Page 42 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2026

DINING
Bacon-Fried Romaine
Wedge Salad
story by Chelsea Gieselmann photos by Chelsea Gieselmann and courtesy of Evergreen Creative Company
Let’s just go ahead and admit it, bacon is the unofficial love
extra personality, bringing that familiar comfort with a bright,
language of the South. Bacon became a staple in the south in
the 19th century when Hernando de Soto brought 13 pigs to the
South from Spain, paving the way for its popularity today. This
salty pork goodness isn’t just something we fry up alongside our
eggs on Saturday morning, it’s a flavor builder.
Not only do we utilize these beautiful smoky strips of pork—
around here, we know a little bacon grease (AKA liquid gold)
can go a long way. That smoky, salty flavor brings depth to
vegetables and makes just about anything taste like somebody’s
grandma has been standing over the stove all day making
Sunday family dinner.
Bacon has inspired the three bacon forward sides I’ve created.
They’re familiar enough to feel right at home on a Southern
table, but each one has a little twist to make it special. First, a
bacon fried romaine wedge salad dressed with whipped goat
cheese, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, crispy bacon, and fresh
pomegranate seeds for an extra bite. It’s creamy, smoky, tangy,
and fresh, with enough color to make your table pop. Next,
black eyed peas with a little Southern makeover— pepper
vinegar butter, finely diced red bell pepper, smoky bacon, and a
delicious cornbread crumble. It’s a Southern classic with a little
42 | November 2026 peppery kick. And because no spread is complete without a
green vegetable, fresh green beans fried in bacon grease and
tossed with pecans, bacon, and spices.
Y’all, Southern cooking doesn’t have to be complicated
to be impressive. Sometimes, all it takes is a few thoughtful
ingredients, a little Southern know-how, and some good ole
bacon to turn everyday sides into something worth gathering
around the table for.
Black-Eyed Peas with Pepper Vinegar
Butter and Cornbread Crumble
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