If you’ve ever noticed your kitchen feels warmer not just from the stove, but from the spirit of the season — you’re not alone.December has a way of turning ordinary meals into soul-stirring feasts. From the aromas drifting through the house to the laughter echoing off the walls, this is the time of year when cooking more isn’t just a choice — it’s a tradition that feeds the heart. At Flourish Spices & African Food, we see it every year: families planning menus that go beyond ingredients and measurements, creating dishes that carry purpose, connection, and nostalgia. And with just a day to Christmas, that feeling is stronger than ever. Why We Cook More 1. Food Becomes the Heartbeat of...
It’s December at last — that magical stretch of the year when kitchens fill with laughter, plates overflow, and the air carries the rich scent of spices and celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving something warm and festive, the right spice rack can transform any meal from good to unforgettable. At Flourish Spices and African Food, we believe every home should be ready for festive feasts. That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide — ten essential spices (and spice blends) every kitchen needs now, plus a little invitation at the end to help you stock up and cook like a pro this season. 1. Calabash Nutmeg (Ehuru) Calabash nutmeg — also called “ehuru” — is...
Thanksgiving has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re brushing off Harmattan dust or racing through the year, and the next—boom—the holiday season is knocking on the kitchen door, asking what we’re cooking. But here’s the truth: Thanksgiving isn’t really about the turkey, or the table setting, or even the big feast. It’s about the traditions that anchor us. The small rituals that feel small in the moment but somehow turn into the stories we tell for years. Let me show you what I mean. The Thanksgiving That Taught Me the Real Meaning of Tradition My most unforgettable Thanksgiving happened years ago when my aunt decided the family needed “something different.” Instead of sticking to our...
The first time I ever watched an American Thanksgiving dinner on TV, I remember thinking, “Why is everyone gathered around this giant bird and cheering like they won the World Cup?”Roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, pies lined up like trophies—there was something magical about it. A celebration filled with warmth, gratitude, and… unforgettable food. Fast forward to now, many of us love the meaning behind it: pausing to say thank you, to gather with loved ones, and of course, to enjoy good food. And because we’re food lovers here, let’s explore some fun and tasty Thanksgiving facts you may not have heard before! Did You Know? Thanksgiving Edition 1. The First Thanksgiving Didn’t Have Turkey Yes, you read that right! The...
It was October 23rd, a seemingly ordinary day. But in the kitchens and food labs of history, something quietly remarkable was happening. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a bustling workshop in early 19th-century France. Candles flicker, wooden barrels line the walls, and a determined inventor kneels over a strange bowl, sealing jars of food in glass containers. That inventor: Nicolas Appert, the pioneer of food canning. Born in 1749–1752, Appert would eventually publish his findings after 14 years of trial, error and persistence and play a crucial role in how we preserve food today. Meanwhile, across the ocean and closer to what we might call comfort dessert territory, another food story was unfolding. Because yes, on this...
