Ep 9. Pass It On

Pass It On is the ninth episode of the first season of Down Home with the Neelys, a cooking show that follows the charismatic and dynamic duo Pat and Gina Neely as they cook up delicious and comforting Southern meals. In this episode, the Neelys focus on the importance of passing down family recipes and traditions to future generations.

The episode starts off with a heartwarming introduction by Pat and Gina, who reminisce about their own experiences of learning to cook from their parents and grandparents. They stress the importance of preserving family recipes and sharing them with loved ones, as a way to keep the memories of ancestors alive and to connect with one's cultural heritage.

The first recipe the Neelys prepare in this episode is for a classic Southern side dish: collard greens. Pat and Gina explain that collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and that every family has their own variation of the recipe. They show viewers how to wash and chop the greens, and then cook them down with bacon, onion, garlic, and chicken broth, until they become tender and flavorful.

Next up, the Neelys tackle another classic Southern dish: black-eyed peas. They explain that black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day, as a way to bring good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year. Pat and Gina show viewers how to cook the peas with ham hock and onions, and then season them with salt, pepper, and hot sauce, for an extra kick of flavor.

Throughout the episode, the Neelys share tips and tricks for cooking Southern food, emphasizing the importance of using fresh and high-quality ingredients, and taking the time to infuse dishes with love and care. They also invite viewers to share their own family recipes and traditions, by using the hashtag #PassItOn on social media.

The final recipe in this episode is a dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth: pecan pie. Pat and Gina explain that pecan pie is a quintessentially Southern dessert, and one that is often passed down through generations. They show viewers how to make the crust from scratch, and then mix together the filling, which includes pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs.

As they bake the pie, Pat and Gina reflect on the importance of family and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. They encourage viewers to try out their recipes, and to start their own family traditions around cooking and eating together.

The episode ends on a heartwarming note, as the Neelys sit down together to enjoy a meal of collard greens, black-eyed peas, and pecan pie. They raise a toast to family and tradition, and remind viewers that food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Overall, Pass It On is an uplifting and inspiring episode of Down Home with the Neelys, that celebrates the importance of family, tradition, and good food. The Neelys' infectious energy and passion for cooking shine through in every segment, making it a joy to watch and a pleasure to learn from.