A new decade a new look! Dragon Fly press has been dormant for the past two years. The great news is we are back! We have two new projects in the works that are in production that we look forward to sharing with you.
First, we are preparing a video learning series called Gifts from the Ancestors: A Culinary Journey. The series is comprised of 5 segments that compare and contrast the vast contribution of our West African culinary history to Southern cuisine.
Each segment will provide culinary and cultural history, wonderful recipes, a curriculum for Culinary High School Teachers and a link to our new website www.giftsfromtheancestors.com
This project has been a labor of love for quite some time. Through collaboration with West African and South African Chefs as well as food documentary professionals, we have revamped our concepts to reflect the latest trends and up-to-date research. We are so excited to share our progress with you in the months ahead.
Our second project is a children's culinary series that focuses on Creole Cuisine. The main character, Belle Zaire is a reflection of one of our ancestors from the 1700's Zaire Noel. The idea of Zaire was also an offshoot from the original Gifts from the Ancestors featuring Creole comfort foods that appeal to children.
Cadian Carter, Doll Artist, and owner of Cozy & Co. created a beautiful doll that we commissioned in honor of Zaire Noel. She was our inspiration for Belle Zaire Cooks Creole!
Oh and the places you and Belle Zaire will go as she cooks her way through St. Martin Parish! We at Le Pain de Vie Culinaire and Dragon Fly Press truly hope this inspirational series of five children's cookbooks will inspire the future generation of Creole Cooks! Zaire will teach the kids such delicious dishes as Shrimp Creole, Gumbo, and Jambalaya.
It is a true delight to be back sharing our culinary heritage with you. We truly hope that this culinary journey will educate, uplift and enrich each and every one of you.
Growing up my Mom used to sing this song, Fountain in the Park by Ed Haley (1862–1932) to me:
While strolling through the park one day,
In the merry merry month of May,
He was taken by surprise,
By a pair of roguish eyes,
In a moment his poor heart was stole away.
A smile was all she gave to him,
Of course she was as happy as can be,
He immediately raised his hat,
And finally she remarked,
He never will forget,
That lovely afternoon,
He met her at the fountain in the park.
I must say it brought a twinkle to my eyes as a child, but I never really knew what it meant until recently. Basically, it's a boy meets girl kind of story. I take it now she was amused by the song and it would explain why she loved spring so much. All things become new again.
Of course, I surmise that my being born the 15th of May on Mother's Day may have something to do with it too! On May 15th I will turn 57 years young, the day after Mother's day. Mama has been celebrating in Heaven for 13 years now. One thing I know for sure is she could sure throw a party. I am certain her duties in Heaven include hospitality!
This year, I am so thrilled that most of my immediate family will be joining me in our nation's capital, Washington D.C. It's a real exciting time because we get to see the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and lots of other sights in D.C.
The family is very important to us, as well as our cultural heritage. This trip I will be missing my #1 Son, Adrian. But finals week waits for no man! Next year will be graduation, go Raiders, guns up!
We are excited to have an immersion experience by staying in an Airbnb in the community of Trinidad. We are looking forward to sampling the local cuisine, art, and culture of Trinidad. Hat's off to Ana Maria our host for creating such a warm and inviting space!
It will be great to have food, fun, and fellowship with my sister Josephine, my niece Staci Viola, my daughters Arielle and Amiah and my dear friend Gwendolyn.Amiah is planning a birthday feast complete with a double-layer lemon cake and wine, of course, mmmm! I can't wait to taste the creamy goodness. Be sure to check the Travel Blog and Instagram for pictures.
Well, it certainly has been a long time since I visited my own site. Life changes have taken me in some new and exciting directions since moving to Waco, but I am back! First, let me catch you up to all of the news for Cast Iron Skillet. We have definitely expanded our services by developing a series of Creole cooking classes in collaboration with Gourmet Gallery owner Karyn Miller Brooks. The classes were so successful that we have branched out into corporate and private classes. Most recently CIS provided a private bash for the Waco Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Our first corporate client is Balcones Distilling for whom we hosted a Mardis Gras Soiree.
In addition, CIS has participated in two non-profit events, the Signature Chef Auction for the March of Dimes of Waco last October, Healthy Choices for Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. and Providence Healthcare, Kentucky Derby Fundraiser on May 6th! So as you can see, we have been busy!
I am so looking forward to summer! First stop, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. I will be showcasing African American culinary history and women chefs on our Le Pain De Vie website and our new Black Women Chefs Instagram. I can't wait to taste the delicious Ruby Scoops ice cream created by fellow Chef Rabia Kamar as well as the Sweet Home Cafe inside the NMAAHC.
Plus it's my birthday month so I can't wait to see what surprises my family has in store! (Hint, hint.)
I recently visited California for the first time, which was awesome by the way. I so enjoyed San Diego, I can't wait to go back. Upon arriving, I had an exciting road trip to visit my dear cousin Shirley and her family in Beaumont, CA. We visited the wonderful 123 Lavender Farm in Highland Springs, had a ladies day at the spa and celebrated Resurrection Sunday with church service and a great Easter meal in Riverside. I loved the majestic mountains, some of them still had a bit snow on top. The weather, the diverse culinary scene, the beautiful coastal sunsets. I put myself to sleep the other night just thinking about the view from my room. Au revoir Mon Ami, until next time!
Last but not least, I am back on track with the cookbook, special thanks to the Writing Barn in Austin, so more news to come about that in the June/July post!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Glory Hallelujah! I am back you guys! Life does have some moments. Well after being out of pocket for over a year, a lot has changed! Within the span of six months, I was offered a new job, my youngest son graduated from high school, I moved twice and now I reside in Waco, Texas!
It is awesome to really know that I am in the very place that the Lord wants me to be in. Without question, I have had my time of testing. Now this is the time of trusting. Trusting in the Lord with all my heart, leaning not to my own understanding.
A good friend remarked to me recently that she did not know how I did it. It, that is, raise three children by myself and put them all through school. That's just the thing, I did not do "it". The Lord moved through me to accomplish his will for my life. Enough said.
Well my first born is halfway through grad school and will be earning her HOOD in Industrial Design May 30th! Yipee. My "mini-me" will cross those burning sands with a B. S. in Hotel Restaurant Management on May 9th. Praise Him! And the man-child, well he will be attending military junior college in New Mexico. He just got back tonight from ROTC Leaders Training at Fort Knox. Ah what a difference a month makes!
As for me, I began my new post June 18th. I am off to Dallas to conduct a training class on Monday. Lots of travel and training this year.
As I look to the future I am hopeful and prayerful. I am looking forward to saving some funds towards my future personal endeavors, establishing a culinary travel club and culinary school. Also, my hearts desire is to minister to women in this industry. Seeking God's will and being obedient to his statutes. I would love to pour into the lives of women in the food service industry.
Women Chef's and Food Service professional have so much stress, responsibility and personal demands; they often forget to take care of themselves. I want to be here to remind them that placing and keeping God as their "Center" is the first and only commitment that makes a difference.
We often overlook our pain, pressures and mix-up our priorities to achieve what we think is success. We chose to give ourselves away to the wrong causes and the wrong people for all the wrong reasons. The only way to correct this behavior is to surrender. Yes, surrender and submit our stubborn pride and strong will to the one true God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Only then will our burdens be lifted and our hearts become lighter in view of the "ONE" who carries the whole world on HIS shoulders.
I am very excited to have my voice back! Lot's more to come, so stay tuned....
Well I am finally finished with the ProStart Culinary and Management competitions. We went to state this weekend in Austin and had a blast!
I have been contemplated the title of this months blog for quite some time. I actually heard it preached in a sermon some years back. Recently, I have come to the realization that this saying has more depth than we can to imagine.
There are so many things in life that are predicated on "Change". And in fact, if things do not change, do not reach maturation, two things can happen. Stagnation or regression. Either you remain right where you are, not growing, not moving forward or you go back to what is most comfortable or familiar to you. I don't know which is worst, becoming a stick in the mud or allowing fear to make you go back to something you know is not best for you!
At first I felt that change started in the mind, but I have come to rethink that in the past few months. Change actually starts in the heart. We often believe, if I just could have a fresh start. If I could just do it all over again. The real question should be, do I need a heart transplant? What strongholds in my heart am I allowing to take root and grow? How have these strongholds impacted my choices, beliefs and decisions?
A little self-evaluation every now and then never hurt anyone. In fact, you may " change your mind" about some things you have held fast to for a long time.
1 Samuel 16:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for [a]God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Our women's Sunday school class is studying, Breaking Free, by Beth More. I highly recommended it to my sisters who may be feeling "stuck". It is proving to be very liberating for me. And to tell you the truth, I didn't even want to to the study! That tells me that the Lord knew that I needed it all the more. (lol)
In relationships, especially, there are times we are afraid to let go, afraid to move on. But the truth of the matter is, things have changed whether we are willing to admit it or not. So we just simply need to, MOVE ON, LET GO and LET GOD! You can not make others change, you can only simply accept change yourself and consciously decide to change yourself. In the end, you will grow, blossom and renew your spirit, just by embracing the change!
News and events:
As most of you know I launched Cast Iron Skillet this summer and we are moving forward. In February, CIS had the privilege of serving an elegant dinner for 12 lovely ladies in Magnolia, Texas. In March we will collaborate with the Braman Winery of Refugio, Texas at their Richmond, Texas location.
I am really excited about all of the upcoming opportunities to showcase Cast Iron Skillet. Please check out the new Facebook page and the updates on the website, www.wix.com/slraleigh1913/castironskillet.
On a personal note, Mia attended the National Society for Minority in Hospitality convention in Washington, DC, where she was a delegate. http://www.nsmh.org/
Adrian was accepted to attend the Air Force Academy Summer Institute, June, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO.
Ari has postponed grad school to June 2012, but is still looking forward to the balmy breezes of Savannah, GA!
I leave you with one of my favorite songs, "I am Changing" from the Dreamgirls Soundtrack, sung by none other than, Ms. Jennifer Hudson. And my hasn't she, CHANGED!
Remember, sometimes you don't need a fresh start, what you need is a new heart!
Psalm 51:10
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
10Create [a]in me a clean heart, O God, And renew [b]a steadfast spirit within me.
Hello everyone! It has been quite some time. I usually and never to busy to write, but lately, I have had technical difficulty. 2011 was an inspiring year; I have so much to thank God for! It was a year of change and reconstruction. What do I mean by that? Well, I am glad you asked! Change is such a dreaded word for some of us, but do you know that if nothing changes, nothing changes. For instance, if the seasons do not change, the agriculture would suffer. If technology does not change, we become antiquated. If habits do not change, it could be detrimental to our health. So you see, change can be very good.
Sometimes it is change of employment, relationships, residence and often "change of mind", That's right, the old mindset has to go if we want to embrace the new things God has for us! That is where the reconstruction comes in. We must learn to reconstruct or way of thinking, our way of responding and our way of handling our emotions. If we don't reconstruct, it could cause us to deconstruct! Therefore we have to learn to look forward and not backwards. The apostle Paul put it best in Philippians 3:13-14, 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
So let us remember to have an attitude! I am grateful for my relationship with the Lord. I am grateful for my family, especially my children. I am also grateful for true friends. And in 2011, I found out just who those were! Thanks you guys, you know who you are! Such a blessing!
Here is a family update: my eldest daughter graduated for UNT this May! Hallelujah!
Amiah is entering her second semester sophomore year at U of H. She is still the reigning baking Princess. Here is a photo of her most recent recipe creation, sweet potato cornbread muffins with rosemary honey butter. Delish!
Mr. Adrian is now a junior (or as they like to say, rising Senior! Sounds better, huh?) He is now a member of the FHS Falcons JV Soccer team wearing number 13. Adrian also had his first job this summer at Timegate Studios. Sweet gig for a 16 year old.
I also got an opportunity to visit with my pals in Dallas this summer, which was fantastic. The new school year started off with a bang and we are still going strong. Getting the students ready for the ProStart Culinary Competition in 3 weeks. Whew! It has been a world wind adventure.
We had a fantastic Christmas with family in Grambling. We ate way to much to talk about, but it was all good! lol
I am so looking forward to 2012! I am leaving somethings behind, so that I can reach forward to grasp what God has for me.I launched my website recently, take a look at, http://www.wix.com/slraleigh1913/castironskillet
Hello guys and gals!
It has been while since I signed on. The start of school came with a flurry of activities. I am taking today to catch my breath. No appointments, no meetings, no activities. A total pajama day. Yeah me!
There are so many things to catch up on. My eldest daughter turned the ripe old age of 23 on September 4th. Wow, to be young again! Well I am young at heart. Started out my students with team-building, games and of course dance! One of my students commented that it's just something not right about a teacher dancing. My response, you better dance while you can!! We had a blast. Then it was down to work. I am so excited about my culinary classes, preparing them for the ProStart Competition this year. I have great group of students this year.
Celebrated a lot of birthdays in August in September. Had a super time with my adopted New Orleans family the Baylis-St. Julian clan, toasting Lyndia's 6-0 at Painting with a Twist. You know we painted the none other than the Fleur de Lis, mais qui!
In September I also saw The Help, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were superb, not to mention a great cameo by the lady herself, Ms. Cicely Tyson! I love the book even more, but they did the movie justice.
Spent time with some good friends this month and shared some great moments in new places. We visited Max's Wine Dive on Washington. Great atmosphere, excellent food, fantastic night. Finally went to Jax's on Shepherd. Listened to some great Zydeco Music and shared laughs with my sister Josephine and friend Pauline and made some new friends. Loved it! Could not believe the older guys still dancing and half-way trying to mack! Oh boy... Can't wait to have another Louisiana/Port Arthur Ladies night out.
I am striving to move on with the next phase of life. There are great opportunities right in front of our eyes, sometimes we become so jaded from past experiences, we don't see the good that is right in our face. God is bringing me new acquaintances, and re-connecting me with some old ones.
I told a friend recently, that if we chose not to reclaim those things in our lives we feel we are missing, then we are really not experience life to the fullest. We are simply just existing. With so many catastrophes swirling all around us daily, it is important to hold fast to those things of the heart that matter to us the most. And to realize that some things in life just are worth fighting for. However, chose your battles carefully.
Relationships are tough, but we make choices each and every day. Some good, some not so good. Some that take our lives in a new direction and some that push us into paths of destruction. One constant is and should be, our faith. God is faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us, we are the ones who turn away from him. Recently in our women's study we are exploring the lives of women touched by Jesus. One thing I have come to learn is that we all need Jesus, in whatever phase of life we are in. The women in Dorothy Valcarcel's book When a Woman Meets Jesus, all face tragedies and triumphs, struggles and strengths...it is a day-to-day walk that moves us along this journey.
For some of us it is time for restoration and renewal others are in a good place and ready to share our experiences with those who need help. One of our group members made a great observation, while we should not focus on being perfect, we are all God's perfect women. At the appointed time, he directs our lives, and we are the perfect woman for what He calls us to do.Whatever is His vision for us He gives provision to accomplish.
My hope and prayer is to be ready and able to answer the call when it comes.
19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
There comes a time when we all have to learn how to move forward...and realize that some people in our lives are stuck-like-chuck in the past for whatever reason. So much so that a gallon of Crisco won't get them out! We must learn to be patiently prayerful that our Father knows what is best for us.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in dueseason we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:8-10
