Its a tradition Matthew started seven years ago.
My first Kwanzaa celebration was on January 1, 2022, after we were married in 2021.
Mbatata cookies are made with sweet potatoes and originated in Mawali.
Photo:Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Umoja (unity) is our community joining together on our farm to celebrate the harvest.
We embody kujichagulia, or self-determination, by showing others how to grow food for their own families.
Our youth showcases their kuumba (creativity) by putting together flyers promoting our event.
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
They also write and perform music and poetry at the celebration.
We do this every year because we have imanifaith that the harvest will be good.
Incorporating these principles into our everyday living has become second nature to us.
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Combine sweet potato and oil in a large bowl.
Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
Mix well until a soft dough forms.
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Add raisins and mix to combine (the dough will be crumbly).
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead a few times and shape into a disk.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Re-roll and cut any remaining dough, until all the dough has been used.
Top the cookies with coconut and (if using) dried fruit, lightly pressing to adhere.
Bake until firm and slightly springy when touched, 10 to 12 minutes.
To make ahead
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.
