Colonial Culinary: West African Influences

Experience History Through Taste: Colonial Culinary Classes!

Step back in time and explore the rich, complex culinary traditions that shaped early America in this immersive culinary series. You’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes using techniques and ingredients from the colonial era.

Each session focuses on a unique aspect of colonial cuisine, offering hands-on opportunities to connect with the past through food. Learn how imported spices transformed simple ingredients into flavorful meals; celebrate one of colonial America’s most versatile fruits with sweet and savory recipes; explore the profound contributions of enslaved people to American cuisine, highlighting the African foodways, ingredients, and recipes that became integral to colonial diets; and try your hand at making rich, creamy butter.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, foodie, or curious learner, these classes offer a unique, hands-on journey through the intersection of food, culture, and history. Join us to honor the stories behind the dishes and savor the flavors of a shared past.

This class pays special attention to the profound influence of African foodways and recipes brought to this country by enslaved people. Discover how their culinary expertise, resilience, and creativity enriched the kitchens of the time, contributing to the diverse flavors that remain a cornerstone of American cuisine today. West African Gumbo and Carolina African Runner Peanut Butter are the highlights of this class.