Kwanzaa is an African American celebration that focuses on family values, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and celebrated by over 18 million people across the globe, Kwanzaa is neither political or religious. Nor is it a substitute for Christmas. It's simply a time to reaffirm the African American people, their ancestors and their culture.
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1st and is based on the Nguzo Saba, or seven guiding principles.
Unity
Self Determination
Community Responsibility
Collective Economic Strength
Purpose
Creativity
Faith
Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
8 slices firm white bread
5 tbsp. butter, at room temperature
6 eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup heavy cream
6 oz. frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup apple jelly
4 golden delicious apples
2 tsp. confectioners' sugar
1 pint vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
Butter one side of bread slices with 2 tbsp. Butter. Cut each slice into quarters.
Lightly butter a 6-cup baking dish with 1 tbsp. Butter.
Lay bread evenly in dish, overlapping slices.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well blended; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine cream, apple juice and apple jelly. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat.
Gradually whisk liquid into eggs in a thin stream.
Pour custard over bread and let stand, pushing slices down once or twice, until bread is saturated, about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Place baking dish in a roasting pan and add enough warm water to reach halfway up sides of dish. Bake in center of oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until custard is set.
Meanwhile, peel, core, and quarter apples. Cut each quarter into two wedges.
In a large skillet, melt remaining 2 Tblsp. Butter.
Add apples and saute over moderately high heat, tossing occasionally until browned, about 25 minutes.
Dust with 1 tsp. Confectioners' sugar, mount sauteed apples on top and sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. Confectioners' sugar.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup finely ground pecans
Instructions:
Beat eggs in large mixing bowl until frothy.
Beat in sugar, oil, and vanilla, continue until thick and foamy.
Add soda, baking powder, salt, spices, and flour.
Stir in pecans, pineapple and zucchini.
Put 2/3 of amount into each lined muffin cup.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
Benne Cakes
Ingredients:
oil to grease a cookie sheet
1 cup finely packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.
Mix together the brown sugar and butter, and beat until they are creamy.
Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds.
Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake for 15 mintues or until the edges are browned. Enjoy!
Benne cakes are a food from West Africa. Benne means sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are eaten for good luck.
