Kardea Brown makes the most of a free day by preparing dishes that make perfect leftovers. First up is Chicken Pot Pie, and she makes plenty of Cheesy Country Ham Grit Balls with Spicy Mayo and some Pan-Roasted Sage and Butternut Squash.

On her birthday, Kardea Brown wants nothing more than to cook a decadent meal for two of her favorite ladies, Momma Pat and Aunt TC. The celebratory dinner starts with Carolina She-Crab Soup followed by delectable Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs sitting atop Creamy Sweet Potato Polenta. And for a truly Southern birthday, Kardea bakes a traditional Hummingbird Cake and enjoys a spiced banana and pineapple piece of heaven.

Kardea Brown is celebrating the holiday season with her closest family and a traditional Sea Island menu. The stars of the table are Maple-Glazed Cornish Hens, and for sides, she makes the Lowcountry staple Limpin' Susan with Shrimp and her Grandma's Green Beans with Potatoes and Smoked Turkey. For dessert, Kardea turns to a Gullah classic, Sweet Potato Pone.