Living in the South we have recipes that are different from other areas of the Country including Sweet Tea which is a staple in most Southern Homes including mine. Although, we don’t make our Tea from scratch which we can we usually purchase Milo’s Sweet Tea. What about you. Do you drink Sweet Tea at home? Do you make it yourself or purchase Sweet Tea and why?
I would like to invite you ever year, to celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day with my family which is celebrated on October 11. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum celebrates the culturally rich and delicious food of the Southern States in America. Wouldn’t it be fun to visit The Southern Food & Beverage Musue?
The Southern cuisine deserves to be recognized and celebrated officially because it is a testament to American history and legacy. Southern food also represents the essence of America — the coming together of a variety of people from all over the world, each bringing with themselves their own ingredients and recipes to create a unique cuisine.
Some of the most loved Souther foods are Iced Tea, pickled shrimps which I’ve never heard of. Have you? Along with fried chicken are some of the most loved Southern foods throughout history. Along with the cuisine, Southern Food Heritage Day also celebrates the racial and ethnic diversity in America.
History of Southern Food Heritage Day
Southern Food Heritage Day celebrates the best that Southern food and beverages have to offer. The South’s cuisine in America can be found in the historical regional culinary form of states generally south of the Mason-Dixon line dividing Pennsylvania and Delaware from Maryland, along the Ohio River, and extending west to southern Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The most notable influences on Southern cuisine are African, English, Scottish, Irish, German, French and Native American.
The food of the American South displays a unique blend of cultures and culinary traditions. The Native Americans, Spanish, French, and British have contributed to the development of Southern food, with recipes and dishes from their own cultures.
Food items include squash, tomatoes, corn, as well as certain cooking practices including deep pit barbecuing, were introduced by south-eastern Native American tribes like the Caddo, Choctaw, and Seminole. Many foods derived from sugar, flour, milk, and eggs have European roots. Did you know Black-eyed peas, okra, rice, eggplant, sesame seed, sorghum, and melons, along with spices, are of African origin? I didn’t make a #teachingmoment for my family.
Did you know Southern food can be further divided into categories: ‘Soul food’ is heavily influenced by African cooking traditions that are full of greens and vegetables, rice, and nuts such as peanuts. Okra and collard greens are also considered Soul Food, along with thick stews. ‘Creole food’ has a French flair, while ‘Cajun cuisine’ reflects the culinary traditions of immigrants from Canada. ‘Lowcountry’ cuisine features a lot of seafood and rice, while the food of the Appalachians is mostly preserved meats and vegetables. Southern food is partial to corn, thanks to the Native American influence.
Let’s Celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day
- Gather all your friends and organize a cook-off on Southern Food Heritage Day. Revive old recipes or add a twist to create something new.
- Enjoy the best of Southern foods at your favorite Southern food’s restaurant. Don’t forget to enjoy the classics like fried chicken, hushpuppies, and pies.
- Barbecues are an integral part of the Southern food heritage. Barbeque is also one of the most popular styles of cooking. Barbecue your favorite meats and vegetables and serve them with sauces and seasonings.
Facts About Southern Foods
- Redeye gravy is made with pan drippings and leftover coffee.
- Southern fried chicken breast typically has more than 400 calories in an ounce.
- Half the annual crop of peanuts is used to make peanut butter.
- Collard green has been a part of our diet for more than 2,000 years.
- Black-eyed peas are also good luck charms, and Black-eyed Pease bring good luck on New Year’s Day.
Why People Love Southern Food Heritage Day
- You cannot celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day without enjoying a hearty meal of your favorite foods.
- The best thing about Southern food is that it has something for everyone. Use Southern Food Heritage Day to try a new food item or the cuisine of Southern heritage. Who knows, you might just discover your next favorite dish!
- Southern foods have a rich cultural and historical significance. Learn more about the origins of your favorite foods on Southern Food Heritage Day.
Southern Food Heritage Day, which we’ve already discusses is celebrated every October 11, and it honors the rich culinary traditions of the American South. On Southern Food Heritage Day food lovers indulge in iconic dishes that reflect the region’s diverse cultural roots — from African American soul food to Cajun and Creole influences. Here are some of the most celebrated dishes associated with Southern Food Heritage Day: Enjoy!
Fried Chicken– a Southern staple, known for its crispy golden crust and juicy interior.
🍤 Pickled Shrimp– tangy, spiced delicacy often served chilled, showcasing coastal Southern flavors.
🍹 Sweet Iced Tea– often called the “house wine of the South,” Sweet Iced Tea is a refreshing must-have at any Southern gathering.
Gumbo– hearty stew with roots in Creole and Cajun cuisine, combining seafood, sausage, and okra.
Buttermilk Biscuits– Fluffy, buttery, and perfect with gravy or jam — a comfort food classic.
Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas– Soul food essentials, often seasoned with smoked meats and served with cornbread.
Pecan Pie– is a sweet finish to any Southern meal, made with rich syrup and crunchy pecans.
These dishes not only satisfy the palate but also tell stories of migration, adaptation, and community. If you were to host a Southern Food Heritage Day dinner, which dish would you spotlight? Why?
Recipe for Southern Pecan Pie
Here’s a classic Southern Pecan Pie recipe that delivers rich, gooey sweetness with a satisfying crunch of pecans. Perfect for holidays or any time you want a comforting dessert
Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) frozen pie crust
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen pie crust on a baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
- Spread chopped pecans evenly in the bottom of the pie crust.
- Pour the filling mixture over the pecans.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes. Around the 20-minute mark, cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
- The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly and puffed.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Would you like tips on how to serve Pecan Pie or ideas for variations like adding bourbon or chocolate? If so leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get to work.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
