Happy Kwanzaa


Happy Kwanzaa



Although I am not of African descent, I have enjoyed taking part in a few Kwanzaa celebrations. I found them uplifting and quite enjoyable — and lots of scrumptious and unique foods to enjoy as well. It is because of this experience, I thought to share it all.

It is important to note Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not religious or political. It is thus available to and practiced by Africans of all religious faiths who come together based on the rich, ancient and varied common ground of their Africanness.

Kwanzaa is a unique African American and Pan-African celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. A time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th though January 1st annually, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language. According to the New York Times, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than18 million people worldwide. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green.

Kwanzaa, more simply put, is a time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds between them; a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation; a time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors; a time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice; and a time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social.

Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: ingathering; reverence; commemoration; recommitment; and celebration. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. These celebrations are also found in ancient and modern times among societies as large as empires (the Zulu or kingdoms — Swaziland — or smaller societies and groups like the Matabele, Thonga and Lovedu, all of southeastern Africa.

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Rooted in this ancient history and culture, Kwanzaa develops as a flourishing branch of the African American life and struggle as a recreated and expanded ancient tradition. Thus, it bears special characteristics only an African American holiday but also a Pan-African one, For it draws from the cultures of various African peoples, and is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the world African community. Moreover, these various African peoples celebrate Kwanzaa because it speaks not only to African Americans in a special way, but also to Africans as a whole, in its stress on history, values, family, community and culture.

Maulana Ron KarengaKwanzaa was established in 1966 in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement, that period shared by Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement, and thus reflects its concern for cultural groundedness in thought and practice, and the unity and self-determination associated with this. Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, is noted as the creator and developer of Kwanzaa. Dr. Karenga is an author and scholar-activist who stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture.

Kwanzaa was created to reaffirm and restore the peoples' roots in African culture. It is, therefore, an expression of recovery and reconstruction of African culture which was being conducted in the general context of the Black Liberation Movement of the '60's and in the specific context of The Organization Us, the founding organization of Kwanzaa and the authoritative keeper of its tradition. In addition, Kwanzaa was created to serve as a regular communal celebration to reaffirm and reinforce the bonds between the people. It was designed to be an ingathering to strengthen community and reaffirm common identity, purpose and direction as a people and a world community.

There is no way to understand and appreciate the meaning and message of Kwanzaa without understanding and appreciating its profound and pervasive concern with values. In fact. Kwanzaa's reason for existence, its length of seven days, its core focus and its foundation are all rooted in its concern with values. Kwanzaa inherits this value concern and focus from Kawaida, the African philosophical framework in which it was created. Kawaida philosophy is a communitarian African philosophy which is an ongoing synthesis of the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world.

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Nguzo Saba: The Seven Principles

Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles.) These seven communitarian African values are:

Umoja(OO-MO-JAH)(Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH)(Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.

Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH)(Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together. Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Nia(NEE-YAH)(Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH)(Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

Imani (EE-MAH-NEE)(Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

This stress on the Nguzo Saba was at the same time an emphasis on the importance of African communitarian values in general, which stress family, community and culture and speak to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. And Kwanzaa was conceived as a fundamental and important way to introduce and reinforce these values and cultivate appreciation for them.

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The Greetings of Kwanzaa

The greetings during Kwanzaa are in Swahili. Swahili is a Pan-African language and is chosen to reflect African Americans' commitment to the whole of Africa and African culture rather than to a specific ethnic or national group or culture. The greetings are to reinforce awareness of and commitment to the Seven Principles. It is: "Habari gani?" and the answer is each of the principles for each of the days of Kwanzaa, i.e., "Umoja", on the first day, "Kujichagulia", on the second day and so on.

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The Symbols of Kwanzaa

Along with the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) and the seven days of Kwanzaa, there are seven symbols or implements that are used in the celebration of the holiday. These seven items are arraigned in an area set up as a Kwanzaa altar or table in the home. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement. The basic symbols in Swahili and then in English are:

Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh): The Crops
These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor. The fruits and vegetables that are the result of the harvest. Bananas, mangoes, peaches, plantains, oranges, or whatever might be the family favorites. The Mazao are placed on the Mkeka and are shared and eaten to honor the work of the people it took to grow them.

Mkeka (m-KAY-kah): The Mat
A mat woven of fabric, raffia, or even paper. The Mkeka is important because the other holiday implements rest upon it. This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build.

Kinara (kee-NAH-rah): The Candleholder
Representing our African ancestors, the Kinara holds the seven candles that symbolize the Nguzo Saba. The Kinara is placed on the Mkeka and holds the Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles). See further down for the lighting ceremony involving the Kinara.

Muhindi (moo-HEEN-dee): The Corn
This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody. One suke (ear) of corn is placed on the Mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no children in the family one suke is still placed on the Mkeka to symbolize the children of the community. The Muhindi also represents the Native Americans who were the first inhabitants of the land. Without whom there would be no corn, also known as Maize. It is used as acknowledgment and respect of their contribution to the culture and ancestors of the African American. Note: A single ear of corn can also be know as Vibunzi. Indian Corn is sometimes used.

Mishumaa Saba (mee-shoo-MAH SAH-ba): The Seven Candles
These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, which are placed in the Kwanzaa Kinara. The matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs. The colors of the candles are red, green, and black which are the colors of the Bendera (or African Flag).

Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-KOHM-bay cha oo-MOH-jah): The Unity Cup
This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible. When the Unity cup filled with water, juice, or wine, a little bit is poured out as reminder and respect for our ancestors. The cup is then passed around and shared with those gathered, with each person taking a sip.

Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee): Gifts
These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children. Kwanzaa gifts given to children that will make them better people. The gifts should always include a book, video, or other educational item that will educate and inform the child. There should also be a gift know as a "heritage symbol". Something to remind the child of glory of the past and the promise of the future.

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Bendera (The Flag)

The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are the colors of the Organization Us, black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. It is based on the colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people throughout the world.

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Gift Giving (Kuumba)

Giving gifts is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time. Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African culture.

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The Celebration of Kwanzaa at Home

Since Kwanzaa is simply a celebration, and for the most part, up to how you, your family and your community arrange the celebration, there is no end to how you can use your creativity and imagination in the way you observe the holiday. In your home, choose an area where you can set up a Kwanzaa altar or table and decorated it with the spirit the holiday represents. Streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well. Many crafts and decorations can be created by the children of the home to be used in your Kwanzaa display. Celebrating Kwanzaa can become overwhelming, so it is always better to get an early start. Make a check list of the symbols of Kwanzaa which should dominate the room, a definite African motif. This is easily achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green and should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Be sure to include on your list the following items: a Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops — fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi/Muhindi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching). Next on the list, preparation for the meal.

The Kinara must not be confused with the menorah (the "menorah" is a Jewish symbol that holds seven candles. and the "Hanukkia" used for the Hanukkah celebration which holds nine candles). The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't know where to get one, it is suggested that you use "kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops)in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.

When setting up the Kwanzaa table first cover the table with a black or green tablecloth. Then place the Mkeka (mat) in the center of the table. Add the Kinara (candleholder) containing the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles). The colors of the candles are red, green, and black which are the colors of the Bendera (or African Flag). The black candle is placed in the center of the Kinara. The 3 red candles are placed on the left side of the Kinara and the 3 green candles on the right. The Mazao (fruit and vegetables) are placed in a bowl or basket and then added to the table. One ear of Muhindi (corn), for each child in the family, is placed on the Mkeka. If there are no children then one ear of corn is added to symbolize the children in the community. Zawadi (gifts), in the form of books, videos, or other educational resources are added. Heritage symbols such as African sculptures or other artwork can be added to enhance the display. On the wall behind the table hang posters, banners, and pictures, either purchased or created by the children of the family. You can also hang a Bendera, the African flag containing the colors black (the people), red (continuing struggle), and green (the future).

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The Kwanzaa Karumu

The Kwanzaa feast, or Karumu, is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

The Karamu in the home is simple, however, for those holding a large gathering, you might want to utilize a basic program, modeled after Dr. Karenga.

First is the Kukaribisha, or Welcoming, in which there are introductory remarks and recognition of Elders and distinguished guests. As part of this welcoming, cultural expression would follow, with music, songs, group dancing, poetry, unity circles and other sorts of performances.

Following the Kukaribisha is the Kuumba, or, the Remembering. It is another probe of cultural expression, with reflections of Man, Woman and Child. After this period, comes the Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena, the Reassessment and Recommitment. In this phase, the distinguished guest lecturer is introduced and gives a short talk.

Next comes the Kushangilla, or Rejoicing. Food, drink, Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Toasts) and simply mixing with the guests, talking and sharing highlights the Karumu. Following are two example libation toasts:

It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions.
Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides
us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it
holds the essence of life and should be placed
in a communal cup and poured in the direction
of the four winds; north, south, east, and west.
It should then be passed among family members
and guests who may either sip from
the cup or make a sipping gesture.

For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.

After the Kushangilla, follows the Kikombe Cha Umoja, or the Unity Cup. This phase is in three parts. The first, is the Kutoa Majina, or the Calling Names of Family Ancestors and Black Heroes, the second is the Ngoma, or the Drums, ending with the Karamu, the Feast.

Lastly, comes the Tamshi la Tutaonana, The Farewell Statement.

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Recipes for a Successful Karumu

Following are some delicious recipes to prepare for your Karumu!

African Vegetarian Stew, Variation 1

4 small kohlrabies, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup couscous or bulgar wheat
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup raisins, dark or golden
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 zucchini, sliced thick
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 tomatoes, fresh or 16 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
15 ounce can garbanzo beans
3 cup water

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Note: Serve the couscous separately, if desired. Parsnips may be substituted for the kohlrabi.

Yield: 8 servings.

African Vegetarian Stew, Variation 2

1 onion (very large) chopped
1 swiss chard bunch
1 can garbanzo beans
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup rice, raw
2 yams
several fresh tomatoes (or large can)
1 garlic clove
salt and pepper, to taste
tabasco sauce, to taste

Fry onion, garlic and white stems of chard until barely limp. Add chopped greens and fry a bit. Either peel the yams or scrub them well with a vegetable brush, then slice them into thick slices. Add garbanzos, raisins, yams, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook a couple of minutes. Make a well in the center of the mixture in the pot. Put the rice in the well and pat it down until it's wet. Cover and cook until rice is done, about 25 minutes. Add Tabasco sauce to taste.

Yield: 4 servings

Grandmother's Southern Fried Okra

1 pound fresh okra, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large green tomato, diced
1 medium onion chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper halved and sliced, (remove seeds if you don't like it too hot)
2 eggs beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Combine okra, tomato, onion, garlic and jalapeno in large bowl. In separate bowl combine eggs, salt, pepper, milk. Pour egg mix over veggies and toss to thoroughly coat. Gradually add cornmeal until mixture on the okra and at the bottom of the bowl soaked up. Continue to toss till ingredients evenly mixed. Mixture will have a gooey consistency. Heat oil in 10 inch skillet over med. heat until hot. Oil is ready when dash of cornmeal sizzles. Spoon mixture evenly in skillet. Reduce heat to med low. Cover and fry till underside golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Then invert on plate and slide otherside up into skillet and cook uncovered 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Yield: 6 servings

African Squash And Yams (Futari)

1 small onion; chopped, pared and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup coconut milk
1 pound hubbard squash; pared and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium size yams or sweet potatoes
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cook and stir onion in oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes longer.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

African Green Pepper And Spinach

1 medium onion; chopped
1 medium green pepper; chopped
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium tomato; chopped
1 pound fresh spinach; stems removed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup peanut butter

Cook and stir onion and green pepper in oil in 3 quart saucepan until onion is tender. Add tomato and spinach. Cover and simmer until spinach is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and peanut butter. Heat just until hot.

Yield: 4 servings

African Tomato-avocado-buttermilk Soup

3 pound tomatoes, peeled and seeded
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 avocado, mashed to a puree
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
hot pepper sauce
Garnish: 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced, sour cream, plain yogurt, or creme fraiche

Puree tomatoes in a food processor or food mill, then press through a sieve to remove seeds. In a large mixing bowl, beat the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, buttermilk, and oil. Toss pureed avocado with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to hold the color. Add the avocado, remaining lemon juice, and parsley to the tomato mixture; stir to mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and a generous number of drops of hot pepper sauce. Refrigerate several hours before serving.

At serving time, taste soup for seasonings. Ladle into individual bowl and have guest garnish their portions with cucumber and sour cream. Pass hot pepper sauce around to add more piquancy.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Peanut Soup with Okra Croutons

1/2 tablespoon peanut oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrot, diced
2/3 cup butternut squash, diced
2/3 cup potatoes, diced
1 cup peanuts, roasted, shelled and unsalted
6 cups stock
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper


Okra Croutons
1 1/2 c okra, thinly sliced
3 tb cornmeal
1/4 ts cumin
1/4 ts cayenne
1/4 ts herbal salt
olive oil spray

Place oil, pepper flakes and coriander in a large non-stick pot and fry over moderate heat until the seeds begin to darken. Add vegetables and peanuts; cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Cool slightly and puree. Gently reheat, add lemon juice and season to taste. Serve in shallow bowls garnished with okra croutons.

CROUTONS: Preheat oven to 375F. Rinse okra under running water, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Combine cornmeal, seasonings, salt and okra in a bag. Seal and shake well.

Spray a baking sheet with oil, spread okra slices in a single layer and spray them with oil too. Bake until crisp and browned, spraying and stirring twice during cooking. This should take about 30 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings

Black-eyed Peas With Ham

3 1/2 cups fresh black-eyed peas or frozen, thawed
3 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
4 ounces ham, finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Bring all ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Yield: 6 servings

Sweet Potato Fritters

1 pound sweet potatoes; peeled and coarsely shredded
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons flour
1 small onion; coarsely shredded
vegetable oil for frying


Spread potatoes and onion on clean dish towel; roll up, twisting towel to extract excess moisture from vegetables. In bowl, whisk eggs, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. In large nonstick skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables to the batter; mix. Spoon mixture into skillet, allowing heaping 1 tablespoon for each fritter; with back of spoon, flatten slightly. Fry, six fritters at a time, 4 minutes. Turn; cook 2 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels; keep warm while frying remaining fritters, adding more oil if necessary.

Yield: 6-8 Servings

Benne (Sesame Seed) Cakes

Benne cakes are a food from West Africa. Benne means sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are eaten for good luck. This treat is still eaten in some parts of the American South.

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

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!

Sweet Potato Pie

2 cups sweet potatoes, drained
4 teaspoons margarine,melted
3 eggs
1 cups sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
9" pie shell, baked
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Use a food processor or fork to mash sweet potatoes together with melted margarine.Blend in eggs,sugar,cinnamon and nutmeg. Add milk and vanilla.Pour mixture into baked pie shell. Microwave on 70% (medium high) 7 minutes. Sprinkle pecans over surface of pie.Rotating midway through cooking,microwave on 70 % (medium high) 6 to 8 minutes or until center no longer jiggles. If you prefer, you can bake it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 35-45 minutes or until it doesn't jiggle.

Yield: 8 servings

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The Kwanzaa Kinara

During Kwanzaa, candles are placed in a special candleholder called the Kinara. There are seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) used, each representing one of the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The colors of the candles are red, green, and black which are the colors of the Bendera, or African Flag. The Mishumaa Saba consists of a single black candle, 3 red and 3 green candles.

When putting the candles in the Kinara, the 3 red candles are placed on the left side. The 3 green candles are placed on the right. The single black candle is placed in the center and is the candle which will be lit first. On each day of Kwanzaa a new candle will be lit as a symbol of the Kwanzaa Nguzo or principle of that day. The candles will be lit in alternating colors. First the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red candle, then the farthest right green candle, then the next red, then next green, then the last red, and then the final green.

Lighting The Kinara

The honor of lighting the candles depends on the family itself. As there are no rules as to who lights the candles, many families give the honor to the youngest child. Some give it to the eldest family member. And others share the duties, with a different family member lighting the candles each night. On the sixth day, which falls on New Years Eve, family and friends get together to enjoy a large feast and to celebrate their history, culture, and the upcoming new year.

First Day of Kwanzaa
On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit, representing the first principle of Kwanzaa — Umoja: Unity.

Second Day of Kwanzaa
On the second day the black candle is again lit, as well as the farthest red candle on the left. This represents the 2nd principle of Kwanzaa — Kujichagulia: Self-Determination.

Third Day of Kwanzaa
On the third day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green candle. This represents the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa — Ujima: Collective Work And Responsibility

Fourth Day of Kwanzaa
On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green. Then the next red candle on the left. This represents the 4th principle of Kwanzaa — Ujamaa: Collective Economics

Fifth Day of Kwanzaa
On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the 5th principle of Kwanzaa — Nia: Purpose

Sixth Day of Kwanzaa
On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle. This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa — Kuumba: Creativity

Seventh Day of Kwanzaa
On the seventh day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red candle, the next green, the final red and then the final green candle. This represents the 7th principle of Kwanzaa — Imani: Faith

On the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa all candles in the Kinara are lit. When the night is done, the family takes one last drink from the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished. Kwanzaa is over till next year.

 

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