Author: Support BFF

Source Attribution Original Cookbook Name: The Black Family Reunion CookbookPublished By: The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.Year of Publication: 1991Page Number: 147Category: DessertsRecipe Type: Heritage RecipeAuthor / Contributor: Dr. Dorothy I. Height, President/CEO, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Mary McLeod Bethune’s Sweet Potato Pie carries extraordinary historical and cultural significance. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was one of the most influential African American leaders of the 20th century—an educator, civil rights activist, presidential advisor, and founder of both Bethune-Cookman University and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Born to formerly enslaved parents in South Carolina, she rose to…

Source Attribution Original Cookbook Name: The Black Family Reunion CookbookPublished By: The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.Year of Publication: 1991Page Number: 90Category: Main MealsRecipe Type: Heritage RecipeAuthor / Contributor: JoAnn Eavery Simpson, Executive Chef, Hook’s Catering Moui Nagden (Rice in Beef Stew) represents the beautiful complexity of African American foodways—where African, Middle Eastern, and Southern cooking traditions converge in a single pot. This dish reflects the Islamic heritage present within African American culture, particularly among families whose ancestors maintained Muslim practices from West Africa or who later embraced Islam in America. The name “Moui Nagden” and the use of…

(Pronounced cush cush) Source Attribution Original Cookbook Name: Big Mama’s Old Black PotPublished By: Stoke Gabriel Enterprises, Inc.Year of Publication: 1989Page Number: 21Category: BreadsAuthor / Contributor: Ethel Rayson Dixon Heritage & Cultural Context Couche Couche (pronounced “cush cush”) is a cherished Louisiana Creole breakfast dish with deep African roots, representing one of the most direct culinary links between West African cooking and Southern foodways. This simple cornmeal mush, fried until golden and crispy on the bottom while remaining soft on top, descended from similar dishes made with millet or cornmeal in West Africa. The name itself likely derives from the…

A Ghanaian Classic Built on Flavorful Stock and Rich Stew Ghana Jollof Rice is known for its bold seasoning, smoky depth, and rich tomato base. What sets it apart is the deeply seasoned meat stock and well-cooked stew that the rice absorbs slowly, grain by grain. This version starts with goat meat stock infused with aromatics and warm spices, then builds a robust tomato-pepper stew that gives the jollof its signature color and flavor. This is a dish that rewards patience. From blending the peppers to letting the rice steam gently in the stew, every step layers flavor until you’re…

Rich, Hearty, and Full of Southern Flavor These Black Eyed Peas are the definition of slow-simmered soul food comfort. Built on a flavorful base of andouille sausage, smoked turkey, and classic Southern aromatics, this dish delivers deep, smoky richness with every spoonful. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, these peas are the kind that stick to your ribs and warm you from the inside out. Black-eyed peas have long held a special place in Black Southern cooking, symbolizing nourishment, resilience, and tradition. This version honors that legacy while dialing up the flavor with Creole seasoning, smoked…

Smooth, Simple, and Ready To Spread There’s nothing quite like homemade cream cheese—silky, tangy, and rich with flavor that store-bought can’t quite match. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform milk and cream into a luscious spread perfect for bagels, dips, or even desserts. This recipe uses a classic method of curdling warm milk with fresh lemon juice, creating soft curds that are blended into a creamy, velvety cheese. It’s affordable, customizable, and a fun way to bring old-school kitchen traditions back into your home. Ingredients Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Warm the Milk Mixture In a large pot, combine…

A Gooey Classic That Elevates Every Dessert There’s something magical about the way caramel and apples come together — warm, sweet, and just a little bit tart. This Caramel Apple Topping from Cranky Granny’s is the shortcut to dessert happiness. With cinnamon spice, brown sugar, and heavy cream cooked down into a thick, glossy sauce, it transforms anything it touches. Spoon it over cheesecake, drizzle on pancakes, swirl into oatmeal, or simply pour it over vanilla ice cream for a treat that feels like fall in every bite. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, this topping is the cozy finishing…

Soft, Sweet, and Soaked in Banana-Pudding Bliss This Banana Pudding Cake—made without bananas—wraps all the nostalgic banana-pudding flavor around a warm, tender yellow cake. It’s creamy, velvety, and irresistibly smooth, perfect for anyone who loves the taste of banana pudding but prefers a plush, melt-in-your-mouth bite without actual banana pieces. Every slice is soaked in a silky pudding mixture that settles into the warm cake, giving it a moist, custard-like texture that feels like a hug from every Southern auntie at the cookout. Layered with whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this dessert brings all the energy…

Silky, Buttery, and Lotus-Biscoff Loaded This Biscoff Cheesecake is pure decadence—creamy, velvety, and infused with that warm, caramel-spiced flavor Black foodies know and love. Every bite blends the deep cinnamon notes of Biscoff cookies with a smooth cream cheese filling that melts on your tongue. If you’re a dessert lover who appreciates sweet richness layered with texture, this cheesecake is about to be your new obsession. Across Black food culture, we love a dessert that can shut down the whole table, and this one does exactly that. It’s simple enough for new bakers but bold enough to stand out at…

Source Attribution Original Cookbook Name: Big Mama’s Old Black PotPublished By: Stoke Gabriel Enterprises, Inc.Year of Publication: 1989Page Number: 22Author / Contributor: Ethel Rayson Dixon Hush Puppies are one of the most beloved components of Southern soul food—crispy, golden cornmeal fritters that have accompanied fish fries, barbecues, and seafood boils for generations. Origin stories vary, from cooks quieting barking dogs with fried batter scraps to fish camp staples along Southern rivers. The combination of cornmeal, onions, and hot peppers reflects West African influence—corn adopted by enslaved Africans, seasoned with the bold flavors that define soul food. Made from pantry staples…