Grits to Glory: How Southern Cookin' Got So Good

by Joe Johnston

Overview

Explore the finger-licking history of Southern food!

Travel through a folksy history of Southern cooking from the best fruitcake recipe before the Civil War to the ultimate Southern kitchen essential, the cast iron pan. Joe Johnston's cultural history brings reminiscences from his own friends and family but is not at all lacking in thoroughly-researched historical anecdotes. It is sprinkled with valuable stories and quotes from Southerners who really know their stuff! This book is for those from every Southern walk of life, but is also particularly appealing to those simply fascinated with cooking, history, and anything in between! With every detailed recollection, the heart and soul of Southern cooking shines through.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781455624034
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	03/14/2018
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	1,100,214
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Joe Johnston takes us on a rambling journey through the folksy history of Southern cooking. Grab a glass of sun tea and travel along for the best fruitcake recipe before the Civil War, the unusual origins of the Colonel's chicken, and the ultimate Southern kitchen essential-the cast-iron pan. Johnston's cultural history seamlessly twines reminiscences from friends and family with thoroughly researched historical anecdotes, all overlaid with a distinct touch of Southern humor! Missouri native Joe Johnston is a true renaissance man-an author with national credits in marketing, music production, and film; and part of the marketing team that created the McDonald's Happy Meal. In addition to his diverse and prolific career, he leads a full life as a father, husband, mentor, volunteer, and Native American.

Table of Contents

Introduction 11

Chapter 1 Something from Nothing 19

Chapter 2 It Was Grand 23

Chapter 3 War Interrupts Dinner 33

Chapter 4 The People and the Land 41

Chapter 5 The Cupboard is Bare 51

Chapter 6 Native Sons and Daughters 61

Chapter 7 Tending the Garden 71

Chapter 8 Nature Provides 81

Chapter 9 Meat is Meat 91

Chapter 10 The Whole Hog 103

Chapter 11 Pickling and Preserving 113

Chapter 12 Stirring the Southern Pot 119

Chapter 13 Cast Iron Skillets Sizzlin' 129

Chapter 14 Home Is Wherever the Hearth Is 137

Chapter 15 Baking Day 145

Chapter 16 The Sweets 155

Chapter 17 Southern Time 163

Bibliography 171

Index 172