When most of us think of rice fields, we vision expanses of flooded rice patties, Asian peasants with traditional conical hats, knee-deep in muddy waters, planting rows upon rows of seedlings...There is a movement a-field that is impacting how rice is grown around the world for the better. S.R.I. (system of rice intensification) is a sustainable method of growing rice that ... Continue Reading
Chinese Soul Food: Intersections of Race and Gender in What We Eat
A Dash of Faith and a Dollop of Love Like many traditional dishes around the world where written recipes are virtually non-existent because the cooks -- women, people of color and other groups considered second-class citizens-- were not allowed to attend school and often couldn’t read or write, their culinary legacies were handed down verbally with a dash of faith and a dollop ... Continue Reading
HERstory is Our History in Cooking and Poetry: How to Cook Cow Peas
Traveling back from Charleston, I'm reminded of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor through her cooking and poetry in Vibration Cooking Or, The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl. Here is how to cook cow peas: "Remove all the peas that look weird and wash and soak in cold water. Cook in some kind of boiled meat until done."Here is how to cook red rice: "Fry smoke bacon in a skillet ... Continue Reading
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk Foods
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk FoodsEducation, awareness (and exercise) are needed from all sides to address poor eating habits and improve children's health especially in low income communities: parents, kids, schools. Media isn't to blame but highly influential.Education and awareness obviously starts at home. Sedentary habits like watching more ... Continue Reading
Precious Water, Event Proceeds for Puerto Rico
Clean drinking water is a precious resource we often take for granted. Our humanity depends on it yet millions of gallons are wasted or misused. We're donating proceeds from our October events to support relief efforts in Puerto Rico. We hope you will give, too.Best Ways to Help Puerto Rico ... Continue Reading