Southern-Made Kitchen
In recent years, there has been a shift from buying primarily from big box stores to preferring to buy from smaller, locally owned establishments. With holidays coming up, the team at South compiled this list to help with those tricky-to-buy-for people. Or for yourself because there’s never a bad time to treat yourself.
Photo / Tiffany Goggin
1. Made for a Purpose
Crafted with a handle fashioned from a bourbon barrel by Richmond, VA’s Väsen Brewing Company, these oyster knives are constructed from AEB-L stainless steel and undergo a specialized high-toughness heat treatment process. Forged by the skilled artisan Brent Stubblefield, a contender on the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire,” these blades are meticulously designed for Chesapeake oysters but versatile enough for any oyster variety. Prepare for oyster season with the addition of portable fire pits and leather and canvas aprons alongside these artisan-crafted knives. Bourbon Barrel Oyster Knife ⇒ $175 southern-crafted.com
2. Cutting-Edge Craftsmanship
Few things rival the satisfaction of cooking with a perfectly sharpened, ergonomic blade. In Kentucky, Jared and Kylee Thatcher craft exceptional kitchen products. These custom pieces, available by order or through their weekly newsletter, promise heirloom quality. With impeccable blades and vibrant, eye-catching handles, it’s no surprise that custom orders are booked three years in advance. 5.5” Damascus Petty Green Dyed Box Elder Burl Knife ⇒ $475 / boothillblades.com
3. Jammin’ snacking
Known for its winning assortment of specialty wines at affordable prices and lovely array of bistro bites, Wright Square has more to offer guests and in a way that can be brought home. Their walls are filled with jarred, canned, and hand-packaged products made in-house and ready to wow. Stop in for honest nods to Southern cooking and pick up hot pickled okra, jalapeno pepper jelly, or the perfect champagne dill mustard for all your snacking needs. Jalapeno Pepper Jam ⇒ $8 / wrightsquarebistro.com
4. Southern Strawlicious!
Cheese straws have been a Southern staple since settlers first came to the continent. Originally derived as a way to safely store cheese through the winter months, cheese straws were eventually noted as making a wonderful pairing with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Kim Kaiser took up the gauntlet to recreate this timeless classic after growing up in her grandmothers’ kitchens. She and her family have been Bulloch County natives since the 1800s and so have her multiple flavors of cheese straws. Mix and match her creative flavors and put out the best crudites that your guests won’t be able to crudi-stray from. Mix and Match Cheese Straws ⇒ 4 for $28 / kimscheesestraws.com
5. Party-Perfect Boards
Having a well-made cutting board can make all the difference between easy meal prepping and messy meal prepping. Having a cutting board that is well-made, handcrafted and aesthetically appealing is a true cut above the rest. New Orleans may be known for throwing lavish parties but if you prefer the party to be in your own kitchen, these products are for you. NOLA boards is known for its cutting boards but should be remembered for its gorgeous countertops, available in a bevy of different woods and finishes. Their wood products also come in an array of wooden styles and colors, as myriad and beautiful as the Big Easy itself. Go online for custom pricing ⇒ Stand alone cutting boards like the Vieux Carre Board – End Grain ⇒ $280 / nolaboards.com
6. Dairy Delight Down South
Some believe that California cows are happiest while still others posit that Midwestern cows take the title. Southern dairy cows seem to be all but forgotten. The dairyists at Sweet Grass in Thomasville – along with their adorable herd of milk makers – are putting Georgia back on the (cheese) map. Products include such delicacies as a Tomme and a gouda and even a raw milk blue. The standouts have to be Lil’ Moo – their spin on cream cheese made with milk instead of cream – and their highly regarded pimento cheese. Nothing screams Southern potluck or brunch like a well-crafted pimento cheese and this one takes the cake, er, wheel. Lil’ Moo Spreadable Cheese ⇒ $10 / Pimento Cheese ⇒ $10 / sweetgrassdairy.com
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