Fresh salmon fillets, marinated with a seasoned olive oil blend and baked.

Marinated Baked Salmon

I grew up with fresh seafood and I love it all.

But, of course, salmon is not a fish that I grew up with here on the Gulf Coast.

In fact, it is only in recent years that I have come to appreciate it and the salmon I've been enjoying for the last few years is from Faroe Island, which in my opinion is superior over any other.

Peeled russet potatoes, cut into chunks and gently boiled in water until tender and reduced, thickened with a slurry.

Creamed Potatoes with Thickening

Potatoes are a staple across the country I suppose, but like rice, they sure are a pretty big part of life in the South.

Not only do they act as a side dish, they can also serve as an inexpensive and filling main dish for those times when the money has fallen short of the month. In fact, this meal topped with whatever leftovers were in the house, or whatever was on hand from the pantry, actually comes from the Depression Era.

An appetizer bread, spread with a mix of mayo, shredded cheese, bacon, nuts and green onion, spread on French bread, baked and sliced for serving.

Million Dollar Cheese Bread

You've probably seen Million Dollar Dip and Neiman Marcus Dip all around the internet at some point. As to bloggers of food, it seems to be offered everywhere!

Million Dollar Dip was originally known simply as Almond-Bacon-Cheese Spread and later as Neiman Marcus Dip because that's where the original developer of the recipe, Helen Corbitt, happened to work as Director of Food Services at the Neiman Marcus restaurant, Zodiac Room in Texas, where it is said many of her recipes are still offered.

A quick and easy, classic cold bean dip, made using a combination of seasoned, thick and creamy pinto and white beans, with a hint of heat from Creole or Cajun seasoning and pickled jalapenos.

Quick Cold Bean Dip

You can't beat a classic bean dip and there's a reason it's stood the test of time!

Everybody seems to like them, whether it's baked, or served cold like this one, though this one may certainly be warmed up to serve as well. Personally, I enjoy them equally, but when I'm in the mood for a quick bean dip, this is the one that I lean to.

A very basic and simple soup, starts with a stewed smoked pork hock and made with chicken stock, potatoes, turnips, carrots, onion, cabbage and tomatoes.

Dolly's Stone Soup

There are many stories of the origins of the folk tale of Stone Soup, and it seems to cross many cultures as well, but essentially it centers around the tale of a hungry traveler who arrives in a village where the residents don't seem to want to share their food.

The traveler goes to a stream, fills a pot with water and drops a stone into the water - promising the stone will result in a very special soup.

Russet potatoes, peeled and cut up, smothered with onion, smoked sausage and Rotel tomatoes and cooked in a rice cooker.

Rice Cooker Smothered Potatoes

Rice cookers may be a bit old school, but believe it or not, they're still a thing down here and for the most part, it's an appliance that is completely uncomplicated.

One simple "start" button is usually all there is to them!

You press it, it cooks your rice, kicks over to warm when your rice is done, and it actually holds the rice for a long time. As far as timing goes, it's really going to depend on your cooker, so holding on to that product manual is key to timing for the rest of your dinner.