Soul Food Recipes

BARBECUE SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 ounces Red Devil, Franks or other good hot sauce
• 2 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, crushed
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small celery stalk, sliced
• 3 cups tomato puree
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced

Combine all the ingredients in a heavy pot and heat just till hot. Don't bringto a boil or the sauce will turn dark and become thin. Cool the sauce to room temperature, strain it, and store it in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator.

FRIED CATFISH

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds catfish fillets -- 1/2 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups cracker meal or coarsely crushed unsalted crackers
• 1 cup vegetable oil

1. Trim the catfish of any skin or membrane. Stir the garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
   Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the fillets. Dredge the fillets in the cracker meal, pressing gently so the meal sticks to both sides of the fillets. Shake off the excess and set the fillets aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over a medium heat until a little cracker meal sprinkle in the oil gives off a lively sizzle. Slip the fillets into the skillet and fry, turning once, until the fillets are cooked through and golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.