Food isn’t just about eating—it’s a gateway to culture, history, and self-sufficiency. That’s why I’m beyond excited to be the lead instructor for the Black Girls Cook Miami Winter 2025 Cohort! This program, founded by the amazing Chef Nichole A. Mooney, empowers young Black girls through hands-on lessons in cooking, nutrition, gardening, and food history, all while celebrating the African Diaspora.
If you're passionate about food, education, and community, you’ll want to keep reading—and maybe even find a way to support this incredible initiative.
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What is Black Girls Cook?
Founded by Chef Nichole A. Mooney, Black Girls Cook is more than a cooking class—it’s a movement. Through their programs, young Black girls learn essential kitchen skills, explore the science behind food, and connect with their culinary heritage. The goal? To inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of good food.
This season, I have the honor of leading the Miami Winter 2025 Cohort, and let me tell you—it’s already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. With my assistant, Jennifer Paul, who is an Esthetician and skin care expert, by my side, we’re guiding these young chefs through a curriculum that blends history, technique, and, of course, plenty of delicious food.
Inside the Miami Winter 2025 Cohort
Each week, we dive into a new ingredient or dish, uncovering its roots and learning hands-on cooking techniques. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’re covering:
Week 1: The Story About Rice
Rice isn’t just a side dish—it’s a symbol of resilience and tradition. Our students are learning about rice cultivation in the Carolinas, the Gullah Geechee people, and how enslaved Africans brought rice-growing expertise to America. Cooking-wise, they’re mastering boiling rice with broth, sautéing proteins, and making a flavorful one-pot meal featuring chicken and shrimp.
Week 2: The Story About Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have been nourishing communities for centuries, and in this class, we’re highlighting their versatility and rich history. The girls are learning how to distinguish sweet potatoes from yams (hint: they’re not the same thing!), how to make sweet potato pancakes from scratch, and how to whip up the perfect scrambled eggs and compound butter.
Week 3: The Story About Watermelon
This lesson dives deep into the complex history of watermelon in America —from its symbolism of freedom to the stereotypes that persist today. We’re also getting hands-on with knife skills, learning to cut a whole watermelon, make a refreshing green salad, and emulsify a vinaigrette.
Week 4: The Story About Rasta Pasta
A dish with Caribbean-Italian fusion, Rasta Pasta is colorful, bold, and full of history. This week, the students are learning about Jamaican cuisine, the legacy of Black women in the culinary industry, and how to make jerk seasoning from scratch. Plus, they’ll be perfecting pasta boiling techniques to create a creamy, flavor-packed dish.
Black Girls Cook has spices, too! Purchase your favorites to support a great cause.
Celebrating Black History Month in the Kitchen
Since our cohort runs through February, we’re also celebrating Black History Month in the best way possible—through food. Each lesson highlights the ways Black people have influenced global cuisine, from the Gullah Geechee rice traditions to the Rastafarian flavors of Jamaica.
Food is storytelling, and these young chefs are learning to tell their own stories—one recipe at a time.
How You Can Support Black Girls Cook
This work is bigger than just one class. Black Girls Cook is shaping the future by giving young Black girls the skills and knowledge to thrive in and beyond the kitchen. If you want to be part of this mission, here’s how you can help:
- Donate – Your contributions help fund programs, provide ingredients, and expand access to culinary education.
- Spread the Word – Share this blog post, tell a friend, and get the conversation going.
- Visit BlackGirlsCook.org to learn more about their mission and upcoming events.
Together, we can nourish not just bodies, but minds and futures. Let’s keep cooking, learning, and making a difference—one dish at a time.
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Looking for other meal ideas? Try these:
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African American Recipes
Looking for meal inspirations? Try these from the African Diaspora:
- Spicy Zhug Chicken Pita Sandwich with Spinach Date Salad
- Spicy Falafel Pita Sandwich & Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Quick and Easy Lean Baharat Spiced Bean and Lamb Stew
- Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
Chef Nichole & Madison on the Kelly Clarkson Show!
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy—as a trained chef, former teacher and technician—she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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