This love of and interest in regional recipes started young, with my childhood habit of reading any nonfiction book I could find, including cookbooks. I (haha) devoured them, particularly the pictures of delicious looking cakes, stews, etc.
Nothing influenced me like my first reading of Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder, with its wonderful, detailed descriptions of the foods Almanzo Wilder's mother prepared, even down to the contents of her pantry. To Laura, who grew up impoverished, the meals of Almanzo's New York state childhood must have seemed magical, a sort of riches beyond her wildest dreams. Too, when Laura's Ma had ingredients, she was also a masterful cook.
My obsession continued with John Grisham's books - Mr. Grisham also takes great time and care to describe meals of the South, especially those prepared by people of color. The love and respect he feels for these folks, and their cooking in particular, just leaps off the pages.
Right now the pinto beans are soaking on the kitchen counter and will be ready to cook when I get home from work. I have my usual dinner appointment with Taylor tonight, so I plan to be trying them for lunch tomorrow. Here's hoping all goes well and we'll have a new Appalachian favorite for dinner!