Southern Foodways Alliance

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The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South.

Based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, we share oral histories, produce films and podcasts, publish great writing, sponsor scholarship, mentor students, and stage events that serve as progressive and inclusive catalysts for the greater South.

Donations from generous individuals, foundations, and companies fund our good work.

Series

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154 Pieces

Gravy is the SFA’s collection of original stories—fresh, unexpected, and thought-provoking. Like all of the SFA’s work, Gravy shares stories of the changing American South through the foods we eat.


Pieces

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Gravy explores sweet potatoes, which Southern-born Black Americans have baked, roasted, fried, distilled—and long revered.

  • Added: Dec 15, 2022
  • Length: 28:01
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Gravy tells how Annie Laura Squalls created the famed Mile High Pie when she was head baker at The Caribbean Room, the in-house restaurant at New O...

  • Added: Dec 15, 2022
  • Length: 24:48
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In this special interview edition of Gravy, Howard Conyers—a barbecue expert and NASA scientist—introduces listeners to a formative influence in hi...

  • Added: Nov 11, 2022
  • Length: 23:25
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In “Rib Tips, Hot Links, and the Mississippi Roots of Chicago Barbecue,” Gravy dives into the history of Chicago barbecue and its connection to the...

  • Added: Nov 10, 2022
  • Length: 24:10
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In “Southern Barbecue Goes West,” Gravy takes listeners to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to explore what happens when a Southerner leaves the South and opens...

  • Added: Nov 10, 2022
  • Length: 25:27
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Gravy explores the emergence of Viet Tex, a cuisine created in recent years by contemporary Vietnamese-Texan chefs.

  • Added: Nov 10, 2022
  • Length: 19:56
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In “Henry Perry, Kansas City’s 'Barbecue King,'” Gravy producer Mackenzie Martin tells the story of Henry Perry, the first person to really make a ...

  • Added: Nov 08, 2022
  • Length: 23:40
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Gravy talks to the new owners of Walnut Family Bakery, and learns how they plan to make their space into a gathering spot for the community.

  • Added: Aug 23, 2022
  • Length: 27:38
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In “Making That Dough,” Gravy explores the business of cottage bakeries—and how small-scale bakers make amazing loaves out of home kitchens and con...

  • Added: Aug 23, 2022
  • Length: 24:43
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There's a small but mighty revolution among bakers in the South and beyond to take flour seriously, creating new markets and new flavors. 

  • Added: Aug 23, 2022
  • Length: 28:07