Ep 8. Southern to the Core

Not My Mama's Meals is a cooking show that features host Bobby Deen, who transforms his mother Paula Deen's Southern-style dishes into healthier options without sacrificing flavor. Season 2 episode 8, titled "Southern to the Core," continues this trend as Bobby takes on classic Southern dishes and adds his own twist.

In this episode, Bobby showcases his version of down-home Southern cooking. He starts off by introducing a healthier twist on the classic Southern breakfast dish, biscuits and gravy. Instead of using traditional sausage gravy, Bobby makes a turkey sausage gravy that is just as savory and delicious. He serves the gravy over homemade buttermilk biscuits that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Next, Bobby takes on another staple of Southern cuisine - fried chicken. He uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content, but still manages to keep the chicken crispy and flavorful with his secret spice mix. He serves the chicken with a side of mac and cheese made with low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. Despite the healthier ingredients, the mac and cheese still has a creamy, cheesy taste.

For dessert, Bobby puts a twist on another classic Southern favorite - peach cobbler. Instead of using sugary canned peaches, he uses fresh, juicy peaches that are sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar. He also swaps the traditional buttery biscuit topping for a healthier oatmeal topping that gives the dish a nice crunch.

Throughout the episode, Bobby emphasizes the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple cooking techniques to create flavorful and healthy dishes. He also shares tips on reducing fat and calorie content without sacrificing taste.

Overall, "Southern to the Core" is a great episode for anyone looking to enjoy classic Southern cuisine without the guilt. Bobby's healthy twists on traditional dishes showcase how simple substitutions can make a big difference in both the taste and healthfulness of a meal. So, be sure to grab a pen and paper and take note of these healthful tips.