‘‘Crunk’’ is a Southern slang term that means ‘’to get excited.’’ It’’s about passion and having pride in where you come from. For vegan blogger Bianca Phillips, it’’s also about creating no-frills, no-nonsense dishes that warm the soul and keep rich Southern traditions alive. As the northeast Arkansas native explains, the Dirty South isn’’t about cleanliness; it’’s about ties to the land and the hominess of passing on a rich culture of good food and good times. By incorporating plant-based staples (beans, corn, and fresh produce) that have been the basis of Southern cooking for centuries, Bianca invites everyone to enjoy cooking simple soul food dishes with a wholesome twist. These family classics, minus the meat, eggs, and dairyproducts, help keep traditional Southern foodways alive while allowing vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who cares about healthful eating to enjoy this satisfying down-home fare. From cheese-free Ro*Tel dip and country-fried tempeh steak to eggplant jambalaya and smoky stewed okra and tomatoes, Cookin’’ Crunk offers plenty in the way of classic Southern comfort food.
