Ep 1. Sunday Supper
- February 2, 2008
Down Home with the Neelys is a cooking show where Pat and Gina Neely, a married couple, share their favorite Southern-style recipes with viewers. In the season 1 premiere episode, named Sunday Supper, Pat and Gina prepare a delicious meal meant to bring the whole family together.
The episode begins with the Neelys sitting at the kitchen table, discussing the importance of Sunday supper and the memories they've made with their own family. They explain that Sunday supper is often a big meal, meant to be enjoyed together around the table, with plenty of food for everyone. They talk about the various dishes they'll be making, including fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens.
The first dish the Neely's tackle is the fried chicken. They start by seasoning the chicken with a blend of spices, then dip it in a buttermilk and egg mixture. Next, they coat the chicken in flour and cornmeal before frying it in hot oil. The Neelys explain the importance of letting the chicken rest before serving so that it doesn't lose its crispiness.
While the chicken is frying, Pat and Gina start on the macaroni and cheese. They start by cooking the macaroni and making a roux with flour and butter. They then add milk and a blend of cheeses to create a delicious sauce. Once the sauce is ready, they mix in the cooked macaroni and transfer the dish to a baking dish to be baked in the oven.
Next up is the collard greens. The Neelys explain that collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and often served as a side dish. They start by cleaning and washing the greens, then cooking them with bacon, chicken stock, and various seasonings. The Neelys let the greens simmer for about an hour before serving them alongside the fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.
The Neelys then set the table with family-style dishes and call their family in to enjoy Sunday supper together. They talk about the importance of coming together as a family to share a meal and bond over good food. Throughout the meal, the family enjoys the delicious dishes, commenting on how good everything tastes.
As the episode comes to a close, the Neelys are seen sitting at the kitchen table with their family, enjoying dessert and reminiscing about the memories they've made together over the years. They encourage viewers to try their own Sunday supper and make memories with their own families.
Overall, the first episode of Down Home with the Neelys is a heartwarming look at Southern cooking and the importance of family. The Neelys' recipes are easy to follow and delicious, making this show a must-watch for anyone looking to add some Southern flair to their cooking.