Kardea Brown, Delicious Miss Brown, inspires Food Network viewers with family traditions

Kardea Brown, also known as Delicious Miss Brown, understands that family recipes are more than just delicious food, they tell a rich story.

On the Food Network, Delicious Miss Brown, Kardea Brown shares stories through her show. While the delicious recipes entice viewers, the family traditions and stories behind those scrumptious dishes can steal the show. In a way, this show can inspire home cooks to start their own family food traditions.

For many people food and family go hand in hand. From holiday gatherings to Sunday suppers, those moments around the table are more than just food on a plate. Stories are told, traditions are passed down and memories are etched forever.

In many cases, some of the most interesting dishes and recipes are those that have been passed down through generations. Skipping food trends or fusions, these real, heartfelt dishes connect people to their heritage.

In this Food Network series, Brown shares dishes that have influenced her cooking and her family. While love of cooking started at a young age, she developed passion for sharing her family’s traditional dishes. Through this series, the home view can be inspired to re-discover or create some family food traditions of their own.

Recently, FoodSided had an opportunity to chat with Kardea Brown. From learning about Gullah cooking to understanding her inspiration, she shared much insight about her show.

Host Kardea Brown makes her Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers with Special Sauce, as seen on Southern and Hungry, Season 1. photo provided by Food Network

Cristine Struble: You are described as a Gullah cook. What is Gullah cooking?

Kardea Brown: Gullah cooking is a style of food passed down by enslaved West Africans in the southeastern region of America. Gullah dishes are fresh, seasonal and very seafood forward.

CS: In your bio, you state that you want to tell a unique story one dish at a time, why should every dish have a story? Do you think that food/family recipes can solidify traditions, share memories and bring people closer together?

KB: My food is a representation of me and my heritage. We don’t have written recipes in my family. Much of these recipes are passed down by word of mouth/storytelling. Recipes are my family heirlooms. It’s the fabric of my family.

CS: Some of your family recipes have been passed down, how do you balance the traditional recipe with keeping a dish fresh/innovative?

KB: Like the old saying goes,” If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” There are some family recipes I just don’t touch. But some recipes I like to experiment with and create new/fresh spins on. For instance my grandmother’s bread recipe. I’ve made several variations of that.

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CS: Sunday supper seems important to you and your family, how can you encourage families to commit to a family Sunday supper?

KB: Sunday is supper is essential. My mother and grandmother were really big on family-style dining. It’s the only time of day where you can sit down as a family unit. Family meals provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships. I believe the best way for families to commit to Sunday supper is by cooking with each other. Everyone contributes! It makes it fun and it’s something the entire family can look forward to.

CS: What is a quintessential Southern dish and/or ingredient that more people should discover?

KB: Rice! Rice is a staple in the Gullah/Geechee household. It’s very versatile.

CS: All of your episodes end with a dessert, how important is it to end a meal on a sweet note?

KB: Dessert is literally the icing on the cake. I normally crave something sweet after a meal. It’s a must-have!

Be sure to watch Kardea Brown in Delicious Miss Brown on Food Network. The show airs on Sundays at Sundays at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT.

What family food traditions do you have? What stories do those recipes hold?