Enjoying Sweet Traditions (Natalia)

 

For many years, I have traveled the world tasting foods from different cultures and origins of the world, but who would have thought that I could find a new favorite food right here at home. When I was asked to critique a food for a blog, I jumped out of my chair with excitement. I wasn't sure if my love for writing was the reason for my smile or how much I absolutely LOVE food.  I was on my way to the mall, when I realized my stomach growling. I looked over and saw a restaurant with a long line of people waiting to be invited in. I parked my car and walked in to the Southern Bells restaurant and while I was there I had the greatest sweet potato casserole ever!

It was absolutely delicious with it contents of warm sweet potatoes and soft marshmallows on top.  As I enjoyed the wonderful meal, an elderly man, probably in his near 80s, asked me if he could join, as he said "a pretty young lady", and of course I said yes. The two of us talked about his past and how he was born in Europe and moved to America as a teenager.  He explained that many of the foods we eat in America were brought to us by the Afro-Eurasia in the Columbian Exchange.  He continued to exaggerate how many animals were brought to the New World and how much they helped us with our diet. Finally, I jumped in and explained to him that my jaw dropping casserole was provided by the Americas. I explained to him that sweet potatoes were not brought to America but instead was brought to the Old world because of its origin in the New World. I told him that the fluffy, tasty marshmallows did however come from the Old World because it contains the ingredient gelatin which in other words is disgustingly pig or pork. Animals like pork, and cattle may have come from the Old World but I had to inform him that not all foods came from Europe.  The New World provided the Old World with many contributions of crop plants and my very meal justified as an example.

The man was amazed on my knowledge of the Columbian Exchange and I told him I had my high school world history teacher to thank for that. As we continued, to talk about my favorite subject, food, I made sure to order seconds of the luxurious, sugary, breathtaking sweet potato casserole. I was surprised myself at how much I knew about the Colombian Exchange. And trust me before I left I made sure to take a box of the yummy casserole to go!