Celebrating Southern: {Food and Beverages}

Yesterday's inaugural post was fun, so let's keep going. Today is all about food and beverages (or "bevies", if you're feeling sassy.)

Food

The South has some pretty superb culinary offerings, as do all regions. However, ours tend to be a teensy bit high in trans fats and sugar...oops : ) But hey, that's probably what makes it taste so darn good, huh?

Some of my personal favorite Southern foods are:

-Fried chicken
-Fried potatoes
-Slow-cooked or barbecued pork
-Collard greens
-Brown beans with bacon or ham
-Cornbread
-Gumbo (but only if it's authentic Louisiana gumbo!)
-Crawfish or shrimp Étouffée
-Sweet potato pie

Good lord, this list could get really long.

Southern folks also have the peculiar talent of being able to fry darn near everything. It's a gift, really. From catfish to Kit Kat bars, if it's capable of being deep fried, we can do it.

Lastly, I think what makes any food unique and special is the heart that goes into it. Southern food tells a story that often times is as rich as the roux in which it was cooked. Our food is an integral part of our being. It's the epitome of our hearts and souls, served up on a plate. And no Southern cookbook on earth could teach a woman that - it's just born in you.

Drink

As far as bevies go, I love sweet tea! It's probably my favorite of all drinks synonymous with the South, but Coca-Cola  is also a popular choice around these parts (if you're really Southern, you might pronounce it "CokeCola" like one word). Dr. Pepper has a solid fan base, too.

Also, Cheerwine. Made in North Carolina, this bubbly, burgundy bevie is simply delicious.

Adult beverages...well, it's all about the mint julep. I am not personally a huge fan, but lots of Southern folk enjoy these babies from time to time.

I made a video of myself frying potatoes on Sunday evening, just so y'all could get a peek into my kitchen. Please ignore the baseball cap, disheveled hair and rugby tee. I'd been cooking since 10:00 a.m.

...as you can see from these pics. 

Slow cooked pulled pork

Fried potatoes

Recipes:

Fried potatoes- I don't use a recipe, but this is pretty close to how I prepare mine.
Pulled pork- Again, didn't use a recipe but this or this would probably work out just fine.
Corn casserole- Paula Deen got it right with this one! Found here.








Tell me, what foods and beverages are popular in your region?

Be blessed, lovelies-