In road-way stands throughout the South <br />Are fruits and veggies to tempt the mouth. <br />But one specialty, besides melons and cane, <br />Is nuts; called Boil'd Peanuts by name. <br />What is this regional epicurean delight <br />That causes some to go looking, even at night? <br /> <br />Often sold in a small, brown paper sack <br />For only a quarter; five to a green-back. <br />They're to be eaten as soon as they're got <br />Best of all, when still piping hot. <br />Shells and all, goes in the mouth, with a smile <br />And nothing comes out (least not for a while.) <br /> <br />Properly dried and free of sand <br />These goobers are prizes that tempt any man. <br />'How do you prepare 'em? ' You ask if bold. <br />'A method from generations past.' You're told. <br />Boiled in a black pot, called a cast iron kettle <br />Somehow makes the nut, fit as a fiddle. <br /> <br />A pot with water and salt aplenty, is set <br />To cook this goober until the shell's soaking wet. <br />Turn up the heat and bring to a boil <br />In the kettle; stew this nut from the soil. <br />The salt penetrates and gives a new flavor, <br />And cooking produces a texture you? ll savor. <br /> <br />Let them dry just a bit and cool on the way <br />It's a treat from the South to be enjoyed each day. <br />It's a nutritionist dream marriage <br />With nourishment packaged in the midst of roughage. <br />So as you drive along side roads and see a small stand <br />Stop! Here's a treat offered to please any man.<br /><br />Sidi J. Mahtrow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/boiled-peanuts/
