The Naked Foodie Has Elegant, Nostalgic Dishes For Your Next Yuletide Party

Growing up in Georgia, in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, The Naked Foodie, aka Christian Mark Jacobs, understood from a young age about the power of food to bring people together. “I’ve loved food ever since I was a kid,” he says. “I was highly influenced by my mom and grandma who instilled in me a love and passion for cooking. Every night, my family would sit down and eat dinner together, and I would look forward to that quality time all day.”

This memory of this special time inspired Southern Roots by Naked Patisserie, Jacobs’ line of savory party trays inspired by the dishes from Jacobs’ childhood. “It’s my way of inviting you into my kitchen to share in my family’s traditions and recipes, some of which span back to three generations,” he says. “They recall my favorite moments growing up, sitting at my Grandma’s dining room table with a tall glass of freshly brewed iced tea, while she talked to me about anything and everything while cooking fried pork chops. Telling me stories about her mom would make the same dish when she was a girl.”

If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, here’s a peek into these dishes that promise the magic of childhood.

Breaded Italian Pork Chops 

A summer classic, these crispy pork chops are are well-seasoned, coated in signature breading and come with some irresistibly creamy Southern bacon gravy on the side. 

Italian Sausage with Bell Peppers and Onions 

Well, that title doesn’t really need much explanation. Sautéed spicy Italian sausages, grilled bell peppers and red onions sit on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. 

Sriracha Honey Chicken 

A luminous blend of tangy and sweet, this dish has crispy nuggets of boneless skinless chicken breast tossed in a sriracha honey sauce, then topped with red pepper flakes and spring onions. 

Tuscan Chicken 

The simplicity of this classic dish makes it a winner. Roasted chicken coated in olive oil, Italian herbs and spices is then finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest. 

Baked Brie Mac N Cheese 

This dish is a best seller, which comes as no surprise since its winning combination of four cheeses — pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Parmesan and baked Brie — gives it immense flavor and luxuriously creamy texture. 

Photos from Naked Foodie