Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with unique menu ideas from Meals and Muses Recipes from My African American Kitchen by Alexander Smalls. Say goodbye to traditional dishes and hello to flavorful and impressive options.
Chef Alexander Small
Originally published November 19, 2021.
This story is old, yet it is still relevant, the recipes still work, and it will keep you away from the unsavory guts of the pig.
Image by Grand baby Cakes
If you’re tired of the commercialized food options dominating one of the most important holidays, it’s time to take a breather and consider some exciting menu suggestions. The younger generation may not be craving the traditional turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and chitterlings, and even some older folks may feel the same way.
So, if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party and want to shake things up, something that will impress your new mother-in-law or neighbors, look no further than Meals and Muses Recipes from My African American Kitchen by Alexander Smalls. This hardbound book from Flatiron Books offers a unique perspective and delectable recipes that are sure to impress.
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This book is a delightful read, filled with mouthwatering meal ideas. The stunning photographs showcase the vibrant colors and rich cultural history of African cuisine.
Each chapter begins with a new recipe and thought-provoking quotes from influential poets and musicians like Maya Angelou and Bruno Mars. Dee Dee Bridgewater, a renowned musician, praises the book, saying that “In Meals, Music, and Muses,” Alexander has beautifully combined our love for food, music, and inspiration.
Alexander Small, a celebrated figure in American cooking, and Veronica Chambers, a critically acclaimed author, have co-authored this book. So, why not get inspired and start planning your next holiday feast with the delicious recipes from this book?
Starters-Appetizers
Salads:
Field Greens, Poached Pear, and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A lot of people prefer a variety of salad dressings, so have on hand, Ranch, Blue Cheese and Italian.
This recipe also calls for red wine, so make sure this is an all-adult affair before serving.
Creole Caesar Salad with Corn Bread Croutons
Those who like croutons and fried okra, will want seconds on this dish.
Spicy Okra Shrimp Soup
For the spicy and seafood lovers, this will be a hit at your table.
In this book, there is also a Fried Okra recipe that is sure to get the people talking before the main course. And you can use canola oil to fry it just right.
Potatoes
Lemon Candied Yams sounds inviting if you are a lemon fan.
Citrus Whipped Sweet Potatoes is also something different to try on Thanksgiving.
Creole food lovers will get a kick out of the Creole Potato Salad, with snap peas, parsley and more.
Main course
If Quail is your thing, then you should try the Roast Quail in Bourbon Cream Sauce, for a Southern bang. They have a recipe on how to make the sauce as well, so don’t panic.
I know we have some familiar chicken lovers, and this Oven Fried Baby Chicken with hot mustard Apricot Jam Glaze is sure to please. There is also a Southern Fried Chicken Plate recipe right and ready for your table.
Lastly, there is a Pan-Fried Rabbit with Root Vegetable and Redeye Gravy, if that is your thing.
Trust me, there are so many dishes to try, I am only naming some of them. I want to get your mouth wet and ready to search for this great book.
The Southern Comfort Peach Shortcake is not for the kids but the adults. So, don’t get too tipsy during dessert.
There is a Southern Pound Cake like grandma used to make. It tells you how to not let it get too dry doing baking.
Last, we have the Blackberry Cobbler and try not to pig out too fast.
There you have it, ‘Meals, Music, and Muses’ is a great pick for November. So, hit the bookstores or simply order online.
Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at The Argus St. Louis!
More:
Alexander Smalls’ Southern Thanksgiving | Food Fest | The Kitchn
https://aaregistry.org/story/thanksgiving-and-african-american-history-a-brief-article/
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