15 Jan As Dr. King said, “let us walk hand in hand” and let us cook together and use the ingredients and spices we all bring to make a great Americana dish to be embraced and enjoyed by all.
Reflections on Years Passed
While it’s been awhile since Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. was a prominent figure in our daily lives, I believe he was one of many brave men and women who stood for truth, equality and acceptance and the importance of cultural differences. Like many men and women in his position, he was literally shot down before his prime. All, however, left their mark on the history of our great country and on this one day each year we recognized them for their bravery and dreams.
I do believe that I was fortunate to be a student in an integrated High School in the 1960’s when he was assassinated. I remember at the time being fearful for my own safety that day as the protest march outside our school started – and also very saddened for what many of my friends were experiencing. I cannot clearly say that I understood what the long-term ramifications or effects would be of his death, as I continued to struggle with the assassination of President Kennedy years before. But at the end of the day, I have to say that he did make a difference in the way many of us now view our fellow Americans. The world as we knew it then in the 60’s has changed – with some disappointment, admittedly, and I do believe that we continue to have a long way to go before we realize the “dream” that he articulated so eloquently on August 28, 1963. It is probably because of my own youthful disappointments and confusion that I championed the diversity initiative in my former corporate life with some success. It continues to be a challenge – bridging our differences – whether it is race, ethnicity, sex or social status. But I do have hope that in my lifetime, or at least in my grandchildren’s lifetime, we will have learned acceptance of each other and learned to embrace and profit from others who are different.
In my kitchen, as in my life, I do love what spices and different ingredients bring to the end product. I have my own special recipes – give or take a teaspoon here or there. The biggest complaint I ever get is that even when I give my friends the recipe, their version never tastes quite the same. And you know what? I get it! I happen to think that should actually be considered a compliment to both the chef and the person providing the recipe. For each dish is unique – in the way it gets assembled, loved and presented. That is called being a “chef” of your own rights! I have a strong allegiance to anyone who is willing to try something different or even a little difficult – adding a personal touch, and making it their own! Isn’t that what life is all about?
The focus of this blog is Dr. Martin Luther King, who we honor today and every day, along with the many brave people who fought for the equal appreciation and celebration of differences. His favorite foods growing up in the South were considered what we refer to today as traditional “soul food”. That included – so documented, was Southern Fried Chicken, collard greens, pecan pie and cornbread. While, I did not grow up in the South, I have to say my mother made some wicked fried chicken and I learned to make an easy corn bread that has been passed down to generations and friends alike. It is so simple but so delicious that one of my grand girls could live off it, given the option. The fried chicken, on the other hand, never quite turns out the same and perhaps over the years, I may have lost my touch. But here is the ever very simple recipe for great corn bread that anyone can do if they have an operating oven.
As Dr. King said, “let us walk hand in hand” and let us cook together and use the ingredients and spices we all bring to make a great Americana dish to be embraced and enjoyed by all.
Corn Bread
1 box of Jiffy Corn Bread
1 egg
1 can of white (preferred) cream style corn
1 TBS of melted butter
Mix all ingredients together. Place in greased muffin tins or loaf pan and cook at 400 degrees until done (brown on top usually works)
Easy recipe that everyone absolutely loves!! (good for chili too)
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