If you’ve been scrolling through your social media lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a video by Kelsey Johnson, who has captured hearts with her entertaining series “Kelsey Reacts.” In these clips, Kelsey dives into food preparation videos, offering her witty and humorous takes on what’s being cooked and how the chefs are handling their culinary creations.
Her videos have gone viral, and while they’re downright hilarious, Kelsey is also addressing a serious issue. Many of these dishes have deep cultural roots, particularly in the Black community, yet they’re often presented in a way that erases their history. This raises the question: “Can you really gentrify cornbread?”
The answer is a resounding yes. In one of Kelsey’s first reactions, she watches a Tasty video that showcases four different ways to prepare cornbread. Now, we all know cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, especially among Black Americans, who have made it their own. Traditionally, a good cornbread just needs butter—honey butter if you’re feeling fancy. Most of us know it comes from a blue and white box of Jiffy mix; it’s affordable and delicious.
While I appreciate the creativity, there’s no need to mess with cornbread. And for the love of all that is holy, please don’t add whole kernel canned corn to the batter—seriously, it looks like something you’d want to avoid. Who’s ever thought, “You know what this cornbread needs? Cotija cheese and cilantro”? Kelsey exclaimed, “I rebuke this in the name of all that is good,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Let’s Talk About Kale
Let’s talk about kale for a moment. Black folks have been enjoying kale long before it became a trendy superfood. Once it hit the mainstream, it was everywhere. I can’t say I ever liked it that much. I remember my mom cooking it down with collard greens and smoked turkey legs, adding vinegar and spices. But then I moved to Los Angeles, where kale smoothies and green juices became the norm. I couldn’t believe it; drinking greens is not the same as enjoying a salad! When Black people ate kale, no one cared, but suddenly, it became a hipster phenomenon, driving prices up and leaving many of us wondering why.
The Rainbow Food Trend
And don’t even get me started on the rainbow food trend. Sure, I love vibrant meals, but rainbow salads, acai bowls, and even rainbow sushi? Enough is enough! I was genuinely perplexed when I saw a food truck offering rainbow elote. Why did anyone think that Mexican street corn needed added color? Spoiler: it didn’t.
Macaroni and Cheese: A Quintessential Dish
Now for the grand finale—macaroni and cheese. Let’s set the record straight: baked mac and cheese is a quintessential Black dish, and you can debate me on that all you want. We don’t need breadcrumbs or weird toppings. If you want crust, toss on some extra cheese! I was shocked to learn that some people put crusts on mac and cheese. Seriously? I thought I was in a cooking class nightmare, staring at my teacher like, “What is happening here?”
There’s no need for fancy toppings like cornbread crumbs or Ritz crackers. And for the love of all that’s sacred, do NOT put vegetables in mac and cheese. If you’re thinking about adding brussels sprouts, please reconsider your life choices.
Kelsey also reacts to some bizarre takes on mac & cheese, and it’s worth checking out. I get it; everyone wants to put their spin on things, but when it comes to our food, you’re crossing a line. You could try elevating your meals with just a dash of seasoned salt—Lawry’s is a game changer.
As Kelsey Johnson wisely puts it, “We need to put a stop to these culinary crimes.”
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In summary, Kelsey Johnson’s hilarious critiques of food trends shed light on the cultural implications of food appropriation. Her insights not only entertain but also prompt us to think critically about the culinary landscape and how it intersects with culture.
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