Since Jews celebrate Chanukah by eating fried foods, is Judaism the root of Southern cooking?

In response to last week’s questions, “Since Jews celebrate Chanukah by eating fried foods, is Judaism the root of Southern cooking?”, my world traveler and sailing friend Vaughn believes this is not true because “all the wonderful Jewish dishes I know are based on chicken fat while the Southern dishes are based on pork fat otherwise known as lard.” My dad’s beach buddy Bob agreed, “Southerners don't use vegetable oil as many Jews do, and the batter is different unless you are in Miami and the Rabbi isn't watching.”

“Southern cooking origins came from mostly Irish and Scottish immigrants first settling in the southern states and was driven by the resources/livestock available at the time. So I say, no, Judaism is not the origin of Southern Cooking. However,” my colleague Swany observed, “Judaism’s candle lighting may be the contributing factor in the development of decorative sconces and the early success of Pier 1 Imports.”

My sailing friend and former colleague Ed was concerned about the post-script, writing, “... fried chicken or fried okra" What’s up with the "or" part? You CAN’T have fried chicken without okra! Makes me hungry just thinking about it.”

With all the fried food, my friend Richard wrote, “No, but it does explain why so many Jews become M.D.s. ‘Physician, heal thyself.’”

My sailing friend Rich, who could be considered a fried food expert because he works for UltraFryer, explained “Of course it is true as any one who knows their history of Charleston, SC can tell you. The charter for the Carolina colony drawn up by John Locke granted "Liberty of Conscience" specifically mentioning Jews, heathens and dissenters, thus granting the most liberal and true freedom of religion in the new world for a while. Up until 1830 Charleston had the largest Jewish population in the United States. To find out more about Jewish Southern history and cooking and get some recipes read "Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South" (University of North Carolina Press, Fall 2005) by Macie Cohen Ferris.”

Please share your thoughts about "things that make you go 'Hmmm'

Why is there no Christmas Adam?

Live well...laugh often and heartily….be happy, have a good week and never regret anything that made you smile!

PS: Great news: The days are getting longer. Today is the winter solstice.
Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends.