Butter Biscuits, and Biblical Truth: A Minority Voice on Southern Culinary Heritage
Mitchell Royel is a political analyst and conservative commentator focused on emerging trends in American political discourse.
An Open Letter to My Democratic Friends: Let's Talk About Biscuits, Heritage, and Honest Conversations
Dear Democratic colleagues and friends,
As a minority voice within our political discourse, I find myself compelled to address something that's been weighing on my heart—and my stomach. We need to have an honest conversation about Southern cuisine, cultural attribution, and the beautiful complexity of American food heritage.
The Biscuits and Gravy Reality Check
Let's start with those golden, flaky biscuits drowning in creamy sausage gravy that make our mouths water and our hearts sing. This iconic dish—along with countless other Southern staples—carries a heritage story that's more nuanced than our current cultural narrative suggests.
While we rightfully celebrate the incredible contributions of African Americans to Southern cuisine (and soul food deserves every bit of recognition it receives), we must also acknowledge the profound European influences that shaped these beloved dishes. Our Southern culinary landscape emerged from a beautiful collision of cultures, techniques, and traditions.
Honoring Our Southern Belles and Brothers in Christ
Here's where I want to give a resounding shout-out to our Southern belles and brothers in Christ—regardless of color—who know how to throw down in the kitchen. These culinary artists have been perfecting their craft for generations, and their contributions deserve recognition alongside everyone else's.
Let's celebrate the 10 Southern buttery dishes that showcase this rich European influence:
Chicken and Dumplings - Those pillowy dumplings floating in golden broth
Cornbread with Real Butter - Crumbly, sweet perfection
Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Crispy, juicy, and downright heavenly
Butter Beans with Ham Hock - Creamy comfort in a bowl
Buttery Grits with Cheese - Smooth as silk, rich as love
Peach Cobbler with Buttery Crust - Summer sunshine in dessert form
Bourbon Butter Pound Cake - Dense, moist, and absolutely divine
Butter-Braised Collard Greens - Tender leaves swimming in flavor
Honey Butter Cornbread Muffins - Sweet, crumbly, irresistible
Buttermilk Biscuit Bread Pudding - Comfort food at its finest
A Christian Perspective on Food and Fellowship
From my Christian worldview, food represents one of God's greatest gifts for bringing people together. When we break bread—whether it's cornbread, biscuits, or any other beloved dish—we participate in something sacred. The kitchen becomes a place of fellowship, creativity, and love.
Setting the Record Straight with Love
Here's the truth we need to embrace: Southern cuisine is a glorious fusion of influences. Yes, African Americans contributed immensely to what we know as soul food. But European techniques, ingredients, and cooking methods also played crucial roles in developing these dishes we all love.
This isn't about diminishing anyone's contributions—it's about expanding our appreciation for the full story. When we acknowledge the European influences on dishes like biscuits and gravy, we're not taking anything away from African American culinary heritage. We're simply painting a more complete picture.
The Beauty of Shared Heritage
Our Southern brothers and sisters—Black, white, and everything in between—have been collaborating in kitchens for centuries. They've shared techniques, ingredients, and recipes across cultural lines. This collaboration created something uniquely American and undeniably delicious.
Moving Forward with Honesty and Appreciation
As we navigate these cultural conversations, let's commit to:
Honoring all contributors to Southern culinary heritage
Celebrating complexity rather than oversimplifying food history
Recognizing excellence wherever we find it in Southern kitchens
Building bridges through shared appreciation of good food
A Call for Culinary Unity
Food has always been a universal language of love, comfort, and community. Instead of using cuisine as another battleground for cultural division, let's use it as a bridge for understanding and appreciation.
Our Southern food heritage is rich precisely because it draws from multiple traditions. The European influences on dishes like biscuits and gravy don't diminish the African American contributions to soul food—they complement them in creating a uniquely American culinary landscape.
Final Thoughts from the Heart
To my Democratic friends: I'm not asking you to change your political views. I'm simply asking for honest recognition of the full story behind the foods we all love. When we sit down to enjoy a plate of biscuits and gravy, let's appreciate the complex heritage that brought this dish to our tables.
And to all my Southern brothers and sisters who know their way around a cast-iron skillet—regardless of political affiliation or background—keep doing what you do best. Keep throwing down in those kitchens, sharing your love through food, and showing the world what Southern hospitality really means.
Because at the end of the day, good food brings people together. And in a world that often feels divided, maybe that's exactly what we need more of.
With love, respect, and a serious craving for some buttermilk biscuits,
A Fellow American Who Believes in Honest Conversations and Even Better Food
P.S. - If anyone wants to share their family's secret biscuit recipe, my inbox is always open. Some conversations are best had over a warm biscuit with honey butter.