I’ll Eat Your Mom First? No, But This Biscuit Cookbook?
Table of Contents
When a phrase like “I’ll eat your mom first” trends, you might assume it’s from a gritty Korean webtoon (and you’d be right—more on that later). But in the culinary world, Erika Council’s Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit is the real showstopper. This 2023 cookbook blends Southern tradition, Black culinary heritage, and biscuit wizardry into a must-have kitchen companion. Let’s break down why this book is worth the hype—and why it might just outshine even the most daring webtoon titles.
A Biscuit for Every Pantry (and Mood)
With over 70 recipes, Still We Rise ensures no craving goes unmet. From the classic Bomb Buttermilk Biscuit to quirky twists like Duck Fat Biscuits and Everything “Bagel” Biscuits, Council’s creativity shines. The Sour Cream & Onion Biscuits—praised for their 10-minute prep time and day-long freshness—prove that simplicity can be revolutionary. Even butter shortages aren’t a dealbreaker: recipes like Peach-Infused Biscuits or Corn Milk Biscuits use alternative fats and pantry staples to keep baking accessible.
Heritage Baked into Every Layer
This isn’t just a recipe collection—it’s a narrative of resilience. Council, granddaughter of soul food legend Mama Dip, weaves family stories and Black culinary history into every chapter. Tales of her grandmother’s activism through cooking in the 1940s and tributes to Southern female chefs transform this book into a cultural archive. As one reviewer noted, flipping through it feels like “magic,” blending food with generational legacy.
Biscuits Without the Burnout
Council dismantles the myth that scratch baking is intimidating. Her Angel Biscuits (a hybrid of biscuit and roll) and Gluten-Free Biscuits cater to all skill levels. The DIY Biscuit Mix section even offers a homemade “Bisquick” alternative for quick batches of pancakes or cola biscuits. For time-strapped bakers, the Butter Swim Biscuits—where dough bakes in melted butter—are a lazy-day triumph.
Critiques? Just a Pinch of Salt
Some reviewers note redundancy in recipes that swap fats (like lard vs. duck fat), but the book’s strength lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re craving sweet (Cinnamon Sugar & Pecan Biscuits) or savory (Glori-Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich), Council ensures there’s a match for every pantry and occasion.
Where to Buy & Final Crumbs
Available in hardcover or ebook, Still We Rise pairs perfectly with homemade jams like Hominy Honey Butter or spicy Cheerwine Mustard. Priced around $207 (hardcover), it’s an investment—but one that pays off in flaky, buttery dividends.
Why It’s Worth the Dough
While “I’ll eat your mom first” might grab attention online, Still We Rise offers something more nourishing: a celebration of heritage, accessibility, and the humble biscuit’s power to connect generations. As Council writes, “Biscuits are a legacy”—and this cookbook ensures that legacy rises tall.
Still We Rise is available at major retailers and indie bookstores. For more biscuit-spiration, check out the full Lifehacker review here.
P.S. No moms (or webtoon characters) were harmed in the making of this post—just countless batches of biscuits. 🥐
