Readers’ favorite items on gardenandgun.com in 2018 included stories about canines and catfish, primers on bacon grease and pickle juice, essays on Southern names and Southern mamas, and photo collections of snowy palm trees and fancy hats. Here are twenty of the most-viewed items published this year:
Food and Drink
The Care and Keeping of Bacon Grease
One pound of bacon will release about one cup of fat when cooked, and that grease is liquid gold in the kitchen. Published in February
The Best Bourbon I’ve Ever Tasted
Four bourbon aficionados weighed in on their benchmark bottles, and offered similar tastes to try. Published in July
Forgotten Southern Recipes
We assembled thirty classic formulas, including pear salad, tomato pudding, vinegar pie, and bacon crackers. Published in June
Ten Ways to Use Leftover Pickle Juice
From cocktails to brines, granitas to cleaning solutions, here are ten chef-approved reasons to savor every last drop in the pickle jar. Published in April
Jacqueline Stofsick and Margaret Houston
Five of the South’s Best Shrimp and Grits
How five Southern restaurants put their own spins on the beloved Lowcountry dish. Published in April
Read More: Most Popular Recipes of 2018
Animals
One Last Toss
This tearjerker lives up to its billing as “our most heartbreaking Good Dog story ever.” Sad, but so good. Published in January
Osprey Carries Shark Carrying Fish
A Florida photographer captures a rare circle-of-life moment. You have to see the photo. Published in April
Do Giant Catfish Really Exist?
Everybody’s heard tales of monster whiskerfish lurking in the deep, dark waters of Southern lakes and rivers. We take a dive in search of the truth. Published in March
Getty Images/Vetta
People
The South’s Most Glamorous Socialite
The life of Mona von Bismarck, a Kentucky-born international style icon once deemed the “Best Dressed Woman in the World,” was the subject of an exhibition in Louisville. Published in March
Catching Up with Widespread Panic’s John Bell
We chatted with Bell ahead of the band’s summer gigs to learn about his plans for the next fest, how the band builds their set lists, and why barbecue sauce is like a fine wine. Published in May
Vivian Howard Says Goodbye to A Chef’s Life
The North Carolina chef, author, and television star revealed her favorite episodes—and previewed her new show to come. Published in October
Southern Culture
The Southern Name Game
Julia Reed (named after her maternal grandmother) makes sense of Southern appellations and sobriquets. Published in May
Man Up: How to be a True Gentleman
Another Julia Reed special, in which she offers Southern tips for men everywhere. Published in July
You Know Your Mama Is Really Southern If…
How many of these traits do you recognize in your mother? Published in May
When to Write a Thank-You Note
The author and Alabama native Helen Ellis shares the Dos and Don’ts. Published in January
Photo Collections
Scenes from a Rare Snowy Day in Charleston
The Holy City was socked by a rare winter storm. The resulting photos were beautiful. Published in January
Fabulous Hats at Churchill Downs
These spectacular styles spotted over Kentucky Derby weekend proved again that sometimes the best action is off the track. Published in May
Nerissa Sparkman
G&G Specials
Good Dog Photo Contest
Thousands of readers’ dogs resulted in one winner. But really, of course, they’re all winners. Published in the fall
Southern Craft Brewery Bracket
Thirty-two craft breweries competed in a March-madness-style bracket. A Virginia entry came out on top. Published in the spring
Made in the South Awards
Our annual exposition of the best products made by Southern artisans. The overall winner featured a rediscovered special ingredient. Published in the summer and fall
