Unique Content Article: Finding A Soul Food Caterer

Finding A Soul Food Caterer

by Stella Gay

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 <A href="http://www.creativetcatering.com">soul food caterer</A> 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.

It was illegal for slaves to read or write so recipes were passed down orally. One of the first cookbooks written about this type of cuisine was published in 1881 and recently many more have been written. The focus is often on family and recipes for family occasions, celebrating the value of sharing.

One of the characteristics of this cuisine is intense flavors. There is often a debate about the difference between this cuisine and Southern cuisine and the answer appears to lie in the amount of spices used. Meats and fish are less processed when making soul food. A whole fish is often served and less desirable meat such as neck bones, pigs feet and chitlins feature.

The early slaves could not afford to waste and this attitude towards wastage has prevailed. Everything from stale bread and to overripe fruit is used to create delicious pies and puddings. Leftovers of fish are made into croquets or hush puppies. Leftover meat is used in vegetable dishes for added flavor.

Every culinary tradition has certain elements that are less healthy than others and this type is no different. However, with the introduction of fast foods and with more sugar, salt and fat being added to recipes, many of these foods did become unhealthy. Caterers preparing them today are aware of this and tend to focus on using healthier cooking methods and using spices, garlic, onions and herbs to create flavors. The use of plenty of vegetables is one of the healthier aspects of this type of cuisine that they celebrate in their dishes.

Sunday dinners are times when families get together and various family members contribute dishes. Kale, ribs, corn, mustard greens, fried chicken, okra, and yams are all examples of the type of foods that appear on heavily laden tables. Families stay connected in this way and are reminded of their roots.

If one is searching for such caterers, there are many to be found online. Reading customer reviews is one way to find out what kind of reputation they have and what kind of service can be expected. Finding out how long caterers have been in business is another indication of how reliable and popular they are. The best of them offer the most delicious menus and keep their customers coming back time and time again.



Get a brief summary of the reasons why you should hire a <a href="http://www.creativetcatering.com">soul food caterer</a> and more info about a reliable catering company at http://www.creativetcatering.com now.

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