Culinary Literacy Center

Take a culinary journey to Northwest Argentina with Jezabel Careaga! Join Jezabel for an intimate, hands-on empanada class to learn how to prepare one of her favorite signature empanadas: Leek & Cheese! Come and learn all the secrets of Northwest Argentine empanadas and spices. Learn to fill and crimp your empanadas. While the empanadas bake, we will prepare a salad to enjoy with our warm empanadas. This class is vegetarian friendly, with vegan options available. Please notify us in advance with any dietary restrictions. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the Culinary Literacy's Center programs for youth, neighborhood

Watercolor paintings that look so good, you could eat them!The culinary and visual arts have long intersected in nature morte, or still-life painting, with no subject being more iconic than the bowl of fruit. Want to discover watercolor painting as well as what the spring harvest has to offer? Join us as we transform the Culinary Literacy Center kitchen into a different kind of art studio to learn how to make striking watercolor paintings of uncommon spring and summer produce. In this class, librarians will teach simple watercolor and compositional techniques to render seasonal fruits—specifically, local and seasonal produce you

An exploration of Ukrainian culture through foodWe welcome you to the Culinary Literacy Center stolovaya—a cafeteria-style buffet—featuring classic dishes prepared the Ukrainian way. We celebrate the country's culture and food with the opportunity to taste items you'd find at a traditional Ukrainian table: potato pierogies (varenyky), borscht with pampushky (Ukrainian garlic bread), crepes (blini) with sweet cottage cheese and berries, and beet kvass. In addition to sampling these dishes, participants will receive recipes, discuss how these preparations are unique, and learn about their significance in Ukrainian culture.All dishes served are vegetarian; please notify us of any food restrictions in advance

Join us as we celebrate Philadelphia's culinary entrepreneurs with a classic dishThanks to the entrepreneurship of colonial Black women, pepper pot soup—a thick stew of beef tripe, vegetables, pepper, and other seasonings—became one of the first street foods in America. Join us for a tasting and discussion between two experts around the significance of the stew in the 19th-century culinary and business landscape. Using the Food Griot's research and Valerie Erwin's culinary expertise, we will discuss how the West African and Caribbean roots of this signature dish have led to different variations and how the entrepreneurial spirit of so-called "Pepper

Reimagine classic soul food dishes for a healthy 2023We invite you to discover new twists, turns, and tastes for your favorite soul food dishes in this free program led by Chef Yuhnis Sydnor from Sugga Mamas Diabetes Prevention and Management. Come celebrate Black History Month with traditional and tantalizing healthy recipe and learn something new about the history of soul food. Participants will gather at a communal table for a healthy cooking demonstration, tasting, and discussion in this partnership between the Frazier Family Coalition and Sugga Mamas. Sugga Mamas Diabetes Prevention and Management is an organization devoted to helping women

Learn how to make alfajores: the quintessential confection of Argentina!Join Jezabel Careaga for a hands-on baking class to learn how to prepare the quintessential cookies from Argentina: alfajores. Derived from the Arabic word “al-fakher” meaning "luxurious," these are a staple in Argentina. Jezabel grew up making alfajores with her mom. During class you will make your own alfajores from start to finish and then you will be invited to enjoy your freshly made confections with a cup of tea or coffee. Please notify us in advance with any dietary restrictions.All proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the Culinary Literacy's

Watercolor paintings that look so good, you could eat them!The culinary and visual arts have long intersected in nature morte, or still-life painting, with no subject being more iconic than the bowl of fruit. Want to discover watercolor painting as well as what the spring harvest has to offer? Join us as we transform the Culinary Literacy Center kitchen into a different kind of art studio to learn how to make striking watercolor paintings of uncommon spring and summer produce. In this class, you will learn how to render seasonal fruits and vegetables—specifically, local and seasonal produce you typically don't

Discussing relationships to change and collective survival. Tasting autumn harvest cookies from The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen.Join us at Blackwell Library for a unique treat and discussion about relationships to change and collective survival as explored in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. In the dystopian future of Butler's Parables, protagonist, Lauren Oya Olamina, enjoys an Indigenous recipe for acorn bread. In lieu of acorn bread, we will prepare autumn harvest cookies from The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen. Find that book and others by Octavia E. Butler at the Free Library of Philadelphia.Free, flavorful,

Watercolor paintings that look so good, you could eat them!The culinary and visual arts have long intersected in nature morte, or still-life painting, with no subject being more iconic than the bowl of fruit. Want to discover watercolor painting as well as what the spring harvest has to offer? Join us as we transform the Culinary Literacy Center kitchen into a different kind of art studio to learn how to make striking watercolor paintings of uncommon spring and summer produce. In this class, you will learn how to render seasonal fruits and vegetables—specifically, local and seasonal produce you typically don't

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health." - OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora.Led by instructor, Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey. Shayla is a passionate Philadelphia chef whose focus includes community, culture and food.Here is the list of ingredients. We hope you'll

Chef Tonii Hicks will prepare a citrusy herb soup inspired by "Red Dirt Witch" while we discuss Black history and future.Join us at Blackwell Library as we explore what is meaningful to us about Black history and Black future through story, culture, and food - featuring "Red Dirt Witch" from How Long 'til Black Future Month .In Red Dirt Witch, Emmaline is raising her children to survive in 1950s Alabama, when her daughter, Pauline, shows her a future she never would have imagined. Find How Long 'til Black Future Month and others by N. K. Jemison here at the Free

Sugar Don't Go on Grits: An Archival Look at The Great Migration's Effect on How We EatHow Black is sweet cornbread? Do WE put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? "Sugar Don't Go On Grits: An Archival Look at The Great Migration's Effect on How We Eat" will be a conversational space dedicated to retracing the divergent pathways of the African American culinary tradition. Leaning on archival materials, we'll highlight how Black people altered recipes in different areas of the United States due to the availability of ingredients and to match local tastes while reflecting on how these changes have led

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health." - OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora.Led by instructor, Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey. Shayla is a passionate Philadelphia chef whose focus includes community, culture and food.Here is the list of ingredients. We hope you'll

Reflecting the range of culinary traditions, foods, and flavors of Latin America that are richly flavorful, affordable, and easy-to-prepare.A Taste of Latin American Heritage features recipes that blend the food traditions of four cultures: the indigenous people (Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, and other Native Americans), continental Africans, the Spanish, and the Portuguese.Join us at South Philadelphia Library for a bite of delicious vegetarian food inspired by the culinary traditions of Latin America's people. Check out the menu!Cannellini Bean and Pumpkin Seed Salad, Boniatillo (Sweet Potato Pudding) on 10/3Wild Veggie Tostadas, Panama’s Tropical Bounty Smoothie on 10/17Menestra de Lentejas (Ecuadorian Lentil Stew),

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health."- OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora. Led by instructor, Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey. Shayla is a passionate Philadelphia chef whose focus includes community, culture and food.Here is the list of ingredients. We hope you'll

Enjoy fried plantains, both savory and sweet, with a side of music and poems.Artist, Yannick Lowery, is drawing on his culinary background to prepare one of his favorite foods this Latine Heritage Month.Eating fried plantains while listening to songs and reading poems from around the world about them is a recipe for celebration!Featuring pieces from poets.org, an excerpt from High on the Hog, and more!Let's share what connects us through taste, words, and melodies.

Reflecting the range of culinary traditions, foods, and flavors of Latin America that are richly flavorful, affordable, and easy-to-prepare.A Taste of Latin American Heritage features recipes that blend the food traditions of four cultures: the indigenous people (Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, and other Native Americans), continental Africans, the Spanish, and the Portuguese.Join us at South Philadelphia Library for a bite of delicious vegetarian food inspired by the culinary traditions of Latin America's people. Check out the menu!Cannellini Bean and Pumpkin Seed Salad, Boniatillo (Sweet Potato Pudding) on 10/3Wild Veggie Tostadas, Panama’s Tropical Bounty Smoothie on 10/17Menestra de Lentejas (Ecuadorian Lentil Stew),

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health."- OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora. Led by instructor, Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey. Shayla is a passionate Philadelphia chef whose focus includes community, culture and food.Here is the list of ingredients. We hope you'll

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health."- OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora. Led by instructor, Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey. Shayla is a passionate Philadelphia chef whose focus includes community, culture and food.Here is the list of ingredients. We hope you'll

Honoring ancestral foods while living in the diaspora / Honrando los alimentos ancestrales mientras se vive en la diásporaMaking vegan sancocho, sharing experiences of living in the diaspora, remaining connected to our cultural foods.Hacer sanocho vegano, compartir experiencias de vivir en la diáspora, permanecer conectados con nuestros alimentos culturales.Veggie Mijas is a collective run by women of color, focused on the communal healing of the global majority by sharing space, relearning ancestral practices through foods, and sharing plant-based recipes.Veggie Mijas es un colectivo dirigido por mujeres de color, enfocado en la sanación comunitaria de la mayoría global al compartir espacios,

Chef Tonii will prepare South African Sweet Potato Fritters and West African inspired Hot Sauce from the book A Kwanzaa Keepsake.A Kwanzaa Keepsake by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author of High on the Hog, is more than just a cookbook. It is "a day-by-day guide to celebrating Kwanzaa that honors and affirms African- American culture, food, and family."Enjoy South African Sweet Potato Fritters with West African inspired Homemade Hot Sauce prepared by Philly's Chef Tonii at Widener Library.Together, we consider the symbols of Kwanzaa, their meaning, and how to live Kwanzaa's Seven Principles, the Nguzo Saba, all year long.Umoja →

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health."- OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora.Ingredient list coming soon! We hope you'll cook along with us.Registered participants must sign in to Zoom to access the program.

Chef Tonii will prepare Savory Black-eyed Pea Fritters called Akara and Sweet Rice Fritters called Calas inspired by High in the Hog.Enjoy sweet rice fritters and savory black-eyed pea fritters while reflecting on their cultural significance, the contributions of Africa, and people of African descent to cuisine throughout the diaspora.Inspired by High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Dr. Jessica B. Harris and season 2 of the Netflix series High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.Black-eyed peas, one of the few African crops that could survive in this climate, has "... remained

"The ancestors of African Americans brought wonderful food traditions to parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states.""A Taste of African Heritage is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully nutritious and delicious, and naturally meets the guidelines experts recommend for supporting good health."- OldwaysJoin us for a delicious vegetarian dish inspired by the African diaspora.Ingredient list coming soon! We hope you'll cook along with us.Registered participants must sign in to Zoom to access the program.

Eat plantains and revel in the poetry of Melania Luisa Marte. How do we learn to love ourselves, survive, and honor the ancestor?In the book Plantains and Our Becoming, Marte, an Afro-Latina Dominicana from New York, writes to us in English and Spanish."Through the exploration of themes like self-love, nationalism, displacement, generational trauma, and ancestral knowledge, this collection uproots stereotypes while creating a new joyous vision for Black identity and personhood."Join us at Lillian Marrero Library where artist Yannick Lowery is drawing on his culinary background to prepare both sweet and savory plantains while we consider what is meaningful about

Chef Tonii will prepare Savory Black-eyed Pea Fritters called Akara and Sweet Rice Fritters called Calas inspired by High in the Hog.We had to reschedule because it snowed, but we're back on! Enjoy sweet rice fritters and savory black-eyed pea fritters while reflecting on their cultural significance, the contributions of Africa, and people of African descent to cuisine throughout the diaspora.Inspired by High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Dr. Jessica B. Harris and season 2 of the Netflix series High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.Black-eyed peas, one of the few

Join us for a delicious whole grain, vegetarian dish inspired by the African Diaspora and the continent which has the most native grains. has its own species of rice, along with millet, barley, sorghum, teff, varieties of wheat, and other wild grains and cereals.Eating whole grains gives your body extra vitamins, minerals, fiber... all of which are essential to good health.- OldwaysLed by Oldways Ambassador, Claire Richardson. Ingredients will be listed soon. We invite you to cook along!

In collaboration with the Cherry Blossom Festival, join us to make wagashi, traditional vegan and gluten-free Japanese sweets.IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:There are two sessions available. Please sign up for one session only.Session 1- 4pm-5:30pmSession 2- 6pm-7:30pmRecommended Donation: $15 (ticket price is pay as you wish on a sliding scale)The recommended donation will continue to support Culinary Literacy programs at Free Library of Philadelphia locations.This program is recommended for adults and teens. Please note, because of the level of concentration and instruction required to make wagashi, tickets for this program are limited. Please be sure you are able to attend before purchasing a

Whether Hoppin’ John or Red Beans and Rice, beans and rice have been a staple pairing for thousands of years throughout African heritage.Join us for a delicious vegetarian dishes inspired by the African Diaspora.Here is the list of ingredients. We invite you to cook along with Oldways Ambassador, Claire Richardson. Different regions of African heritage have different bean favorites for their beans-and-rice pairings:-In Brazil, black beans are most popular in beans-and-rice combinations, as well as in the Caribbean’s famous black bean soup, sopa de frijol negro.-Kidney beans, mung beans, and black-eyed peas (which are native to Africa) are most commonly

Haitian Sos Pwa (Black Bean Sauce), rice, sautéed mushrooms, and fried plantains with stories inspired by Haitian author, Edwidge Danticat.Haiti is lauded as the First Black Republic for taking its independence in 1804.Whitney Frederic of It's Seasoned is making us a classic Haitian dish, vegan-style, with fried plantains on the side. She lovingly follows in the footsteps of her foremothers.We will pair this delicious food with the writing of Haitian author, Edwidge Danticat. Danticat writes beautifully about what it means to be "obliged to bear witness when countries of origin are suffering from violence, oppression, poverty, and tragedy."Enjoy food, music,

Eat more delicious sweet potato and considering how "any task becomes sacred when we do it mindfully and with care."Chef Tonii is preparing more delicious sweet potatoes! We've had Sweet Potato Stew. Then there was the salad with sweet potato, pistachios, and mint inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. Come see what's next!Inspired by Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery by bell hooks. hooks encourages us to interrogate and transform every aspect of our lives in the pursuit of self-actualization and collective liberation.We will focus on Chapter 3, Work Makes Life Sweet, where we consider whether our work is

Eat fried plantains, revel in the poetry of Melania Luisa Marte, and celebrate the last day National Poetry Month!Marte, a truly proud Afro-Latina, writes to us in English and Spanish about "self-love, nationalism, displacement, generational trauma, and ancestral knowledge."Artist, Yannick Lowery is cooking us fried plantains to go with these nourishing, rich poems, and songs from around the world about—you guessed it—plantains."his collection uproots stereotypes while creating a new joyous vision for Black identity and personhood." Check out Plantains and Our Becoming at the Free Library of Philadelphia.Happy National Poetry Month!

Steamed, sautéed, curried, and roasted veggies are centered in African heritage. Fruit is enjoyed as breakfast, snacks, and dessert.Fruits, vegetables, and a healthy lifestyle are major keys to good health and well-being.African-American ancestors in the southern United States grew and enjoyed fruits and vegetables. From the southern traditions come many kinds of greens, squashes, green beans, and pumpkins. Peaches, blackberries, cherries, plums, and blueberries also grow in Georgia and Florida.- OldwaysList of ingredients coming soon! Join us for delicious vegan dishes inspired by the African Diaspora. We invite you to cook along with Oldways Ambassador, Claire Richardson.Registered participants must sign

Come to this cooking demonstration/tasting and learn about one of the Culinary Literacy Center's signature programs: Edible Alphabet!Welcoming Week is a national initiative that seeks to build common ground in communities across the United States. It encourages dialogue and forges relationships between immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born citizens. As a Welcoming City, Philadelphia has shown its commitment to this national cause for over five years by coordinating events and programming.This year, the Culinary Literacy Center will mark Welcoming Week through a cooking demonstration and tasting centered around one of the Culinary Literacy Center's signature programs: Edible Alphabet English. The program will

Learn accessible, low-preparation baby food recipes focusing on nutrition, cooking techniques, safe storage and cost-effectivenessJoin Philadelphia chef and food educator Shayla Felton-Dorsey to learn accessible, low-preparation baby food recipes with a focus on nutrition, cooking techniques, safe storage and cost-effectiveness.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Tickets reserve seats until 2:50 pm. After this, participants will be let in on a first come, first serve basis. Please arrive by 2:45 pm to check-in for your seats.Space is Limited! Family Size limited to 4 people max. Additional family members are welcome to check out other resources in the children's department.

Monthly program focusing on a different source of food in Philadelphia be it a market, garden, cooperative, or other source.Where Can You Source Your Food in Philly? West Phillie Produce!Our November program will focus on West Phillie Produce. Join Chef Joy Parham for a taste of Black American Cuisine inspired by the West African and West Indian diaspora.Space is limited and priority will be given to registered attendees. Tickets will be honored up until 3:50 pm, please arrive by 3:45 pm to guarantee your seat. At 3:50 pm, we will fill open seats. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Inspired by “Diasporicans—the 5.5 million people living Stateside who continue to cook the food of our homeland.”Share foods and stories of the Afro-Indigenous Diaspo-Rican intersecting identities and plant-based ancestral recipes with Rebeca from Veggie Mijas.“Veggie Mijas is a collective of people of color passionate about spreading awareness of the lack of resources we have to healthier options in the hood, animal liberation, and environmental justice.”Featuring the books Black Rican Vegan and Diasporican.

Monthly program focusing on a different source of food in Philadelphia be it a market, garden, cooperative, or other source.Where Can You Source Your Food in Philly? OK Produce at Reading Terminal MarketOur December program will focus on Reading Terminal Market's OK Produce. Join Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey for a seasonal recipe using root vegetables.Space is limited and priority will be given to registered attendees. Tickets will be honored up until 3:50 pm, please arrive by 3:45 pm to guarantee your seat. At 3:50 pm, we will fill open seats. Please email [email protected] for more information.