Tuesday, September 8, 2009
THIS MONTH LET'S TALK BUFFALO WINGS
I will share some History of buffalo wings and some of my favorite recipes and a few that are a most try, ranging from jerked wings to Oriental flavors. So even if you can't handle the hot stuff, I will have chicken wing recipes for you also.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Labor Day
Labor Day is not just the last big barbecue day of the summer, more importantly it is a time to recognize the contributors America’s working men and women, as well as the achievements of the organized labor movement. Since 1800, other countries have celebrated this day on May 1 however, the first worker's parade ever took place in September in the early 1800‘s. Since then, this day has been celebrated the first Monday in September.
A fun day to enjoy relaxing activities with your family and friends. My mother and father told use that where they lived, the community usually host a big weekend celebration at the park that actually starts on Thursday with activities for the entire family. This includes a live DJ and a dance and talent contest for the youth, a spectacular gospel fest with special guests on Sunday afternoon, and a huge parade with marching bands and colorful floats on Monday. This was also the perfect opportunity for town kids to “strut their stuff” with their coordinating outfits and cool dance steps. After the parade, they spend the day at the park where there’s lots of good food, fun, and celebrations morning ‘til night. they really go all out for this!
Many families host their annual family reunions which brings out of town guests back for all the festivities. Class reunions are also held over this weekend which everyone enjoy because they have an opportunity to see old class mates that they hadn‘t seen in years. Since there’re so much going on, many take vacations during this special time. This makes this holiday the biggest summer event of the year and it seems to get bigger and better each year. I truly enjoy Labor Day, this year our family is having a old fashion fish fry at the park.
A fun day to enjoy relaxing activities with your family and friends. My mother and father told use that where they lived, the community usually host a big weekend celebration at the park that actually starts on Thursday with activities for the entire family. This includes a live DJ and a dance and talent contest for the youth, a spectacular gospel fest with special guests on Sunday afternoon, and a huge parade with marching bands and colorful floats on Monday. This was also the perfect opportunity for town kids to “strut their stuff” with their coordinating outfits and cool dance steps. After the parade, they spend the day at the park where there’s lots of good food, fun, and celebrations morning ‘til night. they really go all out for this!
Many families host their annual family reunions which brings out of town guests back for all the festivities. Class reunions are also held over this weekend which everyone enjoy because they have an opportunity to see old class mates that they hadn‘t seen in years. Since there’re so much going on, many take vacations during this special time. This makes this holiday the biggest summer event of the year and it seems to get bigger and better each year. I truly enjoy Labor Day, this year our family is having a old fashion fish fry at the park.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What's a Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are finger-shaped dumplings of cornmeal that are deep-fried and traditionally served with fried catfish. Also know as corn dodgers, they are especially popular throughout the South.
There are several interesting stories of the origins of hushpuppies. My dad told this story, an African cook in Atlanta is said to have given the name hushpuppy to this food. When frying a batch of catfish and croquettes, a nearby puppy began to howl. To keep the puppy quiet, she gave it a plateful of the croquettes and said, "hush, puppy." Since the name was cute, it stuck. My husband said this is the story his dad told. This same story but it is attributed to a Creole cook. Hunters and trappers could be on the trail for days at a time. At suppertime the hunting dogs would get hungry, so the hunters would mix a batter out of cornmeal or flour and cook it in grease on the campfire. Then they would throw the fried dough to the pups, telling them to be quiet, shut up, or "hush."
There are several interesting stories of the origins of hushpuppies. My dad told this story, an African cook in Atlanta is said to have given the name hushpuppy to this food. When frying a batch of catfish and croquettes, a nearby puppy began to howl. To keep the puppy quiet, she gave it a plateful of the croquettes and said, "hush, puppy." Since the name was cute, it stuck. My husband said this is the story his dad told. This same story but it is attributed to a Creole cook. Hunters and trappers could be on the trail for days at a time. At suppertime the hunting dogs would get hungry, so the hunters would mix a batter out of cornmeal or flour and cook it in grease on the campfire. Then they would throw the fried dough to the pups, telling them to be quiet, shut up, or "hush."
WHAT'S COOKING HUSHPUPPIES
4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups milk
1 cup water
In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil to 350° F or until a small amount of batter dropped into the hot oil sizzles and floats. Do not let the oil get too hot or the center of the hushpuppies will not cook thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, egg, salt, baking soda, milk, and water. Mix until batter is smooth and free of any lumps. Batter should be stiff (if batter is too dry, add milk; if batter is too thin, add cornmeal).
Using two spoons, push a small amount of batter into hot oil (370° to 380° F).
After about 10 seconds, hushpuppies will float to the top and begin to brown. Fry for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning to brown all sides.
Remove from oil and place hushpuppies on paper towels; continue cooking the remaining batter (fry in small batches, adding 4 to 6 hushpuppies to the oil at a time).
They can be held in a 200° F oven until serving time (approximately 30 minutes). Serve hot.
Makes 2 dozen hushpuppies.
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups milk
1 cup water
In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil to 350° F or until a small amount of batter dropped into the hot oil sizzles and floats. Do not let the oil get too hot or the center of the hushpuppies will not cook thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, egg, salt, baking soda, milk, and water. Mix until batter is smooth and free of any lumps. Batter should be stiff (if batter is too dry, add milk; if batter is too thin, add cornmeal).
Using two spoons, push a small amount of batter into hot oil (370° to 380° F).
After about 10 seconds, hushpuppies will float to the top and begin to brown. Fry for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning to brown all sides.
Remove from oil and place hushpuppies on paper towels; continue cooking the remaining batter (fry in small batches, adding 4 to 6 hushpuppies to the oil at a time).
They can be held in a 200° F oven until serving time (approximately 30 minutes). Serve hot.
Makes 2 dozen hushpuppies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)