Sizzling Southern Fried Chicken with Champagne - a perfect supper with your sweetie, floating down the river at sunset!

Southern Fried Chicken

Enjoy with champagne at sunset with your sweetie or with plenty of ice cold sweet tea when family and friends gather. This is what is referred to as a "wet" chicken and has long been served by some of the most soulful cooks in the South.

1 (3-1/2 lb.) chicken, rinsed, cut into pieces

1 quart buttermilk

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground oregano

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp. baking powder

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Peanut oil for frying

Trim the excess fat and skin from chicken pieces (but don't remove all the skin). Put chicken pieces in a large zip-lock bag or in a non-reactive pan. Pour buttermilk over chicken and toss to make sure each piece is well coated.

Cover if in a pan; if in bag, zip-lock and place bag of chicken in pan or large bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic, cumin, oregano, baking powder, cayenne, salt and pepper in a large plastic bag.

Drop chicken pieces into the bag, one at a time, and shake until well coated with flour mixture.

Pour 1 inch of oil in a large deep cast iron skillet. (Better of course if it’s an old seasoned skillet). Heat oil over medium-high until it's hot but not smoking.

Add chicken, largest pieces first, skin side down. (Work in batches if your skillet is small.) Reduce heat to medium, and cook, turning once, until chicken is golden brown and crispy, 12–15 minutes per side. Drain chicken on paper towels. (Chicken is done when it floats to the top.) Drain and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lemonade - Turning Southern Scratch into Hooch

Southern Scratch and Hooch Lemonade

Every Southern Belle knows that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And of course Southern traditions are passed down from generation to generation, so every daughter comes armed with a closely guarded arsenal of secret recipes. When it gets hot in the South, honey it gets humid and we need to replenish the water that we loose on those sweat dripping bad hair days with something to quench our thirst! Nothing says summertime in Dixie like lemonade. Why good lemonade is a real elixir that mixed with a little honey and good Tennessee whiskey can cure most sniffles and has mended many a broken heart.

2 cups sugar

1 cup hot water

2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 gallon cold water

1 lemon, sliced

In a gallon container, place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to make 1 gallon. Stir until well mixed. When ready to serve, pour lemonade over glasses of crushed ice, squeeze slice of lemon on top of each. Put glasses in the freezer ahead of time so they will be chilled. Cheers! For a little added cheer – add 1-¾ ounces Jack Daniels and ¼ ounce Triple Sec to each glass, fill with lemonade, swirl it around, add a spring of mint and enjoy! Now you’ve turned your Scratch into Hooch.

Free 4th of July Holiday Download "Faith and Freedom" dedicated to the men and women of the US Armed Services

Gary Morris dedicates his new single, “Faith and Freedom” to the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard - A July 4th Thank You to our military!

“It is with pride that I dedicate the title cut from my latest CD, Faith and Freedom, to the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard,” said Gary Morris. This song is being released initially to the members of our armed services around the world to honor their bravery and sacrifice, as we observe the birth of our nation. The members of the military and their families will receive complimentary downloads of the single and in their honor - YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FOR FREE.

Morris, known for his signature rendition of the classic Wind Beneath My Wings, a string of country hits, his award-winning North American Sportsman television show, and his starring role in Broadway’s Les Misérables; has long been an active supporter of America’s military. He has performed for every US President since Jimmy Carter, at military bases around the world, and has made guest appearances with various military bands. He has hosted celebrity golf tournaments for TAPS, raising in excess of $1,000,000. Part of the proceeds from this song and art prints of the original art on the CD cover will benefit the military families supported by TAPS.

As we celebrate the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence on July 4, 2011; it’s time to say thank you to America’s military. These hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform, now and throughout history, have dedicated their lives to uphold our inalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“As we spend the holiday with family and friends, I ask that you take time to reflect and to thank the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard who continue to assure us our faith and freedom,” added Morris.

CLICK FOR "Faith and Freedom" DOWNLOAD

From a breathtaking rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” to his masterful performance of the title cut from his latest CD, Gary Morris reminds us that America was established on the bedrock of freedom and undisputed faith. Whether in times of war or peace, this is the music which defines America; the songs which lead men to fight for freedom, and the songs of faith that bring them home.