A Kwanzaa Keepsake offers proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies, blessings, and, of course, wonderful recipes. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day. Some of the menus include:
-Umoja (Unity), featuring dishes of multinational origin such as Seasoned Olives, Mechoui-Style Leg of Lamb with cumin, mint, and chilli, and a classic Caribbean rum punch, reminds readers of the union of all peoples of African descent.
-Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), composed of dishes from the African continent, including Sweet Potato Fritters, Grilled Pepper Salad, and Piment Aimee, a hot sauce from one of the author’s friends.
-Kuumba (Creativity) is a healing supper and communal meal that opens the gates of remembrance through food. It is centred around a heritage recipe and includes Pickled Black-Eyed Peas, a fish dish from the Ivory Coast, Spicy Cranberry Chutney, and a killer pecan pie with molasses whipped cream.
Interspersed throughout the book are spaces to record family memories, sayings, and recipes. Rich in culinary history and a source of inspiration for treasuring and recording family traditions both old and new, A Kwanzaa Keepsake is a book to cherish, and one that families will turn to again and again.
- Author: Jessica B. Harris
- Hardcover, 208 pages
- Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1 inches
- Publisher: Scribner