FOOD
Salt pork and dried meats are staples throughout the South , where smoking has remained a readily available method of preservation .
The tradition of Barbecue , born in the American South , varies between region and county in style and combination of spices . Southern Barbecue involves a community , and an excuse to celebrate with “ lavish abandon .” Some Southern Barbecue traditions claim a history of almost two hundred years ; holding carefully guarded recipes including an almost lost tradition of Coca Cola Barbecue which was a part of Battlefield Days when I was a kid . Beginning in Vicksburg Mississippi , Coca-Cola has become an essential part of our history and economy .
COCA-COLA ® BARBECUE SAUCE
1 cup ketchup or tomato puree 1 / 4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon mixed barbecue seasoning ( To make your own seasoning , combine equal parts , smoked paprika , cumin , celery salt , garlic powder , dry mustard , salt , black pepper 1 cup Coca-Cola 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar ½ teaspoon hot sauce or chili puree
Combine ingredients in a saucepan over medium and bring to a low boil for about 5-10 minutes . Reduce the volume to half over low heat . Remove from heat and pour into jars for canning or allow to cool completely and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months .
Take this luscious mixture and marinate then grill or smoke your favorite cut of meat , the slower the meat cooks the more caramelization will take place and the sauce will sweeten and develop more complexity . In most cases the cheaper cuts of meat will tenderized best overnight , thus forethought may be necessary .
44 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN