FAVORITE TRADITIONAL RECIPES

Good food is one of the great pleasures of life and is often at the center of family traditions and gatherings. This is true for most cultures, including African Americans. Unfortunately, the foods that are often found to be the most “comforting” and which are often present at social gatherings can also be high in fat, calories, and salt. Great food that is comforting and enjoyable does not have to be unhealthy. This is an important fact since 4 out of the 5 leading causes of death among African Americans: heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke, can be prevented or managed with some simple lifestyle changes, including choosing healthier foods and making a point to be more active (CDC, 2005).

The goal of this cookbook is to bring you a variety of traditional African American recipes that have been “made-over” to contain less fat, sugar, and sodium. The recipes have been gathered from members of the African American community in Lancaster County, including local cookbook author Phoebe Bailey. This cookbook is not only about the food, it’s about leading your family down a path towards better health. Helpful tips about making healthy changes in your eating habits and lifestyle are included throughout the book.

Good food can still be at the center of your family traditions and gatherings, just in a healthier form. Adapting your recipes and making a point to be more active will ensure that you have many more healthy, vital years to spend with your loved ones creating new traditions to pass down through the generations!