Kwanzaa Culinarians

Recipes and Food Stories from the African Diaspora

Refresh

I’m thinking too far into a hopeful future. But, that is my faith. Maybe one day or year, Americans will no longer fall for divisive politics. One day, we will pause and look around to see everyone as allies with the same dreams. Celebrate Imani and the new year with a refreshing Lemon Basil Sorbet.

January 1, 2018

The Kids are Alright

If Imani is the belief that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future, I have faith in today’s young adults. Read more and get the recipe for Roast Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Spiced Couscous and Yogurt.

January 1, 2016

Faith in Transition and a Dominican Mangú Recipe

January 1. We made it to see this day. It’s that pivotal date when all things new are embraced and our efforts at finding that balance which optimizes our lives … Continue reading

January 1, 2013

Peace Through Pie

By Toni Tipton Martin: On Christmas Eve 2011, NPR’s Morning Edition shared a sample of the 2,368 minutes of messages received on the Hidden Kitchens’ listener phone line over the … Continue reading

January 1, 2013 · 2 Comments

Guiding principles: Reflecting on Food, Identity and African-Diaspora Relations

Having been born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Kwanzaa is not a celebration I know much about. As I learn about the related principles and practices, I reflect on how … Continue reading

December 5, 2012 · 1 Comment

In Closing: Make Kwanzaa a Family Affair

The celebration of Kwanzaa has been an important tradition in my family for several years. In this article, I will discuss its historical development in my own family and why … Continue reading

January 1, 2012 · 1 Comment

Imani: Senegalese-Inspired Chicken Peanut Stew

“The black eye pea was introduced into the West Indies from Central Africa in the early 1700s and journeyed from there into the Carolinas. The pea with the small black … Continue reading

December 31, 2011 · 4 Comments

Ed Sargent of Weekend Food Projects Celebrates Imani

Ed Sargent is the do-it-yourself force behind Weekend Food Projects. His blog is dedicated to food, food issues, and food photography with a strong focus on organic, local ingredients and … Continue reading

December 31, 2011 · 3 Comments

Imani: Faith and Food

Being of African descent I’ve always been curious about the Kwanzaa holiday. What it means. How it’s celebrated. In researching there are seven principals that represents Kwanzaa. The very last … Continue reading

December 31, 2011 · 1 Comment

Milk Not Jails

MILK NOT JAILS is a volunteer-run, grassroots campaign working to build a new urban-rural alliance in New York State. We are urban and rural people, prison justice activists, farmers, artists, … Continue reading

December 24, 2011 · 1 Comment

Habari Gani?

This is the first year I’m personally honoring Kwanzaa in my household. In years past, I was invited to a friend or neighbor’s celebration. Our household’s first year of recognizing … Continue reading

November 29, 2011

Imani: Roasted Corn, Goat Cheese, Vegan Chorizo Empanadas

Imani: “Faith,” Believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future. I don’t believe in T.M.I. (too much information). Not when it comes to … Continue reading

January 1, 2011 · 1 Comment

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Learn more about Kwanzaa

The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the phrase, "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first-fruits." Kwanzaa's extra "a" evolved as a result of a particular history of the Organization Us. It was clone as an expression of African values in order to inspire the creativity of our children. In the early days of Us, there were seven children who each wanted to represent a letter of Kwanzaa. Since kwanza (first) has only six letters, we added an extra "a" to make it seven, thus creating "Kwanzaa." To learn more about Kwanzaa, visit the Official Kwanzaa Website.