Elizabeth Heiskell’s Best Recipes: A Culinary Journey Through Southern Charm

Elizabeth Heiskell, a name synonymous with Southern hospitality and delectable cuisine, has captivated home cooks and food enthusiasts alike with her vibrant personality and easy-to-follow recipes. From comforting classics to innovative twists on Southern staples, Heiskell’s cookbook, “What Can I Bring? Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up,” is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration. This article delves into some of her most celebrated recipes, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you recreate her magic in your own kitchen.

## Why Elizabeth Heiskell Recipes Stand Out

Heiskell’s recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; they’re a story of Southern tradition, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing good food. Her dishes are approachable, using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques. What sets her apart is her ability to infuse each recipe with her signature warmth and humor, making even the most novice cook feel confident in the kitchen. Furthermore, Heiskell emphasizes the importance of making dishes ahead of time, perfect for busy hosts who want to enjoy their own parties.

## Featured Recipes: A Taste of the South

Let’s explore some of Elizabeth Heiskell’s standout recipes, complete with detailed instructions to guide you through each step.

### 1. Tomato Pie: A Southern Classic

This is not your ordinary pie. It’s a savory delight that showcases ripe, juicy tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy filling. This tomato pie is a staple at Southern gatherings, and Heiskell’s version is particularly noteworthy.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
* 4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and sliced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Tomatoes:** Slice the tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy pie. Pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels.
2. **Pre-bake the Crust:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re making your own pie crust, ensure it’s pre-baked until lightly golden. You can also use a store-bought pre-made crust.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently mix together the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and green onions. Add the drained and dried tomato slices and fresh basil to the cheese mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the tomatoes are coated evenly.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the tomato and cheese mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Spread the mixture evenly.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent them from burning.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the tomato pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
* Experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
* To prevent the crust from shrinking, you can weigh it down with pie weights or dried beans while pre-baking.
* Consider adding a layer of caramelized onions at the bottom of the crust for extra flavor.

### 2. Mississippi Mud Dip: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

This decadent dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser. Rich, creamy, and chocolatey, it’s a guaranteed hit at any party. Heiskell’s Mississippi Mud Dip is a simple yet irresistible treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for garnish
* Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. An electric mixer works best for this step.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar and Cocoa:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Incorporate Vanilla and Milk:** Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the dip is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. **Fold in Chocolate Chips:** Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Reserve some chocolate chips for garnish.
5. **Chill:** Cover the dip and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to thicken slightly.
6. **Serve:** Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with extra chocolate chips. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, fresh fruit, or your favorite dippers.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the mixture.
* Top the dip with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
* Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce before serving.
* To make a peppermint version, add a few drops of peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies.

### 3. Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs: A Southern Twist on a Classic

Deviled eggs are a party staple, but Heiskell takes them to the next level by incorporating pimento cheese. This adds a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s a deviled egg upgrade that will impress your guests.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 large eggs
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Paprika, for garnish
* Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Hard-Boil the Eggs:** Place the eggs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent the yolks from turning green.
2. **Peel the Eggs:** Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently peel them. Tap the eggs lightly on a hard surface to crack the shells, then peel under cold running water.
3. **Prepare the Yolks:** Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks. Place the yolks in a medium bowl.
4. **Mash the Yolks:** Mash the yolks with a fork until they are smooth and crumbly. You can also use a potato ricer for an even smoother texture.
5. **Add Ingredients:** Add the mayonnaise, pimento cheese spread, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper to the mashed yolks. Mix well until everything is fully combined and the mixture is creamy.
6. **Fill the Egg Whites:** Spoon the yolk mixture into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, or simply use a spoon to fill the egg white halves with the yolk mixture. Be generous with the filling.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle the deviled eggs with paprika and chopped fresh chives (if using). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a smoother yolk mixture, use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients.
* Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* Garnish with crispy bacon bits or chopped pickles for added flavor and texture.
* Experiment with different types of pimento cheese spread, such as spicy or jalapeno-flavored.

### 4. Jalapeño Cheese Grits Casserole: A Comforting Southern Side

Grits are a Southern staple, and this casserole takes them to a whole new level with the addition of cheese and jalapeños. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a subtle kick that makes it irresistible. This is the perfect side dish for any Southern meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeños, drained
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Grits:** In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, making sure to avoid clumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy, stirring occasionally.
2. **Add Cheese and Butter:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and melted butter until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. **Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:** Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, and green onions to the grits mixture. Stir until the cheeses are melted and everything is evenly combined.
4. **Pour into Casserole Dish:** Pour the grits mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly.
5. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served warm as a side dish.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a smoother texture, use stone-ground grits instead of quick-cooking grits, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
* Add cooked bacon or sausage crumbles for extra flavor and protein.
* Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Gruyere.
* If you don’t like pickled jalapeños, you can use fresh jalapeños, but be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

### 5. Strawberry Pretzel Salad: A Sweet and Salty Delight

Despite being called a salad, this is more of a dessert. The salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. Heiskell elevates it by emphasizing fresh ingredients and a beautiful presentation.

**Ingredients:**

* **Pretzel Crust:**
* 2 cups crushed pretzels
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
* **Cream Cheese Filling:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
* **Strawberry Topping:**
* 1 (6 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
* 2 cups boiling water
* 1 (16 ounce) package frozen strawberries, sliced

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pretzel Crust:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Bake the Crust:** Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
3. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
5. **Prepare the Strawberry Topping:** In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the sliced frozen strawberries and stir until the strawberries are thawed and evenly distributed in the gelatin.
6. **Chill:** Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to set completely.
7. **Serve:** Cut the strawberry pretzel salad into squares and serve cold.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version.
* Substitute raspberry or other berry-flavored gelatin for a different flavor profile.
* Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pretzel crust for added texture.
* Top with fresh strawberries or whipped cream before serving.

### 6. Elizabeth’s Famous Fried Chicken

No Southern culinary list is complete without fried chicken, and Elizabeth Heiskell’s recipe is a standout. Her method focuses on achieving crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. This requires brining and careful temperature control, but the results are well worth the effort.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (3-4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces
* **Brine:**
* 1 gallon water
* 1/2 cup kosher salt
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
* 2 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1 bay leaf
* **Breading:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Brine the Chicken:** In a large container, combine the water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Add the chicken pieces to the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. **Prepare the Breading:** In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk well to combine.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken pieces from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. One at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the fried chicken pieces from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and crispy skin.
* Double-dredge the chicken for an extra crispy coating. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then in an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water), and then back in the flour mixture.
* Add hot sauce to the brine for a spicy kick.
* Serve with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and green beans.

## Making Heiskell’s Recipes Your Own

Elizabeth Heiskell’s recipes are a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to bring people together. While these detailed instructions provide a solid foundation, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recipes your own. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, substitute ingredients based on what’s available, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

## Beyond the Recipes: The Heiskell Philosophy

Elizabeth Heiskell’s appeal extends beyond her culinary skills. Her warmth, humor, and genuine love of food are infectious. She emphasizes the importance of hospitality and creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Remember, the best meals are those shared with loved ones, and Heiskell’s recipes are the perfect way to create memorable moments.

## Where to Find More of Elizabeth Heiskell’s Recipes

* **”What Can I Bring? Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up” cookbook:** This is her main cookbook, full of recipes and anecdotes.
* **Her Website:** Search for Elizabeth Heiskell’s website, she often shares recipes and tips there.
* **Social Media:** Follow her on social media platforms like Instagram for inspiration and quick recipe ideas.
* **Cooking Shows:** She has appeared on various cooking shows; searching online will reveal where to find those episodes.

## Conclusion: Embrace the Southern Spirit

Elizabeth Heiskell’s recipes offer a delightful journey into Southern cuisine. With her straightforward instructions and emphasis on fresh, flavorful ingredients, you can easily recreate these dishes in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embrace the Southern spirit of hospitality and delicious food. You’ll be amazed at the culinary magic you can create!