Drag superstar, actor, comedian and country singer-songwriter Ginger Minj owes a lot to her Southern upbringing. She credits her humor, poise and, yes, signature sass — all of which are on full display in three seasons of the Emmy-winning hit series "RuPaul's Drag Race" — to her childhood in Florida and the women, particularly her Southern grandma, who raised her.
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Her new book "Southern Fried Sass: A Queen's Guide to Cooking, Decorating, and Living Just a Little Bit Extra" is part tea-spilling memoir and part cookbook (featuring over 50 recipes, including The Minx's Sick'ning Scalloped Pineapple Paradise, Red Barn BBQ Ribs platter and Better Than Sex cake). It chronicles the multi-talented entertainer's life and how she learned to live by her mantra of "Southern fried sass."
Wide Open Country caught up with the Southern dynamo to get her thoughts on setting the perfect Thanksgiving table, the true meaning of "Southern hospitality," her dream dinner guests and more.
Your grandmother was clearly a huge influence on this book. What's the most important thing you learned from her?
My Granny taught me so much, it's hard to pick just one thing! But one of the most important lessons I learned from her is to spread joy and love to others, no matter who they are or how different they are from you, especially when you've come together around the table. Something I talk about more in the book is one of her quotes I grew to live by, which is, "If you can shove their mouths full of love, they don't have time to spit out any hate."
Do you have a favorite recipe from the book?
My favorite recipe changes day to day, but I will always love Biscuits and Gravy. Growing up, it always seemed like the quintessential breakfast ... even though I now realize it's carbs on carbs on carbs, but that's what makes it such a rare treat. I remember sitting in a high chair, maybe 3 or 4 years old, diving face first into a plateful. I can't promise that I do not still get the urge to do that from time to time.
Albert Sanchez
With Thanksgiving and the holidays coming up, can you share advice on setting the perfect, Southern woman-approved dinner table?
The ultimate Thanksgiving dinner table has the perfect amount of family recipes and traditions. But what makes it special is the family, friends and chosen family gathered around your table.
Your upbringing in the South is a big part of your story, and clearly your cooking and decorating as well. What defines "Southern hospitality" to you?
Something I have learned over the years is that Southern hospitality really just means knowing how to be polite — Southerners can pack a punch, but with a smile on their face!
Albert Sanchez
This book also serves as a memoir — was there anything you were nervous to share in the book? Or anything that felt particularly freeing to share with your audience?
I shared a lot in this book — more than I have ever shared before! I even joked I haven't even shared some things with my therapist. But, it's all part of my story, and to me it's so important to live authentically and show every part of yourself. At times, I did worry about sharing such personal details about myself and my history, but the whole process has been a really unique experience and almost cathartic to discuss difficult memories that might not have otherwise been brought back up.
You released your song "Southern Fried Sass" alongside the book — can you tell us about writing the song and what inspired it?
Country music and storytelling are so special to me, and it only felt right to put out a "Southern Fried Sass" song to accompany the book. So, I wrote this song with my friends Brandon Stansell and Jeffrey James. I think we all can agree that everything is a little better with some Southern fried sass!
Who are the three guests you'd invite to your dream dinner party?
Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Tanya Tucker!
Ginger Minj's book "Southern Fried Sass" is available for purchase here.
