The Scramble Dog

Living down South means you sustain yourself with foods full of flavor. There is no such thing as bland down here. The Scramble Dog is no exception to that rule. In Columbus, Georgia there is a small town pharmacy in Midtown know as, Dinglewood Pharmacy.  Generations of Columbusites have been frequenting this quaint soda shop/pharmacy to enjoy a Scramble Dog and a Coke Cola. It's really a tradition. If your mom and dad haven't brought you here, then your "Papa" or "Mema" has brought you here at one time and,for most, it's a regular thing to do.

Lieutenant Stevens (his nickname, not an actual military name), seen above, while he didn't create the Scramble Dog, he did perfect it. Hungry customers wait, normally, 30 minutes to get their "fix" for some Scramble Dog. Across from AFLAC headquarters, Dan Amos, CEO, has been known to stop by for one.
So, what is this Scramble Dog? It is served in a boat, akin to a banana split.The hot dog is cut-up and placed in a Southern Maid hot dog bun.Add mustard, pickles, onions, chunks of cheese, and cover with chili, raising the bun while you smother so that the dog floats in the 'top-secret' chili. (The chili was flown to the White House during the Carter presidency.) Top with oyster crackers and eat with a spoon. *A lot of southerners top it off with hot sauce, too.

Serve up this southern goodness at home. You can find these ingredients in your local grocer.
Hot dogs
hot dog buns
chili
onion
pickles
cheddar cheese cubed
oyster crackers
mustard
*hot sauce
While it may not be like the original, it is still so yummy made at home. These are great for Sunday football gatherings, too. Just layout the toppings in serving dishes on your table or kitchen island and let your guests make their own Scramble Dog. Don't forget the Coke and sweet tea, too! (I will post directions for perfect southern sweet tea, soon)
Happy making!
Pam

Southern Comfort Food & Drink

Not only do southerners know how to make one feel welcome, but they also know how to make good ol' fashion comfort food. The South is nothing like the rest of America. It is wonderfully unique. Especially, when it comes to the cuisine.

First of all, Sweet Tea is the South's, dare I say, water! The sweeter the better, for  most. Pour it over a lot, and I mean a full glass of ice (because that's how they like it down here) and it is the most refreshing potion on a 100 degree summer day.

                                                                       Source: None via Danielle on Pinterest

Breakfast consists of two of the food groups: protein and starches. Tea or coffee to drink. Biscuits are the standard, but I always loved Granny's cheese toast. Oh, how I miss her cheese toast! She took white bread, covered one side with butter and slapped a piece of cheddar cheese on top and placed in the oven till the cheese melted and the edges were toasted. Delicious goodness. Unfortunately, I never took a pic of her cheese toast. This photo comes pretty close, though.

                                                         Source: thestonesoup.com via Tryphena on Pinterest

Here are some more breakfast comfort foods:

                                                        Source: ayankeeinasouthernkitchen.com via crankbunny on Pinterest

                                                       Source: google.com via Jeff on Pinterest 

Buttery grits. No, you don't add sugar to grits!


For supper, some good eats include:

Fried Chicken, of course!

Source: twirlandtaste.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Collard greens

Source: wasabimon.com via Ally on Pinterest

Buttermilk cornbread

Source: google.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

BBQ sandwich with slaw

Source: thedeenbros.com via Liz on Pinterest

Tomato Gravy (usually over rice and served with salt pork)

Source: deepsouthdish.com via Delaney on Pinterest

Oh, when it comes to dessert, the South is where it's at. You can't find better Banana Pudding anywhere else.

Source: southernliving.com via Shannon on Pinterest

What about the Pecan Pie? It's crunchy topping, gooey center, and flaky crust make the perfect pie.

Source: honeyandjam.com via Vica on Pinterest

Red Velvet cake has been hitting the country by storm because it is so rich and delicious. I like how it is layered in this mason jar.

Source: wanelo.com via Rawan on Pinterest

I happen to love the Lemon Pie. The Buttermilk pie is delicious, too!

Source: pipandebby.com via Susan on Pinterest

Lemon Pie

I know I haven't made a dent in the wide array of comfort food the South has to offer. I will keep writing about more, I promise.
By the way, down here, we would drink sweet tea with everything seen here.

If you have yummy memories of your Mema's or Granny's comfort food, please share with me in your comment. I would love to hear from you!


Pam