The Soul Food Pod
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, 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 Listen:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music
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:
In Episode 2:
What do Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) and Sex and the City have in common with an Instant Pot?
The answer: Shoes in the oven. “Are you kidding me? I use my oven as storage.” -Carrie Bradshaw (SJP’s character)
Do you agree with SJP?
In this episode about how to use Instant Pot, host Shaunda Necole talks about her love for the acclaimed TV show, Sex and the City (revived as, And Just Like That…) and how she relates to the main character Carrie Bradshaw’s lack of cooking skills, but highlights how using an Instant Pot can make you a seasoned cook and elevate any dish! Shaunda reveals that you won’t need an oven much when you have an Instant Pot because this revolutionary appliance even includes a function for baking!
The Soul Food Pod host, Shaunda Necole, dives into the world of Instant Pot cooking for Southern soul food recipes. With the ability to replace several appliances and cook a full meal in under 45 minutes, Shaunda breaks down the various functions and settings of the Instant Pot, including pressure cooking to lock in flavors and intensify the taste.
Shaunda’s step-by-step guides teach you how to enhance your cooking with Instant Pot for soulfully seasoned meals.
Plus, she provides valuable tips, such as the importance of cooking with liquid to avoid overcooking or burning your food. Shaunda also introduces Instant Pot’s family of appliances, from air fryer lids to the Instant Pot oven and Star Wars-themed pots.
Finally, she reveals that on her wish list is Instant Pots designed by The Soul Food Pot!
Tune in to this episode for an instant boost of confidence to easily cook Southern soul food meals!
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:
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.
But these flavorful Southern soul food cabbage recipes are so easy to make!
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:
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:
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.
In Episode 5:
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:
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!
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:
In Episode 7:
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:
In Episode 8:
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:
In Episode 9:
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, 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
- 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:
In Episode 10:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, join host Shaunda Necole and her guests as they share stories and traditions surrounding the national holiday Juneteenth.
Shaunda discusses her favorite recipes and tips for celebrating Juneteenth with easy-to-make ideas for menu dishes that are perfect for the occasion.
With her mom Ma-Ma Mary and bestie, Tersa, Shaunda envokes conversations about the importance of soul food recipes, especially when commemorating Juneteenth, African American freedom day, and celebrating Black American heritage.
Shaunda provides a straightforward and easy-to-understand guide for celebrating and acknowledging Juneteenth, including gathering with friends and family to discuss the holiday’s significance.
Along with suggestions for Juneteenth red foods and drinks, Shaunda shares her recipe for a tasty watermelon salad perfect for the holiday celebration or any occasion!
You’ll learn about the history of Juneteenth and how to plan an ideal cookout celebration with classic Southern soul food dishes like red velvet cake, red beans and rice, red hibiscus sweet tea, and BBQ meats
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What is Juneteenth, how is it celebrated, and why does it matter?
- How is Juneteenth similar to Independence Day?
- What are the official colors for Juneteenth?
- Why is Juneteenth food red?
- How do you celebrate Juneteenth?
- Juneteenth tomato watermelon salad recipe
- Black cookout songs playlist
- What not to do at a Black cookout
- Game: “You know you’re at a Black cookout when…”
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Juneteenth menu, food, history, facts, & Black folks’ recipes
- Juneteenth red foods and drinks & watermelon red soda
- Southern soul food tomato watermelon salad
- What not to do at a Black cookout & What are the best Black cookout songs?
Transcript Ep. 10:
In Episode 11:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole delves into the world of Southern collard greens, covering “all things collard greens!” Everything from preparation and flavoring to cultural traditions surrounding the dish.
She discusses how many Black Americans have specific family members assigned to make this ever-essential dish for gatherings.
Shaunda also interviews her friend Teresa, an XTREME Hip Hop fitness trainer, about her favorite way to prepare these beloved greens and the nutritional value of collard greens. Listeners will learn popular dishes to pair with soul food collard greens, and even a recipe for the Southern classic, Hoppin’ John.
The episode ends with a discussion of what is pot liquor (pot likker, potlikker) and its traditional use in Southern cooking. If you’re a fan of Southern soul food or want to learn more about the culture behind it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. A must-listen for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of authentic African American soul food recipes!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What are collard greens?
- Traditional Southern dishes and assigned roles
- How to make collard greens
- Tips for cooking collard greens
- How to clean collard greens
- The nutritional value of collard greens
- Fan favorite dishes to pair with collard greens
- The importance of being invited to bring certain African American recipes to family gatherings
- What is pot liquor?
- Instant Pot collard greens
- Soul food Southern collard greens cooking tips and FAQs
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black folks soul food collard greens recipe
- Black folks soul food Hoppin John recipe
- Black folks Southern black-eyed peas recipe
Transcript Ep. 11:
In Episode 12:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole is joined by special guest Teresa, her friend who is an Xtreme Hip-Hop instructor. Teresa shares healthy tips for eating in moderation during the holiday season.
Together, Shaunda and Teresa discuss the significance of soul food in African American culture and highlight delicious Southern dishes that make up classic soul food holiday recipes like honey-baked ham, collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato casserole, and sweet potato pie.
Teresa shares tips on staying hydrated, exercising, and getting in your steps after meals. The episode also covers using the Instant Pot to make effortless yet delicious soul food holiday recipes.
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- How soul food holiday recipes are synonymous with African American culture
- List of popular Southern holiday foods
- Easy soul food holiday dinner recipes with Instant Pot
- Healthy tips for eating during the holidays
- What are soul food holidays recipes?
Soul food holiday recipes for Easter, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are an opportunity to honor the rich culinary legacy and celebrate the flavors that have become an essential part of Black America’s cuisine.
From crispy fried chicken to savory collard greens, every soul food dish has a story to tell and a connection to the people and the culture that created it.
Whether enjoying a slice of sweet potato pie or savoring a bowl of gumbo, soul food holidays are the perfect time to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the flavors that have captured our hearts and taste buds.
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Soul food Easter dinner menu ideas
- Juneteenth menu ideas
- Soul food Thanksgiving menu
- Soul food easy Christmas dinner menu
- New Year’s soul food recipes
Transcript Ep. 12:
In Episode 13:
Do you know the difference between Southern food and soul food?
You’ll find out in this episode!
On episode 13 of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole, with very special guests, oldest grandson Kobe and youngest son Dahvi discuss the significance of food in Black culture.
Shaunda highlights how soul food reflects the rich heritage of Black history and how food brings people together in the Black community.
In a thought-provoking segment, Shaunda agrees with NBA player Draymond Green’s call to eliminate Black History Month and instead incorporate Black history teachings year-round. Her son and grandson contribute to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of Black history and legacy.
Shaunda draws connections between Black history and food, particularly mentioning Thanksgiving and soul food recipe favorites. Delighting your taste buds, Shaunda, Kobe, and Dahvi provide a tantalizing list of notable recipes enjoyed during Black History Month, including collard greens, candied yams, homemade cornbread, macaroni and cheese, chicken, sweet potato pie, and banana pudding! Shaunda points out that these recipes are considered authentic soul food because they’ve been passed down through generations in the African American community.
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- Shaunda and her son Dahvi dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the representation of Black history and culture in today’s society.
- They explore the experiences of different generations, acknowledging the risk of being overwhelmed by the multitude of voices in today’s media landscape.
- Dahvi explains how the tragic murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor during the COVID crisis becomes a turning point, prompting a vital need to address critical racial issues and make an impact.
- Throughout this compelling episode, The Soul Food Pod serves up a delectable feast of food, history, and meaningful conversations.
- Wrapping up the episode, Shaunda expresses her gratitude to her sons for joining her and encourages you to explore soul food and take your recipes beyond Southern!
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black History Month soul food recipes
- The Soul Food Pot’s Black Folks’ Food
- The best Black people food and recipes
- What is soul food?
- Authentic soul food recipes
- Allies: What can you do to help Black people?
Transcript Ep. 13:
In Episode 14:
Grab a plate, sit back, and enjoy this episode of The Soul Food Pod as you find yourself fully engaged in the world of Black folks’ cornbread dressing. Host Shaunda Necole and her friend and guest Nikki discuss the rich history, variations, and personal experiences that make this recipe a true soul food classic.
Cornbread dressing is one of The Soul Food Pot’s most popular recipes. With over 65K shares, this recipe has invoked much feedback, comments, and discussion threads, including controversy about whether or not it’s OK to use homemade cornbread or a cornbread mix.
Shaunda and Nikki place a positive spin on this 5-star beloved recipe’s negative comments through an interactive game of reading the “Mean Tweets,” similar to Jimmy Kimmel’s popular segment. Although the “Mean Tweets” are fun and funny to analyze, they quickly point out that most of the feedback on The Soul Food Pot’s recipes is overwhelmingly positive.
Shaunda also delves into the history of cornbread dressing from enslaved people in the American South, with roots in a West African recipe known as kush. Then she shares tips and tricks for achieving a perfectly moist but not watery or gummy consistency and how to fix dry stuffing and prevent a mushy texture. Shaunda provides helpful advice on preparing cornbread dressing in advance, allowing listeners to alleviate stress on Thanksgiving Day.
This episode is rooted in an appreciation for the positive comments The Soul Food Pot receives, as Shaunda shares actual heartwarming stories of listeners and readers who have made the recipe their own.
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What is cornbread dressing?
- How to make Black folks cornbread dressing
- The origins and characteristics of cornbread dressing
- Should you use a box mix?
- Can you use Jiffy cornbread mix?
- Southern family recipe traditions
- Tips for making the perfect cornbread dressing
- Make-ahead options for Thanksgiving cornbread dressing
- Why do you need stale cornbread?
- What’s the difference between Southern cornbread dressing and cornbread stuffing?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black folks cornbread dressing recipe
- Black folks homemade cornbread
- Black folks chicken and dressing
- Southern cornbread dressing with gizzards
- Black folks Southern oyster dressing recipe
Transcript Ep. 14:
In Episode 15:
What is Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie?
“Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie” is the name host Shaunda Necole gave her viral sweet potato pie family recipe, featured first on TheSoulFoodPot.com. It’s the first sweet potato pie with this name. The original recipe.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is Southern comfort soul food at its finest. Boasting heavenly sweet spices and exceptional texture combinations that make it a family favorite!
Because soul food is a variety of comfort-food cuisine originating from African American culture in the Southern United States. It’s traditionally a combination of African American foods derived from Black enslaved people’s take on American and British cuisine, combined with the essence of West African warmth, flavors, and traditions.
Sweet potato pie is a dessert made first by Black folks back in Africa when they used the native-grown vegetable, yams.
Listen to this episode and learn how the favorite pie of Black people has continued as a favorite African-American holiday tradition today!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What is Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie?
- Sweet potato pie Black History
- What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
- What makes Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie a favorite pie recipe?
- The difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie
- What makes Black folks sweet potato pie a favorite pie recipe?
- How do you make Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie recipe
- Is sweet potato pie a Black thing?
- Sweet potato pie Black History
- The Soul Food Pot sweet potato pie recipes
- Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie collector’s edition cookbook
Transcript Ep. 15:
In Episode 16:
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole walks you through what is served at a Black American Thanksgiving dinner.
She explains why a soul food Thanksgiving dinner menu is more than just the hog. From the Thanksgiving Day turkey to the smallest kernel of corn – it’s a collection of the best soul food recipes. A Thanksgiving dinner feast fit for a king!
You may see famous Southern soul food dishes including:
- Southern turkey
- Honey-baked ham
- Cornbread dressing
- Black folks’ chicken and dressing
- Homemade cornbread
- Black folks’ sweet potato pie
- Southern potato salad
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Soul food collard greens
- Southern candied yams
- Southern green beans
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Southern sweet tea
- Creamed corn pudding casserole
- Homemade eggnog
- Southern peach cobbler
- And so much more!
Shaunda discusses how Black people have a unique swag, flavor, and spin on how holidays are celebrated. Detailing why a soul food Thanksgiving is rooted in Black culture and why food is so important in the Black community, especially during the holidays.
She then illustrates the variety of recipes served on a soul food Thanksgiving menu and offers good-to-know tips for attending a Black Thanksgiving. Plus, a fun game of Thanksgiving “One has got to go!” to get you excited and ready for your upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday feast!
Shaunda concludes the episode by answering questions about soul food and Black culture and a quote from Chef Alisa Reynolds of the hit Hulu series, Searching For Soul Food.
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What is a soul food Thanksgiving menu?
- What will you find on a soul food Thanksgiving menu?
- How do you make a Thanksgiving soul food menu?
- How do African Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?
- What is served at a Black Thanksgiving dinner?
- 6 good-to-know tips for attending a Black Thanksgiving
- Is soul food a part of Black culture?
- What does soul food symbolize?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Soul food Thanksgiving menu
- Soul food Thanksgiving side dishes
- Southern soul food Thanksgiving desserts
- Thanksgiving turkey recipes
- Thanksgiving sweet potato pie
Transcript Ep. 16:
In Episode 17:
Welcome back to another episode of The Soul Food Pod with your host, Shaunda Necole! In today’s episode, Shaunda dives into the delicious world of a soul food Christmas dinner menu.
Get ready to experience the classic flavors and mouthwatering dishes that will make your holiday feast unforgettable. From homemade Christmas eggnog to brown sugar-glazed Christmas ham, Shaunda Necole & The Soul Food Pot have you covered with a round-up of easy and delectable menu ideas.
Explore soul food side dishes like candied yams, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and more. And, of course, Southern Christmas desserts. From red velvet cake to sweet potato pie, this episode covers the perfect treats to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a fan of turkey or ham, Shaunda’s taken a poll to settle the debate on the most popular main dish for Christmas dinner. Plus, she’ll share some interesting traditions involving oranges during the holiday season. And if you’re looking for a convenient and flavorful cooking method, Shaunda introduces you to the wonders of Instant Pot cooking.
So sit back, relax, and let this episode guide you through the world of a soul food Christmas dinner. Get ready for a feast that will nourish both your body and soul. Let’s dig in!
She explains why a soul food Thanksgiving dinner menu is more than just the hog. From the Thanksgiving Day turkey to the smallest kernel of corn – it’s a collection of the best soul food recipes. A Thanksgiving dinner feast fit for a king!
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- What is a soul food Christmas dinner menu?
- What do you serve on a soul food Christmas dinner menu?
- The secret to an easy Christmas dinner
- How to determine which Instant Pot is right for you?
- How many side dishes for Christmas dinner?
- What is the most popular side dish for a soul food Christmas dinner?
- What is the most eaten food on Christmas Day?
- What do you serve after Christmas dinner?
- Soul food Christmas dinner beverage ideas
- What cake is traditionally eaten on Christmas Day?
- What Christmas dessert is known for its long shelf life?
- What fruit is traditionally eaten at Christmas?
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black folks soul food easy Christmas dinner menu
- Southern soul food Christmas side dishes
- Southern soul food Christmas desserts
- Which Instant Pot is best for you?
Transcript Ep. 17:
In Episode 18:
Welcome back to another episode of The Soul Food Pod with your host, Southern soul food blogger and cookbook author Shaunda Necole!
Episode 18 wraps up the podcast’s first season, and this episode is all about New Year’s Soul Food and African American traditions said to bring good luck and prosperity into the New Year!
Shaunda shares a soulful guide to start the New Year on the right foot, including a mouthwatering New Year’s soul food menu, recipe ideas, and African American holiday traditions.
One of the stars of New Year’s soul food is a Southern Hoppin John recipe. This delightful dish combines Southern and African American flavors, featuring black-eyed peas, collard greens, and rice as its main ingredients.
Known for its nutrient-rich and hearty qualities, Hoppin John is a must-have on your New Year’s menu.
But wait, there’s more! Because Shaunda goes into detail about New Year’s African American traditions. She shares personal stories and “legend-has-it” practices as to why iconic soul food holiday dishes like Hoppin John and black-eyed peas are commonly served up with scrumptious homemade cornbread and pork jowl bacon, all cooked to perfection using different methods, including stovetop, Instant Pot, and Crockpot.
The quicker modern cooking appliances show no need to wait to consume good fortune and prosperity!
Speaking of gratitude, good fortune, and prosperity, Shaunda shares how season one of The Soul Food Pod has been an absolute success, and she thanks her team of talented women who make the show and The Soul Food Pot blog a reality.
She also expresses extreme gratitude for the podcast’s amazing listeners, proclaiming The Beautiful Souls the secret ingredient!
Finally, Shaunda reveals that The Soul Food Pod will return for a second season to celebrate more Southern soul food recipes. So stay tuned!
Then Shaunda wraps up season one and sounds off with her signature reminder: “Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.”
What you’ll learn in this episode?
- New Year’s soul food recipes and menu ideas
- What traditions do Black folks have on New Year’s Day?
- Why do African Americans eat black-eyed peas?
- Why do people eat pork jowl on New Year’s Day?
- What is Black folks soul food Hoppin John?
- Where did the name Hoppin John come from?
- What do you serve with a soul food black-eyed peas Hoppin John recipe?
- What modern appliance adjustments are there for cooking soul food Hoppin John?
- The success of The Soul Food Pod: the first podcast about Southern soul food
- Meet the team of talented women behind The Soul Food Pot & The Soul Food Pod
- Gratitude to The Soul Food Pod’s Beautiful Soul listeners
- The announcement of The Soul Food Pod Season 2!
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Best New Year’s soul food recipes
- Black folks soul food Hoppin John recipe
- Black folks pork jowl bacon in the air fryer