#freda deknight

[what-marsha-eats]

Freda DeKnight (1909-1963) was a pioneering author and editor who celebrated Black American chefs and home cooks as "Ebony" magazine’s first-ever food editor. Her book, “A Date with a Dish,” was one of the first cookbooks written specifically for a Black American audience.

[hearthwitchery]

For Midsummer or Beltane

[nprbooks]

Top image, Sierra Nicole Rhoden/Chicago Tribune. Bottom image by Donna Battle Pierce for NPR

“Inside the dark theater, during a recent showing of Hidden Figures, the pioneering food journalist and cookbook writer Freda DeKnight came to mind several times,” writes Donna Battle Pierce.

Born in 1909, DeKnight spent much of her 54 years collecting, protecting and celebrating African-American culture and traditions in the years after World War II up to the civil rights movement. Yet her name has been all but forgotten – she doesn't even have that most basic of 21st century acknowledgements, a Wikipedia page.

As the first food editor for Ebony magazine, DeKnight wrote a photo-driven monthly column that offered her home economist's tips, as well as regional recipes from the "Negro community" of home cooks, professional chefs, caterers, restaurateurs and celebrities.

Learn more here.

-- Petra

[sensei-aishitemasu]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCR9i-dvGwI

Hidden Figures: Freda DeKnight #BlackHERstoryMonth 25/28

Freda DeKnight was the first food editor of Ebony magazine and the author of A Date With A Dish: A Cookbook of American Negro Recipes, considered the first major cookbook written by an African-American for an African-American audience. Born in Kansas and raised by farmers that also ran a successful catering business, DeWight grew up with a lifelong interest in food and received a degree in home economics from South Dakota Wesleyan College. After graduating, she traveled to New York and was hired as a food columnist. She worked her way up to editor.

in 1948, DeKnight published her only cookbook, the popular and well-received 'Date With A Dish: A Cookbook Of Negro Recipes.' DeKnight documented the breadth and depth of African-American culinary know-how and pushed a glamorous and professional take on Black culture that challenged common stereotypes. She also rose to the position of home service director at Johnson Publishing, home of Ebony, and in 1957, she staged the first Ebony Fashion Fair.

She died in 1963, from cancer. She was 54.

#HiddenFigures #BlackHERstoryMonth

[meadowslark]

Pictured: Freda DeKnight, first, and longtime food editor for Ebony Magazine

Want to Help Preserve Old, Rare African-American Cookbooks? 

Toni Tipton-Martin, author of 2015′s James Beard Award winning work The Jemima Code, has started a GoFundMe project to secure and preserve important works by African American cooks. Clicking either the image or the headline will carry you to Mayukh Sen’s article in Food52. 

UPDATE: Wow. The project was announced and the fund created on March 17. It took less than three weeks to reach its goal! . Food, and history, matter.

[swseats]

ECLECTICLE 7/19

My apologies for being late. Best laid plans and all. I had intended to push the button Thursday on this installment, but sometimes “life” happens. 

And that's the thing about life. It is full of randomness. The unplanned and the unexpected. And for someone that is a bit of a planner, that can be a tough pill to swallow. Having things change suddenly can trigger us. We freeze, we get anxious, we run and hide and even, on occasion, we stand up and face the maelstrom head on -- defying the odds and managing the outcomes. It’s a crapshoot. How we respond (react?) to those moments where life challenges us is what informs how we navigate our various roles in the world -- be it parent, partner, friend, sibling, or child.

This last week has shown me that I need to actively think in a different way. Much of it can be chalked up to concentrating more on self care -- deep breathing, better sleep, mindfulness, and also trying to be better at listening. 

By truly hearing what is being said, without judgement, we can respond more fully and not just react to every knock that comes our way. Especially when in the middle of the stress and drama that we find ourselves in. 

Observing without judgement keeps us grounded and centered enough to handle a great deal. That action dampens the noise in our heads to a dull roar. If we pay attention, there is learning that can happen within the struggles. Stuff we can use for the next time -- ‘cause there’s always a next time. With that mindset, before we know it, we’ve made it to the other side. Now we can rest and recharge. Ready for the next way the wind blows. 

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 When you finally learn that a person's behavior has more to do with their own internal struggle than you, you learn Grace.

-Allison Aars

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If you’re new here, ECLECTICLE Is my ��Eclectic Listicle” of the recent things that have been happening in my world. It is a regularly occurring place to toss out items of interest and information. My hope is that you will enjoy it and find something useful. So, let’s get going. 

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A decade or two on the rocks gives a person character.

- Alice Hoffman, “Practical Magic”

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What I’m eating:

Here’s How is a new bar in Oakland’s Uptown District and it did not disappoint! Looking forward my next visit and bringing friends😉🙋🏿‍♂️. 

Everything was very thoughtful and balanced. The food made sense. The ingredients in the drinks all worked together. But that Head On Popcorn Shrimp Popcorn snack 🤯?! I may have liked that better than the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which was juicy and full of flavour. 

#SWSeats #DrinkLocal #EatOakland #DrinkOakland #chickensandwich

What I’m reading:

A gem of a find that makes me enjoy living in Oakland even more! Take a look at these 101 Reasons To Love Oakland. I’m pretty sure that if you live here, you have even more of your own! #OaklandLove #LoveMyTown

101 Reasons to Love About Oakland

Two years old and this article in YES! Magazine us still relevant. Bit of a long read, but worth it.

My White Friend Asked Me on Facebook to Explain White Privilege. I Decided to Be Honest

I have already decided and that would be a hard pass.

Fast Food Drive Thru License Plate tracking?

This is a wonderful bit of visual joy. And I need to make that cobbler soon! 

A Juneteenth Dinner Party That Celebrates the Recipes of Freda DeKnight and Edna Lewis

What I’m Listening to:

Thoroughly interesting group of stories about some of the foods that have California roots. Check out this broadcast from The California Report Magazine.

Golden State Plate: The Backstory Behind California Born Food And Drinks

What I’m watching:

Taco Chronicles

Netflix

This six episode docuseries features the history and current culture of the taco. Told in Spanish with English subtitles, each episode introduces you to the origins and rich cultural influence of six different styles of tacos: al pastor, carnitas, canasta, carne asada, barbacoa, and guisado. The episodes is beautifully done and don't be surprised if you are hungry by the end.

[topbooksinethniccooking]

A Date with a Dish - Freda DeKnight http://dlvr.it/R9zjcv http://dlvr.it/R9zjcv

[metrofeedz]

Freda DeKnight Was a Pioneer for African-American Cooking Read the full article on Food52

[what-marsha-eats]

Chef Kia Damon has teamed up with @bembrooklyn to curate a list of some of her favorite cookbooks highlighting Black chefs and food histories. Check out the full list below:

📚The Jemima Code by Toni Tipton-Martin

📚Mama Dip's Kitchen by Mildred Council

📚A Date with A Dish by Freda DeKnight

📚Princess Pamela's Soul Food Cookbook by Pamela Strobel

📚The Black Family Reunion Cookbook by the National Council of Negro Women

[itsyourbizme]

Freda DeKnight: The Invisible Trailblazer Who Made African-American Food Visible

See on Scoop.it - itsyourbiz

DeKnight was Ebony's first food editor and author of a best-selling African-American cookbook in the '40s. Her recipes presented a vision of black America that was often unseen in mainstream media.

[wfromvinetutor]

via Winosity from VineTutor

[sensei-aishitemasu]

2017 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

It’s that time again! This Black Friday, try and support a Black-owned business for all your gift-giving needs. For last years gift guide, click here. For the 2015 gift guide, click here.

Similar to 2016, I kept every individual item listed under $100! Click on the links to be taken to the websites in order to peruse more yourselves. 

[And as always, this guide has been split into categories to make it easier to get through, but feel free to mix and match for the person in your life that fits all of (or none of!) these categories!]

Gift Guide 2017 Items

For the Homebody:

Concept Forty-Seven ANNET WEELINK Placemat - Barbados (Set of 4), $30

Concept Forty-Seven Gray and Blue Woven Textile with Citrus Yellow Pillow, $28

Concept Forty-Seven Dauville Small Bowl - Gold, $20

Lettie Gooch JUNE'S - BOY SMELLS CANDLE, $29

Harlem Heirloom Grapefruit Candle, $32

The Jungalow 2X3 Kilim Orange & White Stripe Rug, $56

The Jungalow Botanicals On Blush Insulated Water Bottle, $45

The Jungalow Bohemian Vibes Art Print, $40

The Jungalow Berber Bowl, $32

The Jungalow Bedside Carafe with Cup, $30

The Jungalow Anika Bowls, $20

For the Foodie:

Gullah Girl Tea in Mint Lemongrass, $7

Bounty & Full ‘The Truth’ Habanero Hot Sauce, $5

Bounty & Full Cranberry Mandarin Jam, $5.99

Essie Spice Essential Sauce Collection, $38

For the Beauty Guru:

Harlem Soap in Spearmint & Orange, $6

Hunny Bunny Rose Clay Soap, $5

Hunny Bunny Rose Clay Facial Mask, $6

Hunny Bunny Rose Clay Lip Balm, $2

BeeLux Goods Bad Gal Bamboo Banger Bubble Bath, $14

Beelux Goods Lust Highlighter, $10

BeeLux Goods Mojito Shampoo Detox Bar, $10

BeeLux Goods Juicy Fruit Bath Bomb, $10

Natty Naturals Oral Mouth Rinse, $15

Natty Naturals Herbal Tooth Powder, $15

Plain Jane Beauty Sheer Translucent Powder, $26

Plain Jane Coconut Water Setting Mist, $25

Plain Jane Time To Prime Makeup Primer, $22

Plain Jane Micellar Water Eye Makeup Remover, $14

Elo Perfect Sugar Scrub for Lips, $17

Elo Watermelon Coconut Lip Balm, $13

Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo, $8.99

Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner, $8.99

Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Hair Oil, $8.99

Brown Butter Beauty Pumpkin Seed Hair & Body Oil, $16

Brown Butter Beauty Herbal Rich Hair Oil, $10

Foxie Cosmetics Caffeine + Vitamin C Eye Cream, $48

Foxie Cosmetics Moroccan Argan Serum, $25

Foxie Cosmetics Coconut + Vanilla Bath Soak, $20

Foxie Cosmetics Everything Zen Face Mist, $16

Foxie Cosmetics Konjac Facial Puff Sponge, $13.50

vee + co apothecary ‘wanderlust’ aromatherapy roller, $20

For the Fashionable:

Chris Cardi Roxy Unisex Carry-All Clutch (Camo), $45.03

Adorned By Chi ‘Alien From Outerspace’ Crop Top, $31

Adorned By Chi ‘Alien From Outerspace’ Hat, $30

Philadelphia Printworks James Baldwin Tote, $25

Orchids & Spice Berry 2-Pocket Pinafore, $40

Orchids & Spice Hayden Blush Fluffy Jacket, $55

Orchids & Spice Kemi Bralette, $29.50 

Orchids & Spice Isabel Drawstring Crossbody Taupe, $48

Tree Fairfax Cognac Half Moon Leather Waistbag, $86.25

Tree Fairfax Honey Half Moon Leather Hip Bag, $86.25

Joe Freshgoods ‘Don’t Be Mad In NY’ Tee, $30

PeaceImages Tawa Necklaces, $26

PeaceImages Camay Necklace, $37

PeaceImages Sterling Silver Knuckle Ring, $22

Deami Footwear ‘The Chisholm,’ $79

For the Bookworm:

The Jungalow Abstract Face Bookends, $95

The Jungalow Botanical Notebook Trio, $25

‘Nought & Crosses’ by Malorie Blackman, $16.76

‘The Tipping Point’ by Malcolm Gladwell, $9.24

‘Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist’ by Nancy Goldstein, $36.49

‘The Ebony Cookbook: Date With A Dish’ by Freda DeKnight, $32.99

‘Iola Leroy’ by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, $12.43

‘A Taste of Power’ by Elaine Brown, $14.36

‘Child of the Dark’ by Carolina Maria de Jesus, $7.69

And of course, my own book!

For the Kids:

Yummy Spoonfuls Chicken Broccoli Bites, pricing available in stores

Coolie Classic Knapsack in Green, $50

AFRO-BETS Book of Black Heroes From A-Z, $11.18

Beija Flor Naturals Cocoa Mango Buttercream, $18

Mielle Organics Children’s Hair & Health Vitamins, $9.99

Honey Child & Co ‘The Fun Tee,’ $10

Swimma Swimming Caps for Big Hair, $15.38

For Men:

Solo Noir All Natural Starter Kit, $34.99

A Life Well Dressed Gray Pocket Square, $20

Talley & Twine Red Canvas Chronograph Watch, $99

Chris Cardi H. St. Clubhouse Cap in Cranberry, $39.03

Chris Cardi LS No Crew Tee, $49.03

Chris Cardi H. St. Sweat Shorts, $65.03

Sole Rebels ‘The Surge TopUP’ in Blue, $95

BeeLux Beard Oil, $20

BeeLux True Grit Shower Gel, $16

Scotch Porter ‘Fresh Meat’ Masculine Wipes, $5

For The Technologically Savvy:

Khristian A. Howell FCL Chic Black Phone Case, $39.99

Khristian A. Howell Deuces Phone Case, $39.99

Adorned By Chi ‘I Hate Everything’ iPhone Case, $25.95

Joe Freshgoods ‘Happy Life’ Phone Case, $15

The Colour Polka Dot iPhone Case, $32.54

Dual Citizen iPad Case, $35

Puku Portable Charger, $49

Puku G8 Headphones, $25

For Cards, Invitations, and Gift Wrap:

‘Happy Holidays’ Card by Debra Cartwright, $8.95

‘Happy Holidays Babe’ Card by Debra Cartwright, $8.95

‘Make A Wish’ Card by Justina Blakeney

Khristian A. Howell Rosy Holiday Card Set, $20

Khristian A. Howell ‘Rosy’ Holiday Gift Wrap Sheets, $8.50

Khristian A. Howell Buffalo Plaid Gift Wrap Sheets in Evergreen, $8.50

Khristian A. Howell Blush Color Capsule Wrapping Sheets, $8.50

I Paint In Heels Holiday Card 2017 ‘Lovely Ladies,’ $25

I Paint In Heels Assorted Pack of Holiday Cards, $32

[allthemeats]

via Twitter https://twitter.com/allthemeatscom

[honeychildoz]

(via Freda DeKnight Was a Pioneer for African-American Cooking)