LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 4, 2000

LAPLACE – Now, give this a chance.

“The Confederate Cookbook: Family Favorites from the Sons of Confederate Veterans,” by Lynda Moreau, obviously won’t find itself exactly welcome in every household. However, there’s lots of good cooking and great eating tobe found here.

With a total of 340 recipes gleaned from contemporary Southern kitchens, all members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the list ranges from drinks to desserts, appetizers and salads and main courses.

My sample meal prepared for this review included Black-Eyed Pea Cornbread, Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese and Chicken Chinnabee.

Black-Eyed Pea Corn Bread is rich in vegetables, easy to prepare and tasty, even on reheating in a microwave.

Ingredients include pork sausage, onion, bell pepper, creamed corn, grated cheese, black-eyed peas and cornbread. I used mild cheddar cheese and mildsausage, but prepare according to your own tastes.

The recipe for Crock-Pot Macaroni had a bit too much liquid, so you may consider reducing those amounts listed. However, it’s likewise quick and easyfor even the most inexperienced cook.

The Chicken Chinnabee, named for Chinnabee House near Munford, Ala.,includes walnuts, red wine, mushrooms, garlic, onion, bouillon cubes and sour cream. Again, there was a bit too much liquid and the recipe is unclear as tohow much water to use to dissolve the bouillon cubes, but it is delicious and not too spicy at all.

There’s a brief essay included in the 367-page, $25 book on the mission of the group, which is non-racist in character. With over 700 “camps” and27,000 members, the SCV works to enlarge its role as a commemorative, historical and preservationist organization.

The organization is involved in genealogical research, academic research and placing of Confederate monuments and does not ally itself with extremist groups who use the Confederate battle flag and “Dixie” for self-serving, political ends.

I would highly recommend the cookbook for every Southern kitchen where the taste of the Old South can be remembered. While it does include informationon the organization’s aims, purposes and beliefs, this is primarily a cookbook, and a very good one.

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