Chow-Chow & Soul™

Leading up to National Soul food Month, I’ve noticed a boom in interest in the food, people, restaurants and foodways of this American cuisine. Shunned years ago, one can now “Google It.” This search produces more than 600,000 entries in seconds; need more info—Google Trends can help you too. I realized soul food was a […]

I love chili and have stirred more than a few gallons of it. It’s hearty, filling and it’s fab fare on a cold day!  There is no doubt about it—today is a Chiberia* day, and with the Super Bowl coming up, what could be better? Our family recipe was traditionally ground beef served Cincinnati-style over […]

The first month of the year represents a fresh, new start.  One of the most consistent goals for the new year is to lose weight. Inc. magazine polls show that for 2019, folks are weighing in to do the following: 71 percent plan to diet or eat healthier 65 percent plan to exercise more (me […]

In wrapping up National Soul Food Month, I hope you’ve eaten your fill and enjoyed it all. I kicked off the month with collard greens, and continued to savor an assortment of savory soul items at the dinner hosted by Big Jones celebrating Chef Todd Richards’s new book Soul. The menu included fresh takes on traditional […]

June is National Soul food Month, celebrating the heritage and history of the foods and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The culinary contributions of this group had an indelible impact on the American menu. Folks cook and relish so many of the dishes we know as soul food throughout the year, […]

I am excited and up before dawn to watch The Royal Wedding. I typically watch the major American networks, but today I am tuned in to the BBC.  In considering which network would have the best coverage—my bet is on the hometown broadcasting network. The BBC will point out the British traditions, celebrities, and identify […]

I love chili and have stirred more than a few gallons of it. The family recipe was typically ground beef served Cincinnati-style over spaghetti with Delta tamales. Then there was white bean chili with chicken created by my friend at Southern Living magazine. These days the Drapers’ chili of choice starts with a beef chuck roast. It’s […]

I saw a recent post on Facebook from a friend who had received an email invite to buy a personalized cast iron skillet. Now I can’t say that folks need to have a personalized one unless you count as personal the skillet that may have been in your family for years. Everyone needs this kitchen […]

In wrapping up National Soul Food Month, I hope you’ve eaten your fill and enjoyed it all. I kicked off the month with collard greens, and continued to savor an assortment of savory soul items at Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Of course I had help […]

It is National Apple Pie Day and I’m reposting this  “Mommy & Me” date on Mother’s Day Weekend.   I’ve enjoyed Mommy and Me cooking afternoons to make sure I have all the details on the heritage recipes our family loves.  Apple Pie is one dessert that Daddy loved.   Friends know this deep-dish fruit pie […]