Rice has been a staple in the Southern United States for centuries, shaping both agriculture and cuisine. Its story is tangled up with the region’s culture, from sprawling rice plantations to the wide range of dishes that have come out of Southern kitchens. The evolution of rice cultivation in the South directly influenced key dishes … Read more

Southern barbecue stands out as one of America’s most deeply rooted cooking traditions. I’ve seen how its smoky flavors and community rituals bring people together, from family cookouts to local festivals. The history of Southern barbecue is long and colorful, connecting traditions from Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans into the unique styles we recognize today. … Read more

Tracing the origins of Southern fried foods feels a bit like unraveling a family story passed down across generations. There’s a little bit of everyone’s influence in every bite. If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into crispy fried chicken, golden hush puppies, or even a slice of fried green tomato, you’ve tasted a patchwork of … Read more

If you’ve ever tasted crispy fried chicken, golden hushpuppies, or even a stack of fried green tomatoes, you know how satisfying Southern fried food can be. Southern cooking has a long, tangled history shaped by migration, creative twists, and a patchwork of cultures. You might be surprised just how global the story behind your favorite … Read more

Sweet tea isn’t just a drink where I’m from; the South. It’s an icon and a piece of daily life. I’ve seen pitchers of it grace every kind of occasion, from big family reunions to laid back porches on steamy afternoons. The tradition runs deep. If you ask anybody born and raised in these parts, … Read more

Southern cooking is packed with history, tradition, and stories of survival. I’ve always found it fascinating how much of that history comes straight from what people ate, especially during hard times like the Civil War. Food wasn’t just about filling a plate or a stomach. It played a major role in culture, family, and survival. … Read more