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Volume 8


Quick! What comes to mind when you think of the month of February? Valentine’s Day and Black History Month right? Both are valid but that’s not all of the holiday’s February has to offer. Some are known (Groundhog Day), some are fun (Ice Cream For Breakfast Day and Love Your Pet Day) and some are meaningful (Wear Red Day).


Black History Month's first iteration was Negro History Week, created in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history." This historian helped establish the field of African American studies and his organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, aimed to encourage "people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience".


In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History month. In his speech, President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”.[1]


YES I’m going to talk about Valentine’s Day! I apologize in advance if I sound a little like Scrooge when it comes to February 14th. If we’re being honest, we know that the world is not going to end if we are single on Valentine’s Day. But again, let’s be honest, you can’t tell me that you don’t feel at least a SMIDGEON of “woe is me” when there are heart balloons, flowers, stuffed teddy bears, Edible Arrangement trucks and romance [2]everywhere you look lol.  

I have suggestions of what to do and where to go and recipes for one person, a couple or a group.


 
[1] Black History Month

 

[2] 30 Ways To Spend Valentine's Day in NYC


To kick off the new year, I am offering a referral program. Refer a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor (you get the idea) and receive a 23% (to represent 2023) discount on your next order once they make a purchase!

Go to the homepage of my website to fill out the form



Featured Recipes This Month

click: Rice Pilaf


February Happenings

(some serious and some not … it’s all about balance) 



Black History Month


The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.


A Few Suggestions On How To Participate and Honor BHM


●     Watch a documentary about the Black experience

○      The 1619 Project (Hulu)

○      Is That Black Enough For You? (Netflix)


●      Listen to new podcasts

○      Historically Black

○      Seizing Freedom


●      Eat at black owned restaurants

○      EatOkra


●      Learn about lesser known helpers in history

○      Claudette Colvin

○      Bayard Rustin


●      Support black owned businesses

Black Business Green Book



Groundhog Day - February 2nd


Yes folks, for those of you who are interested in whether a rodent (excuse me … a marmot) predicts six more weeks of winter or not, you can trek up to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania because apparently they have a whole host of events for that day! Ground Hog Day Activities

OR you can honor the day by sitting on your sofa, in your jammies, watching the classic movie Groundhog’s Day and eating some of the food that was shown in the famous diner scene. I say some because unlike Phil, we DO have to worry about our arteries hardening.

 


Wear Red Day - February 3rd

The month of February is also home to American Heart Month. On February 3rd red is worn to raise and spread awareness about heart disease. According to WebMD here are a FEW foods that can help against heart disease:

Fresh Herbs * Black Beans * Red Wine * Oranges * Tuna * Edamame * Sweet Potatoes 




Superbowl - February 12th

I am not even going to play myself and try to talk about football. This is what I know … it is one of the most watched programs on television, Rihanna is doing the halftime show and I have a Super Bowl Menu available! If you would rather go out and watch the game on a movie screen sized television, here are some suggestions:


●      Treadwell Park

●      Monarch Rooftop Lounge

●      Pig Beach Queens

 

Valentine’s Day - February 14th

If you missed it, here is the link again for 30 Ways To Spend Valentine's Day in NYC. There are some events listed that can be done whether you are single or have a significant other. So bear with me as I speak to those of us (me included), who do NOT have a Mr. or Mrs. Right. All hope is not lost and the world is not going to end. Valentine’s Day is designed to spend time with and pamper the one you love the most. So let’s shower a little love on ourselves okay?


●      Murder Mystery Party

●      Anti Valentine's Day Party

●      WaterMark

●      Raw Burlesque

●      Hand Rolled Truffle Making

●      A Self Love Proclamation Day!

●      My Funny Valentine Variety Show

●      Kids Valentine's Day Cruise Party

●      Valentine's Day Cabaret


Don’t forget to check out my Valentine’s Day Dinner and Galentine’s Day Brunch Menus.


Love Your Pet Day - February 20th


Who doesn’t love on their pet everyday? As a matter of fact, who spoils their pet everyday? 🙋🏽 But of course there is practically a holiday for everything, so on this day give them some EXTRA love. Some pet friendly desserts are:


Peanut butter ANYTHING * Strawberries * Apples * Fruit Popsicles * Pumpkin flavored cakes or cookies * Apple Bacon Oatmeal cookies (may sound strange to you, but it is DELICIOUS to your pet!)


Want to take the guesswork out of it and just buy your pet some treats? Check out these businesses:


●      Lick You Silly

●      Chicken Brittle For Dogs

●      Peanutty Paws Baked Treats

●      Pet Plate


Now About These Recipes!



Almost all of the recipes included will serve 2 to 3 people (except for the bread pudding). It is a MIRACLE that I was able to write for such a small number since I’m used to cooking for at least 50 to 100 people lol. If it’s just you, you’ll have leftovers!


●      Lobster is cute, but with food prices the way they are now you get more for your money with scallops, and they are just as sexy

●      As Rachel Ray has stated on more than one occasion, if you both eat garlic it cancels each other out and trust me these Garlic Butter Steak Bites are garlicky! LOL

●      Cacio e Pepe literally means cheese and pepper and is a Roman version of mac and cheese. The reason why you toast the pepper is to make it more fragrant, mellower and sweeter. DO NOT USE PRE SHREDDED CHEESE, IT DOESN’T MELT!

●      Every time I make this Rice Pilaf it reminds me of RiceARoni and my childhood. It is insanely easy to make and delicious

●      If you know me or have watched me at all, you know I always say that I am not a baker. I keep my desserts simple! For the Cherry Hand Pies you can absolutely use pie filling and it doesn’t have to be cherry if that’s not your thing. 




Check out my referral program!

Refer a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor (you get the idea) and receive a 23% (to represent 2023) discount on your next order once they make a purchase!

Go to the homepage of my website to fill out the form




THAT’S IT FOR THIS MONTH FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!


As mentioned, I have Black History Month, Super Bowl, Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day Menus available. I also offer private chef services and cooking classes.

Whatever you need, I got you covered!

Thank you for taking the time to read my rambling.

I truly appreciate it


 Cooking may not always be pretty … but it should always be passionate!

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