Posted by on Dec 16, 2014 in Eat | 3 comments

Wow! New York City really is the land of opportunities. I recently attended the taping of ABC Network’s popular cooking show, The Chew. My friend, Vikki was lucky enough to get tickets to the show. During the taping, one of the producer’s assistants asked the audience to see her afterwards if we had any Southern recipes. I turned to Vikki with a look of excitement — I knew I had to tell them about my Grandma’s recipe book.

I went home for Thanksgiving during my freshman year of college at North Carolina State University. While preparing some of the traditional Thanksgiving casseroles with my Grandma, I told her that I would love copies of her handwritten recipes. That sparked an idea in my Grandma’s mind and she worked until Christmas Eve typing every recipe. My Grandpa printed each recipe card and placed them in a recipe book that was gifted to me on Christmas morning. I remember tears coming to my eyes as I opened the book, “Grandma’s All Time Favorites” with a photograph of me hugging my Grandma on the front page. What an amazing gift that I will cherish forever and pass down to other generations.

I never dreamed that I would make it on national television. The day that I got the call I had been accepted and would appear on The Chew was unbelievable! I would be responsible for “pitching” my recipe to the show’s hosts and they would pick one lucky winner out of three Southern cooks to make the recipe on national television and in front of a live audience. Luckily, I was the selected cook and had the opportunity to make my Grandma’s Tomato Pie recipe.

Being on the show was so exciting. I had a whole crew tasked with making me beautiful. Trust me, I would never be able to do my hair or make up like that ever again! Sure, I was nervous in the dressing room as I rehearsed my pitch with the producer. I really wanted the chance to cook my recipe because my Dad and Grandma were both going to be in the audience.

Wearing a black cowboy hat, I made my grand entrance on The Chew and in front of a live audience. I pitched my Grandma’s Tomato Pie recipe and sure enough, Daphne Oz loved the dish! I huddled with the two other contestants as the show’s hosts convened to determine the winner. When I heard my name called all I could do was jump up and down. How amazing! Dreams really do come true.

I was immediately shuffled to the kitchen and stood next to Carla Hall as we prepared for the next segment of The Chew. My hair and make up were both touched up and the cameras started rolling. Carla and I worked together as The Chew’s hosts chatted with me about my Grandma and her recipe book. How incredible to have my Grandma in the audience and what an honor to show the world how much she means to me. Cooking is natural to me and my favorite memories are associated with food — especially Southern foods. I displayed my love for cooking, food and the South while on The Chew, and that’s what allowed me to be such a natural behind the camera.

I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe from my favorite cookbook, “Grandma’s All Time Favorites.” Special thanks to Barbara Baughman for allowing me to share this recipe.

Grandma’s Tomato Pie Recipe

Filling
2 - 14 ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 small onion chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 cups cornbread stuffing mix

Topping
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup cornbread stuffing mix
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh or dried basil (to garnish)

Directions
1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
2) In a large bowl, mix together the filling ingredients until combined and transfer to a 9×9 casserole dish. In another bowl mix together the topping ingredients and evenly distribute over the casserole dish.
3) Bake for 30-40 minutes or until melty and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.