NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Soul Food Month in June is steeped in tradition, tracing its heritage back generations.

While soul food and southern cooking may often be compared, African-American slaves developed soul food’s distinct character by creating outstanding meals from less-than-desirable cuts of meat and produce.
Whether the meal consisted of fried meats and vegetables or bbq and baked goods, the meals served to nourish the body and the fellowship that accompanied it nourished the soul.

According to culinaryhistorians.org, the term “soul food” made its appearance and became popular in the 1960s, giving a name to the flavorful foods, often fried in pork fat, that were becoming known in kitchens and restaurants in cities across the country.

However, soul food doesn’t have to laden with fat. Fresh from the southern garden, it can be just as flavorful as it can be light. Many of the old recipes are new again with spices and herbs and pinches of the old traditions.

HISTORY

Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a tour through soul food heritage. Graze the flavors and spices of the heritage. Have a conversation while you’re at it and feed your soul. Listen to the history of the food, where it’s traveled, how it’s changed through the years. Use #NationalSoulFoodMonth to share your favorites on social media. Visit culinaryhistorians.org to learn more.

I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites#NationalSoulFoodMonth — I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time#NationalSoulFoodMonth — I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

Men Make Dinner Recipes

November 6, 2025October 26, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

What’s for dinner. In my family growing up that question was primarily answered by mom. Dad made pancakes, and BBQ. The rest was left to mom to figure out 355 days a year. My dad did not know his way around a kitchen.

Flash forward to today and my loving husband Scott is the same way. To be a fly on the wall when I tried to teach him how to make spaghetti. (I found spaghetti noodles in interesting places for days)! Now he can assist me with simple tasks with very explicit directions. After my aneurysm left me unable to go to the kitchen, I give him lists of ingredients, utensils, supplies and I reach for the extra supply of patience needed for describing things I don’t think twice about. To bad this day is not celebrated everywhere.

To be fair to there are a lot of men who enjoy the task. Famous chefs include a large number of men, but for those who do not know what a colander is here are some easy recipes that impress with flavor.

Jen’s Lazy Lasagna

Jen’s Greek Cassarole Bake

Jen’s Super Sandwhich

Jen’s Keto Quiche

Jen’s Easy Chili

Turkey Bacon wraps

Be sure to check out all our recipes for more tasty delights that you are sure to enjoy.

SUMMERSGIVING

June 19, 2025May 22, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

The Saturday after the Summer Solstice, gather your friends and family to celebrate Summersgiving! This day is designed to combine all the fun of summer with America’s favorite Thanksgiving food. It’s a celebration of life, rooted in gratitude, to be shared with the friends and food that make life fun.

Everyone has a favorite holiday food or tradition, and Summersgiving provides the opportunity to bring them all together under the sun and stars for one big celebration. Make a feast and share the dishes that mean celebration with a broader crowd of friends and family. Let the joy and fun memories grow year after year!

SUMMERSGIVING HISTORY

Around the year 2009, Robert Solomon created a Thanksgiving BBQ with his best friends to celebrate summer and all the food he thought he could only have at Thanksgiving. He loves turkey and all the rich side dishes that come with it. They drank cranberry martinis into the night, and Summersgiving was born from a love of great food, great drinks, and great friends.

HOW TO OBSERVE #Summersgiving

Grab the turkey (what Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without one) and serve it with all your favorite holiday foods and eat them in celebration of the day. Or, reinvent the holiday classics and share your Summersgiving favorites on social media with #Summersgiving. Be sure to invite all your friends and family and tell everyone it’s time to party Summersgiving style.