Bress 'n' Nyam: Gullah Geechee Recipes from a Sixth-Generation Farmer

Gullah Geechee food is a culinary representation of the ocean, rivers, and rich fertile loam in and around the coastal South, created by descendants of enslaved Africans. Matthew Raiford pays homage to this cuisine in his cookbook, tracing a history of community and family brought together by food.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

From the tantalizing Hot Buttermilk Biscuits and the delectable Sweet Potato Pie to the savory Salmon Cakes on Pepper Rice and the hearty Gullah Fish Stew, Gullah Geechee cuisine holds a vital place in the rich tapestry of American history. It serves as a culinary embodiment of the ocean, rivers, and fertile, rich loam that surrounds the coastal South. Spanning from the Carolinas to Georgia and Florida, this region has been the gathering place for descendants of enslaved Africans, who have come together to create extraordinary culinary masterpieces, speaking the African Creole language known as Gullah Geechee.

In this remarkable and captivating cookbook, Matthew Raiford pays tribute to this cuisine that has sustained and nourished his family for seven generations. In 2010, Raiford received the deed to the family farm from his beloved Nana, and he embraced the responsibility with utmost care, nurturing the farm that his great-great-great-grandfather, a freed slave, had purchased in 1874. Within this collection of heritage recipes and modern adaptations, Raiford traces the history of community and family that has been woven through the bonds of food.

Hot Buttermilk Biscuits, with their tender, flaky crust and comforting warmth, are a testament to the simplicity and soul of Gullah Geechee cuisine. Sweet Potato Pie, with its rich, velvety filling and hint of sweetness, embodies the region's deep connection to its agricultural heritage. Salmon Cakes on Pepper Rice, a fusion of flavors and textures, showcases the creativity and adaptability of the cuisine, combining the richness of salmon with the spicy kick of pepper rice. And let us not forget the hearty Gullah Fish Stew, a celebration of the region's seafood bounty, featuring succulent fish, vegetables, and a medley of aromatic spices.

Gullah Geechee cuisine is not just about the food; it is a reflection of the culture, traditions, and resilience of the African American community. It has evolved over centuries, blending African, Caribbean, and European influences to create a unique and flavorful culinary tradition. The language of Gullah Geechee, with its distinctive grammar and vocabulary, is a testament to the rich heritage and cultural preservation of the community.

In this cookbook, Matthew Raiford not only shares his family's cherished recipes but also weaves a narrative that explores the history, culture, and significance of Gullah Geechee cuisine. He shares personal stories and anecdotes that connect the food to the people, highlighting the importance of community, family, and the celebration of heritage.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast, this cookbook offers a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah Geechee community. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, nourish the soul, and preserve cultural traditions for generations to come. So, let us embark on a culinary journey through the pages of "Gullah Geechee: Heritage and Updated Recipes," and savor the flavors, aromas, and stories that have shaped this extraordinary cuisine.

Weight: 1022g
Dimension: 210 x 260 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682686041