Food of the Enslaved: Barbecue, featuring Michael Twitty
New Instagram - @18thcenturycooking
This video is the second of a series that focuses on historic foods of the enslaved African community of North America.
#townsendsbarbecue
We recently had the privilege to visit Gunston Hall in Mason Neck, VA. While we were there, we met Michael Twitty, an historical interpreter and culinary historian who specializes in food of the African-American community from enslavement in the mid-18th century to post-reconstruction in the mid to late 19th century. In this video, Michael grills beef ribs and prepares two sauces: an 18th-century style vinegar mop, and a more complex 19th-century style BBQ sauce.
Gunston Hall holds a very special place in American History. It was the home of George Mason, a founding father in American history. Many of the rights and liberties we enjoy today as American citizens can be traced to the insistent influence of George Mason.
Amazon Affiliate link for Michael's Book! ▶ amzn.to/2DK2dfJ ▶▶
Michael Twitty's Blog ▶ afroculinaria.com/ ▶▶
Gunston Hall Website ▶ www.gunstonhall.org/ ▶▶
Help support the channel with Patreon ▶ / townsend ▶▶
Check Out Our Brand New Website! ▶ www.townsends.us/ ▶▶
Twitter ▶ @Jas_Townsend
Facebook ▶ facebook.com/jas.townsend
Instagram ▶ townsends_official
"It's not just black history, it's American history" absolutely wonderful statement.
Critical Black Race Hippo They were trying not to be.
Critical Black Race Hippo Confederates left the Union. Doesn’t that make them not American?
@@Powertuber1000 ???
And Black History is forced into only one month... THE SHORTEST MONTH. It’s sad, really.
@@Powertuber1000 I think you need to go back and really listen to what he said... He never claimed black people invented cooking over a fire lol that's been done for a pretty long time, he stated they came up with along with native Americans "cooking meat over a open fire for a period of hours"
I would gladly historically interpret that entire rack of ribs
Ray S LLOLLLLL
I'd GLADLY join you @Ray S 😋😋
I’d gladly co-interpret
LOL
To be honest, I would be happy to taste just a bit. Those are completely unfamiliar cuts in Germany. Actually there's a world of difference between cuts in Germany and the US. These days some cuts become sort of fashionable since they are favorite cuts in the US and featured ever so often in barbecue videos and unsurprisingly they are way too expensive for most people. Those are high priced delicacies for the rich.
Our boi patiently waiting for his guest to list nutmeg among the spices.
😅😅😅
What cracked me up is that Micheal, very obviously, waited til last to pause, resist looking at Jon, Then mention nutmeg. Hilarious and subtle.
The kitchen pepper secret ingredient was the nutmeg. Otherwise James would have forced it into the conversation.
A bit of mace is fantastic in bbq sauce as well. Similar to nutmeg. It’s the secret ingredient in Blues Hog.
@@rxw5520 mace is the cover of nutmeg seed
I really appreciated Mr. Twitty’s thoughts on being an African American historical interpreter of the enslaved experience. That’s a courageous and heavy task.
Not nearly the same but I somewhat understand as an Indian-American. The British enslaved, colonized, and committed genocide against India for over 300 years. At the same time I love British history and culture and love this channel for showing the life of an average person back then. It's like Marjane Sartrapi, the author of Persepolis says. You and I are supposed to hate each other, but you and I have more in common with each than either of us have with our governments.
@@shridharambady2069 Based.
It's hardly courageous to agree with the established and commonly accepted societal stance. It's, most of the time, the common sense thing to do but it's hardly courageous.
@@WolfHeathen Commonly accepted?? Lmfao where have you been living these past years?
@@shridharambady2069 this wasn't about you.
I always trust a big dude doing BBQ .
Bingo! here is the fat american comment tastefully disguised nice touch.
@@walkertongdee My fellow Americans, I can assure you that this proud citizen is modeling the idiom "never trust a skinny cook", and was not trying to insult our great country.
Walkertongdee hit the surf
Bing wingo bango. Lol m8.
Big people know whats tasty
It's wonderful how Mr. Townsend doesn't feel the urge to intervene all the time and actually lets Mr. Twitty to be fully under the spotlight (And what a show). But of course, coming from Mr Townsend, a class act is never a surprise.
Check out Bizarre Foods on the Underground Railroad episode. Mr. Twitty guest stars.
Zoloft77 really? Now I have to watch ! I love this guy
I knew I had seen mr twitty somewhere else
He's learning with the rest of us!
I surprised he didn’t throw a sackful of nutmeg in while the other guy wasn’t looking.
Michael seems like the kind of guy you come across during a party and hold an awesome conversation with that'll end up being much better than the party itself
As a bbq lover with a Germanic heritage, who is a molasses junkie, this recipe speaks to my soul. Michael Twitty is so well informed, def have him as a regular guest star.
Same 😂 my ancestors came here in 1850 and we're German and Irish and scandanavian but they love the molasses. Handed down in my family for generations. ☠️
Germanic and German do not mean the same thing…
@@BrandonM10 which is why i said Germanic, as the family tree has numerous Germanic (including straight German) cultures in it that share similar foods and seasonings. It was just meant as omg that looks like serious comfort food.
Both men give off the impression of being wholesome goodhearted people who care about history and want to share with others the reality that our ancestors lived in. I appreciate their commitment, and would like to thank everyone involved.
I feel the same way
Well said!!!
Your welcome my friend, anytime.
Cheers to them!
What a thoughtful and lovely comment. You're one of the good ones.
The big guy looks genuinely excited and happy when you try his food. That's passion right there
That sucks, must mean most people he gets to try his food think it's nasty
@@CrudeConduct666 lol not even. would you not be happy if someone enjoys your creation?
@dandagod official you dont even need to cook for anyone to understand this emotion. I'm sure he made a little art project and showed his mom before lol
@@CrudeConduct666 What do you mean? Litterally everyone would drool over that, it looks amazing
You mean Michael Twitty?
i’m so happy he mentioned that barbecue stems from african and native american cooking styles. the word “Barbecue” comes from the word “barbacoa” which was a cooking style used by the native Taíno in the caribbean.
How does it originate is what I don’t get? Irish, Germanic people did this same thing before Columbus. If there talking about pit barbecue I could believe that but just barbecuing in general I don’t believe
@@shadeofape2470 no, barbecuing is an America’s thing. Caribbean, native, colonist, enslaved mix of influence
@@gd-lockc7618 did you not read what i wrote? barbecuing in a pit i would believe but just bbq in general. I doubt.
@@shadeofape2470 bbq as you say is in itself different. I think you think barbecue is meat over fire, but that’s wrong.
I just love the joy in michaels face @8:32 you can tell when some one cooks with love
First, a disclaimer: I bought his book. I worked at a bindery, on line four, when his book came through. Seemed interesting so on my day off I went to the book store. Wonderful book. Incredible journey he shared with us. Life advice: if you're a bibliophile, don't work at a book binders 😅! You'll be broke all the time
Book binding, the first European printing houses, chinese movable type and the cultural influences these things had are one of my favorite topics. I love the aesthetic of the old, massive screw-driven presses.
Hey that's my little brother, Mikey!!! He's forgotten more about food than most cooks have ever known. The man is a true scholar of foods: all regional Southern foods, African- American foods, the foods of poverty, for both and white and black poor, as well as the table foods of the rich white folks. So proud of you, Michael!
Also, he gets the award for "Most Huggable Reenactor"
Forgotten
Why am I not surprised your surname is Stein?
He is impressive.
He is awesome! This is history I love to see and seeing somebody so passionate about it is refreshing. Im glad that we are able to learn together about these things. I hope we can leave race behind and just enjoy each other and our passions!
Its wierd how things considered "slave food" or "food of the peasants"(like lobster and ribs), become expensive delicacies...
Right??!!
The world loves black culture
@Nightmare Nightmare they love anything that's not white dishes xD
Or like how a meal of a medieval peasant could be sold in a high class resturant.
Food gentrification.
"we of course don't consider it to be black history, it's American history" -amen and God bless you, the way you speak is a welcomed breath of fresh air
This is how I look at it too! It's everyone's history, and I'm so glad to learn! 💜
I tried both the 1780's sauce and the 1800's sauce. After using both as a mop I found that the 1780's vinegar sauce works best with beef and the 1800's sauce works best with pork. Both were delicious! Thank you both for keeping history alive!
Thank you for the sharing your experience!!! My next project is mushroom sauce.. I can’t wait!!
I wish I could afford beef
I appreciate the sensitivity and inclusion of Black cooking tradition on this show. Not many historical shows do that
This isnt black tradition, it's American tradition.
Danny fit Something being black culture doesn’t exclude it from being American culture, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive
TheBigMclargehuge - interesting that it was mutually exclusive for most of American history then, it just doesn’t go away. No but Barack invented the modern racial divide, I guess. Good grief.
well at least he wasnt asleep at the golf course.
Danny Fit It's African-American tradition. African-Americans invented BBQ when they were enslaved as a way of making their second-grade food more tasty. Other Americans then adopted it. Why do so many have trouble acknowledging their own African-American heritage?
I saw that guy and just knew he was an expert in BBQ
Facts😂😂😂
You’re a racists jerk!
@NotJo I don't think he was saying it was an American invention.
which?
@NotJo imagine thinking burning something over a fire started in francr
That man should be an absolute beacon for the african american culture. He truly embraces the truth of our history. Social media is truly horrific in most ways but I’m also so thankful for this medium to be able to watch what these guys embrace and teach.
I'm pretty new to this channel and I've got to say that I love how John lets his guests talk. He 100% knows how to host a guest. There are too many youtube shows where the guest doesn't get to shine and this channel shows how to do it right.
Love how both men approach a sensitive part of their history in a such a respectable and professional manner. It's all about the cooking and the food.
INdeed
While also not denying the historical brutality and dehumanization. They don’t dwell on it - the video is about food, after all, but they don’t deny it either.
Justanotherconsumer unlike some people who dwell on it ad infinitum and cook up some kind of revenge fantasy.
@@Justanotherconsumer why not letting the dark past behind and focusing on the good things that happened? Why would any human being waste energy thinking about something that happened 200 years ago and never affected you personally?
@@honkhonk8759 Well it is a style of cooking that originated from the people that were subjugated to the horrors of American Slavery, so why not? As Op said, they didn't deny it nor did they didn't dig into it too much for the fact it's a video about the food, not the actual history. You're watching a channel called "18th Century Cooking" where the main host prepares various kinds of meals from the period, and gives us some information relating to when the food was consumed, why it was, how it was prepared, and the history behind it.
This will probably get lost in the sea of comments, but I have to take a moment to appreciate what an outstanding presenter Michael Twitty is. If he decided to ever get his own KZhead channel going, I’d subscribe in an instant.
I would watch a Michael Twitty channel, buy a Michael Twitty cookbook, and buy from a Michael Twitty spice line. Dude is so good.
He's very likeable. I'd subscribe to his channel too.
@@suzannealexander4168 Thanks. He seems like a great teacher. And we really need to listen.
@@suzannealexander4168 Thanks for the link, I just read a couple of his articles and he has a really interesting writing style. I highly recommend it, even though I disagree with him in some points I can appreciate his ability to convey thoughts and emotions.
I thought the same thing! I would love to watch more videos with him.
i love the "and something else" spice, leaving your own trademark secret ingredient to the chef preparing the BBQ
The guest cook said it best. It's not only black history, it's a american history.
YES !!! Thank you There is nothing wrong with learning about others cultures not your own but Black history is OUR HISTORY. Its so weird that people do not get that. Good AND bad is still OUR history.
That makes the American history today.
@Abraham Shekelbergstien another conspiracy theorist with a low understanding of how the world truly works
It's clearly both.
Fact: if a large black man or a large black woman is cooking barbecue, you're about to have some of the best food in your life
Greg Torres Never trust a skinny cook
Greg Torres I bet a large German woman could do some damage too-not bbq perhaps but I would happily slide my knees under her kitchen table.
You're not even lying.
Large southern white men have been known to throw down at the grill as well.
GLW see Malcolm Reed.
Black history is important, not because we need to compensate for forgotten history from 200 years ago, but because 200 year old history of still forgotten to this day. Thank you for putting out this great content! Blessings to you and yours.
America blacks history technically
It’s fascinating to hear about the roots of one of the most authentically American cuisines there is.. There are many foods out there associated with America, but barbecue is truly American, and because it is such a widespread technique with so many variations from many different cultures, I think it represents America as a cuisine better than just about anything.
Doesnt interrupt the man, some people should take notes.
Indeed.
@Yeah Itsme 😐
@Yeah Itsme 😐
@Yeah Itsme ohhhh here we go. You want your good guy points?? Well guess what? You're not gonna get them.
@Yeah Itsme lmao
As an American of African descent this is really cool to see. Honoring the past in the form of food. Thanks for this video
There are some who just can't let the past go, allowing negativity and spitefulness to rule their lives. Then there are people like the gentleman in the video, who don't forget the past but also don't _live in the past._ Those with the temerity to go against the culture of indignation will have success. Those who remain bitter will find themselves jealous of those who succeed, lashing out in anger when that success hits a little too close to home. Instead of reflecting on their own shortcomings, they brand those who succeed as traitors.
wow ... that only took two comments to go downhill ... KZhead comments is a cessepool ...
+Samuel Brecheen Obviously it was meant figuratively, as a metaphor, and not literally someone acting like they're living in the past.
As do I, sister. History is said and done. Having an appreciation for highlighting a portion of it, however rooted in the evils of chattel slavery, is not the same as approving of or forging that despicable institution. Don’t even listen to anyone who’s doesn’t get that.
CT 6736 History is never done. The 1789 U.S. Constitution is still in effect and continues to shape the national character of the U.S.
I love watching people who are deep into cooking cook for each other.
Its my second time to watch this episode and still impressed with the number of buttons Mr. Twitty can sport on a vest. A man who's cooking can truly be trusted.
The look of pure joy on Mr. Twitty’s face when Mr. Townsend first tries the ribs
Isaiah Koufos I read this just as it was happening 😆
@@MonaLisaFire Don't feel bad, I did too😆
your own food is something to be proud of. that's why chefs become chefs.
When he put the cloves in and scored the fatty side: _I just knew this man was a connaisseur BBQ artiste._
He’s a James Beard award winner, he is top tier where food meets history and the written word.
I started adding cloves to the fat of all my steaks and other cookouts. Always gets compliments!
We do the same in the Caribbean with ham.
My thought was that this was usually done with holiday ham and was fairly confused.
but even then, commits the capital mistake of puting the ribs with the fat down. It's bones down with ribs, people
I homeschool my kid's. Your channel has had a lot of influence on how I teach American history. I'm using this video in tomorrow's discussion. Thank you very much!
Thank you for the comment and the encouragement!
@@townsends I just love your channel so much; I can't stop sharing these important historical videos! And I'm so *JEALOUS* that I couldn't taste the delicious meat and bbq sauce that you had the chance to eat! 🤤
God bless you 🇺🇸 I would not rely on the current American school system to teach our future generations 🤮. The American family is taking control back over their kids 🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@LprogressivesANDliberals yeah they don't teach enough math and science in Texas and they try to squeeze in religion at every opportunity they can. I ain't got time for my kids to not learn.
@@terischannel you sound like the opposite of the type of person that commenter was trying support, and this gives me hope for homeschooling. lmao conservatives have brain rot
As a native born in the Caribbean, I love that he mentioned the Caribbean as it played a key part in history. Much respect to this video.
Absolutely adore both of the areas of expertise of you men. Thank you for your passion and for sharing, but I must complain that I always, ALWAYS go away freaking HUNGRY! No, really, I do.
I second that! :)
GrumblingGrognard I agree with your comment completely about these two gentlemen. Also, eating while watching does not stop the hunger ☹️
322msg lol. exactly. especially when you're just eating soup.😢😉
marie watson That is SO true!!!
Townsends is an amazing active listener
Yeah, I like how he actually gave his guest, Mike, the floor and let him talk. When most KZheadrs bring guests on their shows they spend so much time speaking over them it’s like you never get a chance to hear what the guest way saying. We got to hear Mike talk about his experience with colonial cuisine, and that id pretty cool.
@@b0x1n9f4n so true. and, I've seen JT do this we other guests...he's the best host in showbiz....
He's so cute😄
"Absolutely no one"observes the listener rather than the teacher, 🤔EXSPCALLY with original Bar B Que!!
This is a conversation between chefs, or in this case, a student and a teacher. He knows listening to Michael is a game changer so he’s soaking it in.
Wow, never would have imagined there being so much evolution of BBQ sauces! Shows the roots of all the modern sauce types -fascinating.
I love the way this episode is presented. Some of the Townsends videos that involve two people often still carry a sort of "presentation" for the camera, the viewer. Jon being the person Michael directed the information at allowed for a conversation that felt organic. Felt good to have someone there asking questions and holding genuine curiosity on the topic at hand in the way that this back and forth happens.
Great smoke ring to the meat! If you are ever up in NY again you are welcome to come to our Homestead. We are eight generation dairy farmers. My eight great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and the farm land was his military pension that we still farm today. We have a copy of his discharge paper signed by General George Washington. We have two stone houses on the farm one built in 1824 and another in 1827 built after the original log cabins.
Barkeaters99 Amazing!
Barkeaters99 Very interesting! It makes me happy to hear that you're still working the same land as your forefathers. Not too many people can say that I'm sure.
Barkeaters99 : Wow, how fortunate you are to have you family property after all those years. Kind regards! Eric Dee.
Barkeaters99 Can I come?
Barkeaters99 As a wanna be history buff. I'd love to visit your property.
Mr. Townsend does what a student should do and that is he let's Mr. Twitty tell his story. Both of these guys ROCK!! I already loved this channel but this is the cherry on top! Can you please have a third chef on of Native American ancestry to teach original Indigenous peoples cooking? 🙏🏽
Yessss
Oh yeah
Yes, but unfortunately they were all wiped out.
Eric Jefferson yeah, I was also missing the history of barbacoa. But since this channel focuses on the 1800s and late 1700s, i forgive him.
That would be awesome!!!!!
Thank you for this! I am half black, half white. Proud or both my European and African enslaved ancestry. Only recently have I begun to research my African American ancestral roots, which begin in colonial Virginia. Thank you for being a steward of this great history and for preserving it for generations to come!!
This is what mixed race people ahould believe. Be proud of your white ane black heritage and dont let any ignorant person tell you otherwise. Most people will accept you for who you are.
Exept you cannot be both if tor parents did raise this way Unless you speak both European and Africa (BTW Wich country exactly) and was raised in both cultures and lived in both countries you are not both
It’s late December during a historic winter storm but damn I’m craving BBQ now
Or yakiniku.
You can still do barbecue in the winter
@@debbiecurtis4021 what is yakiniku?
That gentleman (don't know his name sorry), has the right way of looking at history. We shouldn't try to hide our history, but instead try to actually tell how it really was, and also learn from it. Excellent way of seeing things and a good initiative that he is educating people about it! Very interesting video!
Bro his name is in the title its Michael Twitty come on now are you that lazy to not scroll up for about .05 seconds and read his name instead of taking the time to write (dont know his name sorry) ? Haha pathetic
@@ligmabalzaccian3279 Your name being Ligma is pathetic.
@@soybasedjeremy3653 ah i know but that is not the point
@@ligmabalzaccian3279 uh mate I think he's talking about Mr. Townsend
@@aguywithahand502 no hes noy
This channel is soooooooooooooooooo good. I love that he is incorporating the African-American side of American history as well.
J Milner Yeess!! 👏👏 I absolutely love it.
That means a lot to me
What's sjw's??
Madrenna Griffith social justice warriors, they are the worst group of people in western society today. They are anti white, and have single handedly undone everything the civil rights movement fought for.
Madrenna Griffith It’s a term socially insensitive people use to call members of a certain ethnic groups who defend their cultural and historical heritage in America and others who support them. Those who use this term are socially inept, hypocrites, hostile, and are often intimidated by such people.
Very sensitive topic handled brilliantly
As a descendant of Caribbeans who was born in the US. I really appreciate this history channel. I also like that you had this video as an African American it's really cool to learn this history. Thanks I just subscribed 😊
Michael Twitty really opened my experience to what American BBQ is, was, and can be. The knowledge and insights to American, African American, and southern cooking is inspiring.
My grandfather (from late 1800's) added whole lemon (halved) to the recipe. He also added beer on occasion,otherwise his recipe was the same and I have carried on his barbeque tradition. Thanks for a wonderful series of videos, Clark
Virginia Bradley we cook "beer can chickens"
With a cook that big you know the food is good.
Exceptions would be Gordon Ramsay
was thinking that too 😂
And a black guy will never let you forget about them being enslaved.
Raihan Purboyo Gordon Ramsay is more of an entertainer. Some of the the food he makes or promotes makes me skeptical.
Sometimes he would accidentally cook himself :D
What a treat to find this on Christmas Day 2020! Michael Twitty is amazing. I totally adore and respect his work!
My favorite Townsend video. The kind of video I always click on when it shows up under recommendations.
He uses nutmeg. He's in.
I'm a nutmeg fanatic too . I always use it instead of cinnamon.
@@francisjohnson665 I use both in oatmeal and pancakes and cappuccinos
Shut up meg
In the States I’ve found that it’s not used very often except in winter seasonal recipes, but back in the UK, it’s used far more widely: we call it mace.
I just started watching this channel and I’m yet to find the root of the nutmeg jokes please-
Super show! More of little Mikey if you please.
Neil Armstrong yeees!!! We Need more
Neil Armstrong mikey mickey
This channel has seriously warmed my heart for a long time.
I love this channel. You can really tell the passion and joy that everyone gets from making these and teaching the viewers about history.
I love how he said that it's not just the African American heritage but also the national heritage. A humble perspective that's not divisive.
There's nothing about declaring an item black heritage that's divisive. The divide is perpetually created by white people. Only when white people in the 1950s made it absolutely clear that they wanted nothing to do with black people and would go to the ends of the violence available on the earth to make it clear did truly anti-white black groups crop up. Even then, they were more interested in going back to Africa than actually fighting in America. Get real.
It's American history! Black, white, whatever, who doesn't like BBQ? Communists that's who lol
@@prophetic0311 I'm a socialist and I like BBQ, is being a socialist not left enough though to not like BBQ?
History belongs to everyone
prophetic0311 well actually (you can think whatever you want) this is necessarily more of African American history as we were literally KIDNAPPED, beat, worked, and killed. I personally consider myself as just black because I don’t really like the term African American. Another thing, America wanted nothing to do with us after the Civil War not to mention we still have to keep our history. I don’t know what race you are but me, as a black person I value this as my history. My ancestors history.
Both of these men are national treasures, please collaborate again ❤️
Calm down yatttt
Every one CHILL
@@MichaelSmith-cv1cz daddy chill
Just downloaded Michael's book and it's so crazy to hear him in this format. So great! Love the channel and love Michael, gotta bring him back asap!
I’ve read his book, The Cooking Gene, for one of my college history classes. It’s fantastic! I love Michael’s passion for food and the story it can tell.
Food of the Enslaved. Sounds like a black metal cooking show.
brüüütal!
\m/
Food of the Enslaved featuring Chef Gordon Ramsay and Gorgoroth.
Now, you just take the drumsticks and stir the blood around the cymbal like so... Scream at it a bit. Give some low growls, too. Alright, now we're going to sear the flesh in fire. Good, good. Now, if everything went right, your blood pudding should look like this and the steak should look like that. If it didn't, may the wrath of the damned have mercy on you.
A black metal cooking show that also teaches you about the contribution of enslaved people to American society. There's nothing more brutal than facing the past head on to learn things the establishment wants to erase.
Look at Chef's quiet contentment when Townsend samples the meat. Priceless! This channel is also about respecting one's intellectual integrity. I love it!
It was a cool episode, wasn't it? I'm a Canadian, but I love true Americana. There is a beauty in the way that cultures mixed, under very, very, difficult circumstances, and things like BBQ were born. There are also some Spanish and Portuguese influences. As Mr. Twitty said, there are Indigenous influences that were very important in the birth of BBQ. Cool comment, I am with you!
My favorite part as well. Best part of barbecue
It's the Holy Trinity of Manhood: Meat, Fire, Friends 🤗
His smile is lovely too!
@@ryanbuckley3314 Bonjour Ryan, l am from Montreal, Canada. It's great to read you too. 💕
Man, I LOVED the history lesson in this episode. His is a great orator, telling the story of BBQ on a timeline perspective. Amazing! Wish I could try some!
Great special guest, learned a lot from Michael Twitty about the history of bbq. Food is one of the great things we can share and enjoy together regardless of where your ancestors came from, thanks for your message and passion for the food you create and the joy you get from watching others savouring your creations 👍☘️🇨🇦
Aww he looked so precious when he saw how much he enjoyed his food ♥️ warmed my heart!
I enjoyed that as well. In fact, Michael Twitty's bar-b-que looks ssssoooo good!
Oh I can't wait to make this! I really loved Mr. Twitty's statement "don't consider it just to be black history, it's American history". I also appreciate how Mr. Townsend didn't talk over him, and let him shine. This is such a wholesome and informative channel, it is a gift!
Indeed! Fantastic recipe showcased by exceptional hosts.
It's really refreshing and uplifting to see a black man and a white man working together, discussing historical slavery in context, and just agreeing that today we're both just Americans. This is the future we were supposed to have.
🙄
@@usa5439 ?
Thank you for this collaboration! I think it’s so important to educate others on the multi-cultural nature of our American history and this was a great way to showcase that! I also love that your channel stays true to what was available and commonly used during that time period.
"We don't consider it to be Black History but consider it to be American History" Damn I love this guy. In 2017 you scantly hear people say that they're American, but rather "I'm black, Mexican, Asian, white, insert other races". It's good to hear that.
Agreed. Also BBQ can't really be abscribed to one ethnic culture as it really is a joint venture encompassing cooking styles of several cultures.
I hear people of all walks say that they are American all the time. Maybe you should change the people you surround yourself with. You may want to take on the Census bureau/Government regarding this issue. You can honor and be proud of your heritrage *AND* be a proud American. Our "collective individualism" is what America is all about. We all come from different places and unite as Americans. You know...that melting pot stuff? Relax.
actual haha, I assure you I'm calm and it's a general feeling with racial issues being prominent in the US at the moment, not just with those I surround myself with. Thank you for your concern though.
Fair enough. I refuse to live in that tension which I think is drummed up by design. Anyway, I apologize for being rough on you. Take care.
actual you too, haha
Michael Twitty's book _The Cooking Gene_ is award winning and I strongly recommend any epicurean, American, or person interested in history to give it a read! Such an icon, as are you Mr. Townsend! Two of my favorite food people together in one video, this is a good day :')
im ordering this immediately. this is hot stuff.
Great suggestion...
Just ordered. Thanks for the suggestion
@@RB-zb7ox I hope you love it!
this was an amazing episode, the food looks awesome, I learned a lot, thank you for sharing this piece of American history with the world
Thank you so much for this episode. Please bring him back as much as possible!
I like how through history, sometimes the lower class has the best tasting food because of scarcity and invention, while the upper class has the "fancy and expensive" food that tastes bland or nasty.
@Jackie Tearie Not that you have much choice.
Sometimes people focus too much on the rarity or difficulty of ingredients without thinking of taste or nutrition
@@ayylmao8375 What I mean is, statistically you're never going to have the choice to dine with the rich.
I was a waitress for top dining. We offered some of the best foods in the world and whenever something was left over, we would be allowed to taste it. Not gonna lie, my mommas cooking is better.
@@ayylmao8375 Exhibit A: edible gold flakes
"Kitchen pepper" sounds very much like garam masala. I've recently become increasingly aware that Indian and African cooking have significant parallels.
IMO the best food in the world comes from the regions where African and Indian culture intersected. Zanzibar, Trinidad, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, you name it.
@Alex Man you need to pick up some books. Explain the history of trade between India and East Africa, or the Indians and African descendants in the Caribbean and Guyanas
bigg sippa dum dum juice
@Danny M you know nothing about East African history. It has so much Indian influence. And South India has been impacted by East African culture.
@Danny M East Africa and India were trading before the middle ages.
That was so much fun and fascinating! I felt like I was back in time. Thank you so much for the history and diversion.
I just love Jon’s reactions to tasting the food. He has such an educated palate to discern all the different tastes. Michael Twitty does an amazing job of interpreting the time period through his cooking and explanations. What a delightful video. I am so impressed with the sights and sounds of the cooking, but do wish I could smell and taste it, too. Just loved this one! ❤💕
When big pieces of meat are involved everyone is happy.
Well, except vegetarians.
Skeptical Unicorn and especially vegans.
or even meatphobic humans
mugensamurai that's what she said.
Nutzy HEY I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT! #SAMETRIBE LOL
This dude is so genuine about the history of food. He’s actively listening to the other guy
Wow! Michael is a living encylopedia on BBQ history! I learned a lot. Thanks to you both!
Incredible video. I look forward to you guys having him back on. So much knowledge and passion in what he does.
the slaves would get the worst parts of the animal. The offal(chitterlings for example), ribs, feet/hooves and legs of the animal, etc. They figured out a way to make it as tasty as possible. BBQ pork ribs is probably the best example of a slave recipe that has gone mainstream.
pork ribs were a winter thing as hogs were rarely killed in the summer. Beef ribs from cows and calves more in the summer. Tongue, chitlins, etc
Didn't everyone eat those parts back then though?
Don't forget lobster.
My Grandmother told me that chicken wings were practically free, and so was the now expensive oxtails.
From what I have heard the European farmers used every part of the pig from head to tail.
This was a class act from both guys, a possibly sensitive subject handled with grace, without politics, and cooked well.
History can never be sensitive, its for everyone to know
They were to hungry for politics
Wouldn't want to make any of you uncomfortable 🤣
Just avoid the comment section and all will be okay.
Politics and racism is for the comment section
Ive been watching your videos on n off for awhile now n I gotta say I should watch more. Simply because the entire aura of your channel just brings me happiness. I appreciate what you do. :)
Now that is a man of culture right there. I'd absolutely love to spend a few days with him and learn his secrets to cooking traditional foods. Bravo sir, your dish looks phenomenal! Once again Townsend your channel is as appealing to the eye as it is my now growling stomach. Love it 🙏
Love this! As fellow African American that reenacts some slave personas. You really hit the nail on the head.
What a gift to have an African American historic intepreter! Indeed, this is not only African American history, it is all of our history. What a wonderful episode! Many thanks to this educator!
It's a lie, trying to steal others history.
See it’s only disheartening when it seems white people enjoy our dance and food but turn the other cheek in the face of injustices.. white americans are 2 complicit
@@SuperMontsta what ?
@@Mke_KP ???? I don't follow you
@@christopherhendrix1346 Don't worry bro its prob over your head..
Greetings from Edmonton, Canada. This channel deserves all the respect it gets. Amazing content, wonderful and informative host and lots to learn! As a student of history it does not get better than this! Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you! Mr. Michael, I appreciated and enjoyed your segment the history of these foods are very interesting🥰
What a fantastic series of episodes so far with Michael Twitty. That he and you help explore our shared history through cooking and that this shared history reflects the cookery of common people is unique. Even more unique and amazing is this specific focus on the enslaved Africans, not as stand-ins or props to other things, but as people living their lives with historical stories to tell just as unique and valid as any other lives from any other times. Thank you both so much for bringing this too often ignored history to life in such an accessible way.
So delighted youre doing this series with Mr. Twitty. I've long been interested in his work.
This is a wonderful video. So great to see Michael Twitty on your channel. I bought his book at Gunston Hall and it is fantastic!
I cannot see how i missed this one backchanneling, but im very pleased i came across it, nit just for the historical understanding and perspective, but also to "pull it forward" into our time. Thank you both for this.
We need more of this guy. The fact that he’s able to tell the story, HIS story in a straightforward manner wothout watering it down with modern day perspective You can see the love and joy in his face at 8:45, he’s doing what he loves and theres nothing wrong with that
amen to that
What do you mean about a modern day perspective?
Right? The moment I saw his expression I had to check if there are any comments about it, he's so overjoyed!
Antrell Williams In this time and culture, especially with our new president, we see different sides of a political spectrum. Of course politics aside, we all know slavery is a horrible, horrible blemish on the United States and the entire world as a whole. The young man in the video is able to speak on and demonstrating authentic cooking without touting the racially-tense politics of today, which to be honest i think everyone is tired of, no matter what side your on
Dude, Keep this guy on in the future if you have the chance!!!!!!
F*ck That's Delicious seriously. He's well spoken, and vary knowable. The food looked great as well!
Love that Michael Twitty is a guest- the Cooking Gene is such a phenomenal book. I’ve been using his kitchen pepper recipe for years now. Great channel!
Micheal was great & what an important perspective. Thank you for bringing him on!
Ok so these people need to open a restaurant and make all this stuff, with the clothes and decor..yum ... think about it ginger beer, stew, BBQ...bring it home to mama!!!!
That is a fantastic idea!
Chef for hire right here, who happens to be fascinated with history, and cosplay. I third this idea!
I was in a restaurant like that in London. Wasn't good at all - in terms of flavours, quality of ingredients was great. Middle ages (even the 18th century, which technically isn't) just weren't that Epicurean, you know.
@@xandr13 I feel like it would be different in the US though, particularly the south. That being said, I wouldn't go to a place like that and expect a great flavor experience, but more of a fresh, crisp flavor.
@@120masterpiece Sure, for experience and novelty it's definitely worth it. Actually, I was also in a medieval restaurant in Tallinn - which is in original medieval cellar too. And that one was quite alright, they focused more on the simpler, "peasant" foods, which worked, especially with their craft ales to supplement.
For those that came for the nutmeg, will not be going home unfullfilled.
gorillaau YAAAAAAAS😄 I was getting a little worried. Thank the heavens for kitchen pepper.
gorillaau 3:30 listen carefully i found the nutmeg
gorillaau what’s the nutmeg thing, confused
amazingabby25 The nutmeg thing? Just about every cooking episode on this channel nutmeg is an ingredient. I think Nutmeg became popular in the 18th century, if you could afford it. So Nutmeg is sort of like a meme here.
Lollll gotta have it.
I was glad to see him actually listen and let the gentlemen talk and he seemed to listen very well. Great wholesome content 👍
Absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.