No matter your taste preferences or culinary experience level, these deliciously comforting recipes will satisfy both your belly and your heart. From classic Southern fried chicken to the hearty flavor of collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread or rich, artery-clogging red beans and rice dishes - there is sure to be something here that will fill both.
As modern kitchens reimagine traditional Southern comfort food, its cuisine is being given a contemporary makeover that draws upon other cultures while shifting towards health and sustainability. New twists include adding crawfish into Vietnamese egg rolls or creating Louisiana crawfish boils using citrus, lemongrass and garlic; popular staples are being altered as well, such as making vegan jambalaya with cauliflower!
Southern cuisine requires slow, low-temperature cooking to develop flavors and tenderize meats, yet some dishes have become easier than ever to create at home. Selecting locally sourced and seasonal ingredients will increase the taste and authenticity of your Southern cooking.
Ja'nea Johnson and Ruby Matthews founded Southern Comfort Kitchen several years ago as part of their junior business major studies at Kent State. For two semesters during fall and winter semesters, they served lunch from their truck on campus to students, faculty, staff. Matthews hopes that Kent State dining services can accommodate his business so it remains part of Kent State. During off-season they also cater weddings, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies as well as providing their mobile restaurant to local events or offices for events in Kent State's vicinity.
