Southern Fried, Southern Pride

I come from a long line of great cooks, not chefs, cooks. I learned so much from my Grandmother, Ruby H., she was an awesome cook. She cooked with all the traditions of a southern cook. She made biscuits for every meal and corn bread at least once a day. Made homemade banana pudding at least once a week. That was my Grandfathers favorite desert. Most of her dishes had a little bacon grease added for flavoring and there were lots of southern fried goodies at most meals. During the summer they always had a huge garden so we grew up with fresh veggies. Fried green tomatoes are still on the top of my favorites list. We would also have stuffed bell peppers, of course the peppers would come straight out of the garden. Fresh corn (white field corn only no yellow stuff), Green beans (Rattlesnake beans are the only way to go when growing your on), fresh tomatoes, multiple kinds of peppers from mild and sweet to just plain hot and many more veggies of all variety. I don't think people can truly appreciate veggies until you have fresh veggies straight out of the garden. The things she could do with those fresh veggies were out of this world. I have tried to duplicate some of the things she made but they were only imitations not duplications. She taught me how to make Salmon Croquettes, which I love. I can actually get them very close. Another influence on my love for cooking was my Dad. He could make about anything he set his mind to. He wasn't afraid to try combinations, sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn't. My Mother is still a big influence in my cooking as well as a lot of other things I do in my life. She is an amazing woman as well as a great cook. There were so many other relatives that were great cooks that I cant list them all.

Then there were the times growing up that we would go to family reunions. They were times to see family that you hadn't seen in a long time. A time to catch up on things going on in there lives and remember the people that had passed on. While everyone was talking in little groups about family and people or ball games, hunting season or what ever subject was in there group. There was a group of (normally) women that was putting the dishes brought from home out on the tables and getting drinks and deserts together and ready. Then someone would ask the blessing. At this point some of the finest southern dishes you could find would have the lids removed and unwrapped. The children's plates were fixed and plates for some of the elder family members that couldn't stand long enough to fix there on would be made. Then everyone else would line up and fix their plates and get drinks then find themselves a seat. Where just moments before there was endless chatter of conversations and sounds of children running and playing now there is just the sounds of people enjoying a great meal together. It impressed on me at a young age the importance of some of these meals. That they weren't just for nourishment but they were for spending quality time with family and bringing people closer together. Fellowship, friendship and lots of love were being passed around the tables. Smiles lit up faces and everyone was satisfied and happy.

Now our family get togethers seem like they have gotten a lot smaller. A lot of the older family members have gone on to their reward and our family has spread out and new families formed. Even so , when we get a chance to get together great cooking and a wonderful meal are still the center of attention. Maybe one day when we have grand children we will have big family get togethers again. I am sure they will still revolve around having a meal and catching up. Even though our family gatherings have gotten smaller the fellowship, friendship and love has not lost any of its strength over the years.

Its for these reasons that I enjoy cooking. Whether its for my family or a group of friends. Its the fellowship, friendship and the love that makes it all worth it. I still have a lot to learn and will never rate up with my Grandmother or my Mom or Dad, but will strive to make my own dishes that my family and friends will walk away with that satisfied feeling and a smile on there face. To hear the words "boy that was good, did you try the _____?"