Bless Her Heart

You can’t talk to anyone from Mississippi without eventually landing on our favorite topic of conversation… 

Food… 

Hospitality is not only a word found in one of our state’s nicknames. It’s also in our DNA. 

And anyone who travels through the “Hospitality State” quickly learns that  Mississippi food is to die for…(well almost)… 

In Mississippi, food is not merely an issue of sustenance. It’s also a celebration of life, love and community. 

Food has a magic way of bringing people together like nothing else could ever do. 

Food also provides the window of opportunity for individuals to share personal stories and develop a deeper sense of connection. 

The Influence of Various Cultural Groups on Mississippi Cuisine 

Mississippians not only share the story of Mississippi to visitors. 

Mississippi cuisine, just like the people of Mississippi, shares the story of Mississippi… 

…a story that has developed through centuries of Mississippi history… 

…a story revealing our state’s rich culture, cultural heritage and traditions. 

…the story of our heritage that celebrates the various groups of people who have lived here throughout history. 

Soul Food: Soul food shares the story of Black individuals who have lived in Mississippi…often enslaved Africans. 

Were it not for these enslaved Africans, you wonder if Mississippi would have even survived.  

Enslaved Africans brought a knowledge of certain agricultural products to the people living on plantations in Mississippi. 

Enslaved Africans also introduced Mississippi planters to new foods, including okra and black-eyed peas. 

Okra was used okra for almost everything., People even roasting the seeds of the okra plant and ground these roasted seeds to make coffee. 

Creole and Cajun influence can be seen in the jambalaya and gumbo commonly served in the Delta.

In fact, the word “gumbo” comes from the Bantu word for okra (ki ngombo). 

Native Americans: Native American tribes have always had the uncanny ability to discover food sources within a particular area of land.

Native American tribes have always had an uncanny ability to use local resources found within a particular area of land. 

Native Americans taught settlers in the Mississippi territory how to survive on local resources including corn, beans and wild game. 

These sources became staple in the diets of these early settlers and remain important to Mississippi cuisine today. 

Immigrants: European settlers, especially immigrants from France and Spain, also played an important role in developing the diversified Mississippi cuisine that we enjoy today. 

These settlers brought with new farming and cooking techniques… new ingredients…new crops and species of livestock…and a variety of new flavors. 

Immigrants from other countries – including the Czechs, Slovenians, Vietnamese – soon brought their own unique assortments of spices, herbs and flavors.

Learning to Live Off the Land

Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients continue to play an important role in the culinary traditions of Mississippi. 

Agricultural Ties: Side dishes found in Mississippi cuisine often highlight the abundance of seasonal produce – such as collard greens, corn, okra, sweet potatoes – found in Mississippi. 

Farm-raised and homegrown fruits, vegetables and pecans are a common ingredient in both savory dishes and desserts both at home and on the menus of almost every restaurant in Mississippi. 

Deep Connection with Mississippi Rivers and Coastal Areas: Fresh fish and shellfish are available year-round in Mississippi. 

Fishing is a deep-rooted tradition in the South. 

And crispy fried fish, especially catfish, is a key player in the Mississippi diet. 

Seafood – including shrimp, oysters and crab – also plays in important role in both Mississippi’s food scene and economy. 

As early as 1890, Biloxi was processing some two million pounds of oysters per year. 

Freshly-caught blue crab from the Gulf is an especially sought-after delicacy. 

The Role of Culture and Local Tradition 

This melting pot of influences has led to a unique culinary tapestry that continues to thrive…signature dishes that have transcended time and are now become synonymous with the state…Southern staples such as barbecue, cornbread, fried chicken, hush puppies and decadent desserts. 

Barbecue: Although barbecue varies from region to region within the state, barbecue found in Mississippi is often characterized by its slow-smoking techniques and unique sauces. 

Fried Foods: Fried foods have always been an important part of Southern cuisine. 

Mississippi is home to some of the best fried delicacies around.  

Soon I will share my family’s recipe for Mississippi comeback sauce…a sauce that makes these delicious fried delicacies taste even better. 

Mississippi Food Is a Reminder. 

Mississippi foods remind us of simpler times. 

Mississippi foods also remind us of the people – the backroom kitchen cooks, home chefs and nationally acclaimed chefs – behind the food…those people who enjoy a shared passion for Mississippi food, hospitality and tradition.  

But more important… 

Mississippi food reminds people around the world of their own Mississippi family and friends…and the times that we’ve spent enjoying these foods together. 

If you enjoy a food that you eat while you’re in Mississippi, feel free to ask for the recipe. 

Just don’t dare tell anyone that I’m “fixing to” share her recipe for Mississippi Mud Pie. She still thinks that it’s a family secret. 

Mississippi cooks take great pride in passing down recipes from one generation to the next, even though they may be hesitant to share certain recipes outside their immediate family circle. 

I sincerely hope that the recipes that I share bless your socks off…