Funnel Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, water, and vanilla extract until well combined.

In another bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).

Pour the batter into a funnel, holding your finger over the opening.

Release the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion to form a spiral shape.

Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Lunar New Year is celebrated with dishes symbolizing prosperity and longevity. Here’s a traditional noodle recipe:

Longevity Noodles with Spicy Pork & Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces long noodles (e.g., lo mein or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in bell pepper, snow peas, and green onions; cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.

Add cooked noodles and sauce mixture to the skillet; toss to combine and heat through.

Collard greens have deep roots in African American cuisine, representing resilience and heritage. This handheld twist on a classic dish makes traditional flavors accessible for modern lifestyles. It allows a progressive, well-educated audience to engage with Black culinary history while enjoying a convenient, nutritious, and flavorful meal.

Celebrate Black History Month with dishes rooted in African American culture:

Collard Green Hand Pies

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups collard greens, stemmed and chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add collard greens; cook until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles.
5. Place a spoonful of collard green mixture in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape; press edges to seal.
6. Place hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Cabbage is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and immune-boosting properties, making this soup a staple for daily wellness. Its simple ingredients promote gut health and longevity, aligning with the audience’s interest in nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and culturally diverse while supporting overall well-being.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for added depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery, stirring well.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric (if using). Stir in apple cider vinegar for brightness.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.