County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Out
of the Box, Joellen Hodge
Send comments to: thebox@mycounty-line.com
Why Soul Food Has So Much Soul Just discussing Soul Food can become a major debate at any table. There is only one fact that everyone agrees on… African influence is the greatest contribution to the flavors of the Soul Food diet. That said, the discussions often break into factions of Native American influences vs. French additions from Louisiana and so on. There are so many different components to this traditional cooking method, I now characterize Soul Food like this: If it came from my grandmother’s table, it was Soul Food. It was southern in nature and steeped in tradition. The recipes depended heavily on whatever foods were available. If they weren’t in season, then they had been canned or frozen. It was carefully prepared with love and time. This kind of cooking was meant to fill your belly and your soul. Soul Food is as much about the ingredients as where it came from. Certain items are in every soul kitchen. Okra, hominy, dry beans and peas are staples in my cupboards, along with the chicken, beef, pork, and fish in the freezer. Greens, mustard, collard, turnip, Polk salad or any of the others are just as important as the proteins and carbs when you serve up Sunday dinner. Some of the most flavorful additions to the table come from the root vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, etc. You can’t talk about Soul Food without covering the breads. The breads may be the very backbone of pulling together the entire menu. Hot water cornbread, biscuits, Johnny cake, hoecake, hush puppies, big puffy yeast rolls, sweet bread made with molasses and wheat bread and the list goes on and on. Of all the food I have fed into my mouth, none bring the pleasure of a piece of hot bread dipped in gravy or butter…or both.
■ Ranger
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Spotlight
Ranger Citizen Task Force
Last Saturday morning, May 10th a group Last, but certainly not least, there are the of interested citizens came to the new Foxes desserts. So many pies, sweet potato, chess, Mercantile Store to meet and greet the new Ranger buttermilk, any kind of fruit and that greatest citizens, Jeff and Robyn. They are wanting to make of all, the pecan pie. You can also choose from their store a place that will help the people living bread pudding, peach cobbler, Red Devil Cake, down town get the groceries and commodities they apple fritters, oatmeal cookies, banana pudding need. They have a large variety of items already and custards. My favorite was always the angel and are wanting to stock more things as they see food cake with its almost magical coat of frothy a need. If you haven’t met Jeff and Robyn, just pink boiled icing. All of this is not just a list of go by and welcome them to town. You might find sugary delights, but an entire table at every after something there that you just can’t live without. church social south of the Mason/Dixon line. They have a unique shop with many interesting All these foods come under the heading of and unusual items. “Soul Food”. The tastes and traditions do come from many different cultures. They have all added On following Saturdays we will pick other their own spice to the pot. If you truly want to businesses new and not so new to focus on. “Shop know where Soul Food comes from, head into Ranger first “ should be our motto. Watch the paper the kitchen and throw on an apron. The stories to find out where we will be going next. Keep your told over a boiling pot by the cook are the most eyes open as you drive down Main street and see engrossing. A young woman of twenty telling the what the Task Force is up to. Watch for further story of a grandmother who, freed from slavery, information in The County Line Paper. made her living by selling gumbo bowl by bowl on the docks of the bayou is far more compelling We have in the planning stages a revival of than “intellectuals” discussing the origins of corn Roaring Ranger Days. Remember how much fun pone. that was. If you would like to get involved check I can look back at my entire life and taste the with Dianna at the Ranger Library. Also while most important parts of it. Food arrived with at the Library check out the hand made bench births, holidays, weddings and funerals. Some and hand made afghan that will be raffled off on of the dishes came from our own kitchen, while Roaring Ranger Day. Tickets can be bought from others were brought to the front door by aunties any member of the Task Force. and neighbors. It was simply understood that no life event was complete without a decent pot of ■ EMH Volunteers, Kelly Davidson beans to commemorate the occasion. This is what 4th Annual EMH Golf Tournament makes it soul food to me, the smells and flavors are blended together with the sounds of a new baby brother’s crying, the pain of losing my great The E.M.H. Volunteers are out in force collecting grandfather and the excitement of leaving home sponsor money, raffle items and door prizes as a young adult. for the upcoming Fourth Annual E.M.H. Golf Tournament. If you have an idea about an article, e-mail me: johodge@bboxlady.com The one-day golf tournament is on Saturday, June 5th at the Lakeside Golf Course. First, Second and Third place winners in each flight will receive $$CASH$$ prizes. Door prizes and raffle items will be available throughout the day! A BBQ dinner will follow for all players. Come out and play for the day! If you are in need of an entry form, you may contact Rhonda Reeves at 631-5350 or Leisha Hodges at 631-5368.
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com