15 Recipe For Old-fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!

Published on: Mar 7, 2024

Tea cakes are a staple in the Southern United States, with a long history dating back to the early 19th century. These soft, buttery cookies have a delicate crumb and a hint of vanilla, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. While there are many variations of tea cakes, the old-fashioned southern tea cake recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved treat for generations. Let's dive into the steps of making these classic cookies and bring a taste of the South into your home.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemons, Fresh Mint

Celebrate National Hammock Day with Our Southern Sweet Tea Recipe + a ...

Southern sweet tea is a staple in the South, and it's the perfect complement to a delicious beer can chicken. This recipe combines the sweetness of tea with the smokiness of the chicken for a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you wanting more. It's easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next cookout or family dinner.

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Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Nutmeg, Unsalted

MAKE THESE SOUTHERN TEA CAKE COOKIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Crockpot Girl

The BEST Southern Tea Cakes Recipe ONLINE - Grandbaby Cakes

If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional beer can chicken recipe, try making these Southern tea cake cookies. These soft and chewy treats are made with butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, giving them a flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken. Serve them as a side dish or as a dessert – either way, they're sure to be a hit.

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Southern Tea Cakes

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Nutmeg

Deep South Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes Recipe | Divas Can Cook

$Paula Deen\'S Teacake Cookie Recipe / Best Easter Recipes Easter Bonnet ...$

If you want to keep things simple, stick with the classic Southern tea cakes. Made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, these cookies are easy to make and are a perfect addition to your beer can chicken. They have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, cake-like interior that will make your taste buds dance.

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Southern Tea Cakes!

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Eggs, Sugar

$Paula Deen\'S Teacake Cookie Recipe / Best Easter Recipes Easter Bonnet ...$

Looking for a twist on the classic tea cakes? Try adding a touch of lemon to the recipe for a bright and refreshing flavor. These Southern tea cakes are made with lemon zest and juice, giving them a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the chicken. Trust us, one bite and you'll be hooked.

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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt

Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe | The Gracious Wife

Southern Skillet Cornbread - A Pinch of Healthy

Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread | Recipe | Southern ...

A Southern meal isn't complete without a side of cornbread, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Made in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior that is to die for. Serve it warm with butter and honey for a true Southern experience.

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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water

Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea | Orchids + Sweet Tea

Love and Confections: Simple Southern Sweet Tea + A Virtual Baby Shower

Southern Sweet Tea | The Kitchen is My Playground

For a truly authentic Southern sweet tea, try making Juanita's sweet tea. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is a staple in Southern households. Made with black tea, sugar, and a hint of lemon, this sweet tea is the perfect companion to your beer can chicken. And the best part? You can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for later.

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Southern Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)

Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornmeal, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt

Johnny Cakes Recipe (Hoe Cakes or Fried Cornbread) - Grandbaby Cakes

Hoe Cakes ("Johnny Cakes") - The Seasoned Mom

SOUTHERN FRIED CORNBREAD | Fried cornbread, Johnny cakes recipe, Hoe cakes

Southern Hoe Cakes Recipe (Johnny Cakes) - Insanely Good

Hoe cakes, also known as Johnny cakes, are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. These simple cornmeal pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken. Serve them with some maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.

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Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Oil, Milk

old fashioned tea cakes made with nutmeg

Southern Tea Cakes are soft, buttery, and crumbly - much more cookie ...

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For a taste of nostalgia, try making these old-fashioned tea cakes. They're made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, and have a flavor reminiscent of your grandmother's kitchen. These cookies are perfect for dipping in your sweet tea or enjoying on their own as a tasty dessert.

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Southern Smothered Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Ground Black Pepper

Honestly Easy Smothered Chicken | FaveSouthernRecipes.com

Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy - Cooks with Soul

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that involves cooking chicken in a rich, flavorful gravy until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. This recipe is the perfect main dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The two dishes complement each other perfectly, and your taste buds will thank you.

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Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

Southern Collard Greens | RecipeLion.com

Vegan Southern-Style Collard Greens - Healthier Steps

Southern Collard Greens | NeighborFood

No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. This recipe for classic Southern collard greens is simple and delicious, with a combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The greens are slow-cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of sugar for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Home. Made. Interest.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing - Grace and Good Eats

The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing - Everyday Eileen

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, try making this Southern cornbread dressing. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onion, and spices, this dressing is a staple at Southern holiday dinners. It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory and will take your meal to the next level.

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Southern Smothered Oxtails

Main Ingredients: Oxtails, All Purpose Flour, Worcestershire Sauce

southern styled oxtails – 99easyrecipes

Southern Smothered Oxtails | Recipe | Cooking oxtails, Oxtail recipes ...

Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails | I Heart Recipes | Recipe ...

Oxtails are a Southern delicacy that are often overlooked. But trust us, once you try this recipe for Southern smothered oxtails, you'll be hooked. The oxtails are slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that will leave your guests raving.

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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits

Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt

How to Make Layered Southern Biscuits - Little Figgy Food

Flaky, Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe | Girl Vs Dough

These classic Southern biscuits are the perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, these biscuits are flaky and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They're the perfect vessel for sopping up all the delicious juices from your chicken.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk, Pepper, Salt

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No Southern meal is complete without mac and cheese, and this recipe for Southern baked macaroni and cheese is sure to impress. Made with a combination of cheddar and Gouda cheese, this mac and cheese is creamy and flavorful. It's the perfect side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken.

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Flour, Evaporated Milk, Half And Half

Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese. - Half Baked Harvest

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Easy Recipe: Perfect Best Baked Mac And Cheese - Pioneer Woman Recipes ...

If you're looking for a twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe, give this Southern baked mac and cheese a try. This version uses a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. The addition of breadcrumbs on top adds a nice crunch to every bite.

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Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust - The Country Cook

Classic Southern Pecan Pie Bars - Maria's Kitchen

Pecan pie bars are a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe takes the traditional pecan pie and transforms it into a bar, making it easier to serve and enjoy. The flaky crust and gooey pecan filling make for a delicious treat that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.

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Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Peaches, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Peach Cobbler - Best Recipe EVER! - Merry About Town

Peach cobbler is a quintessential Southern dessert that is perfect for any time of year. This recipe uses fresh peaches and a crispy, buttery topping for a dessert that will have you dreaming of warm summer days. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern experience.

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Southern Style Crab Cakes

Main Ingredients: Lump Crab Meat, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Poblano

Easy Maryland-Style Crab Cakes Recipe | Diethood

Easy Southern Style Blue Crab Cakes | gritsandpinecones.com | Recipe ...

If you're looking for a seafood option to pair with your beer can chicken, try making these Southern-style crab cakes. Made with fresh lump crab meat and a blend of spices, these crab cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside your chicken.

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Classic Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Chicken

Southern Collard Greens - House of Nash Eats

Southern Collard Greens | Magnolia Days

Slow Cooker Collard Greens and Ham Hocks | Recipe | Greens recipe ...

Easy Vegan Collard Greens (Classic Southern Recipe) [+VIDEO] | Recipe ...

If you're a fan of Southern collard greens, you'll love this classic recipe. The greens are cooked with bacon, onion, and spices until they are tender and packed with flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that will transport you to the South with every bite.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar

Southern Style Jalapeño Pimento Cheese spread- Amee's Savory Dish

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe - TheSuperHealthyFood

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe for a Deliciously Easy Appetizer!

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that can be served as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling. This recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos for a creamy and tangy flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique appetizer or side dish.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemons, Fresh Mint

If you're looking for a refreshing and sweet drink to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern Sweet Tea. This classic beverage is a staple in the South and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. The key to making a perfect batch of sweet tea is to brew it strong and add plenty of sugar while it's still hot. Serve over ice for a cool and satisfying sip.

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Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Nutmeg, Unsalted

For a unique twist on traditional tea cakes, try making Southern Tea Cake Cookies. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing and have all the same delicious flavors as the classic cake. The dough is lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and can be rolled in sugar before baking for an extra sweet touch. These cookies are great for parties or as a sweet snack to enjoy with your beer can chicken.

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Southern Tea Cakes

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Nutmeg

Nanny's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes | My Nourished Home

Southern Tea Cakes - Immaculate Bites Tea Cake Cookie Recipe, Tea Cake ...

No list of Southern desserts would be complete without mentioning Southern Tea Cakes. These simple and delicate cookies are a beloved treat in the South, often served with a cup of tea or coffee. They have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor and are perfect for dipping into your tea. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a truly Southern meal.

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Southern Tea Cakes!

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Eggs, Sugar

Southern Tea Cakes - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Tea Cakes - Add a Pinch - How to Make Tea Cakes

If you're looking for a foolproof recipe for Southern Tea Cakes, this is it. These cookies are soft and fluffy with a slight crunch on the outside. The key to making them is to allow the dough to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape and give them that perfect crumbly texture. Serve these with a cold glass of sweet tea for a truly Southern experience.

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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt

No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cooking and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. For an authentic Southern touch, make your cornbread in a cast iron skillet. This will give it a crisp and golden crust while keeping the inside moist and fluffy. Serve with a pat of butter for a truly indulgent treat.

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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water

Simple Southern Sweet Tea - The Menu Maid

Sweet Tea: A Southern Staple - thehouseandhomemagazine.com

This recipe for Juanita's Sweet Tea is a favorite among Southerners. It's sweet, refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The key to this tea is to use fresh tea bags and let it steep for at least an hour before serving. This will ensure a strong and flavorful tea that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Enjoy it over ice for a truly Southern experience.

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Southern Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)

Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornmeal, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt

Easy Southern Hoecakes (Johnny Cakes) ) | gritsandpinecones.com ...

If you're looking for a unique side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Southern Johnny Cakes. These crispy and savory cakes are made with cornmeal and buttermilk and can be cooked on a griddle or in a skillet. They're perfect for sopping up any extra juices from your chicken and add a delicious crunch to your meal. Serve with a dollop of homemade butter for a truly Southern treat.

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Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Oil, Milk

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How To Make Old Fashioned Tea Cakes | Say Grace

The BEST Old Fashioned Eggless Tea Cakes - Keeping Life Sane

For a classic Southern dessert, try making Old Fashioned Tea Cakes. These simple cookies have hints of vanilla and lemon and are soft and chewy on the inside with a crisp edge. They're perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee and make a great afternoon snack. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and comforting meal.

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Southern Smothered Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Ground Black Pepper

Southern Smothered Chicken is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is made by slowly cooking chicken in a rich gravy until it's tender and flavorful. It's perfect for serving with your beer can chicken to add a little variety to your meal. Don't forget to sop up the extra gravy with a slice of cornbread.

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Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

Cooking up a batch of Southern Collard Greens is a must for any barbecue. This traditional side dish is made by slowly cooking collard greens in a flavorful broth until they're tender and delicious. They're the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and add a healthy dose of greens to your meal. Serve with a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

Cornbread dressing is a Thanksgiving staple in the South, but it's also a great side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made by combining cornbread, spices, and other seasonings and baking it until it's crispy on top and soft in the middle. It's the perfect savory side to balance out the sweetness of the chicken.

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Southern Smothered Oxtails

Main Ingredients: Oxtails, All Purpose Flour, Worcestershire Sauce

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Southern Smothered Oxtails. This dish is made by slow cooking oxtails in a rich gravy until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a cool evening and pairs perfectly with a cold beer.

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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits

Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt

No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky and buttery biscuits. This classic recipe is simple and easy to make and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. The key to making perfect biscuits is to handle the dough gently and not overwork it. Serve with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying and delicious treat.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk, Pepper, Salt

Baked macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food in the South and makes a great side dish for beer can chicken. This recipe is made by combining cooked macaroni with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and baking it until it's bubbly and golden brown. Serve as a savory and cheesy side dish to balance out the flavors of your chicken.

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Flour, Evaporated Milk, Half And Half

If you're looking for a shortcut to delicious mac and cheese, try making this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. It's made with canned condensed cheddar cheese soup to create a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce that's easy to prepare. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy and crunchy texture and serve with your beer can chicken for a satisfying meal.

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Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

For a simple and delicious dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Southern Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the same flavors as a traditional pecan pie, but are easier to make and perfect for sharing. The crust is buttery and flaky and the filling is rich and sweet with crunchy pecans throughout. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

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Classic Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Chicken

Southern Style Collard Greens - Blue Cheese Bungalow

Easy Southern Collard Greens - The Happier Homemaker

For a simple and traditional side dish, try making Classic Southern Collard Greens. This dish is made by slowly simmering collard greens in a flavorful broth until they're tender and delicious. The key to making perfect collard greens is to cook them low and slow to allow the flavors to develop. Serve with your beer can chicken for a classic Southern meal.

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Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Peaches, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour

For a sweet and fruity dessert to enjoy with your beer can chicken, try making Southern Peach Cobbler. This classic dish is made with fresh peaches and a buttery biscuit topping that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. This cobbler is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

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Southern Style Crab Cakes

Main Ingredients: Lump Crab Meat, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Poblano

Skinny Crab Cakes / Six Sisters' Stuff | Six Sisters' Stuff

If you're looking for a seafood option to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Southern Style Crab Cakes. These flavorful and tender cakes are made with fresh crab meat and a variety of seasonings for a savory and delicious dish. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a cool and creamy dipping sauce for a perfectly balanced meal.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that's perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. This recipe combines shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and diced pimentos for a creamy and cheesy dip that's great for dipping crackers or vegetables. It's a great appetizer to enjoy while your chicken is cooking and adds a delicious Southern touch to your meal.

The Key Ingredients

To truly capture the essence of an old-fashioned southern tea cake, you'll need to start with the right ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor is to use butter and real vanilla extract. The butter adds a rich and creamy taste, while the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness. It's also important to use all-purpose flour for a tender crumb and granulated sugar for a delicate sweetness. Other ingredients you'll need are eggs, milk, and baking powder, all of which are pantry staples in most households.

Preparation is Key

Before you start mixing the ingredients, it's essential to properly prepare your workspace and equipment. Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. You'll also want to have your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing. This will help save time and ensure accuracy in the recipe.

The Perfect Technique

The key to achieving a soft and buttery texture in your tea cakes is to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and softer cookie. You'll also want to add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help prevent the mixture from curdling and ensure a smooth batter. When adding the dry ingredients, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie.

Bringing it All Together

Once you have the perfect dough, it's time to roll it out and cut out your tea cakes. Traditionally, tea cakes are cut into round shapes, but you can also use cookie cutters for a more decorative touch. Place the cutouts on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with milk. This will give the cookies a beautiful golden color as they bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that's it - you now have a batch of delicious old-fashioned southern tea cakes ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Bringing a Taste of the South into Your Home

In conclusion, the recipe for old-fashioned southern tea cakes is a simple yet delicious treat that has been passed down through generations. By using quality ingredients and proper techniques, you can recreate the taste of the South in your own kitchen. So why not gather your loved ones, put on a pot of tea, and enjoy these classic cookies together. Trust us; they won't last long!