Stick to Your Ribs

In the South we have a phrase that some people may not know. It is "stick to your ribs." This refers to a food that will keep you from being hungry for a while. For example, a bowl of sugar cereal is not going to keep you full. However, something like Brunswick stew or corn pudding is very filling. It is similar to foods which are also known as "hearty foods."

It is days like today that I would love some good, home cooked Southern food (warning to the reader: REAL Southern food is to be eaten with caution... too much can give you a heart attack). Rotisserie chicken begins to lose its appeal after a while and cereal does not cut it.

Cereal in a Chinese take out container. Excellent.

I consider good, southern food to be the original family recipes passed down through the generations. Like fried okra, fresh peas, pulled pork BBQ, collards, cabbage, cornbread (fried or baked), and the casserole dishes. Casseroles are a Southern thing. Casseroles are good for any occasion: funerals, new baby arrival, a quick "get together", when someone is sick, etc. Look in any church cookbook... especially a Baptist cookbook. About 1/2 of the book is going to be casserole recipes, 1/4 dessert recipes, and the last 1/2 is going to be miscellaneous things that could even include homemade counter cleaners. Any Southern woman worth a grain of salt is going to have at least 3 of these cookbooks in her kitchen cabinet.

Family BBQ in January, 2011.

In the South we also like to put up vegetables. This is sadly becoming a thing of the past, but my family still does it some. Black eyed peas, fresh peas, or tomato sauce are a few of my favorites. I really love homemade pickles. You have never tasted good pickles unless they are canned in a Southern woman's kitchen. And you are REALLY missing out if you have never had homemade jelly (this is not jam). I love jelly made with pears, apples, or Scuppernong grapes (the purples ones, not the green ones) from the backyard.

Scuppernong Grapes, by Will Cook

Southern food is a necessity, kind of like a cold Coke on a hot summer day.Come on down South for a taste of what we call "mama's cookin'." You are missing out if you don't have some food that will stick to your ribs!