The Soul Food Pod
Podcast with Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot
The Soul Food Pod is the first soul food podcast about Southern soul food, providing recipes for success in the kitchen. The show is hosted by Shaunda Necole, podcaster, cookbook author, and food & lifestyle blogger, making life easier + more soulful, one recipe at a time.
Join the conversation about how accessible and approachable classic Southern soul food recipes can be. Shaunda will show you how iconic recipes are now easy enough for anyone to make – and everyone to love!
Where To Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Amazon Music
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 1: FOUND! My Great-Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake Recipe
In Episode 1:
Do you love old-fashioned Southern dessert recipes?
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole delves into the delicious world of Southern soul food and shares Easter dinner traditions and favorite dishes like coconut cake cake, baked ham, deviled eggs, collard greens, and mac and cheese.
She also gives listeners some kitchen gadget and table setting ideas for optimal presentation. But the highlight of the episode is when Shaunda shares her family’s secret recipe for an old-fashioned carrot cake, complete with an exclusive pro tip on how to beat egg whites perfectly.
If you’re a fan of Southern soul food or just looking to spice up your Easter dinner routine, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how to make this mouth-watering cake and get a taste of Southern hospitality!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
You’ll learn how to make grandma’s old-fashioned Southern soul food carrot cake with pro tips and secret recipe ingredients.
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Favorite Easter kitchen gadgets & tools
- Easter table setting ideas
- What did I uncover in the nostalgic box and how has it manifested today?
Transcript Ep. 1:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 1 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 2: Is An Instant Pot Worth Having?
In Episode 2:
What you’ll learn in this episode?
You’ll learn how to use Instant Pot for flavorful and delicious Southern soul food meals. Classic recipes reimagined via a contemporary cooking method. The same Southern comfort food and seasoned buttery-rich flavors in a fraction of the traditional time with Instant Pot!
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
Transcript Ep. 2:
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 3: Best Southern Cabbage Recipes
In Episode 3:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole dives into the world of the best Southern cabbage recipes, sharing beloved recipes and cooking tips.
Shaunda, a cookbook author and food blogger with a culinary heritage that dates back to her great grandmother Florence, aims to make classic Southern soul food recipes more accessible and approachable – easy enough for anyone to make and everyone to love!
Shaunda provides step-by-step recipe guides for classic Southern cabbage dishes like fried cabbage and coleslaw.
She even provides a step-by-step digital printable guide to make flavorful vegetables and meats, which includes a collection of African American seasonings and spices passed down through generations.
The episode also features some delicious ways to prepare cabbage, along with seasoning tips to elevate this darling leafy vegetable of the South into a classic and magnificent Southern dish.
Finally, the episode includes links to recommended kitchen tools for easy cabbage preparation.
There are many delicious and flavorful ways to prepare this delightful cruciferous veggie. It may seem intimidating because recipes like Southern fried cabbage and Southern coleslaw are iconic.
What you’ll learn in this episode?
You’ll learn Southern soul food seasoning ideas and kitchen tips to make the best Southern cabbage recipes.
How do you fix bland cabbage?
How do Black people make coleslaw?
How long do you cook Southern-style cabbage?
How do you make a Southern cabbage recipe in the Instant Pot?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
Transcript Ep. 3:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 3 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 4: Mama’s Fried Chicken
In Episode 4:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, join host Shaunda Necole as she introduces her mother, Mama (Ma-Ma) Mary, for a conversation about how to make Mama’s Southern fried chicken!
Shaunda and her mom share their love for classic Southern fried chicken, and listeners learn the difference between Southern and soul food and the importance of seasoning.
Shaunda and her mom share tips and tricks for how to make delicious fried chicken, including the evolution of fried chicken cooking appliances from the cast iron skillet to the deep fryer and air fryer. Then they reveal Mama’s secret recipe for the best Southern fried chicken!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
Get the answers to your Southern fried chicken frequently asked questions, including:
How do you make fried chicken from scratch?
What is the secret to good fried chicken?
How do you prepare chicken before cooking?
Do you season the chicken or the flour?
What’s the secret to keeping fried chicken crispy?
Why does buttermilk make fried chicken better?
What is the difference between fried chicken and Southern fried chicken?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
Transcript Ep. 4:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 4 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 5: Is Tupperware Still A Thing?
In Episode 5:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole discusses Tupperware with her mom, Mama (Ma-Ma) Mary who is a Tupperware brand enthusiast. Ma-Ma explains more about the uniqueness of these plastic food storage containers that have been a household staple for generations.
Listeners learn that Tupperware is a 77-year-old company that’s been struggling to adapt to modern marketing strategies, and Shaunda explores the reasons for its decline in popularity, from lackluster social media marketing to its association with only Baby Boomers.
However, Shaunda and her mom argue that Tupperware still has value and encourages listeners to start a Tupperware collection.
She also shares ideas for hosting Tupperware parties and highlights some of the most valuable vintage Tupperware products. Finally, the podcast suggests that Tupperware should partner with Pinterest to host online “Pinterest parties” as the new Tupperware parties to appeal to younger generations!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
What is Tupperware?
Tupperware history: Why is Tupperware called Tupperware?
Is Tupperware still in business?
Why Tupperware’s efforts to attract millennials have failed
Do people still have Tupperware parties?
Could Pinterest parties be the new Tupperware craze?
If you have any old Tupperware, is it worth money?
Is the Tupperware brand really worth saving?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
Transcript Ep. 5:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 5 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 6: Is Banana Pudding A Black Thing?
In Episode 6:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole takes us on a journey through the history and significance of a classic soul food dessert: Southern banana pudding – the Black way.
From its African roots to its quintessentially Southern preparation, Southern banana pudding has a special place in the hearts – and taste buds – of many.
Shaunda answers the question, “Is banana pudding a Black thing?” and discusses the history and cultural significance of banana pudding, tracing its roots back to Africa.
With her mom, Mama (Ma-Ma) Mary, they give tips and tricks for making the perfect banana pudding, including using certain ingredients and avoiding common mistakes, including the importance of using Nilla Wafer cookies and whole milk.
Shaunda and her mom also talk about the role of bananas in African-American cuisine and how they have become a staple in the South.
Finally, they reveal Mama Mary’s classic banana pudding from scratch recipe (old school soul food banana pudding) and the only substitutions for making banana pudding the Black way!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- The history of Southern banana pudding and its Southern identity
- African origins of bananas and their use in Southern recipes
- Family recipes for banana pudding and their variations
- Tips and recommendations for making banana pudding
- The official cookie of Southern banana pudding
- Banana pudding the Black way frequently asked questions
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- African American banana pudding history
- Southern banana pudding the Black way
- Black folks Southern tea cake recipe
Transcript Ep. 6:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 6 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 7: Black Cookout Food
On the 7th episode of The Soul Food Pod, Shaunda Necole and her mom, Mama Mary explore why Black cookouts are a beloved tradition in the African American community, the cultural significance and love for Black folks’ potato salad at African American gatherings and cookouts, alongside other soul food dishes such as BBQ meats, collard greens, coleslaw, baked beans, and pig pickin cake.
The podcast dives into the importance of making these dishes correctly and how they reflect on the legacy and culture of Black Americans.
Mama’s recipe for Southern potato salad is shared, along with some of its signature ingredients. The episode also touches on the differences between Southern and soul food cuisine and explains why Black people don’t trust potato salad made by non-Black people.
Then Shaunda and her mom play a hilarious game of “Would You Rather?” – cookout version, and encourage listeners to try Black folks’ Southern potato salad and other delicious recipes on the official Black folks’ cookout menu!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- The history of Black cookout food
- Why Black cookouts are a celebration of soul food
- Why a Black cookout menu matters
- The history of Southern pig pickin cake and it’s deliciousness
- Common Black cookout foods
- The phenomenon of Black folks’ potato salad
- “Would You Rather” game with Black cookout food
- Cracking the code of Black cookout potato salad
- Why do Black people care so much about Southern potato salad?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- The best Black cookout food and menu ideas
- Best soul food cookout side dishes
- Southern pig pickin cake recipe
- Steve Harvey’s homemade BBQ sauce recipe
- Black folks’ Southern potato salad recipe
- SNL Black Jeopardy with Chadwick Bosema (King T’Challa)
Transcript Ep. 7:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 7 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 8: Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
What is Southern peach cobbler?
A Southern peach cobbler recipe is a soul food dessert and one of the darling favorite Southern desserts – loved by folks from East to West, North, and South!
Loaded with fresh, juicy peaches and topped with a light and airy cinnamon sugar crust. It’s a cobbler so delicious, you may want to eat it all. All by yourself!
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole with her mom, Mama Mary (Ma-Ma) take a deep dive into the Southern classic dessert, peach cobbler.
Shaunda shares her easy recipe for Southern peach cobbler, passed down from her mom.
Listeners learn about the history of peach cobbler, its importance in Black food culture, and the recipe’s contribution to American cuisine.
Shaunda and her mom then give tips on using self-rising dough and selecting the best peaches, including frozen options.
The episode concludes with a celebration of the podcast’s listeners and blog subscribers for nearly 100K YouTube views of its Southern peach cobbler recipe video!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- The Soul Food Pot’s Southern peach cobbler recipe goes viral!
- African American peach cobbler history
- Easy Southern peach cobbler recipe with self-rising dough
- Southern peach cobbler FAQs answered
- What kind of peaches are best for cobblers?
- How to use canned peaches in a Southern peach cobbler recipe?
- How to use frozen peaches in a Southern peach cobbler recipe?
- The Soul Food Pots’ Southern peach cobbler recipe feedback
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
Transcript Ep. 8:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 8 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod EPISODE 9: Southern Mac And Cheese
How do you make Southern baked mac and cheese the Black way?
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole introduces her best friend, Teresa Pooler, as they tell the story of when they were young adults first learning how to cook, on a seemingly never-ending quest looking for the ultimate recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese!
Shaunda and Teresa explain how they went from cookouts to church events to potlucks rating the best mac and cheese.
Listeners will laugh at their saucy tales and hilarious journey through time to deliver you the ultimate Southern soul food baked mac and cheese recipe! Including a quick lesson down history lane with a thank you to James Hemings, the African American chef who created Southern baked mac and cheese.
How do you make Southern mac and cheese from scratch?
Southern mac and cheese – the Black way – is made from scratch, with elbow noodles boiled in milk, then prepared with a combination of soul food seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, onion, ground mustard, paprika, flour, milk, and a mix of cheeses. Commonly used are sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and American cheese, baked until creamy on top and golden brown on the edges!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- Two friends’ mission to find the ultimate recipe for soul food baked mac and cheese
- Tips for making the perfect macaroni and cheese dish, including the importance of sharp cheddar cheese and the soul food seasonings
- Learn how to make Southern baked mac and cheese the Black way (Black mac and cheese)
- James Hemings and the origin of baked mac and cheese
- Netflix soul food docuseries High On The Hog and the story of baked mac and cheese
- Southern mac and cheese and its place in African American culture and American food history
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What to serve with soul food baked mac and cheese
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black folks’ Southern baked mac and cheese recipe
- About the Netflix docuseries High On The Hog
- Lobster baked mac and cheese
- What goes with mac and cheese?
Transcript Ep. 9:
The Soul Food Pod – Episode 9 Transcript
The Soul Food Pod FAQs
Who is the host of The Soul Food Pod?
The host of The Soul Food Pod is Shaunda Necole, a cookbook author and food and lifestyle blogger who comes from a family of caterers and cooks and a legacy of soul food recipes.
What is The Soul Food Pod about?
The Soul Food Pod is the first podcast about Southern soul food.
What makes Southern soul food unique?
Southern soul food is unique for its emphasis on rich, savory flavors and its history of using ingredients readily available to enslaved African Americans in the South.
How can you put your own spin on traditional Southern soul food dishes?
Shaunda Necole suggests adding your own favorite seasoning blends or experimenting with flavors to make the dishes your own.
Where can you find more recipes and tips from Shaunda Necole on Southern soul food?
You can find more recipes and tips from Shaunda Necole on her blog and in her cookbooks on TheSoulFoodPot.com.
More ways to enjoy The Soul Food Pod
Where To Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Amazon Music |
Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | RadioPublic | Castbox | Overcast | Pocket Casts |
- Check out The Soul Food Pot blog
- Get The Soul Food Pod episode recipes
- Email you new episodes and recipes
- Interact with The Soul Food Pot on Instagram
- Join The Soul Food Pot Facebook community