Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way: Smokin' Joe Butter Beans, Ol' 'Fuskie Fried Crab Rice, Sticky-Bush Blackberry Dumpling, and Other Sea Island Favorites (Paperback)

~ (Author), Gregory Wrenn Smith (Photographer), Pat Conroy (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Gullah people of the Sea Islands of South Carolina have preserved ways of life and speech from West African slave culture and plantation times. Robinson, a native of Daufuskie, one of the islands, writes that "most of our food came from the land-and water-around our tin-roofed home." This book honors a love of her childhood and her family, and that love is intertwined with food. Introducing most recipes are reminiscences of loading the wood stove, trips to the store, fishing for sheepshead, washing clothes on a washboard and cooking "long pots" (slow-cooked meals). Beautiful photos of island life and a relaxed attitude toward cooking ("these are recipes, not rules") make for accessible additions to anyone's Southern repertoire, with homespun dishes like Tada Salad, Sea Island Okra Gumbo and Fuskie Crab Patties. Sticky-Bush Blackberry Dumpling and Crackin' Conch and Rice are the kind of authentically regional recipes that are harder and harder to come by these days. Pot Full O' Coon and Fried Squirrel may not be the next trendy item on a Manhattan menu (Robinson admits she doesn't cook possum anymore), but these are the recipes that give the book its unique, almost anthropological intrigue. Given that many recipes begin with bacon or pork fat, this is not a cookbook meant for nouveau palates as much as it is for the preservation of a unique, fascinating culture. Wonderful to browse through and experiment with, this is an excellent volume for anyone interested in Southern and African-American culture and food.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Beautiful photographs and Robinson's relaxed attitude toward cooking... combine for a delicious taste of... Gullah culture." -- PW Daily for Booksellers, April 20, 2004

"Robinson is . . . lively, playful and full of laughter, yet warm and soothing. Cooking with her is easy and comfortable." -- Damon Lee Fowler, Savannah Morning News

"Robinson's stories come from another era . . . and her memoir provides a warm, touching account of a time gone by." -- Library Journal

Delicious, authentic recipes . . . [a] cultural testament to Lowcountry cooking and living. -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 29, 2004

Full of homey yarns of the islanders' subsistence life and their wonderful efficiency. -- More, April 2004

Pass[es] on not only the distinctive cuisine of the island people but their story as well. -- Black Issues Book Review, January-February 2004 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press (March 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807854565
• ISBN-13: 978-0807854563
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #321,594 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #22 in	Books > Travel > United States > States > South Carolina
  #37 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > African

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars low country cooking, October 10, 2007

By	Benjamin L. Cage (lahaina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way: Smokin' Joe Butter Beans, Ol' 'Fuskie Fried Crab Rice, Sticky-Bush Blackberry Dumpling, and Other Sea Island Favorites (Hardcover)

I remain fascinated by Gullah and Daufuskie cooking. This book is a welcome addition to my ever-expanding collection. I'm glad I found it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gullah Home Cooking, October 4, 2009

By	Jeanne M. Marangone (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Great history involved with the writing of this book. I live in the Charleston area and I highly respect the Gullah language and ways.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Country Cooking, March 11, 2007

By	H. Ramsey - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way: Smokin' Joe Butter Beans, Ol' 'Fuskie Fried Crab Rice, Sticky-Bush Blackberry Dumpling, and Other Sea Island Favorites (Hardcover)

I have tried to catch Ms. Robinson's t.v. shows when I was able. Having grown up poor and having to make ends meet by stretching the food, you appreciate any attempt to liven up the meals. Ms. Robinson has done this very well. I enjoy her, and I enjoy the book.