Luck & Money

        Collard, turnip, and mustard; greens are a cornerstone of good Southern eatin'. A recent study even measured the effectiveness of greens against the prescription drug Choloestyramine for lowering and blocking the body's cholesterol. Wildly enough, greens beat out the drug by thirteen percent! And mine ain't made with no damn ham hocks or fat back either.
        It being the new year and all, I figured it was about time to return to this classic dish. Growing up, my Mama always made sure I ate my black eyed peas and greens for good luck and a fat pocket. If we can foretell my year from the way I gobble up these black eyed pea cakes and sweet, smoky greens, in 2015 I'll be fuller than a tick and sittin' in high cotton!

As with most things, it is better to get your hands a lil dirty to form these cakes

Don't you dare waste any of that good pot likker!

Hey Y'all

       Confession time: I love pork.  Specifically, barbecue. Oh, sweet baby Jesus, do I love barbecue. I mean, I'm from Memphis, home of Central BBQ, Three Little Pigs, and of course Charles Vegos' Rendezvous for cryin' out loud. When I dream, it is of smoke assaulting my vision, stickiness covering my fingers and dripping from my chin, and that sweet, tender meat melting in my mouth. Ecstasy. I used to carry wet wipes on my person at all times for such occasions.
      Confession number two: I am a masochist. Perhaps that is why I transitioned into veganism around a year ago. Adios, fish tacos. Arrivederci, buttery Italian leather boots. Au revoir, to God's gift to this blessed earth, macaroni and cheese. Or so I thought. Apparently, I am a maven in the kitchen. I guess that's what you get when your mother's idea of home cookin' is the nearest Chinese take away menu (sorry, Mama). When I realized I didn't have to eat self-described "rabbit food" all day it really lit a fire under my ass. Soon, I even found myself immersed in a world of cruelty free makeup and Matt & Nat handbags. And, you know what? I don't miss the pig. Really, I don't! I have never felt lighter, more energized, and bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in my life.
       So, here we are. After encouragement from friends and family, I have succumbed to the blogosphere. I'm here to show you that you can still be a Southern soul-food lover while eating and living vegan. Richly, luxuriously, sinfully vegan.

Always, Peggy