Hi there!
If you're just starting to cook or have been doing so for years, I'm here to help! Send an email to me at: info@smartypantskitchen.com and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have!
I have over 25 years experience in residential and commercial kitchens, as well as formal training in Food Science, Food Safety, Meal Planning and Preparation and Nutrition.
I have served as a ghost writer for The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York and have been featured in the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources' "Seafood Recipes" and AAA Texas Journeys, and DFW Lifestyles publications.
My goal is to share the wonderful food of the South and to help anyone learn how to cook! There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes--I try to keep it simple so even those who've never boiled water can learn to cook clean, wholesome food.
Here, you'll find a collection of tried-and-true Southern recipes, some contemporary and ethnic recipes, and useful tips and tricks for cooking and serving Southern-style, noting that not all Southern foods are fried!
My family hails from East Texas and Louisiana, so many of the recipes I share are from these regions. I share with you my Grandaddy's authentic Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo and the Best Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish recipe you can make at home!
You'll also find some quick and easy skillet suppers, sauce, gravy and salad dressing recipes, and tips for keeping your Greens Green and your Cauliflower White!
I live just north of Dallas, Texas with my husband, daughter, two dogs and a cat. I spend most of my free time cleaning the kitchen.
Thanks for checking out my recipes!
See you in the kitchen!
This website is dedicated to the women who taught me how to cook, influenced and supported my love for all things culinary.
When I first talked to my Mom (below) about this foodie adventure she said," Oh, I think it's a great idea! I once had a recipe that said, "cook the chicken" but it didn't explain how to do it!!!" She has taught me how to make a killer pot roast, stewed okra and tomatoes, salmon croquettes and a delicious "school night" favorite we call, "Hamburger Meat and Rice."
Then there's my Aunt Darlene who could make the meanest bunch of fried doughnuts ever! She also made a mean chicken fried steak. And mashed potatoes. In fact, I never had a meal at her house that wasn't delicious!!!
Amy and I have been friends for forever. Her family hails from Mississippi, so her food background is a smidgen different from mine. Every time we chat, we end up talking about food.
Our girls are about ten years apart, and now in the kitchen with us. When we get together and cook, which is not often enough for me, we have fun, make messes and make memories!
Jo Ann Sedgwick says
I just found you from Pat's post on FB. David Roberts is my husband's first cousin. It was nice to see the picture of Jammer, since Grandmother Hogue always spoke of her.
Anecia says
Oh my goodness! How sweet of you to reach out! Jammer truly was a character, wasn't she? Thank you and nice to meet you JoAnn!
Elaine says
I have never seen such great recipes on any site. Do you have a cookbook of all these delicious recipes so I don't have to keep signing in on my phone
Thank you so much for what you do!
Anecia says
Thank you! You can follow and easily access any recipe at my website, or click the little red share buttom at the bottom right of any of my recipes on your iphone. That creates a "Grow" account, where you can save my recipes, as well as other food blogger recipes!
Sonda says
I am new to your site. I to am a ole southern cook. Taught by my grandmother. Good ole fried okra, fried chicken, and taters. How about sausage gravy and biscuits. All that good southern food that I could go on forever. Nice to see a site with good home cooking recipes.
Anecia says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Lisa Positeri says
I love your site! My husband and I are retired empty nesters, so I make recipes and then freeze them for future use. Does your sausage gravy freeze well to store? I've had a few disasters, things that wither separate or gel. Thank you for the tips you give.
Emil Bevacqua says
I just printed out your wonderful recipe for Louisiana Shrimp Etouffee. It looks great I can not
wait to try it out. Thank You so much for enlightening me on the fantastic recipes from your newsletter. I hope you and all your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Royce H Robertson says
I love your web site, recipes and tips. It's like we are best friends. I'm new to your site but just enjoy reading it and I like all the things you say to help the process of the recipe. You are my kind of person. You are easy to understand and I appreciate the additional information you share for a recipe, for example if you want to double the recipe you tell how to do it.
Many thanks, great job.
Anecia says
How kind of you to take time to leave this nice comment! Thank you very much!
Dan Drake says
Great stuff!!
Rachel says
I love this! Keep up the good work! Cant wait to see whats next! Congrats!