Hoppin’ John Burgers use a Southern favorite, black eyed peas, to make hearty burgers. Combine black eyed peas with onions, jalapenos, garlic, and smoked ham and then cook inside on a skillet.
The Central Carolina Community Foundation’s 18th Annual Food and Wine Festival’s schedule of events include an in-home wine event featuring Domaine Serene Wines; restaurant wine dinners at Hampton Street Vineyards with Aleph Wines on March 5 and Mo Mo’s Bistro with Southern Wine & Spirits of South Carolina on March 26; and the Gala Event on April 17 at The Medallion Center. All proceeds assist the Central Carolina Comunity Foundation in awarding grants to nonprofit organizations in the Midlands. More information, updates and tickets at yourfoundation.org
“No, we don’t give out our secret ingredients,” replied Christy Short, when asked for a hint about her barbecue flavors, as she cooked alongside her husband, Chris Short, as part of the Pig In or Pig Out Team, from Clewiston, Fla. The duo offered everything from pulled pork to barbecue chicken, as one of the first barbecue vendors who greeted hundreds of residents who arrived to bite into local and national champion barbecue specialties.
All eyes are looking south today as the South Carolinians head to the polls for one of the most influential votes in this election year. It’s an event with weeks of build up, and voters across the country are anxiously waiting the results to hear if Romney, Gingrich, Paul, or Santorum, (or maybe even the Colbert/Cain ticket) moves a step closer to the GOP nomination.
Winners have been named in the 2011 South Carolina State Champion Barbeque Team contest. The yearlong contest, conducted by the S.C. Barbeque Association, is decided on a points system involving 30 contests and 182 teams. This year’s winner is George King, of Winnsboro, pit master for Can’t Quit Smoking. First runner-up is Up in Smoke, headed by Brian Teague of Rock Hill; Michael Harmon, pit master for The Palmetto Smokers of Beaufort, was named second runner-up.
Start planning now for Mardi Gras! Join the existing Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya or form a krewe of your own for Columbia’s second annual Mardi Gras through Rosewood. This year, the party will be at City Roots with a food truck rodeo and 10 bands. Tickets are $10, a portion of proceeds to benefit Animal Mission. Information at krewedecolumbiyaya. eventbrite.com or for more information, email mardigrascolumbia @gmail.com