A favorite southern dish, the hushpuppy, is made from cornmeal, salt, milk, egg, flour, baking soda, and (sometimes) whole corn kernels, onions, and peppers. The ingredients are mixed into a batter, and then fried in hot oil. The end result is a tasty filling ball or oblong treat that is usually eaten with butter and served with Bar-B-Q or fried fish.

The origin of the name 'hush puppy' is varied. One legend has it that runaway slaves tossed the culinary creation to pursuing dogs, urging them to "hush, puppy."