Cherokee Cooklore: Preparing Cherokee Foods

Cherokee Cooklore: Preparing Cherokee Foods

The American Indian’s greatest contribution to our civilization is, in the eyes of many experts, is the patient cultivation from their original wild state of the food plants which are now more than half our agricultural wealth.<br />The Museum wanted to preserve these recipes as a permanent tribute to the Cherokees; also the many guests at our Annual Feasts have asked for them. We were fortunate in persuading Miss Mary Ulmer, teacher at the Reservation School and a loved, respected and welcome guest in Reservation homes, to undertake the considerable research. Her task has been admirably accomplished.<br />These recipes are rich in folklore, retaining the quaint mystery with which the forbears of the present-day Cherokees endowed them. These men and women found the fullness of life in quiet woodlands, giving gratitude and adoration to the Great Spirit for sustenance.<br />