AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE, FOOD, AND FAMILY

Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, "A Kwanzaa Keepsake" contains everything you need to create your own unique holiday traditions: blessings, proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies of heroes and heroines of the African-Atlantic world, and a feast for each night. Each meal reflects the principle of the day:

FIRST NIGHT -- "Umoja" (Unity)

Multinational dishes such as Seasoned Olives from Brazil and Moroccan "Mechoui"-Style Leg of Lamb with Cumin, Mint, and Chile remind us of the union of all peoples of African descent.

SECOND NIGHT -- "Kujichagulia" (Self-Determination)

South African Sweet Potato Fritters and Senegalese Chicken Yassa are part of a menu that is composed of dishes from the Motherland.

THIRD NIGHT -- "Ujima" (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Share Herbed Chicken Thighs, Spicy Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese, and Deep Dish Apple Cobbler at a potluck supper for family and friends.

FOURTH NICHT -- "Ujamaa" (Cooperative Economics)

Pecan-Coated Roast Loin of Pork with Baked Peaches accompanied by Baked Potatoes with Spiced Yogurt is the centerpiece of a formal meal to entertain business contacts.

FIFTH NIGHT -- "Nia" (Purpose)

Honor your ancestors' American presence with a Roast Chicken dinner, accented by Home-Style Collard Greens with Spicy Vinegar and sweetened with Holiday Gingerbread with Molasses Whipped Cream.

SIXTH NIGHT -- "Kuumba" (Creativity)

An African-American healing supper opens the gates of remembrance through food. Surround your own heritage recipefor stuffed turkey or a vegetarian main dish with Pickled Black-Eyed Peas, Spicy Cranberry Chutney, and Killer Pecan Pie.

SEVENTH NIGHT -- "Imani" (Faith)

Usher in the New Year with North African Carrot Salad, Red Snapper Fillets in Creole Court Bouillon, and classic Southern Succotash.

With space to record your own family history, memories, and recipes, "A Kwanzaa Keepsake" is a book to cherish, and to turn to again and again.