MLK Day Archives - Standards Michigan

Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John (1847) – Rubenstein Library Test Kitchen

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish in the United States, particularly associated with the cuisine of the Southeastern region. It is commonly made with black-eyed peas (or sometimes field peas), rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon or ham hock. Often seasoned with salt and spices, Hoppin’ John is a flavorful and hearty dish.

The dish is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck. In Southern folklore, it is believed that eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day will bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. The black-eyed peas symbolize coins, and sometimes a coin is even added to the pot for good luck. The dish is often served with collard greens (symbolizing money) and cornbread (symbolizing gold).

Hoppin’ John, as is tradition. pic.twitter.com/KycrLdKjmO

— Kimberly Corson, PhD (@KimberlyCorson) January 1, 2025

Creamy Stone Ground Grits

Standards Louisiana

Grits are made from dried corn ground into coarse or fine particles. The corn kernels are treated to remove the hull, resulting in hominy, which is then dried and milled into grits. To prepare, the grits are simmered in water, milk, or broth until soft and creamy.

They are served hot with butter, salt, or cheese. Sweet versions might include sugar or honey. In the Southern U.S., grits are sometimes paired with eggs, bacon, sausage, or shrimp for a hearty start to the day.

The Corn Refiners Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provide guidelines for defining and labeling grits:

Ingredients: Grits must be made from corn, typically white or yellow dent corn, and may undergo processes like dehulling or grinding.
Grinding: Grits are classified by texture—stone-ground (coarser) or processed grits (finer).
Preparation: Cooking guidelines suggest a 4:1 liquid-to-grits ratio, simmered until creamy. Traditional grits often use water, milk, or broth.

While variations exist, Southern-style grits generally follow these principles.

Public Law 98-144: Martin Luther King Day

Public Law 98-144:

The federal law that established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday was Public Law 98-144, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on November 2, 1983. The legislation designated the third Monday of January each year as a federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to civil rights and social justice. The first official observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday took place on January 20, 1986. However, it was not immediately observed by all states, and some states adopted it gradually over time, with all 50 states recognizing it by the year 2000.

At the barbershop, it’s OK not to be OK

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Tag Archives: MLK Day

Hoppin’ John

Creamy Stone Ground Grits

Public Law 98-144: Martin Luther King Day

At the barbershop, it’s OK not to be OK

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