Black History Tribute to
Soul Food Chefs

As we celebrate Black History Month, lets take a tasteful look At some delectable dishes prepared and served by the hand and heart of Soul Food Cooks. Therefore…here’s a message for all serious eaters and sweet tooth lovers I’m on a mission to uncover Soul Food lovers with a DISCRIMINATING PALATE those who would “die” for some homemade Mustard Potato Salad

I’m looking for sweet tooth lovers who can appreciate Some fried Apple Turnovers, Peach Pies and a Lemon Pound Cake. Those whose palates crave for Chitterlings, Pig Feet, Crispy Catfish and Ham Not to mention deep dish Sweet Potato Pies and sugary Yams Served with Turnip, Mustard, or Collard Greens each seasoned with a secret spice Along with Stewed Tomatoes, Butter beans and Uncle Ben’s Smothered Rice.

Add some Cat-Eyed Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Red Gravy and Black-Eyed Peas, Boiled Okra, Fried Okra and oven baked Macaroni and Cheese. Don’t forget an added serving of skillet deep Fried Green Tomatoes Breaded with flour, meal or instant white potatoes . I’m looking for serious eaters who know food that’s “real” from food that’s “fake”.

Who want deep fried Pork Chops and Smothered Chicken …Uh-Uh! No “shake and bake” They like Hush Puppies and Cornbread sweetened with sugar, molasses or homemade honey With Pork Roast and Hickory Smoked Ribs- Oh yeah!...A meal right on the money Um! Um! …Soul Food dishes born deep down in the south leave a delectable taste that forever stays in your mouth.

This Black History Soul Food salute would not be complete, without thanking those who prepare the vegetables, desserts, salads and meats. As they prepare food in the best interest of our diet and health we must pause to give homage to the Soul food Chef.

Here are some compliments often paid to Soul Food Cooks, Well deserved for the time, patience and preparation it took “Lord, bless the one who prepared the food”. We often hear when the blessing is said. “May I please have a plate to take home after everyone has been fed?” Some say… My hat is off to the chef.

Others say…”I could have eaten all of this good food by myself “ Many echo… “This food is so good it makes you want to slap your momma” Or… “That meal was so good it almost put me in a coma”.

And… “You know you put your foot in that dish” Lord…Bless the cook for preparing that delicious catfish.

Lastly… A preacher coined the ultimate compliment that should be recorded in Black History, after eating he’d say with glee: “I have certainly dined grandociously” They are compliments you probably made one time or another, Lertainly after tasting some homemade ice cream or hand-churned butter.

When Soul Food lovers with a DISCRIMINATING PALATE, gather for a family reunion, wedding, funeral or general meeting, they know along with laughter, hugs, kisses and tears, there’s going to be some “serious” Soul Food eating!

UnCaged ©2004

End of Black History - Click Here to Table of Contents