Dont be afraid of a little extra tang. Its also because grandmothers somehow know all the tricks. They know how to make the crispiest fried chicken and fluffiest biscuits, no recipe needed. Credit: Antonis Achilleos Its quite impressive, albeit frustrating when you grow up and realize you desperately need the intel. (Neighbors even ask for the recipe in passing on the street.) So, I had to ask her. Her mystery ingredient is, in fact, pickle juice....

It’s all about balance. That vision extended to her childrens sharedbathroomupstairs (shown below). I wanted to do something really fun, she says. Credit:Photographer: Alison Gootee; Stylist: Jimmie Henslee; Design: Lisa Henderson This is exactly what Ive been looking for. “I attempt to tell them that this is not the last decision youre ever going to make. We can go a little bold and a little crazy. Credit:Alison Gootee; Stylist: Jimmie Henslee; Design: Lisa Henderson...

It’s all about the ‘mallows. Growing up, Rice Krispies squares were the treat most often found in our cupboard. One thing I distinctly remember, however, is how hard the squares were. Credit: Getty Images/LauriPatterson For context, theoriginal Rice Krispies brandrecipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, one 10-oz. pack of regular marshmallows, and 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. We also used to throw in a teaspoon of vanilla, for a little extra flavor....

You’ll be surprised at first, but it actually makes sense. When we were searching for the answer, we figured it must be a chili or a chicken recipe. In fact, it had to be chicken, right? Credit:Jen Causey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Readers love our chicken recipes, especially in the fall. Is there anything more comforting than ourOld-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie? But nope, neither made the cut....

Our Test Kitchen is particular about butterread on for their favorite brand. As you could probably imagine, we go through a lot of butter at the Southern Living Test Kitchen. You might think all butter is alike, but our cooks know better. Credit: Joy Skipper/Getty Images Our giant walk-in refrigerator is stocked with boxes and boxes of one particular brand:Land O’Lakes. And when you have to crank out two dozen perfectpie crusts, consistency is everything....

Which BBQ combination is your go-to? Plus, its always to be assumed thatcornbreadand pickles are on the table, regardless of side dish choice. Southerners are a specific bunch, and they like what they like, without any apologies. Credit:Robbie Caponetto In that spirit, here is what your BBQ plate order says about you. Youre not here to take risks, and thats not a bad thing. Its simple, surebut highly effective. You also know to show up well before opening time, lest the heavenly brisket be sold out....

Everything you gotta know about thawing a frozen turkey. There are important decisions to make: Whatsize turkeydo I need? Will Iroast,smoke, or deep-fry? Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Do I absolutely need tobrine a turkeyor can I skip this step? Lindgren recommends following thesix-hour-per-pound rule. Lindgren adds that its always better to add a little extra time to be safe. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox You dont want to be cooking a turkey thats still frozen in the middle....

In avideo annoucement, Waffle House CEO Joe Rogers III announced that the company would be raising its prices. Our menu prices in a rural town are relative to competitors menu prices in that rural town. So we may not have as much room to increase prices as we have in a large city. Credit:PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images Waffle House expects to raise base pay within the next two years to $5....

Here’s what an expert has to say about this early-morning task. Getty Images Old habits are hard to break, including making the bed first thing in the morning. As my mother used to say, How you start your day is how you live your day. Credit:Getty Images Why Should You Wait to Make Your Bed? Moisture can build up on our bedding and pillows, permeating your mattress. This is true no matter the season, but it’s especially so during the warmer months....

Heaven Hill is proud to have preserved the historic Old Fitzgerald brand which dates back to the 1880s. Credit:Getty Images Credit:Southern Living / Heaven Hill Distillery

It melts like a dream. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins There isnt one definitive best cheese for grilled cheese. Enter Kerrygolds Dubliner cheese. Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins What Is Dubliner Cheese? But it shares a lot of characteristics with the familiar grilled cheese staple, especially in texture. There is a subtle sharpness paired with a rich creaminess that makes it ideal for grilled cheeses. Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley...

Ron Messina/DWR The sight ofclear, blue wateris synonymous with a sense of peace. And when the water is a glorious shade of blue-green, that deep tranquilizing effect is magnified. The dam is two hours north of Roanoke and about an hour and a half west of Staunton. Credit:Ron Messina/DWR The lake backs up the Jackson River and is the second largest reservoir in the state. Moomaw refers to Benjamin Moomaw, a local businessman who is largely credited for pushing the project forward....

Add this popular spot to your summer vacation wishlist. Norris Lake, located just north ofKnoxville, is one of the most popular lakes in Tennessee. It offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities and is known for its striking green hue and crystal waters. Credit:Getty Images Why Is Norris Lakes Water So Clear? Lake Norris considerable depth (it reaches 210 feet in some parts!) also adds to the clarity of the water....