Rural Delicacies
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
There is a new National Geographic's Genius anthology series coming out on Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. We are sharing food related content in anticipation of the series. Today we return to Malcom X’s child. Growing up on the outskirts of Detroit Michigan, Malcolm X and his siblings endured hunger after white supremacist murdered his father for UNIA recruiting. Malcolm and his siblings purchased the most elementary of food staples such as cornmeal earned trapping and selling rabbits, muskrats, and bullfrogs. Those with rural roots viewed fried frog legs as a delicacy. In fact, some considered them so delicious and popular that they made local cooks famous for their signature preparation style. As a result, Malcolm and his siblings sold frog legs at a profitable nickel a pair.
Fried Frog Legs Recipe
Serves X
Ingredients
Frog hind legs and quarters
Salt and pepper
1 egg
Flour
Lard or vegetable oil
Directions
Frogs are usually fried and are considered a great delicacy. Only the hind legs and quarters are used. Clean them well, season, and fry in seasoned wet or dry flour like chicken.
(Crosby Gaige, New York World's Fair Cook Book: The American Kitchen, 1939) Gaige, 45.
