There is a very special cuisine that has its roots back in a time when slaves had to survive on rations and leftovers. The meals they prepared were a way of maintaining their dignity in the midst of oppression. Adversity bred resourcefulness and dishes were created patiently and with care. A soul food caterer today uses recipes that have often been passed down through generations. Caterers like this are found all over America and East Windsor, NJ is no exception. Menus often feature many classic favorites.
The slaves were usually given ingredients like flour, salt, molasses and corn. They produced their own vegetables such as okra and beans. Some of the simple recipes they created using the staples, their vegetables and leftover proteins have survived and with a few modifications, are found on menus all over. Such food represents more than just these ingredients cooked in a certain way. It celebrates their roots and heritage.
Recipes were not written down as many slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. They were passed down by word of mouth to future generations. Although cookbooks have been written featuring this style of cuisine, it is only fairly recently that they are receiving more attention. Family meals and gatherings are usually the focus of such books.
This cuisine is characterised by the use of spices to create intense flavors. Some people regard the only difference from Southern cuisine as being in this intensity. However, another characteristic that also distinguishes it from Southern cuisine is that protein tends to be less processed. Fish is usually served whole, for example, and less refined meat such as neck bones, pigs ears and feet are often used.
Another characteristic of this type of cooking is that there is very little wastage. In the days of slavery, the proteins used consisted mainly of leftovers like offal and chitlins. The tradition of using leftovers continues with stale bread being used to make pudding, overripe fruit being made into pies and leftover fish into hush puppies or croquets.
This type of cuisine is often regarded as unhealthy. People feel it contains too much fat, sugar and salt, a toxic combination. However, the original recipes were hardly guilty of this and in fact often consisted largely of vegetables with meat often being used sparingly. Restaurant chefs and caterers offering this type of food today are aware of health considerations. They use different methods of preparation and stick to fresh healthy ingredients without losing any of the flavors which they intensify with garlic, herbs, onion and spices.
For many families who eat this type of food, Sunday dinner is a time when they all gather together. Dishes like kale, yams, collard greens, fried chicken, and ribs are made with love and care. The families cement their bonds when eating these dishes and remember their roots together.
Caterers offering this type of cuisine are not hard to find today with many of them offering their services on websites. Checking customer reviews and other details on such a site can give a good indication of the reputation and quality of service of such caterers. The best of these create their foods with passion and patience, offering delicious menus that keep customers very happy.
The slaves were usually given ingredients like flour, salt, molasses and corn. They produced their own vegetables such as okra and beans. Some of the simple recipes they created using the staples, their vegetables and leftover proteins have survived and with a few modifications, are found on menus all over. Such food represents more than just these ingredients cooked in a certain way. It celebrates their roots and heritage.
Recipes were not written down as many slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. They were passed down by word of mouth to future generations. Although cookbooks have been written featuring this style of cuisine, it is only fairly recently that they are receiving more attention. Family meals and gatherings are usually the focus of such books.
This cuisine is characterised by the use of spices to create intense flavors. Some people regard the only difference from Southern cuisine as being in this intensity. However, another characteristic that also distinguishes it from Southern cuisine is that protein tends to be less processed. Fish is usually served whole, for example, and less refined meat such as neck bones, pigs ears and feet are often used.
Another characteristic of this type of cooking is that there is very little wastage. In the days of slavery, the proteins used consisted mainly of leftovers like offal and chitlins. The tradition of using leftovers continues with stale bread being used to make pudding, overripe fruit being made into pies and leftover fish into hush puppies or croquets.
This type of cuisine is often regarded as unhealthy. People feel it contains too much fat, sugar and salt, a toxic combination. However, the original recipes were hardly guilty of this and in fact often consisted largely of vegetables with meat often being used sparingly. Restaurant chefs and caterers offering this type of food today are aware of health considerations. They use different methods of preparation and stick to fresh healthy ingredients without losing any of the flavors which they intensify with garlic, herbs, onion and spices.
For many families who eat this type of food, Sunday dinner is a time when they all gather together. Dishes like kale, yams, collard greens, fried chicken, and ribs are made with love and care. The families cement their bonds when eating these dishes and remember their roots together.
Caterers offering this type of cuisine are not hard to find today with many of them offering their services on websites. Checking customer reviews and other details on such a site can give a good indication of the reputation and quality of service of such caterers. The best of these create their foods with passion and patience, offering delicious menus that keep customers very happy.
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Get a brief summary of the reasons why you should hire a soul food caterer and more info about a reliable catering company at http://www.creativetcatering.com now.
Not every palate is the same in the eyes of each individual caterer so it will help to take a look at any differences between different companies
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