5 Reasons Trisha's Southern Comfort Potluck Menu Is the One to Make
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
You don't need to speak with a delightful drawl or live in a house with a wraparound porch to tuck into some serious Southern comfort. In fact, Trisha Yearwood's Southern Comfort Potluck menu should be next up on your roster no matter where you call home. Complete with a few unexpected twists, these down-home favorites are notable for their convenience — and then some. Let us list the ways!
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
1. It's perfect for kids (or, ahem, the picky eaters in your group).
If you're feeding little and big kids alike, your menu should feature a little something that everyone can agree on. Without a doubt, slathering Trisha's homemade Pimento Cheese Spread over white bread for a simple sandwich is the one unifying force you can rely on. To make her spread, Trisha blends sweet pimento peppers, sharp cheddar cheese and mayo in her food processor until it becomes smooth and creamy. Cut off the crusts while you're at it so that the adults will notice your simple touches and the picky eaters (aka the no-crust kids) won't pitch a fit. That way, everyone and anyone will dig in without a hitch, and your little sandwiches get a little tea party flair in the process.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
2. You can invite your vegetarian pals without a problem — and they'll leave satisfied.
What's the point of serving a centerpiece that not everyone can enjoy? Instead of solely appealing to the meat eaters, appease your vegetarian friends and serve up Trisha's Chickless Pot Pie, a meatless riff on the comfort food classic that's just as decadent without the meat. Load up the filling with peas, carrots and potatoes, and wrap it with buttery premade pie dough to seal in all the flavors.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
3. You probably have many of the ingredients on hand.
Sure, you'll have to hit the store for the asparagus, but you probably have the rest of the ingredients for this creamy, layered Asparagus Casserole in your pantry or fridge. Crumble up saltine crackers for a crunchy-salty topping, blend milk and cheddar on the stove for an easy cheese sauce, and hard-boil the eggs sitting in your fridge for an added topping. Bake it all in a casserole dish until golden, and you've got yourself a comforting veggie side.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
To save on time, assemble Trisha's Garlic Grits Casserole ahead of time. When you've got 45 minutes until go time, take the casserole dish from the fridge, pop it into the oven, then bake until the cornflake-topped dish is creamy on the inside and extra crispy on the top.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Hello! What would a Southern menu be without a sweet ending? Trisha's elegant yet understated Banana Pudding Cake plays off classic Southern banana pudding. Instead of piling wafers and pudding into a trifle dish, Trisha slathers creamy vanilla pudding between two moist banana cakes (made with wafers in the batter!). It's the perfect conclusion to a bountiful potluck with friends and fam.