Mississippi folks take their food seriously
Ask these questions when you’re in Mississippi and you might have folks clapping back between bites. But don’t worry, because at the end of the day, true Mississippians know it’s all about sharing good food and even better stories, with plenty of laughs and love to go around.
What’s the Best Barbecue?
The debate over the best type (pulled pork, ribs, or brisket) and sauce (vinegar-based vs. tomato-based) is so heated, you’d think it was a SEC football rivalry. Throw in a discussion about dry rubs, and you’ve got yourself a delicious civil war.
Should Cornbread Be Sweet or Not?
Cornbread opinions are as varied as catfish stories at a Yazoo City fishing hole. Should cornbread be sweet like cake or savory with a crunchy crust? This debate can quickly heat up the room as Mississippians take their cornbread very seriously.
Do You Like Hot Sauce?
Every Mississippian worth their salt has a hot sauce collection that mirrors their family tree history. Whether you’re a Crystal lover, a Tabasco traditionalist, or you prefer the homemade variety that your neighbor makes with extra kick, the only wrong answer here is “I don’t like hot sauce.”
Where’s the Best Fried Chicken?
The great fried chicken debate isn’t just about flavor; it’s about loyalty. Are you headed to the Midnight Diner for that secret batter in Oxford, or hitting up grandma’s linoleum-floor kitchen in Tupelo where the fryer hasn’t been moved since the first moon landing? Either way, everyone’s swore off anything that can be found on the frozen food aisle.
How Thick Should Gumbo Be?
Gumbo’s a labor of love, and making it too thin can start more fights than the Egg Bowl. If you’re at a Mardi Gras party in Biloxi and your gumbo ain’t sticking to the rice, you might just get side-eyed. Is it missing filé or okra? That’s when the family secrets start spilling like lagniappe.
When is Sweet Tea Too Sweet?
Talk sweet tea and watch the pours flow like the Pearl River during a spring flood. In Mississippi, if the ants aren’t lining up before you even sip it, it’s a no-go. Grandma’s recipe always calls for a whisper of mint from the garden, but don’t you dare try that unless it’s fresh, or Uncle Joe will let you hear all about it on the porch swing.
What’s the Best Dessert?
When it comes to Southern desserts, there’s no shortage of fierce contenders. Mississippi mud pie, pecan pie, and banana pudding all vie for the top spot. Each dessert has its own following, and dessert politics can get as sticky as a fresh slice of pie.
When the crawfish are dumped onto the table, what’s the right level of spice? Should there be potatoes, corn, sausage, or all of the above? If there’s no homemade spice mix reaching three generations back, are you even at a crawfish boil?
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