I like to feed people - all people. Cooking and baking brings me great joy. Feeding loved ones, friends, and even strangers is my favorite way to love people. It’s the way I was raised.

Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, I learned early that we work hard to grow our own vegetables and preserve them to eat good all year. Our family gathered together on mamaw’s porch to pick it, can it, and eat it.

We ate food made in cozy kitchens by mamas, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and friends using recipes that have been handed down for generations. Without hesitation, everyone was always welcome to come join in.

The name Ludie’s Table is in honor of my precious mother, Geneva Lou Riddle Welty. Her brothers gave her the nickname Ludie when she was young, and it stuck. Mom grew up the same way; sitting on those porches, loving people, and sharing food. You can’t help but enjoy sitting beside her. She loves her Jesus, her family, and her sweets, in that order.

So here we say grace, we love Jesus, and we welcome you to come eat at Ludie’s table.