Cornbread & Buttermilk, a southern culinary story

Hardbound and Heaven-Sent: A Birthday Gift Worth Savoring

Western C. Cain Season 2 Episode 71

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There’s something about a hardbound cookbook that feels like it was meant to outlive you 

It doesn’t blink or chirp or scroll—it just sits there, waiting for your hands and your hunger.

This week on Cornbread & Buttermilk, we open the pages of Cook’s Illustrated 2024, a quiet masterpiece wrapped in a bow and gifted with love—from Baby Greg to Buttermilk, on a day when the candles flickered a little warmer and the kitchen smelled like gratitude.

This book ain’t just a cookbook—it’s a witness.

Every page is measured and tested, deliberate as Sunday supper.

There’s no glossy glamour here—just the solemn beauty of recipes that work, inked out like sacred text for those who love the craft more than the superficial.

So pull up a chair, pour something hot, and let’s see what secrets this gift holds.

Because sometimes the best presents don’t make noise—they make dinner.



You can find Edward Phillips on YouTube.   Go to @Edwardphillipsroots for more of his music.  Learn about  the history behind the Delta and Piedmont Blues.  Edward brings the music of Sun House, Blind Willie Johnson, and Robert Johnson to life with his stories.

A story about my discovery of the Going Gear Store, and Meeting Finley the English Retriver.

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Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!


Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.
Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: southerncornbread101@gmail.com

Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com


Listen to @EdwardPhillipsRoots on YouTube. You can watch, “The Electronic Juke Joint” Live stream, with Edward on Wednesday Nights at 8:30 p.m. E.T. where Edward takes song request from his liste...

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