blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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Sometime around Christmas, I was scrolling on #TikTok and watched a food review by @keith_lee125. It was for @onokinetreats. I placed an order that same night. Because of the large number of orders they received thanks to Keith, I got my goodies in the mail today. If you know me, you know I love a sweet and savory treat. Let me say my sister caught me dancing and eating the candy in my kitchen. These were definitely worth the wait. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co0x3_rOOgH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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tamsavage · 2 years ago
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#Repost @ovipodcast with @make_repost ・・・ The entire month of #June, we’ll be honoring #BlackMusicMonth and our focus will be on Black people’s presence in the #industry #hiphop #internationally #housemusic and also addressing the #lifestyle that sucks them in. This week’s episode has a special guest @vincevalholla of @valholla entertainment. He share’s a ton of game that pokes holes in industry rule #4080… not all record people are shady! #ovipodcast #outsidevoiceinside #13thfl #13thfloor #TheThirteenthFloor #TheBrownGirlCollective #googlepodcasts #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #anchor #amazonpodcast #audible #BlackCreatives #relationships #salttasters #music #blackness https://www.instagram.com/p/CeOyZZhL8BB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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bayouloislane · 11 years ago
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wishing young ladies still carried themselves like this in public. photo courtesy of the brown girl collective via facebook 
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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My first Jollof rice experience happened in Dubai … yes I know I could have had Jollof in ATL but I did not … @kizadubai gave me good food and good vibes, some World Cup watching great dance moves. This night I ordered Peppered Beef with a side of Jollof rice. All of it was delicious, but next time I will order the oxtail. They looked so good 😋 The flavors and spices in the food was amazing. If you ever visit Dubai, please visit Kiza … oh and the drinks were amazing also. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at KIZA Restaurant & Lounge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmKV5VFvglj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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Scattered, Smothered, Covered and Diced
“Wanna get dinner?”
“Yeah, that’s cool.”
“Where do you wanna go?”
“Waffle House?”
“Sure.”
Waffle House is to the South what late night greasy spoon diners are to the Northeast. As a college student in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Waffle House was a gathering spot for those of us who had too much to drink or smoke. And those of us who only had five dollars to get a filling meal.
When I relocated to Atlanta, I had no idea that Waffle House origins were rooted in Georgia. I did notice one on every corner like Chik fil a, but I assumed waffles were popular in the deep south. I do not often order a waffle, but on occasion the blueberry specialty makes it way on my tab. The draw for me at Waffle House has always been the hash browns.
Most people do not know that there are at least 3.5 ways to eat hash browns at Waffle House. I have my own special combination and that night on my date I realized that everyone did not know you could jazz up the hash browns.
My date: I will have an All-Star Breakfast with a waffle.
Me: Can I have a double hash brown scattered, smothered, covered and diced?
The strange look from across the table puzzled me. My date did not comprehend the words I used to order my hash browns. He was unaware of the various ways to eat the golden-brown deliciousness. 
To perfect your hash browns, you must make yourself familiar with the restaurant’s vocabulary. Each word represents an ingredient that is added to the dish to enhance the flavor.
Scattered – Grilled Hash Browns (the foundation)
Smothered – Sauteed Onions
Covered – Melted Cheese
Chunked – Grilled Hickory Smoked Ham
Diced – Tomatoes
Peppered – Spicy Jalapeno Peppers
Capped – Grilled Button Mushrooms
Topped – Bert’s Chili
Country – Sausage Gravy
Imagine the number of ways that hash browns are cooked daily in any given Waffle House, and to not know that these options exist is unfathomable.
When my plate arrived, he noticed the large amount of food on my plate.  His face shown a math calculation being performed in his head. Yes, my hash brown concoction was half the price of his waffle breakfast.
“You gotta teach me how to order that.”
I smiled.
“No problem. So how do you like your hash browns?”
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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My partner in breakfast is on the way to VA, so I had to fend for myself this Sunday morning. I wanted pancakes so I tried a Banana Pancake recipe with just 4 ingredients: Banana, Eggs, Oatmilk and Cassava Flour. I did add a splash of Vanilla extract for flavor. I added some Country Ham to the plate to round out my plate. My plate is now clean and I think I am going to take a nap. Have a Blessed Day! #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective #homecooking #cookingmyfeelings (at Vinings, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMFITROnbS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 4 months ago
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@stockyardburgers has been around the corner from me for quite some time, but I never had a meal from the place. I decided to order a chicken sandwich with house made pickles, garlic aioli and fresh cut fries. The sandwich was phenomenal and I’m angry that I have not eaten there before now. If you are in the area, make sure you drop by and grab a bite. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective
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blessthisfood · 4 months ago
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blessthisfooddotnet
During my island tour of Barbados, I had the pleasure of dining at Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown. The restaurant exuded the charm of an old Southern cafeteria, where you could choose one meat and two sides. Opting for Turkey Wings, Fish Pelau, and Chow Mein. I found the Chow Mein reminiscent of chicken-flavored ramen with vegetables, while the perfectly baked Turkey Wings stole the show. However, the highlight was the Fish Pelau - a delightful twist as I had only experienced Pelau with chicken back home. The entire meal was not only delicious but also offered portions twice the size of those at the resort. For anyone visiting the island, Fisherman’s Pub is a must-visit for experiencing local cuisine at its finest. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective
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blessthisfood · 4 years ago
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This is not pretty, but it sure was delicious. I wanted a different breakfast, so I created a pizza yesterday morning. A #TraderJoes whole wheat tortilla topped with pesto, low-fat mozzarella cheese, prosciutto and a large egg. I have leaned into my new found love for pesto and eat it on and with everything. Breakfast is no different. Take my word for it, make one at home, you will enjoy. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodpodcast #anchor #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #spotify #stitcher #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at In My House) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMkgiDnBZ59/?igshid=131egfwtx7wv
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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#latergram I cannot remember why I did not post this … Steak and Chorizo with cheese and rice & grilled veggies on the side. Not featured is a Margarita I could not finish … my sister and I were light weights on this day #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Luna Maya Mexican Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkUZrMuO08n/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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Okay so let me explain… yesterday’s breakfast… whole wheat tortilla, pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella and one egg. I’m trying to slice up my breakfast and I wanted pizza 😁 I have been eating pesto eggs for months now so let’s just add some extra #homecookingatitsbest I am over here cooking y’all #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Vinings, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CixgoDbOzh_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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Dinner yesterday was at the @foodterminalatl … This is Grandma Wonton BBQ Pork Tossed Noodle … long name, lots of good food… BBQ Pork with Cantonese thin noodle, fried wontons, bok choy, bean sprouts, spring onion, fried and fried shallots. Needless to say I did not finish it all last and these left overs are about to be so fire. #Foodterminal has two locations currently in the Metro Atlanta area with another on the way. The food is delicious and made to order and if you get a chance to eat there please do. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Food Terminal) https://www.instagram.com/p/Chz7ew3OvSl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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All Day Breakfast
I emptied the package of Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal into the paper cup in my office. This had become my morning routine at work. Oatmeal from a package, hot water from the water filter and sometimes fresh banana slices to go with the oats. I did not enjoy this breakfast, but it was better for my well-being. Oats were known to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Despite the good things about oatmeal, it was my least favorite breakfast meal.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I could eat breakfast meals all day long. My mother made sure that my sister and I had a hot breakfast every day. Oatmeal was never a part of our menu.  That is probably why I dislike it so much. My friends have suggested Cream of Wheat as a substitute. To that I say, hell no. I will stick with what I know, eggs, bacon, toast, grits, and pancakes. Not at the same time.
As a kid, my first Dad made me steak and eggs regularly. He introduced me to the sunny side up egg. Most people hate runny eggs, but I always find something on my plate to dip in it. I was shown steak dipped in runny yolks and then I graduated to toast dipped in the remainder of liquified center of my eggs. My mother was a fan of the scrambled egg and was not going to make her child any separate food in the morning. So, I transitioned to eating the scrambled egg.
My Aunt Velma made me fall in love with scrambled eggs. She never over cooked them, and they were always the soft and fluffy eggs. Unlike my mother, Aunt Velma would make me separate eggs because I was not a fan of cheese in my eggs. I always had my scrambled eggs to eat, made the way that I liked. My eggs were always paired with cooked apples and Smithfield Hot Links. This meal holds a place in my heart as one of the top tier breakfasts of all time. The spicy taste of the sausage with the sweetness of the apples, followed by the egg made my stomach happy in my childhood. This was my first inclination that pork and apples was a great pairing.
As Aunt Velma got older and her health deteriorated, she had to adjust her diet. That meant less pork and eggs with fresh apples as the better option. Of course, by this time I could make my own, but it just did not taste the same. By this time, Dad number 2 had introduced me to omelets. Each Saturday morning, I had a variety of innards to have with my eggs. When not around my family, this was my go-to selection. I was never able to make my own omelets because they would fall apart during the flip, turning them in egg scrambles. For now, I leave the omelet making to Dad number 2.
I had an arsenal of breakfast recipes to create when I moved away from home. I anticipated finding new ones in Atlanta. The first one that I encountered was Shrimp and Grits. In Virginia, we had fried fish and grits for breakfast. In Georgia, every restaurant has a version of this dish. I have a Mexican version with shrimp in cream sauce and poblano peppers. The standard version is a red sauce with sauteed vegetables and shrimp. Also, there is a version with shrimp in brown gravy colored sauce. Having so many to choose from made me miss plain old fish and grits. I eventually found some fish and grits at Thumbs Up Diner. It was a large piece of fried fish with creamy grits and a fluffy wheat biscuit. I found home on a plate. Every time I go there, I do not even look at the menu because I order the same thing.
I feel like I have talked a lot about breakfast, but it is my favorite meal of the day. My family made me love it.  And maybe I love it because it reminds me of family. Takes me back to certain memories, it makes me miss home. When I have those favorite breakfast meals, I get to reflect while enjoying tasty food. And maybe tonight breakfast will be what is for dinner.
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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@pastriesagogo is always my go to spot after leaving #dekalbfarmersmarket … short lines, good coffee, great food. This is a traditional breakfast with bacon, home fries, sunny side up eggs and a biscuit. I sometimes wish I lived closer so I could eat there more often. If you find yourself in Decatur Square and the wait is too much, hit these guys up for the goods. #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Pastries A Go Go) https://www.instagram.com/p/Chsxmclv8Hj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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The Whole Hog
My mother is a celebrator of victories. Whether it is a retirement, an engagement or a new birth, Judy’s inner party planner springs to life. She is the reason why my birthday is my own personal holiday, more important to me than Christmas. In the summer of 1995, it was my turn to celebrate like never before.
June of 1995, I came home a college graduate. The four years spent in Harrisonburg Virginia were fulfilling and the food was great. But nothing will ever top your mother’s food. To welcome me and my college success home, my mother planned a family barbecue. This was not out of the ordinary, but you must understand the volume of my family.
My mother is the youngest of seven kids. Most of her siblings live within a twenty-mile radius of her home. Those siblings have on average 3.25 kids who also have 2.5 kids of their own. To say that we were expecting plenty of people would be an understatement. On top of family, I invited all my friends and told them to bring their friends. This would be the party of the decade.
The neighborhood where my family put down roots in Virginia was all black until the mid-1980’s. The older people started passing away and families started selling their property. But I grew up knowing everyone in the neighborhood. Some of the people on different blocks were my distant cousins, my half-sister’s grandmother once resided a block away. We were family in Gracetown, one of several segregated neighborhoods in the city of Virginia Beach.
My grandparents’ house sat next to large field owned by my family. This area acted as the backdrop for the event that was taking place. As expected, there were lots of folding chairs, borrowed church tables, a large tent in case of rain and a DJ set up near the house for power purposes. Scanning the area was a lot for the astigmatism in my eyes, but I finally saw my prize amid the chaos.
Atop an open oil drum homemade grill laid a whole hog. Mom had called an audible and made my party a down home barbecue. The hog was splayed onto the grill with the crunchy pork skin cracked open. The hog husk looked glossy and fake wax fruit, but I knew it was real. I could smell the smoky meat standing a few feet away. The pork was officially ready for the taking. As the party honoree, I imagined I would be ushered to the front of the food line, but of course that did not happy. There were far too many hungry people attending this event.
There was a large shiny pair of tongs sitting on the end of the table. When it was your turn for pork, the tongs would allow you to grab a large amount for your plate/bun/mouth. Everybody’s preference was different. In preparation for my turn with the utensil, I had a placed an open hamburger bun on my Styrofoam plate. The goal, to cover the bun with so much meat that the bread would be unseen to non-barbecue trained eyes. Once that was completed, it was time to sauce it up.
There was a saucepan that sat beside the hog on the grill. In that pan was a small ladle that we were to use to spoon barbecue sauce over our pork. Southeastern Virginians prefer Carolina Barbecue sauce to the Kansa City style. North Carolina sauce is a thinner sauce that is vinegarier than its sweeter Midwest counterpart.  The flavor is a little sweet followed by a tartness throughout. Of course, the sauce would make my bun soggy, but at that moment I did not care.
This sandwich and meal were perfect for my celebration. Along with the potato salad, baked beans, a variety of chips, cakes and cookies, this meal reflected summertime in Virginia Beach for me. The caterer grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken but everyone could not stop eating that beautiful pork. My family, friends and I drank, ate and danced the night away in June of 1995. It was truly unforgettable.
Five years after that party I relocated to Atlanta. While out on the town with friends, I ran into a young man that I knew in Virginia. The last time I saw him was at my Graduation Party in June of 1995. We greeted one another and the first thing he said to me was, “Me and the fellas were just talking about your party the other night”. I told you it was the party of the decade.
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blessthisfood · 2 years ago
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To the untrained eye, this looks like burnt mess on a plate. But to the lovers of Brussels sprouts, they see a delicious snack with pancetta and balsamic vinegar. The Calamari Fritti did not last long enough to take a photo. I will say that it was some of the best calamari I have had in the ATL Metro area. @sagewoodfiretavernperimeter is the hotspot on Ashford Dunwoody. They have $6 margaritas on Thursday nights and the ppl were out in their best fits. 👍🏾 #blessthisfood #agirlsgottaeat #hungrygirls #atlfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodwriter #blackcreatives #thebrowngirlcollective (at Sage Woodfire Tavern Perimeter) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLRbRyvC_u/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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