Gullah Geechee Chow

On October 27 & 28, we welcomed back our favorite Gullah Geechee chef, Pamela Jones Mack!

Muscadine Wine Spritzer 

Muscadine grapes are native to the southeastern and south-central United States. My family had our own muscadine vineyard on our property. I make my  own muscadine wine using sugar and yeast. 

Gullah Spiced Boiled Peanuts 

In 2006, Palmetto State by Act Number 270 named the boiled peanut d as the official State Snack of South Carolina. My family grew peanuts on our farm when she was a child. It was so interesting to see how they were harvested from the ground and dried out on a bed spread in one of my grandmother’s bedrooms and then boiled in large batches and given to neighbors as gifts!  Peanut-free Option: cinnamon & spice fried sweet potatoes 

Mini Gullah Spiced Shrimp Po’Boy 

Gullah cuisine and Creole cuisine have a lot of similarities, so I’m serving up these po’boys with my Gullah-spiced, cornmeal-coated shrimp. This classic Louisiana sandwich features fried meat or seafood on New Orleans French bread, known for its crispy crust and fluffy center. Gluten-free: po’boy salad  Vegan: Gullah spice mushrooms, peppers, and onion po-boys

Fried Croaker Fish 

Nicknamed “frogfish” for its signature croaking sound, the croaker is often compared to trout. Growing up, we caught and cooked croaker. I coat mine in a mix of cornmeal and my Gullah spices before frying. Gluten-free. Vegan option: Mixed veggies

Carolina Red Rice with Sausage

Red Rice is practically synonymous with the Gullah Geechhe cuisine. I grew up outside of Charleston, SC, where red rice and sausage is a way of life. It’s paired with a variety of dishes, especially seafood. I’m partial to Roger Wood sausage, a beef sausage made in Savannah, GA.  Gluten-free. Vegan red rice available

Trio of Greens with Rutabaga and Smoked Turkey

Rutabaga is a cross between a turnip and a wild cabbage.My mom always added rutabaga to her greens to add a little sweetness. In this dish, I slow cook collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens with rutabaga and smoked turkey. Gluten-free. Vegan greens available

Southern Mustard Potato Salad

Potato Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any southern meal. And inn the south, everyone has their own recipe. Mine consists of potatoes, onions, bell peppers, yellow mustard, celery, dill relish, mayo and some secret ingredients. Gluten-free. Vegan option available

Homemade Blackberry Ice Cream with a Benne Seed Brittle

Blackberries were one my favorite fruits since childhood. I’ve had them in every variety possible but blackberry ice cream is one of my favorites. Benne seeds (also known as sesame seeds) were brought to the Americas slave ships from West Africa. Slaves grew benne plants in their gardens and they’re a staple in Gullah Geechee cuisine. Gluten-free. Vegan Option: Vanilla Dairy-free ice cream with a blackberry compote