I first learned of Kwanzaa after graduating from college, when a Nigerian-American friend invited me over to her family’s dinner to celebrate the occasion. Years later, I would celebrate Kwanzaa in my home and use it as an opportunity to explore cuisines from the African diaspora: Caribbean, South American and Southeast Asian while contemplating on one of the daily principles. This year, our Kwanzaa could be influenced by Senegal because of the beauty of Pierre Thiam’s cookbook, From Senegal: Modern Senegalese Recipes from the Source to the Bowl.
African Heritage & Health Week
If you’ve never tried an authentic African heritage meal from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, or the American South before, then African Heritage & Health Week on February 1–7, 2013 is the perfect time to discover why its savory flavors and naturally healthy features make African Heritage Cuisine the next big food trend. Visit http://www.oldwayspt.org/programs/african-heritage-health/african-heritage-health-week to learn more.
Parade Magazine’s Community Table: A Globally-Inspired Southern Rice Pilaf and an Interview with Nicole Taylor of The Up South Cookbook
Nicole Taylor’s The Up South Cookbook is a direct challenge to rethink the definition of Southern cuisine. As a proud southern belle in New York City, Taylor’s expanding knowledge of cultural food influences her to adapt traditional recipes. She also shares classic recipes seldom recognized outside their region, such as the Southern Rice Pilaf (see recipe below). Her recipes are globally diverse, but they’re undoubtedly Southern. In the following interview, Taylor discusses New Yorkers’ perception about Southern food and global influences.
Parade Magazine’s Community Table: A German Chocolate Cake Soulfully Revised for the Modern Cook by GrandBaby Cakes
In the back of my mind, Jocelyn Delk Adams, author and founder of GrandBaby Cakes blog, is family. I’ve never personally talked with or met her, but we’ve communicated via email or social media on several occasions. Her messages are as sweet as her blog, which is full of comfort, down home, Southern desserts with a few savory dishes between the cake recipes.
#SmoothieNumbers 27: Raspberry, Hibiscus Tea and Fresh Coconut
In New York, most African-American festivals have a vendor chopping the tops of fresh coconuts, in which straws are inserted for a quick sip of refreshing coconut water. The heavy fruit is returned, in which the vendor splits it in half to scoop out the white flesh. Once home, thoroughly clean the pulp and chill or freeze until ready to use. For this Smoothie Number, the pulp is added to frozen raspberries and chilled hibiscus tea for a refreshing drink on a hot and humid day. The drink is tart and sweet with a subtle hint of coconut, but it has tons of vitamin C.
#SmoothieNumbers 26: Turmeric Mango
A trendy, uber healthy ingredient with a long list of benefits, turmeric has a similar taste to ginger, but it’s not ginger. As a popular Indian spice, it pairs with sweet mango for a smoothie with a flavorful kick.
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