Ep 1. A Little South in Your Mouth!

As a food show enthusiast, you must have watched, or at least heard of, Not My Mama's Meals. The show has been a hit since the first episode aired, and now, in its third season, the host, Bobby Deen, has brought in an exciting twist. In the season premiere, which he called "A Little South in Your Mouth!," Bobby took the viewers through a southern-food journey, sharing with them his favorite southern-style eats but with a healthy twist.

Bobby, often referred to as the "Prince of Southern Cuisine," took the audience on a fun and informative ride, introducing them to the South's culinary culture. He started by explaining how Southern cuisine is diverse and varies from region to region. For instance, he mentioned that in Texas, it is all about the barbecue and that in Louisiana, gumbo is a staple. He went on to say that southern-style food is often fried, packed with sugar and salt, and heavy on other unhealthy ingredients. However, the host aimed to change this perception by introducing the audience to healthier takes on some of the Southern classics.

In the first segment of the show, Bobby showed how to make a healthier version of Chicken and Dumplings. The dish typically includes heavy cream and butter, but Bobby demonstrated that it can be just as tasty by substituting heavy cream with evaporated milk and using low-fat buttermilk instead. He also showed how to make a gluten-free version using quinoa flour.

In the second segment, Bobby showed how to make Jambalaya, a famous Louisiana dish. He explained that the traditional recipe includes a lot of salt, but instead of sacrificing the flavor, he offered a healthier alternative. He used chicken broth instead of water and used lean chicken breast to reduce the fat and calorie count. He also substituted rice with quinoa to make it gluten-free and added a variety of veggies to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

In the third segment, Bobby demonstrated how to make a healthier version of Fried Green Tomatoes. He explained how the dish is typically deep-fried and loaded with unhealthy ingredients. However, he showed that it can be just as crispy and comforting without all the unhealthy ingredients. He used a mixture of panko bread crumbs and cornmeal to coat the tomatoes and baked them instead of frying. He also added a twist to the classic recipe by using a sweet and tangy sauce made from raisins, balsamic vinaigrette, and honey.

Throughout the show, Bobby also shared cooking tips and tricks. For instance, he suggested that when making Jambalaya, browning the meat and sautéing the veggies first enhances the dish's flavor. He also pointed out that using non-stick pans or spritzing a little cooking spray can reduce the amount of oil needed when cooking.

In the final segment, Bobby referred to his roots, growing up in Savannah, Georgia, and showed the audience how to make a classic Southern-style dessert, Peach Cobbler. He explained how the typical recipe includes loads of sugar and butter, but he showed how it can still be equally satisfying without the excess sugar and butter but by using a combination of brown sugar, almond flour, and oats for the cobbler topping.

Overall, the episode was a fun and educational ride, showcasing a healthier side to some of the traditional southern-style dishes. Bobby's passion for cooking and his southern roots shone through, providing the viewers with an entertaining and delicious experience. For those who love Southern-style food but are looking for healthier options, Not My Mama's Meals season 3 premiere is a must-watch!