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Recipes that explore the foodways of the African Diaspora. This is the place for African heritage staple dishes that highlight the soul food culinary traditions and contributions of people of African descent from all over the world including homeland Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the American South.

Culture is explored through research and use of native spices and ingredients like okra, yucca, yams, harissa, and callaloo. You will find traditional recipes specific to each region and different countries, for example Puerto Rican mofongo relleno, Brazilian Fish Stew (moqueca baiana), West African Jollof Rice, Haitian Pikliz, and Southern Shrimp and Grits.

But you will also find creative dishes that reflect my hypothesis of what black people's food would look like if all black people from around the world returned back to the Motherland and assimilated back into the culture. Recipe examples include West African jollof spice seasoned fried catfish, Southern smothered green beans with Haitian epis, or beef short ribs braised in maafe peanut sauce.

For Jamaican side dish ideas try this recipe roundup of sides that pair well with Jerk Chicken. Also checkout this Jerk Seasoning deep dive for everything Jerk!

As I explore the impact of the Roland 808 drum machine in music, this Cornish hen recipe is inspired by The Pointer Sisters' "Automatic" which aptly describes this recipe. The name is fancy, but the recipe is simple to execute yet highly flavorful and visually appealing. Cornish hens are a much smaller chicken varietal which make them perfect for frying whole. Cinnamon is the star spice/seasoning along with chile powder which gives the dish both its color and complex flavor profile.

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For most Thanksgiving Dinner is about the turkey, but for me it's about dessert; that last dish that puts you over the edge right into that food induced coma. My dessert of choice is a rich, silky smooth sweet potato pie, not to be confused with the traditional Pumpkin Pie. I take mine on the couch in front of the TV as I fight the Itis off trying to stay awake for the NFL games. I think I'm 0 for my last 5 staying awake. Sweet Potato Pie is kind of a big deal, right there with potato salad at a barbecue. No half step-in aloud. I keep my version pretty traditional but elevate the flavor via use of brown butter and whole nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

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Good mornin’, good mornin’! It’s your favorite flavorphile coming at you live with a message for all my culinary crusaders, spice seekers, and flavor nerds out there. Now listen up—if you’re looking to take your taste buds on a soulful journey, I got just the thing: a Southern bread pudding so rich, so creamy, and …

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Get ready to bring some of that good ole Afrobeat rhythm into your kitchen with this homemade suya spice seasoning mix! Inspired by those vibrant street food flavors of West Africa, suya spice is serious mix of heat, smokiness, and a bit of nuttiness that takes any dish to the next level. Packed with ground …

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Simple, versatile, and tangy is how I'd describe this collard greens slaw recipe. It's one that was made up on the spot, but inspired by two true pioneers. At a time when everyone seems to have an opinion about whether Lebron James has surpassed Michael Jordan, I thought I'd cross you up and talk about the unsung, little known pioneers and greats of Hockey. Most don't know of Willie O'ree who integrated the NHL in the 50s or of Grant Fuhr the greatest goalie in the history of the league who is also the first black player to win the Stanley Cup and enter the Hall of Fame. These were pioneers who inspired me to be comfortable going against the grain whenever. My collard greens purist will probably roll their eyes at the idea of adding feta cheese to greens; In the immortal words of Tupac, "I ain't mad atcha!"

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Plantains are a versatile and beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world, but knowing how to ripen them properly can be a challenge. This post offers a comprehensive guide on how to ripen plantains using various methods, and how to prepare them once they've reached the perfect level of ripeness. Whether you're aiming for …

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Indulge in a Flavor Forward Pork Stew, where succulent pork riblets meet a luscious apple cider broth infused with Haitian epis seasoning, yuca, and fennel. A fusion masterpiece, blending Southern comfort and Caribbean flair in every bite. Related Meat Stew Posts: Picture succulent pork rib tips, stewed to perfection in a luscious apple cider-based broth …

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I've been working on a Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. I landed on one that is decadent, comforting, and creamy mac and cheese recipe perfect as one of your Thanksgiving side dishes or a regular Sunday dinner menu item. I'm partial to classic i.e. cheesy, creamy, and a great crust. To get into that comfort food frame of mind I went deep into the vaults for a classic song "Under the Moon and Over the Sky" by Angela Bofil who IMO is one of the most underrated, underappreciated and unsung musical talent.

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