Thank you Edna Lewis

The plates of Southern goodness I sampled during my visit in November to Charleston's Middleton Plantation, filled me with a sense that I'd better get home and start my diet again or all would be lost. I returned to Texas with a refreshed look at how our culinary histories and regional recipes bring us all together at one savory table.
Taste one bite of Edna Lewis' fried chicken and collard greens and tell me I'm wrong! The chicken must be soaked in a brine before frying--the crunchy fried breast oozes with juice and exceptional flavor. And those lemony grits and caramelized onions--oh my, they were my idea of heaven one earth. How I wish I had been lucky enough to have enjoyed one of Edna's meals  before she passed away in 2006. She would definitely have a seat at my Table of 8 (eight famous people in history you would pick to have a seat at your table for a fantasy dinner party)--in between Julia Child and James Beard. 

Middleton Plantation's Fried Chicken Livers & Collard Green Appetizer

Edna Lewis' fried chicken breast
with collard greens and Hoppin John

Shrimp and Lemony Grits with Caramelized Onions--oh my!

While in South Carolina, I happily savored my favorite Palmetto Pimento Cheese dip--I can somehow resist this treat at Whole Foods Austin, but am compelled to devour it at the beach! I indulged in homemade pasta covered with fresh shrimp and a buttery lemon garlic sauce. I had my share, and more, of fried chicken livers, fried chicken and collard greens (thank you Edna Lewis) at Middleton Place Plantation's restaurant. I sampled one of the best pecan pies ever with a side of cinnamon ice cream. All for the sake of celebrating my nieces' birthday of course!

I'll head back to Charleston in a few months for yet another birthday celebration. Husk, McGrady's and 82 Queen Street are all on the agenda. Perhaps I'll have my cholesterol level checked before I go!

Postscript: 4/8/12

After writing this post, I began researching Edna Lewis' recipes, books and history. I came upon this article about a foundation established in her honor--founded in January 2012--the Edna Lewis Foundation. Seems the members agree with the second sentence in my first paragraph. Think I'll be joining this foundation @ www.ednalewisfoundation.org.



Edna Lewis Foundation Mission Statement
Food is LIFE. Every culture, every family, ultimately every living soul understands the nourishment, love and importance of food. Food goes beyond breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Food brings together families, seals business deals, builds friendships and lifetime commitments. Food is for the living, although a taste of a beloved family recipe will bring back memories of a loved one that has since gone.  

A Commemorative Birthday Cocktail & Hors d’oeuvres Reception & Fundraiser on April 13 Launches The Edna Lewis Foundation in Atlanta, GA

Edna Lewis would have been 96 years old on April 16th. She was born in 1916.

Edna Lewis photo courtesy of Edna Lewis Foundation