A Black TikToker named Sonja Norwood is on a mission this Black History Month. Through her page, Wick’d Confections, she’s reviving cherished recipes that many people may have forgotten. These dishes aren’t just about cooking; they hold deep cultural significance.
For instance, one of her viral videos features Burnt Sugar Cake, a classic dessert that has roots in Black southern communities. Before boxed mixes took over grocery stores, this cake was a staple. With over 2 million views, her followers are loving the blend of history and cooking.
Norwood passionately states, “We’re losing recipes, and I want to find out if that’s for a good reason.” Her videos not only share cooking techniques but also explore the stories behind the recipes. For example, in her lesson about Blackberry Dumplings, she explains how resourcefulness shaped Black culinary traditions. When sugar was scarce, families transformed foraged blackberries into sweet treats. As she puts it, “We had berries, not sugar money.”
This emphasis on history has resonated with many. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of Americans find cultural heritage important, especially when it comes to food. This trend shows how food connects people to their past, and how social media plays a role in amplifying these connections.
Norwood’s approach of “Black history on a plate” highlights the importance of dining as a communal experience. She’s also showcasing other forgotten dishes like Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Greens and Vinegar Pie, which emerged out of necessity during tough times.
Vinegar Pie, also known as desperation pie, utilizes basic pantry ingredients for sweetness when fruits were hard to come by. Its story reminds us of the creativity and resilience in Black cooking, turning challenges into flavorful solutions.
Norwood encourages her audience to bring these recipes back into their homes, celebrating heritage through cooking. As her videos continue to gain traction, she’s opening a dialogue about the significance of Black foodways and the stories behind them.
This revival of traditional dishes not only serves to honor Black history but also invites everyone to appreciate the richness of cultural cuisine. As she says, it’s about honoring the past while enjoying good food today.
For more insights into Black culinary traditions, you can check out resources from The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Source link
Sonja Norwood,Black recipes,Wick’d Confections,Black History Month,recipes
