Easy Southern Cooking and Thelma Sias Interview. Thelma shows how she makes her mother’s Stewed Sweet Potato recipe and Sauteed Sweet Corn with Bacon. #southerncooking #sweetpotato.
Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders
For our “Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” segment, we chat with Thelma Sias. A retired high-profile executive and community leader, Thelma Sias spent three decades with We Energies, where she ultimately led its community engagement efforts.
You can also listen to the podcast version of this interview and cooking episode –
Thelma Sias Bio
In 1986, Thelma joined Wisconsin Gas Co., which was later acquired by Wisconsin Electric and parent company Wisconsin Energy Corp. By 2003, she had risen the ranks to become vice president of local affairs, where she worked with community leaders and local government officials to further the company’s business initiatives and lead multimillion-dollar projects.
She also served on the We Energies Foundation board. Later in her career, she founded and continues to serve as chief executive officer of consulting firm The Sias Group LLC.
Easy Southern Cooking Stewed Sweet Potatoes
Stewed sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish made in various ways across different cuisines. When making stewed sweet potatoes, you have the flexibility to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, making it a popular dish in many households.
How to prepare Easy Southern Cooking Stewed Sweet Potatoes
- Ingredients: Stewed sweet potatoes typically involve sweet potatoes (also known as yams in some regions), which are peeled, sliced, and cooked in a flavorful liquid. The liquid often includes a combination of sweet and savory ingredients to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Flavor Profile: Stewed sweet potatoes can have a sweet, savory, or even spicy flavor profile, depending on the ingredients used. Common additions include brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and sometimes even citrus elements like orange juice.
- Cultural Variations: Different cultures have their own versions of stewed sweet potatoes. In Easy Southern Cooking in the United States, for example, you might find sweet potatoes cooked with ingredients like molasses or marshmallows, creating a sweet and rich dish often served during holidays. In some African and Caribbean cuisines, sweet potatoes are stewed with coconut milk and spices for a savory and aromatic dish.
- Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Stewing sweet potatoes can be a healthy cooking method as it retains many of the nutrients.
- Preparation Methods: Cook Stewed sweet potatoes on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker. The cooking liquid can vary, including water, broth, or coconut milk, depending on the desired flavor.
- Versatility: Stewed sweet potatoes are a side dish, dessert, or even as part of a main course. The versatility of this dish allows for creativity in combining different flavors and ingredients.
Easy Southern Cooking Sweet Corn with Bacon
Sweet corn fried with bacon is a flavorful and savory dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the rich, smoky taste of bacon.
When preparing sweet corn fried with bacon, cooks often have the flexibility to experiment with seasonings and additional ingredients, making it a customizable and enjoyable dish for many.
How to prepare Easy Southern Cooking Sweet Corn with Bacon
- Ingredients for Easy Southern Cooking Sweet Corn:
- Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is a variety of maize with a high sugar content, giving it a sweet taste. It’s a versatile ingredient that complements savory flavors well.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, salty, and smoky flavor to the dish. The fat from the bacon also helps to enhance the overall richness of the dish.
- Flavor Profile: The sweetness of the corn pairs exceptionally well with the savory and smoky notes from the bacon.
- Cooking Method: Sweet corn fried with bacon is typically cooked in a skillet or frying pan. The bacon is often cooked first to render its fat, and then the corn is added to the pan. The corn absorbs the flavors from the bacon and takes on a delicious smokiness.
- Additional Ingredients: Additional ingredients to enhance the flavor could include garlic, onions, herbs, spices, or even a touch of cream or cheese for added richness.
- Versatility: This dish is versatile and can be served as a side dish, in a salad, or even used as a topping for dishes like baked potatoes or grilled meats.
- Cultural Variations: While the combination of sweet corn and bacon is a classic American dish, variations exist in different cuisines. For example, in Southern cuisine, you might find dishes like creamed corn with bacon.
- Comfort Food: Sweet corn fried with bacon is often considered comfort food, invoking a sense of warmth and satisfaction. The combination of sweet and savory flavors can be nostalgic for many people.
Easy Southern Cooking Explained
In the United States, Southern cooking is the style of cooking developed in the American South. These southern states include North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Florida, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Delaware, & DC.
As you can see, many states make up the South, which means lots of different influences, opinions, and modern interpretations of Easy Southern Cooking. In reality, Southern cooking is truly a potluck, with several cultures and backgrounds bringing different cooking styles to the Southern table.
Southern cooking is divided into several cooking styles based on the different regions of the South. You can choose from Appalachia, Creole, Cajun, Soul Food, Low Country, Gullah, and Floribbean, among others.
Cooking Secrets for Men
If you like this recipe for Easy Southern Cooking, then you should try our recipe Fried Green Tomato BLT, a Southern delicacy.
Cooking Secrets for Men in the News
Shepherd Express (Milwaukee) article on our Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders show – you can read that article here.
Good Counsel HS (My Alma Mater) Magazine article about Cooking Secrets for Men, You can read that article here.
Meet Charlie DeSando – “Voyage Tampa” article, which you can read here.
CanvasRebel Magazine Interview, which you can read here.
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Very easy recipes, Southern Style from Thelma Sias