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Posts published in “Food & Cooking”

From WIC To Whole Grain: One Woman’s Nutritional Journey is Inspiring DC To Eat Healthier

By goodblacknews on December 29, 2015
Juju Harris (photo via bright side.com)
Juju Harris (photo via bright side.com)

When Juju Harris — the current culinary educator and SNAP outreach coordinator for the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture — was a mother providing for six children on her husband’s limited paycheck and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) items, she no doubt had to get creative to make sure her family was eating healthy.

The self-proclaimed nature lover started her own garden, took her WIC products and made it happen. That meant using fresh vegetables and WIC staples like oatmeal to bake a healthier bread option. That meant learning how to grow, cook and eat produce not usually found in her neighborhood stores. And now, Harris is sharing that knowledge with mothers in the same predicament through her cookbook — The Arcadia Mobile Market Seasonal Cookbook — and by visiting some of Washington D.C.’s poorest neighborhoods in a mobile farmer’s market to spread the knowledge and fulfill a larger goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the nation’s capitol.
For her efforts in combating both food insecurities and food deserts, Harris is being recognized by Carmax’s The Bright Side as an innovator and savior in her space.
From the BrightSideShorts.com:
Understanding the importance of nutrition, the former Peace Corp member set out to encourage families to work towards healthy options, teaching mothers how to cook with the familiar – apples, lettuce and items provided to them by WIC – and the unfamiliar – Swiss chard, squash and other unprocessed foods.
Her cookbook, The Arcadia Mobile Market Seasonal Cookbook, is available for free to shoppers who frequent the Mobile Market. Before releasing her guide to a healthy lifestyle, the homegrown hero also established a women’s nutrition and financial development program as an Agricultural Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay.
To learn more about Harris’ efforts and the Arcadia Mobile Market, click here.
article via newsone.com

Chef Quentin Love Donates Half of Food Network Winnings to Feed Chicago’s Hungry

By goodblacknews on December 27, 2015
Chef Quentin Love gives back in Chicago (photo via blackamericaweb.com)
Quentin Love, a Chicago chef and restaurateur, is a man who lives up to his name. After winning big last week on the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games Veterans Holiday Showdown,” Love donated half of his winnings to help feed the hungry in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park Neighborhood, WGN News reports.
In Chicago, 1 out of 3 people go hungry each day. On Chicago’s West Side where Love owns and operates Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill he offers a much needed solution. Every Monday between 1 and 3 p.m. Turkey Chop converts into a soup kitchen, serving free meals to people in need.
Since partnering with the Chicago Food Depository in 2014, Turkey chop has provided meals to more than 52,000 residents, many from the West Humboldt Park community – an area with a high rate of diabetes, heart disease and other food-related illnesses.
“With all of the negative things being said right now about Chicago, men in the community need to step up and take responsibility,” said Love in an interview with DNAinfo. “When you give someone a good meal, to show them love, you could be stopping them on the way to do something to hurt themselves or somebody else.”
Love, a veteran in Operation Desert Storm, represented the U.S. Marine Corps on the Food Network competition, winning $36,000 with the help of his grandmother’s macaroni and cheese recipe and a sea bass in vodka sauce.
Chef Love will donate $18,000 toward his restaurant’s soup kitchen initiative (which is part of his nonprofit, Love Foundation) and the other $18,000 to the United Service Organization to help military families in Illinois.
article by Sandria M. Washington via blackamericaweb.com

LIFESTYLE: 5 Healthy Holiday Hacks to Jump-Start Your New Year

By goodblacknews on December 13, 2015
2015 flew by, and 2016 will be making its debut very soon. So if you want to make this final month of the year a December to remember, then these holiday hacks are just for you. Get ready to attend every holiday party with a stress-free RSVP, all while jump-starting your New Year’s resolution with these quick and easy tips:
Adjust Your Diet
Multi Generation Family Enjoying Christmas Meal At Home
Temptations are high, and the holidays only come once a year, so while it may be tempting to jump-start your resolution with a holiday diet, a more manageable and realistic goal would be to indulge without binging. By forbidding all things peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, etc., you’re actually welcoming more cravings and food fixations. However, by allowing yourself portion-controlled holiday treats, you’ll be giving yourself the gift of self-control, and that’s certainly a gift that keeps on giving. So I suggest having a “Sweet Saturday” or “Flavorful Friday” once a week. In fact, research shows that indulging in reasonably sized treats encourages you to find pleasure in mealtime again—and that pleasure will help ensure that you don’t feel the need to go overboard in the future.
Remake the Flavors
smoothie_drinker

Speaking of indulging in moderation, one way to enjoy the season’s flavors sans guilt is to blend it in. Literally. I have been putting my Omega blender to some serious work this holiday season, and you can, too. My favorite way to sip the season is to remake my pre- and post-workout protein shakes.
For instance, I’ll throw a crushed peppermint candy cane in my strawberry shake for a minty treat, or I’ll substitute a light eggnog for my typical almond milk in my vanilla shake for a festive holiday smoothie. Or, my all-time favorite is bananas, vanilla milk alternative (soy, almond, cashew, etc.) and a scoop of the vanilla chai Vega One Nutritional Shake. This plant-based protein powder is so tasty, you will definitely forget that it’s healthy.
Be Merry and Sweaty
radholiday
Robbie Ann Darby (photo via theroot.com)
Well, now that you’re sipping the season, it’s time to keep it merry and sweaty with fun and effective workouts. However, ’tis not the time to be sweating on autopilot. Those low-intensity workouts are not the business this time of year, when you’re trying to maintain and not gain, so do yourself a solid and hit up some HIIT training. Short for “high-intensity interval training,” this approach to sweat is all the craze simply because not only does it rev up your metabolism, if done correctly, but it can also cut your workouts in half. That’s right, less time and more results.
The key, however, is to go hard (think breathless) for short bursts and immediately chase those moments with a short rest. Any split ratio is welcomed, so go all out for, say, 40 seconds and then rest for 20. Repeat this as many times as you can without compromising your form, and the afterburn is guaranteed. Basically, you’ll be burning calories well after you leave the gym. Think to the tune of at least 24 hours after. So yeah, that holiday party Saturday deserves an HIIT session Friday.

NC High School Students Start Food Pantry to Help Out Classmates in Need (VIDEO)

By goodblacknews on November 7, 2015
screen_shot_20151105_at_1.00.16_pm_2
Some of the items in the Washington High School food pantry (screenshot via YouTube)

A Beaufort County, N.C., high school, committed to making sure students in need can get food without being embarrassed about it, has started a food pantry, WNCT reports.

According to the report, the idea for the food pantry started out as a student government project at Washington High School, but the benefit of having the resources available permanently soon became clear.
“We wanted to focus on those that need it, but they don’t want to tell us that they need it,” senior Erin Lewis, who helped start the pantry, told WNCT.
The pantry offers students nonperishable food items as many times as they need, with no questions asked. The pantry is anonymous, but the news of its existence spread by word of mouth, with no advertisements or fliers.  “We don’t want the students to be embarrassed or the family to feel like they’ve done something wrong,” guidance counselor Jennifer Beach said. “Those who were involved in it to start with will let other students know: ‘Hey, this is something we’ve got up and running; we helped create it and you can see your counselor for help.’”
Project supervisor Laura Thompson said that the pantry was really there to show students that school was more than a place to come to pass tests and get a grade.  “It’s the idea that we’re not just here to teach you the material that you need to know to pass a test,” Thompson told the station. “We’re here to educate you for life. Part of that is nourishing the whole student, mind and body, and when we do both of those things, we know students will have great outcomes.”
The school is hoping to grow the pantry, which currently also carries school supplies and clothes, and add perishable items for the dozens of students who already use it. See video of this inspiring story below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6PxOMoHpWg&w=560&h=315]
article by Breanna Edwards via theroot.com

Jadakiss & Styles P Invest in "Juices For Life" Juice Bars to Boost Health in Hometown of NY (VIDEO)

By goodblacknews on September 4, 2015

Jadakiss and Styles P (photo via myfabolouslife.com
Jadakiss and Styles P (photo via myfabolouslife.com

Two legends in the hip-hop community are making it their goal to raise awareness about health and wellness with the launch of several juice bars in New York’s most impoverished neighborhoods.
In an interview with Elite Daily, Styles P and Jadakiss, known for their group The Lox, explain the inspiration behind opening Juices For Life, a juice bar that promotes healthy living. The rappers opened up about their childhoods, reminiscing about the unhealthy snacks, like honey buns and chips, they would eat daily.
Consuming junk food in their hometown of Yonkers, NY not only put a strain on their wallets, but their health. In recent years, both artists were inspired to change the lifestyle in their neighborhoods and beyond.
Huffington Post reports:

“You’re going to get out what you put into your body,” Jadakiss said. “We didn’t know. All we knew was run to the fast food spots or run to get big bags of candy. It’s a bunch of garbage.”

Juices For Life can be found in the Bronx borough of New York City, with two other locations in the borough of Queens and in Yonkers. The juice bars also offer drinks intended to help alleviate allergies, arthritis, acne, and bronchitis. The musicians declare there’s simply nothing “soft” about promoting fruits and vegetables in the Black community.

“Our juice bars are open in the hoods on purpose to educate our people on health awareness.” Styles P said. “Build it and they will come.”
“Most of the hood don’t have access to good food, most of the hood don’t have health insurance…”Jadakiss added.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUzrvOO2LXk&w=560&h=315]
If you’re in the New York area, check out Juices For Life and great recipes you can make at home here.
article by Desire Thompson via newsone.com

DINING: "Black Chef Summer Series" Happening Now Through Sept. 7 in New York City

By goodblacknews on July 26, 2015
(photo via blackchefseries.com)
(photo via blackchefseries.com)

Calling all New York City-area foodies: the Black Chef Summer Series, founded by Chef Lance Knowling, Chef Maxcel Hardy, and Alize Beal is taking place at BluJeen Restaurant in Harlem, New York, from July 13 – Sept. 7.

The nine-week series highlights extraordinary African-American chefs with diverse and distinctive palates and skill sets. Beyond the opportunity to discover the cultural flavors of Harlem, guests have an opportunity to explore multiple courses and a signature cocktail. The Black Chef Summer Series will complement each magical and tasteful evening with 10% of proceeds going to both the Food Bank For New York City, and a charity of the chef’s choosing.

(Image: blackchefseries.com)
(Image: blackchefseries.com)

“Our guests can expect to indulge in delicious food, great people, and amazing wine.  You will have the opportunity to meet and converse with influential professionals during the communal style dining experience. You get to build business and personal networks, so bring a lot of business cards,” says Co-Founder Beal.
Check out a snapshot of the featured chefs:
July 27
Chef James Robinson
As founder of Kitchen Cray, Robinson is committed to the community and creating accessible culinary experiences. In addition to private dining experiences, events and celebrity private chef services, he’s committed to making five-star dining an accessible and personal experience while utilizing his craft to teach underprivileged youth about healthy eating and open their eyes to a career in culinary arts.
Aug. 3
Chef Kenneth Collins
Born in Texas, Chef Kenneth Collins, of Chef Collins, has had success throughout the country. In Dallas, his cooking earned four stars for both Café Royale and Enjolie; following his time in Dallas three stars were awarded to his Hartford, Connecticut, restaurant, The Savannah. After The Savannah, his success continued in Tenafly, New Jersey, with America Bar and Restaurant, followed by New York City restaurants Ida Mae, and Smoke and Tour Restaurant & Catering.
Aug. 17
Chef Russell Jackson
Jackson, who hails from Los Angeles, will be serving up innovation. Having four restaurants launched under his belt coupled with a stint in Food Network Kitchens, Jackson remains active in the New York and San Francisco food scenes. SubCulture Dining is now a bi-coastal affair with a robust schedule and an ambitious agenda.
Chef Elle Simone Scott. Scott, a Detroit native and Brooklyn transplant, is a culinary maverick. Always drawn to creative food culture, Scott has been dazzling the culinary world since 2006, quickly becoming a highly sought after freelance food stylist and culinary producer. Scott has collaborated and contributed her unique styling abilities to Food Network, Food Network Magazine, The Cooking Channel, The Katie Couric Show, CBS Corp., ABC’s The Chew, and Bravo’s Chef Roble and Co. With a focus on beautiful and tasty dishes, Scott transcends the traditional role of a chef, working to share her gift and tell a story through food.
Sept. 7
Chef Richards
Culinary enthusiast Chef Richard Ingraham was born and raised in Miami. In 2005, he was offered what is now his current position as private chef for Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. He is responsible for the nutritional diet that keeps the star fit, toned, and healthy on and off the court.
To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
article by Kandia Johnson via blackenterprise.com

Nutrition Director Betti Wiggins Revolutionizes Foods Served in Detroit Public Schools

By goodblacknews on April 10, 2015
Betti Wiggins, courtesy of Excellent Schools Detroit and Detroit Metro Parent.
Betti Wiggins (Photo courtesy of Excellent Schools Detroit and Detroit Metro Parent)

With a focus on healthier foods and local farms, Betti Wiggins has led Detroit’s kids through a food revolution.

In the past four years, school meals in Detroit have been transformed. Gone are the chicken nuggets and sugary drinks. Now school cafeterias serve fresh fruit and mixed baby green salads, lean meat, low-fat milk, and whole grain breads. Better yet, some even serve produce from school gardens and local farmers.
The change hasn’t occurred overnight. The Detroit Public Schools Office of School Nutrition, which serves breakfast and lunch to more than 55,000 kids in 141 schools, has worked hard to create such a dramatic nutritional turnaround. And much of the credit goes to the office’s executive director, Betti Wiggins.
In 2008, Detroit Public Schools (DPS) was outsourcing its food service program. But the staff union had the foresight to hire Wiggins to propose bringing it back in-house. Her background as chief of nutrition for the District of Columbia and as a food services director in three other states, came in handy, and the district was convinced she was the one to turn things around.
Right off the bat Wiggins did away with the outside food management company, which allowed her to more than double the size of the food budget. (Before Wiggins came on board, DPS was spending 23 percent of its budget on food; it’s now 51 percent). The change in the quality was dramatic.
“One of the first things we did was turn the deep fryers off,” Wiggins says. “There are certain foods I don’t think we should be serving in schools. I don’t serve hot dogs and corn dogs; I think that’s carnival food.”
Next she increased the servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. Once a week the students are introduced to a new raw vegetable. If they don’t like the jicama, sugar snap peas, or asparagus the first time, it doesn’t matter. As long as Wiggins continues to put new food on their plates, the kids will eventually eat them. Since 2009, the students have also been eating brown rice and enjoying Meatless Mondays with hummus, eggs or cheese.

10 Year-Old Mikaila Ulmer Gets $60,000 Investment on ABC's "Shark Tank" for BeeSweet Lemonade

By goodblacknews on March 24, 2015
(Image: Facebook)
Mikaila Ulmer (Image: Facebook)

If you’re a fan of the show Shark Tank, then you know convincing the “sharks” to invest in your business is not an easy challenge.
One little girl, however, managed to impress the sharks with her southern sweetened lemonade. 10-year-old Austin, Texas native Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of BeeSweet Lemonade. When she was only four years old, Ulmer was brainstorming what she would contribute to the Action Children’s Business Fair and Austin Lemonade Day.
After two bee stings, her parents encouraged her to research why honeybees were critical to our ecosystem. The young mind grew fascinated. Not long after, Great Granny Helen mailed Mikaila a 1940s cookbook containing Granny’s flaxseed lemonade recipe. The light bulb went off and little Miss Ulmer was inspired to make something that would help honeybees and use Great Granny Helen’s delicous recipe. BeeSweet Lemonade was born.
Mikaila’s recipe is unique from other lemonade recipes because instead of using lots of sugars, she sweetens each batch with honey from local bees. Today, she travels selling BeeSweet Lemonade at youth entrepreneurial events, and a portion of the profits is donated to organizations fighting to preserve honeybees.
Shark Tank investor and FUBU CEO Daymond John was sold on the BeeSweet story, and the mogul invested $60,000 for a 25% stake in the beverage company. John is working closely with Ulmer as her mentor and helping to push her brand through his professional network. “Partnering with Mikaila made perfect sense,” he said in a statement. “She’s a great kid with a head for business and branding. She’s got a great idea and I’m happy to help take BeeSweet to the next level.”
The investment will allow the company to make larger batches of the lemonade and meet customer demands. “I’m so excited to have someone with as much experience as Daymond on my team,” the young business girl said. “This is a great opportunity to have more people try my lemonade and save even more bees.”
Order Mikaila’s BeeSweet Lemonade and try all of the flavors here. BeeSweet Lemonade is also available at multiple Whole Foods and other grocers.
article by Essence Gant via blackenterprise.com

HEALTH: Beyoncé Launches Vegan Meal Delivery Service

By goodblacknews on February 3, 2015
Now we can all eat (vegan) cake by the pound just like Beyoncé! The pop icon has partnered with her trainer Marco Borges to launch a new vegan meal delivery service.
The company is called 22 Days Nutrition, after the belief that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit.
All meals will be 100% plant-based and delivered once a week. All ingredients will be non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and organic. What’s more, compared to many other meal delivery services, prices will be affordable, ranging from $9.76 to $16.50 each.
“All you have to do is try. If I can do it, anyone can,” Bey, who went vegan with her husband Jay Z last year, said in a press release.
“We all know the importance and value of eating plant-based foods but often times find ourselves trapped in a series of bad habits that sabotage optimum wellness,” says co-founder Borges. “The Vegan Meal Delivery program makes it easier to reset your habits with healthy and delicious plant-based foods.”
22 Days Nutrition dishes include a sesame cabbage lentil bowl, ratatouille pasta with pesto, curried fried rice with vegetables and an almond blueberry breakfast loaf.  Click here to get more information on the service (Beyoncé-like results not guaranteed).
article by Evelyn Diaz via bet.com

50 Cent Brings Holiday Cheer by Volunteering with Feeding America

By goodblacknews on December 14, 2014

FiftyFeeding
This week, Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, hosted a bi-coastal celebrity volunteer event.  Harlem and LA Feeding America food banks are just two of the 200 food banks they have throughout the United States. In total, they help feed nearly 46 million people.
The East Coast Hope For The Holidays event went down at the Food Bank For New York City’s Community Kitchen & Pantry in Harlem. Celebrity guests began to flow in for their day of volunteering. 50 Cent, Andy Grammer, Karolina Kurkova, and Savannah Guthrie all ventured out into the brisk NYC morning to give back to the community.
Meanwhile, in L.A., Troian Bellisario, Jennie Garth and Anika Noni Rose all came out to rep the West Coast event. With one in six individuals struggling with food insecurity in the United States, it became apparent this is a cause that 50 Cent feels very passionately about. “A lot of the stuff I am involved in, people don’t actually know. I just go quietly about it,” he tells us about volunteering. “When I have time to do it, it’s cool. To be here and run into cool people who are not from my genre of music… that will create things we didn’t know about each other.”
Volunteering is such an awarding part of life, and a great way to connect with your community. But it can often become overwhelming on where to even begin. As for that, 50 Cent stated, “Look on FeedingAmerica.org and from there you can learn all about it. Around the holidays is always a great time to start.”
article by Joey Parker via act.mtv.com