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Somewhere between the hush of Spanish moss and the gospel hum of cast iron cooling on a windowsill, the South whispered her secrets into the hands of cooks who were listening. Hands that learned to measure by memory, taste by touch, and stir with a reverence born of stories told over supper.
In this episode of Cornbread & Buttermilk, we gather around the table to honor the 2025 Southern recipients of the James Beard Awards—those rare culinary conjurers whose dishes carry the weight of memory, history, and heat. These aren’t just chefs, child—they’re stewards of flavor, bearers of generational grace, and architects of the sacred alchemy that turns humble ingredients into holy communion.
From Delta smokehouses to Lowcountry shrimp shacks, from kitchen gardens tucked behind shotgun houses to white-linen temples of cuisine, the South stood tall this year. And the James Beard Foundation, bless ’em, recognized what we’ve always known: our people can cook. Not just with skill, but with soul.
So pull up a chair, pass the cornbread, and prepare to meet the Southern stars whose love of food burns as bright as a June firefly. Their stories will fill your heart—and their recipes might just haunt your dreams.
Velma’s Short intro song.
Velma singing
French song
Disclaimer:
Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!
Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.
© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.
Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]
Title: Ragged and Dirty
Performed by: William Brown
Recorded by: Alan Lomax
From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers
Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com
...
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By Western C. CainSend us a text
Somewhere between the hush of Spanish moss and the gospel hum of cast iron cooling on a windowsill, the South whispered her secrets into the hands of cooks who were listening. Hands that learned to measure by memory, taste by touch, and stir with a reverence born of stories told over supper.
In this episode of Cornbread & Buttermilk, we gather around the table to honor the 2025 Southern recipients of the James Beard Awards—those rare culinary conjurers whose dishes carry the weight of memory, history, and heat. These aren’t just chefs, child—they’re stewards of flavor, bearers of generational grace, and architects of the sacred alchemy that turns humble ingredients into holy communion.
From Delta smokehouses to Lowcountry shrimp shacks, from kitchen gardens tucked behind shotgun houses to white-linen temples of cuisine, the South stood tall this year. And the James Beard Foundation, bless ’em, recognized what we’ve always known: our people can cook. Not just with skill, but with soul.
So pull up a chair, pass the cornbread, and prepare to meet the Southern stars whose love of food burns as bright as a June firefly. Their stories will fill your heart—and their recipes might just haunt your dreams.
Velma’s Short intro song.
Velma singing
French song
Disclaimer:
Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!
Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.
© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.
Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]
Title: Ragged and Dirty
Performed by: William Brown
Recorded by: Alan Lomax
From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers
Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com
...