What mrs fisher knows about old southern cooking?

What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking

For anyone who has ever tasted the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Southern cuisine, Mrs. Fisher’s story is a fascinating one. Margaret "Maggie" Fisher, a black Southern woman, was the head chef at the legendary Occidental Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, during the 1940s and 1950s. Mrs. Fisher’s culinary legacy has been passed down through generations, and her old Southern cooking techniques are still revered today.

Mrs. Fisher’s Roots and Influences

Born around 1890, Mrs. Fisher grew up in rural Tennessee, where she was exposed to the traditional Southern cooking methods of her community. Her mother, who was also a skilled cook, taught her the fundamental techniques of Southern cuisine, including the use of heirloom ingredients, slow cooking, and bold seasonings. Mrs. Fisher’s cooking style was heavily influenced by the African American cooking traditions of the rural South, which emphasized the use of locally sourced ingredients and simple, yet flavorful, techniques.

The Occidental Hotel and Mrs. Fisher’s Rise to Fame

In the 1940s, Mrs. Fisher began working at the prestigious Occidental Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time, the hotel was known for its elegant atmosphere and fine dining, and Mrs. Fisher quickly became an integral part of the culinary team. Her signature dishes, such as her legendary fried chicken and corn bread, quickly gained popularity with guests and locals alike.

Mrs. Fisher’s Old Southern Cooking Techniques

So, what does Mrs. Fisher know about old Southern cooking? Let’s take a closer look at some of her signature techniques:

• Dry-Brining: Mrs. Fisher believed in the importance of dry-brining meat, which involves rubbing it with salt, sugar, and spices before cooking. This technique helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
• Slow Cooking: Mrs. Fisher was known for her slow-cooking methods, which involved simmering ingredients for hours or even days to extract deep, rich flavors. She believed that slow cooking allowed the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
• Local and Heirloom Ingredients: Mrs. Fisher emphasized the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, such as produce from the hotel’s garden and meats from local farmers. She also used heirloom ingredients, like heritage corn and okra, to add depth and variety to her dishes.
• Bold Seasonings: Mrs. Fisher believed that bold seasonings were key to creating a flavorful dish. She used a mix of spices, herbs, and other seasonings, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, to add depth and complexity to her recipes.

Famous Dishes and Recipes

Some of Mrs. Fisher’s most famous dishes include:

• Fried Chicken: Mrs. Fisher’s fried chicken was legendary, and her recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day. She believed in using a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices to create a crispy, crunchy coating.
• Corn Bread: Mrs. Fisher’s corn bread was moist, flavorful, and light, with a crispy crust. She believed in using a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and water to create a tender, crumbly texture.
• Grits: Mrs. Fisher served her grits with butter, salt, and black pepper, and believed that the key to a creamy, smooth texture was using the right ratio of water to grits.

Mrs. Fisher’s Legacy

Mrs. Fisher’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of the Occidental Hotel. Her cooking techniques and recipes have been passed down through generations, influencing the culinary landscape of the South and beyond. In recent years, her descendants have worked to preserve and promote her culinary legacy, including the publication of her cookbook, "Mama’s Cookbook."

Comparison of Mrs. Fisher’s Recipes with Modern Southern Cuisine

While Mrs. Fisher’s recipes may seem traditional and old-fashioned, they have a timeless quality that sets them apart from modern Southern cuisine. Here’s a comparison of some of Mrs. Fisher’s classic recipes with modern Southern cooking:

Conclusion

What does Mrs. Fisher know about old Southern cooking? She knows that the key to creating a truly traditional Southern dish is to emphasize the use of local, heirloom ingredients, bold seasonings, and simple, yet flavorful, techniques. Her legacy extends far beyond the walls of the Occidental Hotel, influencing the culinary landscape of the South and beyond. Today, her descendants continue to promote and preserve her culinary legacy, ensuring that Mrs. Fisher’s old Southern cooking techniques will remain relevant for generations to come.

Additional Resources

For more information on Mrs. Fisher’s life and recipes, check out:

• "Mama’s Cookbook" by Margaret "Maggie" Fisher and her descendants
• The Occidental Hotel’s historical archives
• Online culinary forums and blogs featuring discussions on traditional Southern cooking and Mrs. Fisher’s recipes