"June - The Month of Sun and Fun"

The Recipe Series for June 2023

June Happenings

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

National Soul Food Month is celebrated every January to honor the African American culinary tradition. It was created in 2002 by culinary historian and author Dr. Toni Tipton-Martin. Dr. Tipton-Martin wanted to create a month-long celebration of soul food to educate people about its history and cultural significance. Soul food is a type of cuisine that originated in the American South. As I have mentioned before, while not all Southern food is considered soul food, all soul food is definitely Southern.

Soul food originated in the Deep South, specifically in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Enslaved African people were given low-quality and nutritionally deficient food rations during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and they adapted traditional recipes with these resources to preserve African food traditions. The resulting dishes have become the soul food we know today, associated with comfort and decadence but born out of struggle and survival.

Soul food has since become a staple in African American culture and has spread throughout the United States and beyond, with variations and adaptations to the original recipes. It is not only delicious but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of African American people in the face of adversity. Some popular soul food dishes include:

●     Fried chicken

●     Mac and cheese

●     Collard greens

●     Black-eyed peas

●     Cornbread

●     Sweet potato pie

While these dishes are often enjoyed during special occasions or holidays, they can also be found in restaurants and homes across the country. There has been a resurgence of interest in soul food, with chefs and foodies alike putting their own spin on classic recipes and incorporating new ingredients and techniques. Despite its humble origins, soul food has become a beloved and enduring part of American cuisine.

Soul Food and Southern Restaurants To Try

●     Cheryl's Global Soul

●     Unique Eats

●     Taste of Heaven

●     Cornbread Soul

●     Harlem Seafood Soul

●     Father and Son Soul Food Catering

●     Cadence Restaurant

●     Jacob's Restaurant

●     Harlem Biscuit Company

●     Greedi Vegan

●     95 South Soul Food

Black Music Appreciation Month

Black Music Appreciation Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse musical traditions of Black Americans. This month-long celebration is held every June and features a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and educational programs.

This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith. Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals. This religious music united African Americans and helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods in our Nation's history. Years later, spirituals contributed to the advent of a new form of music: gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African music and were rooted in faith.

The African-American music tradition also reflects creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-American composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their unique imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world.^[1]

Some of the most celebrated Black musicians include Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé.

Black Music Appreciation Month is a time to recognize the contributions of Black musicians and to celebrate the power of music to bring people together.

How You Can Celebrate and Acknowledge

●     Donate to a music school

●     Support scholarships for black students in the field of music: Scholaroo

●     Study the roots of black music: Smithsonian

Donut Day (June 2nd)

“I'll wish for my tree to grow doughnuts and crullers! ~Dr. Seuss”, I’m right with you Dr. Seuss. I don’t think that I have met a doughnut I didn’t like … wait that’s not true. I don’t like Krispy Kreme doughnuts and I can HEAR the screams now. I shouldn’t say that I don’t like them, it’s just all that glaze makes my arteries automatically harden. 😂

National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June every year in the United States. It was first established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. In 1917, the original “Salvation Army Doughnut” was first served by the ladies of the Salvation Army. It was during WWI that the Salvation Army Lassies went to the front lines of Europe. Home-cooked foods, provided by these brave volunteers, were a morale boost to the troops. ^[2]

Fun Fact:Fun Fact: Entenmann's remains the largest donut-maker in the United States, producing more than 40 million boxes a year. The company's rich frosted chocolate donut has been the #1 best seller since its introduction in 1972 but the number one doughnut in America is the good old glazed doughnut.

Father’s Day (June 18th)

Father's Day is like the less popular sibling of Mother's Day, but that doesn't mean we love our dads any less. Sure, it might be easier to get a reservation at a restaurant, but let's not forget to give dads the recognition they deserve.

Fathers and father figures play a crucial role in a child's life. They provide emotional support, guidance, and a sense of security that helps children thrive. Research shows that children with involved fathers tend to have better academic outcomes, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of behavioral problems.

We should acknowledge and appreciate the men who are taking care of their children, whether they are biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, or other father figures. Their commitment and love make a significant impact on their children's lives and help to shape them into confident, well-rounded individuals.

They may not want flowers or a fancy brunch, but a simple "thank you" and a hug can go a long way. So let's raise a glass (or a beer) to all the fathers and father figures out there, and remember that they deserve just as much celebration as moms, even if they don't get as many Instagram posts.

Gift Ideas

●     Massage Gun - I have mentioned this MANY times before. I purchased one for my daughter and it is AMAZING!

●     Back Massager Seat Cushion

●     BBQ Grill Tools

●     Cutting Board

●     Personalized Bracelet

●     Custom Bobbleheads

●     Weekend Getaway

●     Father T Shirt

●     Dad Bod T Shirt

●     NYPD Father's Day Celebration - Brooklyn

●     Father's Day Laugh Up Brunch Up

●     Boat Ride

●     Bald Buddy Head Shaver

●     Wear Brims

Places To Eat

●     Sylvia's

●     Boulevard Bistro

●     Alfie's

●     La Caye

●     Rustik Tavern

●     The Bonnie

●     Oliver's

●     Prime Met Steakhouse

●     Blend On The Water

Juneteenth (June 19th)

Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved individuals were free. This news came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, and the delay was due to the lack of enforcement in certain areas. Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of Black Americans and serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of the African American community. It is an important opportunity to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in our society.

Ways To Celebrate:

●     Juneteenth NY

●     Juneteenth Texas

●     Opal's Walk for Freedom

●     Read Books by Black Authors and Poets

Visit a Museum Dedicated to Black Culture

It makes complete sense to me why National Strawberry Parfait Day is in June. It’s when you can get the most beautiful, juiciest strawberries imaginable.

The word "parfait" means "perfect" in French, and refers to a type of frozen dessert made from a base of custard that is layered with various ingredients such as fruit, nuts, and whipped cream.

In France, the original parfait was made by layering a smooth custard with ice cream and freezing the mixture until it became solid. However, in the United States, the dessert has evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients and is often served in a tall glass to showcase the colorful layers.

Recipe

Ingredients:

●      1 cup diced pound cake (any store bought brand)

●      1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

●      1/4 cup sliced almonds

●      1/4 cup liquor (such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto)

●      8 oz cream cheese, softened

●      1 cup heavy cream

●      1/2 cup powdered sugar

●      1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the liquor and set aside to macerate.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Layer the diced pound cake, sliced strawberries, and cream cheese whipped cream in 4 tall glasses, repeating until all ingredients are used up.
5. Top each parfait with sliced almonds and serve immediately.
   

Remember I am here for any food related event you may have coming up, big or small. I offer catering, meal prep, family meal planning, personal chef services and cooking classes. Whatever you need, I got you covered!