ABOUT BOONIE

My granny put me in the kitchen early and taught me to cook in true Southern style. She loved to bake and cook for the church congregation in her native Arkansas and Mississippi. When she died, I promised myself I would keep her recipes alive.  From fried chicken to real southern macaroni & cheese and collard greens, you haven't tasted Soul Food and BBQ until you've tasted MY food!

HISTORY BEHIND SOUL FOOD

The history of soul food traces all the way back to the days of American slavery. Slaves were generally given the most undesirable part of the meal, the leftovers from the house. Combining this with their own home-grown vegetables, the first soul food dishes were invented. After emancipation, many freed slaves were so poor that they could only afford the most inexpensive cuts of meat available.

In the United States of today, soul food has truly evolved. It has become part of African-American culture, bringing family members together on all occasions to spend time together preparing meals. The history of soul food is an oral history; many recipes were never written down.  One of the most widely-recognized traits of African-American soul food is the fact that hot sauce and intense spices are incorporated into meals as often as possible.

Sunday dinners are one of the most prevalent times when soul food is seen on tables. They are a time for families to get together to prepare a large meal. Sunday dinners often take up the entire day (normally following a church service), and family members hail from far and wide to partake in this meal.

Ribs. Catfish Nuggets. Fried Chicken.  Black-eyed peas. Mac 'n Cheese.  Collard greens. Jambalaya. Peach cobbler. Sweet Potato Pie.  These are the foundation of any decent soul food menu. 

          You've come to the right place!  Enjoy!