Let's talk Food....Soul Food

[JazzyMaxie]

As some of you know from FB, Langston and I went to a Soul Food restaurant in Crystal last Friday. I wouldn’t say that the food was overly spectacular or anything, but I am just too busy and too tired to do anything these days, so I was really excited to get back to “my reality” for a minute. I posted a picture of our meal on FB, and while there was some banter back and forth online about it, I was struck by a comment this morning at the bus stop.

Langston takes a school bus from Eden Prairie to his school every morning. (This buys me an hour of free childcare, saves me about 10 miles a day, and allows me to get to work on time.) There is one other family at our bus stop. It is a very friendly Asian family, and I see the Mom, Grandmother, and son daily. We have developed quite the friendship over the past months, and it has been really cool because she confided in me that she had fed in to the stereotypes of brown people, and they were not really her favorites. She was excited that I have not fit her ideas, and she has decided to take another look. Anyways, as soon as she saw me at the bus stop this morning…she said, “Maxine, you have to tell me about this Soul Food!” We briefly talked about a few things, and I told her that I would invite her family to my house soon for a meal. I love to cook, and I love to cook even more when there are people to enjoy it!

So, on the drive it to work…it got me thinking. What are others perceptions/experiences with Soul Food? Is there a question that you would like to ask, but not really sure that it is politically correct to do so? Is there something that you have heard of that you would like to try? Do you have any recipes to share? Anything else?!?

[irish]

Mmm talking about soul food has my mouth watering at 10am!! Thanksgiving was at the IL's this year and we had quite the spread.
Jazzy..do you have a good mac and cheese recipe??

[sharon]

Funny you should post this Jazzy! Yesterday I drove past a billboard in my part of the city that was advertising for a soul food restaurant. I don't know if it's a new restaurant or just a new billboard, but I've never had soul food. The picture of the plate of food on the billboard totally made my mouth water and my first thought was that I should eat there, but I should first ask you what I should order

So, knowing that I don't eat pork or shellfish, what should I order if I get there?

[irish]

Sharon, do you recall the name of the restaurant, or where it's located?

[sharon]

Hmmm. Either of those would come in hand, wouldn't they. The billboard is at Minnehaha and Dale. I'll have to get more info when I drive by.

[JazzyMaxie]

I totally forgot to put my disclaimer on my OP. I cannot and will not give away recipes for Sweet Potato Pie or Macaroni and Cheese. Sorry. They are family recipes....and it is part of the culture that something things are to remain in the family. The reason being, these things can be made many many different ways, and each person/family has their own unique way. Typically at family get togethers, there is a particular person who makes each of these items, and you are seriously stepping on some toes if you try to bring your rendition. The only time that the person responsible changes is if they die and no one else from their family wants to take on that role. But, on the flip side of that...the next time that I see you Vic, I would be happy to bake you a pie!

Pronounced "chitlins" spelled "chitterlings." These are pig intestines that are characteristically sold in a red pail with a white top. When you open that pail, your whole hose smells like poop. You must clean them thoroughly, and when you are done cleaning them...you must clean them again. I am not 100% sure on how they are prepared, because we never had them prepared in our house growing my. My grandma and neighbor would prepare them, and I know that you eat them with hot sauce.

I believe that hominy is another word for grits. Grits are an acquired taste...because they have minimal flavor and because of the texture. For some strange reason, Langston loved them when he was a baby...he won't eat them now. I server them to him with a pad of butter. When I eat grits, I mix in turkey ham, butter, and sugar. I think they are awesome like that! But, never let a dish that has grits sit...it will harden like cement!

Ham Hocks are pigs feet. They are typically used for soups and to flavor foods...such as chittlins or greens.

E'ry body and they momma fix they greens different. (Yes, I know that is a grammatically incorrect sentence.) In the majority of cases they are boiled and then simmered for hours. Traditionally, you use some sort of meat such as ham hocks or turkey tails. You also use whatever seasonings that suit your fancy. Some people like bland greens. Some people like spicy greens. Some like sweet greens. It is all about what your preference is...and you will never find two people who make their greens the same.

Regarding macaroni...sorry Irish, it ain't happenin'.

Sharon...my dear. Everything is going to be cross contaminated. If that is not an issue, I would definitely go with some Fried Chicken. If the restaurant is any good, it will taste nothing like the fried chicken that you may be used to. Catfish is also a good choice, but some people don't like the idea of eating a bottom feeder. Any of the vegetables would be good, but be sure to ask what it is cooked with. In most cases...things are made with pork. And definitely, have some macaroni and cheese.

[sharon]

Ugh. Yeah, things cooked with pork are a no-go. And catfish is technically not fish in Judaism - it's in the same category as shellfish. Mac and cheese sounds good though! I guess I should call first and find out if they have anything that I could eat

I had to give up Dim Sum too.

[apryllraye87]

Not sure if this technically counts as soul food but my dads old friend used to make grits and mix in eggs, bacon & butter. It was so good!