By AFRO Staff
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Kwanzaa website offers family-friendly activities and recipes designed to help readers engage with the purpose and meaning of each day. The guide blends cultural tradition with hands-on celebration and features dishes from “A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating the Holiday with New Traditions and Feasts,” by acclaimed food historian and chef Jessica B. Harris.
Day 1 – Umoja (Unity)
Cooking together
This Kwanzaa season, take time with family and friends to cook a meal. There are several dishes that kids can help with that are not complicated.
Day 2 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Trying something new
Kwanzaa is the perfect time to try something new or take on a new challenge. Getting out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to use self-determination and build resilience.
Day 3 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Recipe Caribbean Sorrel
Ingredients
3 heaping cups dried sorrel pods
3 whole cloves
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 (3 inch) stick cinnamon
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 ½ tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 quart boiling water
1 cup superfine sugar, to taste
Several grains uncooked white rice
According to the recipe listed in Chef Jessica B. Harris’ book, the directions are as follows:
Place the sorrel pods, cloves, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a large crock or heavy bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and allow the mixture to steep for 24 hours.
When ready, strain the sorrel and add the sugar, stirring well. Pour the sorrel into a scalded quart jar that can be loosely capped and add the rice (There are a lot of theories about what it does, but all agree that the best reason to add it is that it’s traditional).
Allow the jar to remain in a cool, dark place for 2 days or longer, then serve. This sorrel is strong and should be served diluted: half sorrel, half water. Whether or not you choose to add rum is strictly up to you.
Makes 1 Quart
Day 4 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Shop local/provide local
This year, African Americans across the country showed the true power of the Black dollar. Kwanzaa is the perfect time of year to patronize a Black business or invest in a local entrepreneur.
Day 5 – Nia (Purpose)
Sautéed Pecans
Ingredients
1 pound shelled pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Another recipe straight from Chef Jessica B. Harris’ book is sure to be a hit around the Kwanzaa holiday. Gather up family and friends and follow the directions below:
Rake through the pecans and remove any shells and shriveled nuts (even if they are listed as shelled!) Heat the butter to foaming in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the pecans and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring them occasionally with a wooden spoon to make sure that they are well coated with butter. When they are ready, drain on absorbent paper and serve warm.
Serves 8
Day 6 – Kuumba (Creativity)
Create a better space
How can you use creativity to better yourself and your community? This Kwanzaa, spend some time exploring the ways your creativity could inspire and uplift the village.
Day 7 – Imani (Faith)
Believe in yourself
Kwanzaa is about faith. This year, write a bold affirmation that reminds you to believe when times get rough.