I'm a Yankee-Doodle-Dandy!
© Virginia Marin
From the fall of Charleston to the British in 1780, until its ultimate return to the in December of 1782, many of the pivotal battles of the Revolution were fought in this state.
Let us remember these events and rededicate ourselves to the ideals of American freedon fought for and won at such great cost.
The story is told that during the Battle of Edisto Island, South Carolina, in July of 1782, a British scout was spying on a group of Patriots as they were preparing their evening meal of crab stew and spoon bread over their campfire. The Redcoat was so tired and hungry that the stewing meal persuaded him to surrender!
After giving much valuable information to the startled Patriots, he was accepted as a "new Patriot" and spent a delightful evening talking of his homeland, family, and, of course, eating crab stew and spoon bread!
He remained with his new friends through other campaigns, and at the close of the American Revolution, he became reunited with his wife and children - in America. His name is lost to posterity but his three choices have been remembered: America, crab stew, and spoon bread!
While this little yarn is purely from my imagination, the recipes for crab stew and spoon bread are real and delicious!
Edisto Island Crab Stew
2 cups crab meat
2 hard-boiled eggs
2 cups rich milk
1 cup cream
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. flour
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 Tblsp. sherry
Small chunks of cooked white potatoes, or cooked rice if desired. Cook crabs until tender, about 20 minutes, in boiling salted water. Clean and pick meat and put in a pan set in hot water. Add butter and 1 1/2 cup milk. Simmer for 5 minutes. Make a paste of flour and remaining milk. Stir slowly into the crab mixture. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Add cream, chopped eggs, cooked potatoes, and sherry. Serves 4-6 Patriots and Redcoats on the Fourth of July!
Southern Spoon Bread
2 cups yellow cornmeal
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