Cookin' crunk : eatin' vegan in the Dirty South

“Crunk” is a Southern slang term that means “to get excited.” Keepin' it real and makin' it fun, vegan blogger Bianca Phillips adopted the Southern slang term to convey passion and pride for her heritage and the down-home food she was raised on. By incorporating country staples (beans, corn, and fresh produce) that have been the basis of Southern cooking for generations, Bianca offers no-frills, no-nonsense soul food dishes with a wholesome twist. These family classics, minus the meat, eggs, and dairy products, help keep traditional Southern foodways alive while allowing vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who cares about healthful eating to enjoy this satisfying down-home fare. From cheese-free Ro*Tel dip and country-fried tempeh steak to eggplant jambalaya and smoky stewed okra and tomatoes, Cookin’' Crunk offers plenty in the way of classic Southern comfort food. There's also a bounty of sweet treats that includes cobblers, bread pudding, dark chocolate bourbon pecan pie, and peanut butter and banana "Elvis" cupcakes. "Crunk" is a Southern slang term that means "to get excited." It's about passion and having pride in where you come from. For vegan blogger Bianca Phillips, it's also about creating no-frills, no-nonsense dishes that warm the soul and keep rich Southern traditions alive. As she explains,the Dirty South isn't about cleanliness; it's about ties to the land and the hominess of passing on a rich culture of good food and good times. Plant-based staples (beans, corn, and fresh produce) that have been the basis of Southern cooking for centuries, give simple soul food dishes a wholesome twist. These family classics, minus the meat, eggs, and dairy products, help keep traditional Southern food ways alive while allowing vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who cares about healthful eating to enjoy this satisfying down-home fare. Cheese-free Ro-Tel dip, country-fried tempeh steak, eggplant jambalaya and smoky stewed okra and tomatoes are a sample of the classic Southern comfort food that awaits. The southern vegan pantry -- Don't spoil your supper: appetizers and snacks -- Grits, gravies, and such: big ol' southern breakfasts -- Ladies (and gentlemen) who lunch: salads and sandwiches -- Soup's on: soups and stews -- Come an' get it: simple southern suppers -- For the potluck: casseroles and savory pies -- All the fixins: savory sides -- Daily bread: biscuits, loaves, and cornbread -- Just the basics: faux meats, marinades, and sauces -- Sweet endings: decadent, dairy-free and egg-free desserts. Bianca infuses "crunk," a Southern slang term that means "to get excited," in these simple soul-food recipes with a wholesome twist. These downhome classics, now made completely vegan, help keep traditional Southern foodways alive while allowing those who care about healthful eating to enjoy this satisfying fare.