We can trace eating oxtails back to slavery.  Oxtails were considered “throwaway meat” Throwaway meat was any part of the animal the slave owners considered uneatable such as ham hocks, ears, jowls, snouts, feet, and tails. Smothered oxtails are a dish we call “soul food,” which has expanded from the southern states.  Now that oxtails…

Crowder peas are native to western Africa.  They were brought to the US during the slave trade in the 1600s.  Another name for crowder peas is Coepeas.  These peas are heat tolerant and drought-resistant, making them very adaptable to the climate and weather in the southern states.  Crowder peas are from the same family as…

Black-Eyed Peas were initially grown in West Africa.  The slave trade introduced these peas to the southern part of the US in the 17th century.  According to Black southern folklore, black-eyed peas are served on new years day to garner good luck for the year. Along with good luck, black-eyed peas are loaded with potassium,…

1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 tsp. salt, 2 egg yolks, 3 1/4 T. crunchy peanut butter, 1 1/4 T. unsalted butter, 1 tsp.vanilla extract. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Get out a double boiler, add the cream, milk, and water….

PEACH DUMP CAKE Dump cakes are very easy to make and absolutely delicious.  The basic recipe is caned crushed fruit and box cake mix.  With Christmas coming up consider a dump cake for dessert. 2 (16 oz.) cans crushed peaches in heavy syrup, 1 (18.25 oz.) package yellow cake mix, 3/4 cup salted butter, 1/2…

Monday Football 12/20/2021.  We have extra football his week.  Due to COVID concerns, the NFL moved several games.  I will be watching football Monday and Tuesday. The Viking and Bears play today. I’ve got the Bears.  The Raiders and Browns play today. I’ve got the Raiders. The Seahawks and Rams will play Tuesday. I’ve got…

CRISPY MASHED POTATO TACOS 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano, 1/4 teaspoon sage, 3 green onions, 1/4 cup white onions, chopped, 1/2 cup queso fresco cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped, 2…

Thursday Night Football.  The Chiefs and Chargers are playing tonight, I think the Chiefs will win this game.  Who do you think will win tonight? 16 BEAN SOUP 1 (16 oz.) bag of 16-bean soup mix including the ham packet, 1 pound smoked pork neck bones,  1 celery stalk, chopped, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped,…

Fried chicken feet are a southern delicacy.  They are very hard to find living on the west coast.  Chicken feet have very little meat.  If you like crunchy texture and delicious flavor, you will love deep-fried chicken feet. Chicken feet taste like chicharron.  They have very little meat they are skin and tendons.  Fried chicken…