Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes

By: Jamie Steinberg

I am going to be completely upfront – I’m biased. I have been a fan of baker/chef Jason Smith since the moment I watched him on “Holiday Baking Championship.” He was fun, fabulous and such a genuine person. When I found out he was releasing his first cookbook I JUMPED at the opportunity to get a copy. Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes is a delightful trip down Smith’s family favorite recipes that come with his signature “country bling twist” that will leave any eater with a full belly and an ear-to-ear grin.

From breakfast to lunch to dinner to dessert and even to condiments, Jason Smith has got you covered. Smith grew up on a Kentucky farm and his Granny sure knew how to cook. Never one to let someone step away from the table hungry, she came up with some creative ways to ensure her meals were hearty. Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes is Jason’s thoughtful spins on those wonderful dishes he grew up with. Some of my favorite recipes included Breakfast Rice with Berries (Who knew rice was a way to start the day?), Southern-Best Bacon and Butter Biscuit, Fried Green ‘Mater and Bacon Samich, New Country Cornbread Salad, Quick Chicken and Dumplin’s, Sweet Tea and Bourbon Fried Chicken, Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookie Sammies, Orange-Slice Blondies and Southern Coconut Layered Sheet Cake.

What makes this cookbook so special is that the entire thing is highlighted by Smith’s trademark Southern sayings (there is a nod to them in the title and certainly there are plenty scattered throughout the book) and a little rooster that gives a bonus tip on how to make each recipe a little easier on those in need of an added helping hand. Each recipe will make you want to head right into the kitchen and get started cooking something that will leave anyone sitting at your table with a happy tummy and a smile on their face.

I whole heartedly agree with what Nancy Fuller says on the back of this book, “Jason has created a special place in the hearts of everyone who has watched him rise through the ranks of food competitions with his downhome flavors and ‘Country Bling’ twists.” Smith has done an exceptional job of bringing new love and light to these recipes that are truly rooted in his Kentucky down-home traditions. With Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes, there is certainly a recipe for everyone – whether you are on the go and want to make something filling for your family or if you have enough time to roll out a mighty meal for a gathering.