In the South, we do a lot of things a little differently—especially when it comes to cooking. Down here, recipes are more like friendly suggestions than rigid instructions, and we’ve all heard Grandma say, “Just measure with your heart!”

But what does that really mean? It’s more than just throwing in ingredients willy-nilly. Measuring with your heart is an art form, blending instinct, experience, and a whole lot of love. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the secrets behind Southern cooking.

When you’re cooking Southern-style, “a dab” could mean anything from a teaspoon to a tablespoon, depending on the dish. You might be making gravy and Grandma says, “Just put a dab of butter in the pan.” Now, is that an actual tablespoon? Maybe, maybe not. The key is knowing that “a dab” in gravy means “don’t skimp,” while “a dab” of hot sauce means “easy, tiger.”

When in doubt, remember you can always add but you can’t take away. So start small and add more as you go. In time, you’ll learn that the heart knows when enough is enough.

In Southern kitchens, tasting as you go isn’t just recommended—it’s required. Recipes passed down for generations might say “season to taste,” but if you ask Aunt Betty how much salt she adds to her green beans, she’ll likely tell you, “Oh, just enough to bless your taste buds.” In translation, this means keep adding pinches until it tastes just right—trusting your tongue more than a measuring spoon.

So, go ahead—grab that spoon and give it a little taste. With a little practice and a lot of patience, you’ll know when it’s right.

Down South, we cook with our eyes just as much as we do with our hands. When you’re making something like cornbread batter (might we suggest my Maw Maw’s three-ingredient delicacy), it’s all about the look. My Maw Maw, and my mother after that, never used a scale to weigh the cornmeal, and she sure didn’t count every cup of buttermilk. Instead, she poured and mixed until the batter looked just thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread in the pan.

You might hear, “Stop when it looks like thick honey,” or “Keep stirring ‘til it’s as smooth as silk.” These visual cues are how Southern cooks measure with their heart. It’s about trusting yourself and not overthinking it.

Whether it’s salt, sugar, or baking powder, “a pinch” is a common measurement down here, and it’s as flexible as you make it. A pinch can be anything from a delicate two-finger grab to a hearty, three-finger scoop—depending on how you’re feeling that day. If mom says to “give it a good pinch,” you know she means to go heavy-handed. When Grandma says “just a pinch,” you better tread lightly.

There’s a reason biscuits and pie crusts never taste the same twice—it all comes down to that unique pinch of love.

Southern cooking isn’t just about taste, it’s also about texture and appearance. When you’re making something like sweet potato casserole or fried chicken, you’re aiming for that golden brown, perfect crisp. The exact temperature? Don’t worry about it. Just fry it “long enough to make it shine.” When your chicken skin is crispy and golden, or your caramel topping bubbles just right, you’ll know you’ve reached perfection.

If you’re ever in doubt, just ask yourself, “Does it look like something folks would fight over at Sunday supper?” If the answer’s yes, you’re good to go.

One of the most iconic sayings you’ll hear in a Southern kitchen is “eyeball it.” Whether it’s flour for your dumplings or sugar for your sweet tea, if you’re confident enough, you won’t need to dirty those measuring cups.

Eyeballing isn’t about being reckless—it’s about having confidence in your intuition. The best Southern cooks are the ones who’ve made a recipe so many times they don’t need to measure—they know how it’s supposed to feel and taste in their bones. Soon enough, you’ll be eyeballing it with the best of them.

When it comes to mixing, whisking, or kneading, Southern cooks rely on their hands. If you’re making biscuit dough, for example, the instructions might be to “mix until the dough comes together.” But how together? That’s where your hands come in. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is soft but firm, not too sticky, and can hold its shape. You’ve got to get in there with your hands and feel it.

A Southern cook’s hands are her best tools.

Measuring with your heart isn’t about disregarding recipes—it’s about adding a little soul to every dish. In the South, food is about more than just filling your belly. It’s about family, tradition, and making sure everyone leaves the table full and happy.

So next time you step into the kitchen, don’t stress over the exact measurements. Instead, cook with your heart, trust your instincts, and remember—just like a good story, the best meals don’t always follow a script.