Happy Lunar New Year and Black History Month

A Christilisa Roundup

Happy Lunar New Year y’all! I like to think that this is the official start to the new year. It speaks to me more because January is a test month of learning. We should take January as the month to plan and February is where we get the ball rolling. 

It’s also Black History Month but real ones celebrate Black history 365. 

In celebration of both, I’m going to share some cookbooks and books that you may not come across. Minorities are still underrepresented in the publishing space so any chance I get to share works, I’ll always focus on creating more space for those books. 

This month I’m feeling more down than usual (probably because it’s been so dang cold in New Orleans). The books shared are more on the funny side, though some are dark in nature. I suppose that’s how I feel on a regular basis. 😂

Here are a list of things to check out: 

Books

Supermarket- This book is about a kid who goes to work at a Supermarket and ends up robbing the place or maybe he doesn’t? I read and listened to it when the kiddo was just a baby and loved it. It has a few twists and turns and it’s funny. This is written by rapper, Logic, under his government name. 

P.S Your Cat is Dead- I haven’t read this one yet but it’s on my TBR list. A guy is having a really bad time in life- his girlfriend left him, his best friend died, he’s been robbed twice and the only person he has to talk to is a gay burglar tied up in his kitchen. You know hilarity will ensue. 

Whatever Happened to Interracial Love?:Stories- This book is by a little known writer and filmmaker, Kathleen Collins. It includes stories about sex, race, gender, family, among other things. It is a shame she didn’t get her flowers when she was still living. It is a beautiful yet sad picture of what life was once like. 

Black Buck- This is all about the Black experience of a young man, Darren, who’s cool with working at Starbucks and living with Mom’s. He gets a sales job at a tech company where he is the only Black employee…a humorous satire by debut author Mateo Askaripour. 

When No One is Watching- This is a NYT bestselling thriller about gentrification by Alyssa Cole. If it’s not on your TBR, it should be. 

Cookbooks 

Mooncakes and Milk Bread by Kristina Cho- She grew up in Cleveland so I like her already. The recipes are fun and full of stories, which I love. This belongs on your shelf if you are a fan of Chinese food-savory and sweet.

Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine; One Plate at a Time by Adrian Miller- This book delves into the ingredients, influences, and innovations that make up the soul food traditions. Soul food is American food so I will always suggest books that increase the knowledge of the food I grew up on. 

The New Way to Cake by Benjamina Ebuehi- This a cookbook from The Great British Bake Off contestant. She shares her love of cakes with a great assortment of cakes to try. There are a few gluten free options for my GF friends. 

Nadiya Bakes by Nadiya Hussain- I first watched her show on Netflix and fell in love. The treats she makes are much different than what we are used to, which I love. There are some combinations that I’m not sure about but this British Bangladeshi Great British Bake Off winner has made me a fan. I hope you become one too. 

Black Girl Baking by Jerelle Guy- At first perusal of this cookbook, I didn’t like it. It seemed too different from what I usually cook but it is made to give options for those who are gluten intolerant, vegan, or vegetarian. However, after reading it again, there are a few things I would try ( like her brûléed buttermilk pie because mine looked a mess-that’s another story). 

Recipe* baking notes at the bottom-please read before baking*

With the Super Bowl upon us on Sunday, February the 13th (Go Bengals!) and Valentine’s Day on the 14th, I want to share a recipe that is quick and easy to make-Praline Bites. (I’ve renamed mine since it is made differently and it doesn’t taste like a praline to me.) This was my go-to when we hosted UFC parties or needed something sweet for an event. The original recipe comes from Chef Amy Sins, the owner of Langlois, a culinary entertainment restaurant. Her version is more cookie like but I like mine more cake-like. For my gluten-free friends, I would recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. This will allow for you to follow the recipe without making major adjustments. 

Brown Sugar Pecan Cake Bites (makes 24)

1 egg

1 cup brown sugar, packed

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

½ cup flour

1 cup pecan, chips 

Nonstick cooking spray 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In a saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter. Set aside and allow to cool slightly. In a medium size bowl, mix together the egg and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Pour the melted butter into the egg-brown sugar mixture. Mix until incorporated. Slowly pour in flour while stirring. Add pecans. Stir until combined. Fill mini muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 12 to 17 minutes. Remove from oven and turn out onto parchment paper to cool completely. 

Baking Notes

• You may need more butter. Melt in ¼ cup increments. It should be no more than ¾ cup needed.

• Buy the butter that comes in half sticks to save time. 

• Don’t be afraid to melt the butter in the microwave. It works either way.

• If you happen to use too much butter, (it will pool around the mixture and not fully incorporate) use more flour. 

• Taste it! Once you add the flour, make sure it is not too much flour. 

• If you want to use regular pecans, that is totally fine. You will get less pecans per bite, which is why I like the chips. 

• Cooking time will vary depending on your oven. 15 minutes is the norm but it could take up to 20 minutes. I like to check them early because burnt bites are the worst. 

• Hand mix is the way to go for this recipe. You can use a mixer if you want but I’m all about the less mess. 

Playlist 

To get into the Valentine’s Day mood, I made a playlist that focuses on the highs and lows of being in love. We all know sometimes love feels good but sometimes it hurts. Hope y’all enjoy! 

As always, thanks for continuing to rock with ya girl. Life gets hard and sharing these things with y’all makes it less so. Here’s to the new year and celebrating Blackness 365. 

Xoxo~ Christilisa