They said I needed to become multi-dimensional. They said I needed to add texture, color and movement and bring my voice to life. They said our society is getting away from reading and wants to passively learn. They said I should go forth and produce videos.
It’s hard for me to agree with the statement that our society is getting away from reading. Every note that I post on Facebook will have in excess of 1, 000 page views rather quickly. Somebody’s reading something. That’s for sure. Y’all are just the sweetest kindest bunch of folks in the world. You read what I write and you leave me sweet comments telling me you like it. I’m truly blessed. But, since “they” are keeping after me to become multi-dimensional, we broke down, bought a new video camera and starting filming. Syrup and Biscuits has now been “YouTubed”.
We starting filming yesterday. My son, Tyler, is home from college this summer and I made him help me asked him to help me with production. In my usual overachiever mindset, I thought we could whip through about 4 videos on the first day. We got through two and that seems like the number we will aim for now at each filming session.
At any rate, I hope you will view this video and leave me some comments. I’m proud of the final product. I want to get better and better as we go along. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea and watch Syrup and Biscuits in the Kitchen. Lord help us! For the written recipe for Chicken and Dumplings, click here.
Y’all come see us.
I’m Jackie Garvin, the personality behind the blog. Being born and raised in Alabama and entrenched in southernism was a gift. It gave me an identity. I am part of a culture that embraces gracious hospitality, manners, love of God and country, frugality, family values and good honest food. That’s who I am and that’s what I’m all about. 
Lea says
June 4, 2011 at 11:01 amJackie this is a fantastic video and it certainly was/is the bright spot in my day today!! Kudos to you and Tyler for a great job! Chicken and Dumplings~~~is there any better comfort food to be found on a cool Autumn’s eve? Looking forward to your next video! 🙂
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:22 pmThanks, Lea! Chicken and Dumplings are good most anytime but especially when there is a nip in the air. Thanks for the encouragement!
Laurie@Food is Love says
June 4, 2011 at 11:02 amJackie !! I was blown away ! Absolutely delightful! Loved it! The Granny story, the emphasis on how important it is to be authentic and Real in your food… Love Love Loved it! Congratulations Bravo!!
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:21 pmThanks, Laurie! Do you have the Watermelon Pie posted yet?
Basic Meatloaf Recipe says
June 4, 2011 at 12:37 pmAwesome post! It’s really helpful for me. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:18 pmThanks for reading! And watching!
Mary Raymundo says
June 4, 2011 at 11:50 amJackie, You make me want to cook again. I love your video.
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:20 pmMary,
Thank you so much for your comment. I hope you do find something that you want to cook! If you do, let me know which recipe you found intriguing! <3
TheProDiva says
June 4, 2011 at 12:27 pmCongrats on venturing into video! But, for the record, I am one of the folks who still likes to read whenever I can. And I like reading your blog!
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:19 pmThanks, ProDiva! I will keep writing and writing and writing as long as there is a soul left that wants to read it. Thanks for reading! <3
Mona Stout says
June 4, 2011 at 1:46 pmWanna know what two things I loved the best? One — hearing your voice after all this time! And two — girl, I have been vindicated, validated, and just might be in the running for the Best Effort in Southern Cooking by a Westerner award. Why? Because I make my dumplings and biscuits from the same box! With your videos to polish up my technique, they’ll be even better than before. Bravo! Can’t wait to see more!
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:13 pmMona,
You are so funny! I really did “laugh out loud” when I read your comments. Bisquick and buttermilk are the best things going! <3
Robert Daniels says
June 4, 2011 at 12:49 pmGreat job on both yours and Tyler’s part! I think I could make chicken and dumplings now. They wouldn’t be like Granny Phillips’ I am sure, but I think I could make them fitting to eat. Thanks for sharing.
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:18 pmThanks, Robert! I hope you try the recipe!
Julia says
June 4, 2011 at 1:03 pmCongratulations Jackie! Your first video was very well done, and your
choice of Chicken and Dumplings a perfect recipe to start with. Our
family loves chicken n’ Dumplings, and I make it at least once a month.
Like you, I begin with making my own stock, and it’s just so full of flavor
that you could easily just eat it with cornbread or biscuits or turn it into a
wonderful pot of chicken n’ rice or a thick vegetable-laden soup.
We all love dumplings, so most often my chicken stock is specifically made
for that very rich and old-fashioned comfort food.
You must have practiced a little bit prior to doing your first video. I taught
Creative Cooking at one time, and learning to stay out of the way of the
camera and the people’s view I was teaching was the hardest thing of all to do. You made it look so very easy. They all have to be able to see everything that you’re doing and you did a terrific job of it.
Talking continuously while trying to think ahead isn’t all that easy either and
once again, you appeared to be very relaxed and easy-going through every
step of the way.
I’d say your very first video was an out-and-out success, and I’m sure your
audience will be happily waiting for the next one.
Wishing you the same great success with Number 2, I am only curious
to see what you’ll be doing next.
Thank you for sharing your endearing personality and generous nature
with everyone.
Julia
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:17 pmThank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Julia. I have to tell you that the whole thing just felt right as rain to me. The hardest part was getting started. I’m trying to get my son to put together out-takes. We had some pretty hilarious moments!
Mary says
June 4, 2011 at 1:04 pmWell, you did a fantastic job with your first video. Can’t wait for more! You make the recipe look so easy and quick. I can’t make dumplins, but after this I will definitely give it another go (will help having a video to watch as I make them). My mama, who made great dumplins, gave me the same advice about the tortillas!!! What a hoot!! Thanks again Jackie for all the great recipes!!!!!
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:15 pmMary,
Please try this recipe and technique. I’m telling you, I made the biggest mess of chicken and “dumpling” in the world before I nailed it down. If I can do this, anybody can. <3
Brandie says
June 4, 2011 at 1:36 pmJackie – you did great girl!!! Love it! You look gorgeous girl! Great recipe too!!
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:13 pmThanks, Brandie! <3
Lynn says
June 4, 2011 at 4:22 pmMy only comment was going to be that you didn’t tell us Belle’s name and then I saw the special appearance comment 🙂
AWESOME JOB!!!!!!!!!
I wonder how many non-southerners are gonna ask for an explanation of toothsome and eye of the boil? Love the terminology, your southern heritage stories and your ease in front of the camera! Can’t wat for the next video! Loved it!
Lynn @ Southern with a Twist
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 4:27 pmLynn,
Thank you so much for your sweet comments! So far, no has asked me what toothsome and “eye of the boil” meant. Except Tyler. He didn’t understand toothsome. Not so sure he understands even after I explained to him. 🙂
Sara Hundley says
June 4, 2011 at 5:34 pmEnjoyed the video so much Jackie but I just had to laugh at the fact that I don’t think Granny Phillips would have use a ruler to measure. Enjoy all of your writing.
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 6:59 pmSara,
There is no doubt that Granny wouldn’t measure her dumplings. She cut hers in strips, anyway. Did you see the biscuit video, too?
Jolene says
June 4, 2011 at 6:35 pmJackie,
I just discovered your blog and I am so enjoying reading it. Makes me feel at home. I have southern roots and am transplanted to Washington state. The chicken & dumpling recipe sounds really good and I’m ready to try it. Good job with the video.
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 6:57 pmHi Jolene! Welcome to Syrup and Biscuits! I’m so glad you found us tucked away in the corner over here. May my stories and recipes stir up wonderful memories for you. If you haven’t checked us out on Facebook, come on over and join the fun. I have many more recipes on Facebook than I do on my blog. I hope you visit us often!
Max Daniels says
June 4, 2011 at 8:53 pmHHHEEEELLLPPP<canot get the site to open, rrrreeeaaallly would like to see it
Jackie Garvin says
June 4, 2011 at 9:14 pmMax,
You must have your security set too high on your end. Or, you might need a media player downloaded. The best that I can tell you to do is go to Youtube to try to figure out what their requirements are. Or, check your browser settings and see if it’s blocking downloads. Hope you can get it figured out. It’s hard for me to help you when I can’t see your computer. 🙁
Danny Taylor says
June 4, 2011 at 10:48 pmJackie,
You and Tyler did an awesome job of putting this first of many videos together and I for one am glad to see this very helpful addition to the “Syrup and Biscuits” fan fair…truly worth the watch. I, like Sara was laughing as you measured and marked where to cut the squares and thinking about Aunt Virgina and grandmother measuring and cutting with a pizza cutter…but as you stated in your reply, they cut with a knife and cut in 6 to 8 inch strips but what you show here is a great way to assure an easy and successful chicken and dumplings feast. Thanks for sharing you talent and love for our souther heritage!
Danny
Janice Marra says
June 5, 2011 at 10:34 amJackie,You are a bright spot in my day.You bring back so many wonderful memories of my childhood that I thought was gone for good.My father’s mother use to make those chicken n dumpling the same way but no one had the receipe until you.I can’t wait to surprise Daddy with this one.The video was great!Now I have a face to go with the voice.Keep up the good work.So when are you going to be on the T.V.?:) Cuz!
Jackie Garvin says
June 5, 2011 at 10:59 amJanice,
I hope your Daddy enjoys the Chicken and Dumplings that you will be whipping up for him!