excitedTraditional foods play a starring role. Soul food is a blend of historic African foods and what people could get in America. Bear in mind that the African food pyramid is the only one with a base of dark leafy greens.
* Red drink is, literally, any ruddy beverage. Most often, it's some flavor of red soda. There are healthier options. Consider cranberry juice, strawberry lemonade, V8 juice, or hibiscus flower drink. The latter exists in many variations around Africa and the Middle East as a hospitality beverage.
* Many red fruits and vegetables are in season. That makes them fresh, nutritious, and cheap.
* There are two historic versions of red velvet cake that use kitchen chemistry, not food coloring. One relies on a chemical reaction in non-alkalized cocoa powder. The other uses beets. If neither of these appeals, you can also use other red foods to achieve the color.
* Red beans and rice has many variations. Here's one to feed a crowd.
* There are many hot sauce recipes and ways to eat it. Bear in mind that peppers are often high in nutrients. A blazing sauce may not add much, but a mild sauce devoured by the half-cup gives a definite boost.
* Barbecue can be healthy or indulgent. If you don't want extra calories from sauce, choose a dry rub for flavor instead. If you want it red, use one based on a ruddy spice such as paprika. However, "blackened" is another leading favorite, especially on fish and chicken. Here you don't want too much red, and a little sugar helps darken the color.
* Enjoy some dark leafy greens. We love the Alan's Going Green smoothie minus the jalapeño and using a kiwi instead of a lime.
* Many foods associated with luck and prosperity appear both at New Year's and Juneteenth.
* Honor your ancestors with traditional African foods. (It doesn't matter what you look like. All humans trace back to Africa.) Enjoy some recipes. This is our favorite recipe for adalu, a Nigerian dish made with honey beans.
