In the cool of a Talking Rock morning, when the mist still clings to the hills and the dogs begin their restless pacing, Buttermilk ties on her faded apron. She knows they’re waiting—not for scraps, but for something fashioned with care. The old Southern kitchen hums with memory: iron pots, collard stems in the wash pan, and blackberries gathered from the thicket where snakes dare not wander when the dogs are near.
“Y’all hush now,” she whispers, though her voice is more melody than command. “A good dog deserves a good treat.”
From the hearth she brings forth a roasted sweet potato, its flesh soft and glowing like sunset on red clay. Into the bowl it goes, mashed smooth with the back of a fork. A fresh egg follows, then a scatter of collard greens, blanched and wrung free of their stubborn bitterness. Blackberries stain her fingers as they fall into the mixture, little drops of summer’s ink. To bind it all, a scoop of blanched almond flour, pale as dust on an old country road, folds everything together into a dough.
She shapes the cookies with slow hands, laying each one on the tray like small blessings. The oven door closes, the kitchen fills with a scent both sweet and earthy, and the dogs sit straighter, noses quivering, tails sweeping the floor in unison.
When the timer sings, Buttermilk pulls them out, lets the cookies cool, and finally offers one to the nearest hound. The crunch is soft but certain, the taste a marriage of garden, orchard, and love.
“These here ain’t scraps,” she says, patting a broad, eager head. “They’re tokens of gratitude. For loyalty, for watchfulness, for the way a dog can hold a your heart better than most kinfolk ever could.”
You can find Edward Phillips on YouTube. Go to @Edwardphillipsroots for more of his music. Learn about the history behind the Delta and Piedmont Blues. Edward brings the music of Sun House, Blind Willie Johnson, and Robert Johnson to life with his stories.
Cornbread and Miguel lay hands on the land.
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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!
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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
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Listen to @EdwardPhillipsRoots on YouTube. You can watch, “The Electronic Juke Joint” Live stream, with Edward on Wednesday Nights at 8:30 p.m. E.T. where Edward takes song request from his liste...