Test Kitchen: Cluck Cluck...Oink?

In trying to keep pushing along in our southern / soul food fanaticism and wanting to take a break from our barbecue, we decided to give fried chicken a go. After attempting a southern fried chicken & waffle sandwich...without finding a waffle - chicken combo that satisfied us, we went back to the parts and looked to put together a platter instead. Pairing a plate of southern fried chicken that would make the Colonel wish he had our secret recipe, with the kind of ingredient we love the most, pork. Slathering a sausage gravy on the crispy fried chicken resulted in a dish that could only be consumed by the most ravenous, dietary caution to the wind, southern food aficionado around. In other words we killed it right there in the kitchen.

The key was the gravy, studded with Italian pork sausage, it was a real New York take on this southern staple. The way that we ended up dredging up the gravy with every last fry on the platter pretty much confirmed that it was the star. It is no longer a mystery how biscuits and gravy could actually be considered a meal, the vehicle for the sauce, biscuit or Tom's fried chicken, is definitely secondary.

May Is National BBQ Month

Fire up the grill, dig out those BBQ utensils and strap on your apron, it's BBQ Month. May is the symbolic (and for some, spiritual) kickoff to the smokin and grillin season. For barbecue enthusiasts that love to experiment with smoking techniques and different ingredients, this event may be a time to visit a competition, take a class or read a new book on BBQ. The purist, low and slow, barbecue lovers will find plenty of deals and specials in local BBQ restaurants. For the griller, the baseball season, warmer weather and longer days have their grill calling to them. Using a convenient excuse like cooking for mom on Mother's Day, this weekend warrior will be seasoning steaks and chops, mixing it up with sausages and the traditional burgers and dogs. So take the opportunity to celebrate National BBQ Month your way.