Since the holiday feasts are just around the corner and fall is here, what better story this month than one about a “Murfreesboro maker” who grew up in the South and learned how to cook from her mom (who learned how to cook from her mom, and on up the line—you get the picture).
Murfreesboro resident Carolyn Hall is not only a Middle Tennessee Realtor, but she now is the author of a cookbook called Mama’s Table: Y’all Come Eat. I recently asked her about her life story, her culinary journey and her cookbook.
Mr. Murfreesboro: Who is Carolyn Hall? Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Carolyn Hall: I am from Smyrna, Georgia, right outside Atlanta.
My family has always been close. Before my sister and I started high school activities and driving, we went to Alabama, where my parents were raised. Some of my most precious memories as a child were when I was with my grandparents.
Where did you attend school?
Campbell High School, right outside Atlanta.
Who inspired you growing up?
My mama, grandmother and two aunts. They all had a hand in me learning to cook.
When did you decide to become a Realtor?
My son was fixing to graduate from high school. I had worked in the school system my kids were in so we could have the same schedule. I was definitely ready for a change. I had heard many times, “you would make a great Realtor with your personality.”
Do you remember cooking your first meal?
The first meal I cooked all by myself was when I was dating my former husband. I knew we were gonna be getting married and my mama let me cook supper for us. I don’t know what I fixed, but I did get some critiquing after Dann left that evening.
How did that make you feel?
Nervous! I had a man to impress!
Who or what inspired you to write a book about Southern cooking?
For some reason, I have always taken photos of my food. I loved to share it on social media. I had thought about writing a book of family recipes for my family, but just never did anything about it. My daughter Melanie was getting married, and I knew as her mother I wanted to give her a very special gift. It is by far my most cherished moment when I gave it to her.
What is the name of your book?
Mama’s Table: Y’all Come Eat
Will there be a sequel?
Yes! When you read Mama’s Table: Y’all Come Eat you clearly see that it was written to my daughter. I plan on doing one for my son, Daniel. The name of it is going to be Mama’s Table, Second Helpings. He’s the second child.
Besides cooking, what else do you enjoy?
I love spending time with my family, cuddles with my dog Graham, the beach in the off-season and crocheting.
Tell us about your family?
I have have two children. Melanie is 25, married to a wonderful man. They are expecting their first child. It’s a girl, so no doubt she will be a great cook like her mama, me, my mama, my grandmother . . .
What is your favorite dish to cook?
I don’t have a specific dish I like to fix. I have a meal that my entire family loves. It’s the most requested for family meals. It’s cubed steak, gravy, homemade mashed potatoes, English peas, corn, sometimes some okra I put up from summer, Sister Schubert rolls and a little something sweet. I’m not a baker at all, so I’ve never been scared to pull out a box of Little Debbie’s!
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living a beautiful life!
What is your favorite movie?
Cold Mountain
Do you use a lot of spices?
I’m not a big spice girl, just the basics.
I take it you’re not a Spice Girls fan. What makes a good chef or cook?
I’m not sure about a chef, because I just call myself a home cook. But I would think practice, practice, practice.
How can people find your book?
Amazon and the Country Gourmet just off the Square here in Murfreesboro. Also, The Davis General store in Leiper’s Fork is going to carry it.
When is your book signing party?
Nov. 3 at Country Gourmet.
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As you can see, Carolyn is a very busy woman. Besides being a mom and soon-to-be grandma, a Realtor and now an author, she is making a difference in the world. I bet most of us at one time loved eating the same dish over and over, just prepared by a different mom or grandma.
Find Mama’s Table: Y’all Come Eat on Amazon or come and meet Carolyn Hall at the Country Gourmet, 107 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.
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[Pictured, top: Bill Wilson (The Real Mr. Murfreesboro) with Carolyn Hall]
