In honor of Black History Month, Parkhurst Dining is celebrating our Black culinarians and the recipes they love. Each of these recipes has a personal connection to the culinarian: One is a dish passed down from their mother and the other is a series of meals reflecting their home country.
Executive Chef Joe Flax at Ursinus College
Black innovator George Washington Carver was known for the study of peanuts, but his groundbreaking agricultural practices also helped create another staple. More than 100 years ago, Carver’s knowledge and research made sweet potatoes an agricultural resource.
Today, our Executive Chef Joe Flax from Ursinus College uses this versatile ingredient in a recipe he says he’s been making, “pretty much all my life.”
“My mom taught me this simple but delicious recipe and I have never changed it,” says Flax. “I may cut the potatoes a different way or use purple sweet potatoes if I want to make it look fancier.”
There are just five ingredients in the Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in zest, as it bursts with a deep, nutty, caramel-like essence. In fact, Chef Flax was proud to share this recipe at the most recent Ursinus holiday party!
“The flavor is always amazing when using this recipe.”
Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Gladys Mutabazi at a Parkhurst Corporate Location
At Parkhurst Dining, not only do we serve guests from all over the world, including our international students at our higher education locations, but we also have team members from around the globe.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, corporate site team member Gladys Mutabazi shares three traditional recipes from home she likes to make.
Ugali
The first is Ugali, a cornmeal dish. Adaptable and pliable, Ugali involves scooping the mashed-potato-like substance in your hands, using your thumbs to form spoons and enjoying it with vegetables and other side dishes.
Bishusha
Bishusha, a dish made from pumpkin leaves, is typically served over rice. However, this isn’t your pumpkin spice or even sweet potato flavor! Pumpkin leaves taste more like spinach, broccoli, or even asparagus.
Makayabu Fish
An African-style salt fish, Makayabu notably features the fish’s back bone in the dish and comes packed with umami flavor when simmered with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
Black History Month Celebrations on Social Media
We celebrate our Black culinarians this month and every month! Throughout February, Parkhurst teams took great pride in developing unique and inclusive menus, in partnership with employee resource groups and organizations like the Black Student Union at our higher education sites, to create thoughtful events that promote authenticity and make guests feel like they’re home.
Check out our recent celebrations of Black History Month throughout February on our social media.
