Hillbilly Food is Familiar
Appalachian foods are favorites on tables across the United States (and beyond). These include grains and breads such as a fried cornbread called hoe cake and grits. Wheat didn’t grow in the region and had to be shipped in, so corn and cornbread were popular on Appalachian tables. The region is also known for embracing the traditions of both African slaves and Scottish immigrants of deep frying a chicken in fat, more commonly known as fried chicken. Bacon and other cuts of pork were popular, especially from a barbecue. Beef from livestock was a regular dinner feature, as was local game such as rabbit, venison, squirrel, and fish. Appalachian cooks would use any vegetables and fruits they could grow in their gardens. The meat and grains would be accompanied by potatoes, parsnips, onions, collard greens, pawpaw (a fruit that has a mango-banana flavor) and beans.