This Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day!
Chef Travis Smith
As a chef, I have spent countless hours in the kitchen crafting meals and dishes that not only satisfy the palate, but also evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and love. And there is no better occasion to express these sentiments than Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women in our lives who have nurtured us, cared for us, and loved us unconditionally. It is a day to show gratitude for their hard work, patience, and sacrifices. And what better way to do this than through the gift of food?

As a chef, I have seen firsthand the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. From holiday feasts to intimate dinners, food has a way of
transcending language and culture to create a shared experience that is both nourishing and uplifting.
So, how can we use food to honor the special women in our lives on Mother’s Day?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Cook her favorite meal: Whether it’s a classic dish from her childhood or a new
recipe she’s been dying to try, cooking your mom’s favorite meal is a surefire way
to show her that you care. Take the time to shop for high-quality ingredients, and
put your heart and soul into the cooking process.
2. Prepare a brunch spread: Brunch is the perfect meal for Mother’s Day, as it
allows everyone to gather around the table and share in a leisurely meal. Set up
a beautiful brunch spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and savory dishes, and let
your mom sit back and relax while you do the cooking.
3. Bake a special treat: Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade baked good.
Whether it’s a batch of her favorite cookies or a decadent cake, baking
something special for your mom is a sweet and thoughtful gesture.
4. Plan a picnic: If the weather is nice, why not plan a Mother’s Day picnic? Pack a
basket with sandwiches, salads, and snacks, and head to a local park or scenic
spot for a leisurely afternoon in the sun.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day, remember that the most
important thing is to spend time with the special women in your life and show them how much they mean to you. And if you’re a chef like me, using food to express these
sentiments is a beautiful and meaningful way to do just that.

Here's a recipe for chicken and dumplings that I love:
Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen carrots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken and chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked
through and tender.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Skim any foam from the surface of the broth and discard.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the
chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the milk to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares and set aside.
6. Bring the broth back to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the frozen peas and carrots and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth one at a time, stirring gently to prevent
sticking.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
9. While the dumplings are cooking, shred the chicken meat and discard the skin and bones.
10. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe serves 6-8 people and is perfect for a cozy family meal or a potluck with friends.
Happy cooking!

Here's a recipe for classic Southern fried chicken that will make your taste buds sing:
Ingredients:

2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, legs, and/or wings)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if
possible.
3. In a large paper or plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black
pepper, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients together.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess liquid.
5. One piece at a time, add the chicken to the flour mixture and shake the bag to coat the chicken completely. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or deep-fryer over medium-high heat, until the temperature reaches 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, being careful not to
overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and
cooked through, turning occasionally.
8. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness!
This recipe serves 4-6 people and pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. Just be sure to save room for dessert!

Here's a recipe for collard greens that's simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit at any Southern- style meal:
Ingredients:

2 bunches of collard greens, washed and chopped
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
2. Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add the collard greens to the pot, a few handfuls at a time, stirring until wilted.
4. Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and
pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the collard greens are tender and flavorful.
6. Add the reserved bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

​This recipe serves 6-8 people and is perfect as a side dish for a Southern-style meal. Don't forget the cornbread!