This recipe from The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook may sound fancy with that "Vidalia pan gravy," but I was born close enough to the South—I know smothered pork chops when I see them. Of course, with the addition of pears and sherry, this is easily the most complex version of smothered pork chops I've ever encountered. More

[Photograph: Louise "Chiffonade" Brescia]... More

Why would you ever settle for that mayo-laden mushy mess of a potato salad that often passes as a barbecue side when you have something like this? Full of flavors and textures, this a potato salad worthy of saddling up next to some smoked meats. More