Bessie&Co.'s Let’s cook 👩‍🍳 Collection on LTK

Let’s cook 👩‍🍳

By Bessie&Co.

🍑 Easy Southern recipes + family favorites from my kitchen to yours 🩵

My newest sourdough bread experiment turned into my favorite loaf yet 🤍

During shaping (after bulk fermentation), I gently flattened the dough, layered in completely cooled roasted potatoes + onions, added crumbled Boursin, then folded and shaped tightly. Cold ferment overnight in the fridge and bake in a preheated Dutch oven as usual.

It baked up soft, flavorful, and perfectly structured.

Tips for bread baking with inclusions:
• Make sure fillings are fully cooled
• Avoid excess moisture
• Don’t overfill
• Seal your dough well during shaping

Linking my sourdough starter tools, bread baking tools, bannetons, lame, and Dutch oven here 🥖✨

#sourdoughbread #breadbaking #dutchovenbread #sourdoughstarter #kitchenfavorites #southernrootsmodernplates

#LTKfoodie #LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome

If you’ve ever eaten at a barbecue place anywhere in the South, you’ve probably seen a hickory tater on the menu 🤍

Here’s how we make them at home…

Big baked russet potatoes, chopped smoked pork (or grab some from your local BBQ spot), shredded cheddar, and that creamy dressing piled right on top.

It’s an easy dinner idea, perfect for BBQ night, game day, or a cozy weeknight meal.

I’ve linked the kitchen tools and favorites I use to make it simple.

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#easydinner
#weeknightmeal
#comfortfood
#southernrecipe
#bbqdinner
#gamedayfood
#homemademeal
#familydinner
#kitchentools
#homecooking
#kitchenessentials
#cookware
#mealprepideas
#foodprocessor
#smoker
#bakedpotato
#loadedbakedpotato
#smokedmeat

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKOver40

Back in the kitchen after a little break 🤍
There’s something grounding about sourdough — slow, simple, and so worth it.

Sharing my go-to sourdough recipe (makes two loaves), plus the tools I use every single time. Nothing fancy, just good bread made at home.

Save this one if sourdough is on your list 🍞

⸻

Bessie & Co.’s Simple Sourdough

Makes 2 loaves

Feed Starter (until doubled):
• 125g warm water
• 125g flour
• Let rise until bubbly and doubled

Mix Dough:
• 200g active starter
• 650g warm water
• 50g olive oil
• 1000g bread flour
Mix, cover, rest 1 hour

Add Salt:
• 4 tsp salt
Hand mix until smooth
Rest 45 minutes

Stretch + Fold:
• 4 rounds, 30 minutes apart
Let dough rise until doubled

Shape + Cold Proof:
• Divide into 2 loaves
• Shape, cover, refrigerate overnight

Bake:
• Preheat Dutch oven to 475°
• Score, add parchment + ice cubes
• Bake covered 25 min
• Uncover, reduce to 450°, bake 20 min

Golden, crackly, perfect every time ✨

⸻

Supplies I Use (tagged below)
• Digital kitchen scale
• Dough whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• Proofing baskets
• Bread lame or sharp knife
• Parchment paper
• Dutch oven
• Bench scraper
• Tea towels

#LTKOver40 #LTKHome #LTKfoodie

Cowgirl Butter 🤠
I took this to my son-in-law’s birthday dinner last night (happy birthday, Taylor!) and it disappeared fast. This is one of those keep-it-in-the-fridge recipes that instantly upgrades whatever you put it on—steaks, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes (my favorite), bread, fish… honestly, anything.

Cowgirl butter is simply a compound butter, but this one brings BIG flavor. Make it once, keep it chilled, and add a little pop of something special to everyday meals.

Recipe below—save this one.

Bessie & Co.’s Cowgirl Butter

2 sticks of softened butter
1/4 cup Montreal Steak Seasoning
2 tbls fresh thyme leaves
2 tbls fresh Italian parsley chopped
1 large garlic clove grated
1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all together and serve with your favorite steak. Also delicious on potato’s, roasted vegetables, or literally anything. Enjoy 🤠

#cowgirlbutter #compoundbutter #steaknight #southernrecipes #bessieandcompany #homecooking #easyentertaining #flavorboost
@Target

#LTKHome #LTKValentine #LTKfoodie

Winter Spice Cheesecake 🤍
A cozy, from-scratch cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, warm winter spices, and a silky bourbon caramel made with Carnation evaporated milk.

Creamy, not overly sweet, and perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want a classic homemade cheesecake that feels special but approachable.

👇 Condensed recipe 👇

Crust
• Gingersnap crumbs + butter + brown sugar
Bake 350° | 8–10 min

Filling
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Carnation evaporated milk
• Sour cream
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon + nutmeg + pinch cloves

Bake in water bath 325° | 60–70 min (center should jiggle).
Cool, then chill overnight.

Bourbon Caramel
• Sugar + water (cook to amber)
• Butter
• Carnation evaporated milk
• Bourbon + vanilla + salt

DM me for the full recipe 🤎
Tagging the ingredients + tools I used 🤍

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash #homemadecheesecake #southerndesserts #winterdesserts #bakingfromscratch #ltkfood #ltkhome

#LTKfoodie #LTKootd #LTKHome

I’ve been baking sourdough for a few years now, but this was my first time making a sweet potato sourdough loaf… and y’all — it is that good.

Soft, lightly sweet, beautifully golden, and honestly one of the best sourdough loaves I’ve ever made. The sweet potato gives it such a tender crumb, and that little touch of honey adds just the right warmth without making it overly sweet.

Sliced thick, slathered with homemade whipped honey butter, and finished with a sprinkle of Maldon salt — absolute perfection.

Tagging the kitchen tools I used to bring this one together so you can try it right along with me. This one’s staying in our regular rotation. 🤍

Bessie & Co.’s Sweet Potato Sourdough
Makes 2 loaves

1️⃣ Add 125g warm water to starter and shake to mix
2️⃣ Add 125g flour to starter, stir with wooden utensil
3️⃣ Place in warm oven with lid on until doubled
4️⃣ In a large bowl, add:
• 200g active starter
• 500g warm water
• 50g olive oil
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 200–250g mashed sweet potatoes
5️⃣ Mix well, then add 1000g bread flour
6️⃣ Mix with dough whisk, cover, and rest in warm oven 1 hour
7️⃣ Add 4 tsp salt and hand mix until incorporated
8️⃣ Cover and rest in oven 45 minutes
9️⃣ Stretch and fold 4 times, 30 minutes apart (covered between)
🔟 Let dough rise until doubled
1️⃣1️⃣ Divide into 2 pieces and shape
1️⃣2️⃣ Rest 20 minutes (optional)
1️⃣3️⃣ Reshape and place in proofing bowls
1️⃣4️⃣ Cover and refrigerate overnight
1️⃣5️⃣ Preheat oven with Dutch oven inside to 475
1️⃣6️⃣ Turn dough onto parchment and score
1️⃣7️⃣ Add ice cubes under parchment
1️⃣8️⃣ Bake 25 minutes covered
1️⃣9️⃣ Reduce heat to 450, uncover, bake 20 minutes more

✨ Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

#bessieandco #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash #sourdoughbread #fromscratch #homebaker #cozykitchen #sweetpotatorecipes #breadbaking #ltkhome

Follow @bessieandcompany for more little everyday moments from our Georgia kitchen, plus Southern recipes, cozy home, and seasonal inspiration. 🤍
@Target @Anthropologie

#LTKOver40 #LTKfoodie #LTKHome

Y’all… @quaynaturals has this Southern girl over here eating buckwheat groats — and I LOVE them.

If you’re not following their page for real, functional food made with simple ingredients, you’re missing out. They kept showing these beautiful bowls with groats and finally I said, “Okay… what even are groats?” 😂 So I asked my virtual assistant, placed an order, and here we are.

I’m always looking for new ways to add more whole grains and healthy food into my life, and this is officially a pantry staple.

Here’s how I made this quick lunch:
I brought 2 cups chicken broth to a boil with a tablespoon or two of my roasted garlic olive oil. Added 1 cup buckwheat groats, covered, and cooked about 15ish minutes.

While that cooked, I tossed arugula and tomatoes with my homemade garlic vinaigrette, sliced some rotisserie chicken, and added a few Greek marinated olives.

Finished the groats with a drizzle of roasted garlic olive oil, lemon zest, and parsley.
In 15ish minutes I had a healthy lunch.
A flavor-forward lunch.
A lunch that checked all the boxes.

Tagging @quaynaturals — thank y’all for the inspiration. 🤍

#LTKfoodie #LTKActive #LTKHome

Race Track Chili — straight from the Drag Strip days. 🏁
This recipe came from my MIL Carol, who learned it while working the concession stand with her friend Jeanette. It’s the chili I use for my Chili Buns, hot dogs, burgers, and more.

Race Track Chili

2 lbs ground beef or venison
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup (or so) water
¼ cup (or so) chili powder

Bring water to a boil and add meat, onion, salt, and pepper.
Cook until no longer pink, then use an immersion blender to blend smooth.
Add chili powder to taste and simmer 15 minutes, adding water if needed.

Simple, old-school, and full of small-town memories.
I’ve tagged my kitchen tools and immersion blender below.

#racetrackchili
#chilisbuns
#southerncomfort
#familyrecipe
#smalltownflavors
#comfortfoodlove
#homestylecooking
#cookwithme
#kitchenfavorites
#immersionblender
#southernroots
#modernsouthern
#foodwithastory
#nostalgiafood
#bessieandcompany

#LTKfoodie #LTKHome #LTKstorytime

Southern Comfort Soup 🤍
Y’all also know this as Italian Wedding Soup — but around here it’s rich, cozy, hearty, and made with love. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, and when you just need a warm bowl of comfort.

Creamy broth, tender tortellini, savory sausage meatballs, kale, and all the cozy flavors of the season. Serve it with crusty bread and a little extra Parmesan and call it a good day.

Bessie & Co.’s Southern Comfort Soup (Italian Wedding Soup)

Ingredients:
• 2 diced onions
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1–2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 lbs mild Italian sausage
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 3 large cartons chicken broth
• 1 large carton heavy cream
• 5–6 cups chopped kale
• 1 lb cheese tortellini

Instructions:
Make small bite-size meatballs from sausage and bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté onion in olive oil with seasonings until just starting to brown. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a low boil.
Add meatballs, reduce to low, cover and simmer 2–3 hours.
Stir in heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer (don’t boil).
Add kale and tortellini and cook until tortellini is tender.

Serve with Parmesan and your favorite crusty bread.
Happy soup season 🩵

#southerncomfort #southernrootsmodernplates #bessieandco #southerncooking #cozysoups #comfortfoodseason #souprecipes #italianweddingsoup #homemadesoup #winterrecipes #familydinner #soupseason #livingthedash #carnationnation

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKfoodie

The secret to the most flavorful mashed potatoes?
👉 Use that starchy, salty cooking water — just like you do with pasta sauces.

It adds flavor, silkiness, and that “why are these so good?” magic. ✨
Sharing my go-to mashed potato recipe below, plus linking all my favorite kitchen tools I use to make them.

—

Bessie & Co.’s Mashed Potatoes

🛒 Ingredients
• 2.5–3 lbs gold or russet potatoes
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 2–4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 stick butter
• 1 (5 oz) can Carnation Evaporated Milk
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1–3 ladlefuls reserved starchy potato water

🥔 How I Make Them
Peel and cube potatoes. Add to a pot with smashed garlic and salt.
Cover with cold water and boil until tender.

Drain potatoes — but SAVE that cooking water!

Mash using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add butter, Carnation Evaporated Milk, pepper, and enough of that starchy cooking water to get your perfect creamy texture.

Taste and add more salt if needed.
Simple, Southern, and so dang good. 🤍

Tagging all my favorite kitchen tools I use to make these below!

#LTKstorytime #LTKHome #LTKfoodie

These sesame noodles are one of those recipes that never get old. Simple, flavorful, and just as good the next day — sometimes even better. We love them warm, but they’re also delicious served cold as a noodle salad.

This recipe is a longtime family favorite from Pioneer Woman, and it’s one I’ve made so many times it feels like part of our own kitchen story now. 🤍

⸻

Simple Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:
• 12 oz thin noodles (angel hair, spaghetti, or lo mein)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp hot chili oil (more or less to taste)
• 4 tbsp canola oil
• ¼ cup water
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts)

⸻

Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While noodles cook, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hot chili oil, canola oil, and water.
3. Pour sauce over warm noodles and toss well to coat.
4. Add sliced green onions and toss again.
5. Serve warm, or refrigerate and enjoy cold as a noodle salad.

Perfect on its own, or topped with leftover steak or grilled chicken for an easy, satisfying meal.

⸻

Follow @bessieandcompany for more little everyday moments from our Georgia garden, plus Southern recipes, cozy home, and seasonal inspo. 🤍
#LTKfood #LTKhome #easyrecipes #homecooking #familyfavorites #cozykitchen #southernrootsmodernplates #bessieandcompany

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKBeauty

Working on sharing some sourdough starter with a few people 🩷. Let me know if you’re a sourdough baker 🥖

#LTKstorytime #LTKmomlife #LTKfoodie

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