History: Hardtack is best known in the United States as a staple ration carried by soldiers during the American Civil War. Hardtack has been used for thousands of years, serving as a durable food source for ancient Egyptian sailors, Roman soldiers, and naval crews around the world. click to get the Hardtack Recipe
Hardtack Recipe – What is It?
Picking Peanuts in Eastern North Carolina
Picking peanuts always takes me back to my childhood in eastern North Carolina. My nephew Barney and I spent countless afternoons playing hide-and-seek among the peanut fields. Back then, farmers dug the peanuts and stacked them on poles to dry before harvesting. The fields carried a rich, earthy scent that seemed to linger everywhere, a smell I still associate with those carefree days on the farm.
Harry Roberson leaning on his Peanut Stacks in Gold Point, NC, circa 1940 (Thanks to Hank Roberson for the use of his grandfather’s photo)
We loved to hide behind these stacks and to climb them, much to the dismay of my parents. All the children in the neighborhood joined us and we stayed out until way after dark. Sadly, the peanut stacks are gone. Click to see video of Peanuts being Picked
Pozole – Mexican Hominy Soup Recipe – Gringo Version
I just love this Pozole Recipe. Pozole is a Mexican Soup that is usually made with pork; this recipe is made with chicken. It can be made in a crock pot if you prefer.
Hominy has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, it was often served alongside country ham on chilly evenings. Those old hominy recipes were once staples in Southern kitchens, but they seem to have quietly faded away. I’ve yet to find anyone who remembers them.
Chicken Mull – The Forgotten Comfort Food
I had never heard of Chicken Mull until a few years ago. And then I found out that the Chicken Mull Festival happens 8 miles from me in Bear Grass, NC, population 69. This year, the festival was on Saturday, October 24, 2026. And I forgot to go!
Chicken Mull – What Is It?
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb chicken cut into pieces
- 3-4 qts water enough to cover the chicken
- ½-1 tbsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½-1 teaspoon cracked red pepper or to taste
- 1 Tbs lard or butter
- 2-3 sleeves Saltine Crackers salted (you will probably use 2-3 sleeves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large stock pot, add several quarts of water, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and a spoonful of lard. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cut-up chicken pieces, making sure there’s enough water to fully cover them. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1–2 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove and Shred the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot. Strain the broth into a large bowl and set aside. Once the chicken has cooled, remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat by hand - checking carefully for any small bones.
- Reheat the Broth: Wash the stock pot to remove any residue. Pour the reserved broth back in and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Make the Mull: Add the shredded chicken to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Slowly crush and stir in 2 sleeves of saltine crackers, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the mull thickens. If it still seems thin, add more crushed crackers until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot with toasted bread or hush puppies. The flavor deepens overnight, so leftovers are even better the next day!
- Yield: 6-7 two-cup servings
Notes
Tips for the Best Chicken Mull:
Use bone-in chicken for a richer flavor.
Adjust the amount of red pepper to your preferred spice level.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk before serving
Click to learn the history of Chicken Mull and to see about the Festival
Haint Blue – Why Southerners Paint Their Porch Ceilings Blue
If you were not born in the low country of South Carolina or Georgia – or other coastal areas of the south, then you’ve probably never heard of Haint Blue – it’s a southern thing.
But if you ever travel in the south, especially in coastal towns, you will often see porch ceilings painted a special robin’s egg light blue color. This is not because we like blue; it is because of our folklore and heritage. Click to read why Southerners paint their porch ceilings blue.
Old Red Truck – Mascot of Big Mill B&B Extended Stay
Every farm and definitely every farm girl needs an old red truck. Somebody must agree because photos of old red trucks are everywhere – on fancy dishes, Christmas decorations, everywhere you look.
A guest Edna Perkinson Painted this Portrait of Old Red Truck
One Christmas I parked my Old Red Truck in front of the Pack House and decorated it with a Christmas tree and wreath with sparkling fairy lights everywhere. It certainly was popular with my guests and anyone who rode by.
When January came, Old Red didn’t want to go back under the shelter. Nephew Monk had to bring his big tractor and drag her out of the yard.
Other folks seem to like old red trucks too: friends got together and had Old Red sit for a portrait. I love it. I have old red truck dish towels, sheets, dishes, door mats … these things just keep turning up.
Old Red Portrait – a Gift From Friends Painted by J. Roberson
Renowned photo artist, Stacey Haines, took my portrait in Old Red. This special truck has certainly been a topic of artistic merit!
I must tell the truth — when David Tuttle left the farm he told me I could keep that “piece of junk old truck,” so I did. I am determined to keep her running, maybe not on the road, but “farm worthy.” She has caught on fire three times, not really her fault. I think David wants her back!
She has a 1973 body and a 1966 engine (390 C.I.D. S-code). Like me, she can use her age to her advantage – her tags are cheaper. If older is better, Old Red is getting greater! This truck is a “shade tree mechanics” nirvana. It was under these pecan trees that David Tuttle used a Come-Along to remove Old Red’s original engine and install a Thunderbird engine.
Shade Tree Mechanic David Tuttle
I have replaced the tires ($20 each), water pump, starter, carburetor, ignition key, gas tank and gauge, and other stuff I can’t even remember. I am determined to keep Old Red in the family.
Hopefully, the next time I see you, Old Red will be running!
YES, we are open and we hope you will come and stay at Big Mill B&B Extended Stay. Come enjoy the benefits of home while away from home for your next traveling job or contract in eastern North Carolina.
Big Mill B&B Extended Stay Lodging. 1607 Big Mill Road, Williamston, NC 27892. Tel. 252-792-8787 cell is 252-799-8787, info@bigmill.com and www.bigmill.com
DISTANCES to Hospitals and Towns from Big Mill B&B in Williamston, NC:
Greenville, NC: Vidant Hospital, ECU School of Medicine – 27 miles (country roads)
Washington, NC: Vidant Hospital, Ridgewood Rehab, River Trace Rehab – 21 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
Windsor, NC: Vidant Hospital, Brian Center, Three Rivers Health & Rehab Center – 17 miles (east 4-lane drive)
Windsor, NC: Bertie Rural Health – 20 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
Ahoskie, NC: Vidant – 37 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
Tarboro, NC: Vidant Edgecomb Hospital, Parkwood Village Retirement Center, – 33 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
Plymouth, NC: Domtar Paper – 30 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
Edenton, NC: Vidant Chowan County – 37 miles (easy 4-lane drive)
and North Carolina’s Outer Banks!!! are 85 miles
Extended Stay Lodging Eastern NC – Home Away from Home
Nurses, doctors and folks doing Locum Tenens work who need lodging in eastern North Carolina for short and long-term stays will find Big Mill B&B rooms, suites and apartments the perfect Home Away from Home.
The fish are biting at Big Mill B&B Extended Stay
near Greenville, Washington, Plymouth, Windsor, Ahoskie in eastern N.C.
We offer special long-term rates and and most reservations qualify for tax-free stays. Rates range from $250 to $400 week. All of our spaces have outside entrances. Each suite has a kitchenette and a local grocery store has curb-side pickup for groceries and other things you might need.
Our Largest Suite – the Pack House Suite – has Full Kitchen
This very private suite has kitchen, large subway tile bath, large sitting area and separate bedroom. Just outside your door is your own private patio.
Mule Room Suite Kitchen Opens onto the Brick Breezeway
This very private suite has views of the lake from every room, honey-colored pine floors, bead-board and tobacco stick ceiling, tiled bath, separate bedroom, art from Central America and a kitchen with colorful Mexican tile.
Mardi Gras Suite with Kitchenette has 2 Spacious First-floor Rooms
The suite overlooks landscaped grounds and opens onto the patio outside your door – perfect for morning coffee. The den – kitchen area has glazed brick floors and a stone fireplace.
Effie’s Switch House French Dressing
Aunt Effie’s Switch-House Salad Dressing (Miss Effie’s Dressing)
My Aunt Effie ran an after-hours place called The Switch, so named because it was beside the “switch” for the railroad tracks. It was a popular spot for night owls, tobacco buyers and peanut graders who were in town during the harvest season.
The Switch After-Hours Steak House was a Jumping Place in its Day
Teeney cooked the best steaks on a cast iron wood-burning stove. Yes, all the food was cooked on a wood-burning stove. The menu was T-bone steak, baked potato and tossed salad with Effie’s famous dressing. Aunt Effie told me it was her recipe — we will never know. I do know it was good.
Effie’s Sweet Tart Salad Dressing is Perfect for Mixed Green Salads
Bless Your Heart – and Other Southern Sayings
“Bless your heart” – a Southern way to say you’re fat or not quite acceptable. If you only learn ONE southern idiom, it must be “Bless your heart.”
Sweet Southern Lady Saying, “Bless Your Heart.”
You can say anything about anybody, then say, “Bless her heart,” and it is alright. “She certainly has fleshed up – she looks like a bale of hay – bless her heart.” It is the accepted retort if someone relays some sad or unflattering news about another person. The listener will then reply, “Well, bless his heart.”
Even my transplanted Yankee friends have had to learn this one. Bless your heart gives us southerners carte blanche to say something not so nice about folks, and then be forgiven immediately.
If you don’t speak our language, you will most likely hear from the cashier at the check-out in the grocery store, “You ain’t from ’round here, are you?” And we are ALWAYS right. As soon as you open your mouth, we know you are not from around here. We do get some blank stares from folks who hail from above the Mason Dixon line.
The Perfect Southern Word for a Mess – Hurrah’s Nest
This was something that my mother would often say. She would tell me, “Your Aunt Effie’s hair looks like a hurrah’s nest.” I moved away, I said it and folks laughed at me. Then one day I didn’t say it anymore. That is too bad. I could never find it in my dictionary – until last night. I said it to my phone, “What is a hurrah’s nest.” Eureka, I found it! It was there in Webster. It means “an untidy heap, a mess.”
There are many words and phrases that I heard when I was growing up in the south – more specifically, eastern North Carolina. I spoke these words too, until I left home. Then, almost daily, someone would look at me and say, “What did you say?” It was then that I realized not everyone used those wonderful old expressions. Unfortunately, I removed them from my vocabulary. Now I am adding them back. Click to see more wonderful southern expressions
Popcorn Sutton & His Moonshine Likker
Popcorn Sutton was a short, squirrelly dude with a trashy mouth, and I can’t help but be fascinated by his persona.
READER BEWARE: Popcorn had a smart mouth and made some lewd signs depicted in the photos that he sent to me.
Click to see photos and story of Popcorn Sutton – BEWARE – some are lewd.