Minister Teresa Hawkins-Harris

Growing up, I can remember being greeted at the doorway with the smell of delicious meals coming from the Kitchen. Mama, Gran, and Grandma could always be found stirring-up tasty meals. But to me no meal was complete without 'dessert.'    

Back in the day before entering their sacred domain “the Kitchen,” you had to pass their inspection and get their approval before entering. 

First and most important, your head must be covered (better not see any hair nowhere) and hands might as well be surgically washed. Last but not least-dish water with bleach. Otherwise, the Kitchen was off-limits to anyone. Yet it was during these times without me even knowing it, I was learning how to bake.  

Today, I cherish their memories and maintain the lasting traditions I gained from them regarding baking.  Mama collected recipes from many family members and friends. Some are over 200 years old. What a rich heritage. One of her lasting quotes was “If you can follow a recipe you can cook, just add your touch to make it your own”.  It is my hope that you will enjoy these traditional desserts, just like, “Mama use to make”.      

Love, T.