of the items we’ll lay out below on hand at all times. In case you find yourself suddenly hosting an emergency social gathering.
Also, tap into your local neighborhood vendors. Everyone needs their own “meat guy,” “cheese lady,” and “super friendly baker” in their life. You can find these people in food incubator apps like SAPi or in your neighborhood. The closer the ingredients, the fresher the goods.
Not only are you supporting local businesses, but you’re spreading the word when people ask you, “where did you find this salami!” In doing so, you also support a circular economy where everyone wins.
The Six Essential Ingredients To A Perfect Charcuterie Board
Before we dive into ingredients, there’s one not listed below that plays an essential role: the board—the vessel for your epic finger food display.
We recommend natural wood serving platter or cutting board with a lot of real estate to spread out the edibles. There are also customizable boards with tiny drawers to hide cutlery or matching serving bowls when you’ve decided to go all in on your display like this one from Uncommon Goods.
You can place parchment paper over a cake platter in a pinch or bust out a trusty serving platter. And now, without further adieu, the categories are balanced in harmony to make the perfect charcuterie display.
Every Charcuterie Board needs a salty component like olives, nuts, or crackers.
1. Salty
Peanuts aren’t just for tiny bowls at the bar; they’re also for your charcuterie board. So are almonds, cashews, and exotic pistachios. We love salty additions for the way they encourage another sip of your holiday beverage, as much as we love them for the way they balance with all the other flavors on the plate. It’s not all about nuts. Here are some other ideas for the salty component of your charcuterie tray:
Crackers
Roasted nuts
Cured meats
Olives
Gherkins
Cheese is a must-have component for any charcuterie tray. There are alternatives for the lactose intolerant that can be even tastier than their traditional counterparts.
2. Cheese
A crucial component of any snack tray is the cheese. Not just one, at least two, three is satisfactory, four varieties of cheese show you’re serious, and five is “I’m cultured.”
A charcuterie tray should be all-inclusive – there are alternatives for the lactose intolerant that can be even tastier than their traditional counterparts. Whatever message you want to send with your cheese selection, just make sure it’s fresh. A local cheese shop can make seasonal recommendations about what goes well together, what to pre-slice, what to leave whole, and even what drinks pair well with your selections. Try for at least one hard and one soft.
Brie
Gouda
Goat cheese
Bleu cheese
A classic sharp cheddar
Cured meats like salami and prosciutto are a must to round out the umami flavors of your charcuterie tray.
3. Meat
Some call this the star of the charcuterie world. You can’t go wrong with a locally cured salami, Italian prosciutto, or Spanish chorizo for this category. When in doubt, ask the butcher. Also, look next to where you choose your cheeses for good pairings. Cube some, slice some and have fun with the display. Other protein potential for your board includes;
Rillettes
Genoa salami
Capicola
Mortadella
Figs, berries, and even chocolate can balance out a party tray to perfection.
4. Sweet
Sweet additions create harmony between savory components like cured meats and salty additions like nuts or olives. The options here are open to creativity, but having one that is spreadable is key. Think apricot chutneys, jams, or honey. In addition, densely sweet fruit like figs, apples, or berries are not only great for diversity, but they also create a beautiful eye-pleasing color palette. Because, after all, cheese and meats come in only so many shades of color, right?
Bread is the perfect component to hold over your guests until the main course.
5. Bread
Go ultra fresh on this one if possible. A dense sourdough pairs well with creamy cheeses, the same way a baguette pairs better with a salty cured meat. Have one or both! Slice some, toast some, and leave some uncut.
A stuffed fig tells people you take your charcuterie board seriously. If you have time, combining any two complimentary flavors to create an interesting combo is a win.
6. Things That Make You Say “What Is This?”
We also firmly believe in introducing new flavors to every charcuterie board. Something visually interesting that adds a talking point! Think goat cheese stuffed figs, chili chocolate, or unexpected spreads like pesto or olive tapenade. Keeping things interesting will make a memorable experience for your guests and can only boost your reputation as King or Queen of the snack tray.
Charcuterie Extra Credit
Once you’ve mastered the charcuterie ingredient categories, it’s time to level up your presentation. Here are a few ways you can go the extra mile without having to actually go another mile. Low effort, big impact details can make the difference!
Pairings
Consult with your local wine seller for recommendations on pairings that go well with your ingredient selections. Even the most economical wines can create a dynamic pairing bringing out the savory flavors, making the sweet notes more vibrant, and harmonizing with the salty or sour.
Levels
It can make a huge visual difference to give height to an otherwise flat-looking snack board by stacking cheeses and meats or putting them on top of an upside-down serving bowl. In addition, you can display cut meats in a semi-circle or alternate with slices of cheese.
Themes
Once you are comfortable with your charcuterie skills, you can think outside the box for themed snack boards. Consider theming a brunch board with pancake stacks, berries, and toppings. Or maybe you to transport your holiday guests into the warm Mediterranean with cous cous, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. In the south? Think hushpuppies, fried okra, and biscuits. There are no hard and fast rules to charcuterie trays! Go wild.
Colors
Lastly, it’s all about the colors. No matter the theme or ingredients, make sure that you have at least 3 to 4 color tones on the board. Even the more artisan cheese and exotic salami will be overlooked if the board is too “beige.”
May your holidays be made of overflowing charcuterie trays, family, and friends!
Download the SAPi App here to find a local maker to make your holiday spread shine bright.
SAPi’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide For South Carolina Foodies
Gather around the SAPi tree while we lay out the best gifts for your South Carolina foodie friends for 2022. You know the ones, the Aunt that’s always hosting parties with elaborate charcuterie trays or the best friend who always knows where to find the most authentic Jamaican food in town. The culinary experts we call friends and family deserve the best food-themed gift 2022 has to offer!
The Best Holiday Gifts For Foodies | 2022 Edition
Photo: Root Note Food Truck
1. Root Note Food Truck Gift Card
Give the gift of food truck love with a gift card from Root Note Food Truck. This isn’t your average casual dining destination. Root Note is located conveniently beside the Charleston Pour House in case you get thirsty and is the perfect place for date night. They specialize in gourmet tacos – think tandoori chicken, pho-inspired pork, and vegetarian aloo gobi tacos featuring curry cauliflower, sweet potato, chickpeas, lentil, and queso in a chili tamarind sauce. It’s an experienced-based gift that will also delight the appetite!
Photo: Sobremesa
2. Sobremesa Mole & Salsas
Sobremesa is a small-batch mole & salsa company in Charleston, South Carolina. Only a true foodie friend will appreciate the rich and velvety texture of a Mole Poblano that is blended from four different chiles, nuts, fruits, seeds, and a hint of chocolate to create a layered sauce that will step up your favorite foodie’s home-cooking game.
The Sobremesa Bundle costs $40.00 and includes sauces, salsa, and moles. It is available for shipping to your Latin food-loving friends and family.
Photo: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
3. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit | All-Night Kit
Repeat after SAPi: you can never go wrong with a locally sourced gift basket. And in South Carolina, you can never go wrong with biscuits. And in the case of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits, even if your giftee is Gluten Free. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is widely recognized as an iconic Southern brand with national retail exposure, grab-and-go eateries and a food truck in Charleston, as well as a cult-like national following.
Their All Night Kit retails for $52.95 and is a sure win every time. It includes:
A half-dozen Cinnamon Biscuits
A half-dozen Buttermilk Biscuits
Cocoa & Cream Cookies
Cheese Crisps
Optional Addition: Traditional Pimento Cheese*
4. Charleston Culinary Tours Gift Certificate
Looking for a different gift idea for a foodie or a friend? Charleston Culinary Tours offers Gift Cards that make great gifts for all food and drink lovers and adventurous travelers in your life!
The tours explore Charleston’s historic cobblestone streets while participants can sample food from some of the hottest new restaurants. Whether you know a Lowcountry local or someone planning a trip to Charleston, a food tour is a great way to explore a new or familiar city.
This 2.5-hour tour offers insight into Charleston’s historic Upper King Street neighborhood, which has been named one of the top 10 food neighborhoods in America.
This 2.5-hour food tour explores Charleston’s Historic French Quarter and City Market, offering the tastiest of Charleston’s history and food while walking some of the oldest streets in America!
This 3-hour tour showcases the Lowcountry’s seasonal bounty and a local chef’s creative prowess.
Photo: Swamp Rabbit Cafe
5. Swamp Rabbit Cafe | Taste Of The South Gift Basket
South Carolina has so many talented artisan food makers the Swamp Rabbit Cafe created a mailable gift basket that represents the ingenuity of the artisan food makers from the region. The once abandoned building along the Swamp Rabbit Trail is now a thriving food community where you can find an artisan grocer, cafe and bakery.
The Taste Of The South Gift Basket retails for $100.00 and includes items curated from local artisan vendors. If you want your loved one to choose, they also have Gift Cards! Baskets are available for same-day pickup or delivery.
Photo: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
6. Lowcountry Oyster Company& Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit | Lowcountry Bundle Gift Basket
This collaboration between Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Lowcountry Oyster Company is a match made in heaven that will benefit both you and your giftee if you’re invited to their next party.
The most savory Lowcountry staples have been combined to create the Lowcountry Bundle. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Lowcountry Oyster Co. have come together to make the perfect gift for the foodie who like to entertain. From tide to table, enjoy a bushel of oysters straight from the ACE basin atop a crunchy sea salt biscuit cracker with a dollop of traditional pimento cheese!
The Lowcountry bundle is available for delivery, retails for $135.00, and includes:
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Sea Salt Biscuit Crackers
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Traditional Pimento Cheese (12oz)
• Lowcountry Oyster Company Bushel of Oysters
Photo: Mushroom Mountain
7. Mushroom Mountain Spring Cultivation Workshop
For a unique twist for the foodie who loves exotic ingredients and farm to table dining, how about a Mushroom Mountain Spring Cultivation Workshop? Let the Mushroom Mountain team give your giftee the adventure of 2023.
Participants will learn about fungal ecology and life cycles while immersed in hands-on methods to cultivate mushrooms on logs, stumps, wood chips, and straw design mushroom gardens as well as how to compost or recycle with fungi. The workshop includes a tour of the Mushroom Mountain Farm, where guests will be able to check out the myco lab. The gift of a workshop also includes breakfast snacks, lunch, an oyster mushroom fruiting kit, and a shiitake log to take home from a hands-on activity. Workshops start at $275.00.
Ace Leather and Knife Works Photo Credit: Soda City
For an heirloom gift look no further than this beautiful hand-forged iron Kitchenware byACE Leather & Knife Works. The company makes a wide selection of bespoke cookware, including hand forged iron knives, grill utensils, iron, and carbon steel pans, and more. You can find the former finalist of the TV show Forged In Fire, Jon Medelin, representing his wares at the Soda City Market in Columbia or he also takes custom orders on his website.
Photo: SimpliThai
9. SimpliThai Cooking Kits
SImpli Thai makes all in one craft cooking kits so that your foodie family member won’t have to run around to import stores looking for special ingredients! There’s something about learning how to cook something that may otherwise seem complicated in a compact kit with real good instructions. That way your giftee can be the kitchen hero they are.
Cooking Kits start at $22.00 and are available for local pick up at farmers markets in Charleston and Columbia. They also SHIP cooking sauces and cooking kits to nearby states.
Cubo Woodworks Photo Credit: Soda City Market
10. A Locally Crafted Charcuterie Board | Cubo Woodworks
Nothing but the best to impress with a Cubo Woodworks Charcuterie Board for the party-hosting fiend in your life. If you’re hosting a party, you’ll want the best cutting boards around. Their inventory ranges in cutes and grains, and they also take custom orders with up to 10 days notice. We love a gift that will remind our loved ones of us and great cheese simultaneously.
In any holiday season, you can never go wrong with supporting local. Also check out the SAPi APP for local plates from local makers in your neighborhood to keep you and your friends and family fed while also supporting local small businesses.
Several years ago, our SAPi founder Brandon Gantthad an epiphany over Mac and Cheese. Ok, it was arguably about more than one of the best Thanksgiving sides ever introduced to the family table; it was about where to find it.
This happened in COVID times when grocers were understocked and understaffed, and many restaurants were closed or reduced to takeaway (let’s never go back!). So on a hunt to put together a proper Thanksgiving dinner, the kind with all the choices and traditional fixings, he started calling around to friends and family.
Southern Fixings (Courtesy of Eat This, Not That)
Who could bring the Mac and Cheese? Who’s on top of mashed potatoes? Whose secret recipe for sweet potatoes pie was poised and ready?
Although this wasn’t the whole story, it played a big part in Save A Plate’s (SAPi) inspiration. How can we connect local plates with local people? Everyone knows that the special touch that real people give to their signature dishes is what makes them unique. So how can we support local foodpreneurs and local bellies at the same time? And thus, SAPi’s seed was planted.
Today the SAPi APPconnects a diverse group of local foodies with plates as diverse as they are delicious. And you might tjust be able to find your favorite holiday sides covered as well.
In honor of the upcoming holidays and all the side dishes that get our stomachs growling, we’re covering the Best Of Southern Thanksgiving sides – look for local plates in your area on the SAPi APP!
Top Five Best Southern Holiday Side Dishes
Southern Living Fried Pecan Okra (Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas)
Fried Pecan Okra
Fried okra is an institution in the south year-round – but for the holidays, you can level up this classic dish with pecan infused breading. Giving the pecans a quick toasting session in the oven makes all the difference.
Everyone should have a corn casserole in their holiday arsenal of go-to recipes. This dish gives it all; creamy, savory, and filling. Bacon, rainbow confetti of chopped peppers, and cream cheese round out this party pleaser.
Historically black-eyed peas have been associated with a “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck.” So you’re not only coming through with a delicious dish but good vibes for the whole family, nice one! Traditionally Southern Black-Eyed Peas dishes have a good dose of pork belly, ham hock, or both.
Controversial for the traditionalists, but not for Southern tables who say that coleslaw absolutely belongs next to the turkey. When done right, it’s a Southern delicacy, and the secret is always in the sauce – a maker’s mix of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Cornbread in its fried form, no Southern holiday celebration is complete without a side of sharp cheddar and jalapeno-infused Hushpuppies. As the story goes, fishermen in the 1800s would toss their dogs some fried batter from fish fries to stop the puppies from begging, hence the “hushpuppy” moniker. This is a delicious ode to those who just can’t wait to eat!
