One of the major aspects of any culture is its culinary traditions. Therefore, the renewed interest in Southern cooking these days is certainly an encouraging sign for Southern nationalists. The Montgomery Advertiser, which is often quite hostile to the traditional South, had an article today by Allison Griffin which promotes our food, traditions and identity:
For culinary historian Michael Twitty, the massive tour of the South he’s currently on has only really come about in the past couple of months, but “it’s been a part of me for years.”
Twitty, 35, has embarked upon what he calls his “Southern Discomfort” tour, in which he’s tracing both his heritage and the South’s culinary traditions. Though he currently lives in the Washington, D.C., area, he has traced members of his family to several parts of Alabama — Madison and Russell counties and the area near Coosa, Tallapoosa and Clay counties.
On Tuesday, he stopped in Montgomery to get a brief introduction to the Capital City. He started the day shopping at the Montgomery Curb Market, and brought the bounty of fresh vegetables back to Old Alabama Town for an open-hearth cooking demonstration.
…A photographer traveling with him takes photos of each event, so Twitty can create a database of images of historic Southern foods and ways of cooking.
It’s a natural process for Twitty. “The more I’ve learned about my heritage in the South, the more I’m inclined to cook the way that our ancestors cooked,” he said.
Also see: South Carolina cuisine: Hash & rice and Death, taxes & food are certain in Southern culture
Okay I LOVE to cook and make many things that one would consider to be southern. I thought it was interesting his comment about peas; I LOVE peas, they are my go-to green veggie! I think it would be so fun to have people share their family recipes on this site if they are inclined. I inherited my mom’s overstuffed cookbook when she passed, as well as many family favorites, but am always looking to expand my knowledge and improve my skills. Bon Apetit!