Dana
Founder/Editor
My love for cooking and baking was stirred up in my Grandmother’s kitchen. She was the heart of a big, busy family and, truth be told, she could run that kitchen like nobody’s business! With five sons, five daughters-in-law, 13 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren, there was always somebody coming through the door—and there was always something good cooking.
My Grandmother and Grandfather built more than a big family; they built a legacy. Around their table, we learned that food has a way of bringing folks together, and a good meal is always better when it’s shared with people you love.
My own family is a little smaller—two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons—but my kitchen stays just as busy. I’ve always believed the kitchen is the heart of a home, and mine has seen plenty of laughter, good food, a few messes, and more than a little taste-testing over the years!
When I was younger, I worked in the tobacco fields, but whenever I could, I’d find my way into my Grandmother’s kitchen. I was her curious little helper, always watching, asking questions, and probably getting in her way more than I care to admit! Looking back, I reckon I was learning more than I realized.
My real love for cooking took hold in my twenties. I’m mostly self-taught, learning one recipe, one cooking show, and one kitchen experiment at a time. I watched more cooking shows than I probably should have and spent plenty of hours in my own kitchen trying things out. Some turned out just right, and some…well, let’s just say they made for a good story!
Over the years, that love of cooking has taken me down some wonderful roads. I’ve had the joy of running a catering and restaurant business, setting up at our local Farmers Market, and even getting to share my cooking as a guest on WBKO, our local television station and on WTVF Talk of the Town in Nashville, TN.
These days, you’ll find me doing what I love most—cooking, baking, and feeding folks whenever I get the chance. I’m also proud to serve on the Food Service Committee at my church alongside some mighty fine women, who you’ll meet right here in this section.
So pull up a chair, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and stay awhile. Around here, there’s always room at the table, and there’s usually something good coming out of the kitchen!
Tenito (a.k.a, Aunt Tenito, pronounced Ta-ni-ta)
Contributing Editor
My passion for cooking started as a kid, wobbling on a chair to help my mom, Sylvia, whip up homemade rolls. My legendary great Aunt Ozie and the fabulous Cousin Martha (a.k.a. JoJo) were the culinary dream team who shaped my skills, serving up priceless lessons with a side of love.
Eventually, I turned my garage into a bustling commercial kitchen and dived headfirst into the catering world. In between whipping up catering delights, I became the Farmers Market pastry peddler, churning out cakes, pies, and breads like a one-person bakery tornado.
Realizing that people can’t shop on an empty stomach, I spiced up my menu with breakfast and lunch options. Over the years, I’ve dished out meals at three different markets and even made a cameo as a guest cook on WBKO, our local TV station—because apparently, my food was ready for its close-up!
These days, my life is a whirlwind of grandbabies and family escapades. Poppy {the hubs} and I have become professional cheerleaders; enthusiastically yelling for our grandkids at volleyball and football games like it’s the Olympics. I am also a member of the Food Service Committee at church, where I wield my spatula with great pride and purpose.
Cindy
Contributing Editor
Cooking is my passion, and I’m always hungry for more knowledge—pun intended. Growing up with my dad and sister after my parents split, I mastered the fine art of grilling from my dad and honed my culinary skills thanks to my sister. Together, they turned me into a kitchen superhero!
My husband and I run a slaughterhouse, which conveniently doubles as his classroom to teach me the fine art of smoking meats. But let’s be honest, our claim to fame is the fresh sausage we churn out every week like clockwork.
Cooking shows are my secret weapon for stealing new techniques and recipes. Baking is my happy place, and I’m on a mission to conquer the art of homemade rolls—watch out, world! Plus, serving on the Food Service Committee at my church keeps me in the culinary spotlight.
Melissa
Contributing Editor
Growing up in a bustling family of six kids, my mom was the queen of whipping up massive meals, and I was her enthusiastic sous-chef. Measuring cups? Please, she had the magical “eyeball method” down to a science. Helping her was like being part of a culinary circus act, and at supper table, she’d proudly announce that I had a hand in the feast—whether that was a compliment or a disclaimer, I’ll never know.
When I got married and started my own family, I discovered the joy of cooking for them, fully armed with the skills my mother had passed down—along with her talent for turning every meal into a culinary adventure, whether intended or not.
Cooking up feasts and hosting family gatherings fills me with joy—especially when I catch someone sneaking seconds of my culinary masterpieces. I’ve also been a proud, long-time member of the Food Service Committee at my church, where we serve both food and smiles.
Gwen
Contributing Editor
Cooking has always been my thing, and now I’ve hit the big leagues with a promotion to the Food Service Committee at church—time to spice up those potlucks!
As a kid, I was in awe of my mom’s superpower: starting with a meal for ten and magically stretching it to feed forty surprise guests without breaking a sweat. Her cooking skills were her way of saying, “I love you—and also, please take leftovers.”
My ex-mother-in-law was like a culinary superhero, showing me the ropes of kitchen survival with her potato-peeling prowess, her magical meal-stretching side dishes, and her strict “no leftovers left behind” policy. She really was a cooking legend.
One thing that makes me feel proud is owning my great-grandfather’s legendary cast iron bean pot, complete with its trusty lid. It’s been collecting dust for a while, but maybe it’s time to unleash its magical bean-cooking powers once again!
Southern Gals Cook 
Dana, my name is Ron Ford and I am the person who won the Italian Cream Cake at the benefit auction Saturday night in Alvaton, Ky. David Lamphear was right it is delicious to say the least. Never thought I would say this, hope my mom forgives me but it is as good as her’s, God rest her soul! If you would like for me to return the plate it was on please let me know, and again Thank You!
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Hey Ron, I am so glad you enjoyed the cake! No need to return the plate, but thanks for asking. I’ll soon be taking orders for the quickly approaching holidays, so if you would need a cake for an event, family get together, etc. just let me know and I’ll whip one up for ya!
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Hey Ladies, I started following along due to my friendship with Tangi, but have grown to absolutely love this site!!! All of you are an inspiration in so many valuable ways. I’m still learning about the whole blogging thing, but can’t think of another place to do so. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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Hey Lori! Thank you so much for taking time to let us know. We really appreciate your support and would welcome any feedback. Thank you!
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Just found your website today while looking thru facebook posts. I am loving it. I love to cook. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
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Thanks Leigh. We need all the support we can get.
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