“The negro is a born cook. He could neither read nor write, and therefore could not learn from books. He was simply inspired; the god of the spit and the saucepan had breathed into him; that was enough.”
Louisiana native Charles Gayarre, Harper’s Magazine 1880
There are lots of different ancestor recipes that get made for Juneteenth. For those unfamiliar with the holiday it is a Texas tradition. People celebrate with barbecues, parties, and parades. At it’s core it is a remembrance of Freedom, hard won and long in coming. Juneteenth began in honor of the events of June 19, 1865. In my post Juneteenth History, Herstory, and Some Stuff in Between I talk about how this wondrous news came “years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st 1863. ” Famous author Ralph Ellison wrote : “Words of Emancipation didn’t arrive until the middle of June so they called it Juneteenth. So that was it, the night of Juneteenth celebration,his mind went on. The celebration of a gaudy illusion.”
Food authority Saveur.com talks about the tradition of Juneteenth and Red Soda. This custom may have grown out of the holiday favorite Strawberry Soda. Many of the recipes I feature here on this blog Voodoo Universe would be suitable dishes to make this Juneteenth for your own illusion. For at it center Juneteenth is about celebrating our hard won freedom on every level…. nourishing ourselves no matter what illusions life dishes out. Enjoy this Juneteenth and your freedom.
- Fortitude Fried Chicken – Onions, garlic, paprika, these are spices of life that make us strong. They were the classic ingredients of our ancestor’s fried chicken recipes, and we still love to eat them today.
- Strawberry Lemonade – Traditions become traditions because for those who were displaced, separated from their homelands, and made to give up so much of their culture, it was all they had left to cherish. This recipe includes lemons, which are customarily used for protection and cleansings. There are also delicious strawberries which bring blessings and joy from the ancestors, and honey which reminds us of the sweet magick of life.
- Corn Maque Choux –Corn comes in many different colors and forms, and is said to be spiritually ruled by the moon. In addition to providing fertility, corn is also said to impart protection and luck to those who partake of it wisely.
- Collards for Success – The shredded greens, which you are supposed to tear with your bare hands, are thought to represent dollars coming your way. Collard greens are really good for you too. They are rich in calcium and are said to lower cholesterol, detox your body, and give you cardiovascular and digestive support.
Strawberry Shortcake with Balsamic Glaze
1 pint fresh strawberries, greens removed and sliced
6 Biscuits, sliced in half
½ cup Heavy Cream, whipped
½ cup Sour Cream
Mint sprigs for garnish
6 Tbs. Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbs. Brown sugar
2 grinds Black pepper
Gently combine heavy cream and sour cream in a small bowl, refrigerate. In a small saucepan over low heat warm the vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir frequently until it is reduced by half. To assemble place sliced strawberries on top of the biscuit. Spoon over with glaze. Top with whipped cream and sour cream mixture. Serve immediately. Makes 12 biscuit halves.
If you like this post please remember to share, and Many Blessings to You this Juneteenth.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In