Conversations w/ Patricia Neely Dorsey

Celebrate the South Blog Tour
with Patricia Neely-Dorsey
April 5-11, 2009

Patricia Neely-Dorsey's Reflections: Shelling Peas

Shelling peas is one of those "things southern" that almost every southerner has had some experience with. It was and often remains just a part of the lifestyle, especially in "the country". We Southerners love good food and it's preparation is serious business! (smile) Preparing good food is an art and labor of love for many.

The preparation process often begins with procuring some of the freshest produce to be found, usually, from a personal garden, a friend's garden or a farmer's market. So, if you have a bunch of peas that don't come already shelled in a neat little package, those peas need shelling! Oftentimes, in my childhood, this duty was relegated to the children. With the chore at hand, we simply made it a part of our play . We turned it into fun!

SHELLING PEAS
It's summertime in the country,
And the kids buzz around like bees;
But, when that silver tub is place on the porch,
It's time for shelling peas.
From the smallest to the oldest,
It's something we'd all do;
At first, of course, the little ones,
Didn't have a clue.
They'd watch to see just how it went,
And soon , they'd give a try;
Then look amazed as fingers stained,
As though dipped in purple dye.
When we'd first get started,
It seemed an insurmountable chore;
There looked like half a million peas,
Or maybe even more.
But, after we all got the flow,
We'd turn it into fun;
We'd have a race to see just who
Would be the first one done.
We'd each one have our own bowl,
and a paper sack;
We's slip our fingers through the hull,
Then throw it empty back.
At last, when all the shells lay empty,
And a tub of peas was done;
We'd let the grownups take the haul,
Then look for some new fun.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Recommended Southern Dish of the Day

HOTWATER CORNBREAD
Ingredients

• 1 cup white cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-1/4 cup boiling water

Instructions (Makes 10 servings)
• In a bowl, combine meal, salt and sugar.
• Stir in water until mixture is smooth. Slowly add milk.
• Drop by tablespoons into hot grease.
• Cook slowly for 6 minutes.
• Turn, cook about 5 minutes longer




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