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Tyra McEwen

This Course will teach you the History & Origin of American Soul Food as well as demonstrations of popular Soul Food Recipes.  Students can expect to learn where the term Soul Food originated, why it's called Soul Food as well as how African American's learned to prepare the recipes that make up the cuisine of Soul Food.  In this course you can learn  six popular soul food recipes, including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Collard Kale Greens with Smoked Turkey, Salmon Patty Croquettes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Corn Bread Muffins and Sweet Potato Pie.

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What's inside

Syllabus

In this section we will be discussing the introduction to the course, the origin of soul food, the emancipation and Supper at Church and Buttermilk Fried Chicken
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This lecture introduces the subject of Soul Food, what it is and what it means to African Americans in this country.  The instructor also discusses her background as a veteran and why she is teaching this course.

Discusses how soul food originated in the 1960's through the Civil Right's and Black Nationalists movements.

Discusses the Emancipation of Slavery, how the slaves continued to make due with what they had by hunting and growing their food.

It also discusses how the Church began to play a major role in the lives of the African American community.

This is a demonstration about how I prepare my recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Discusses how the term "soul food" originated in the 1960's through the Civil Right's and Black Nationalists movements.

This lecture discusses the movement and migration of African American's from the southern states to the northern cities.

This lecture is a demonstration about how I prepare my recipe for Collard and Kale Greens with Smoked Turkey

This lecture is a demonstration about how I prepare my recipe for Corn Bread Muffins.

This lecture is about the ritual of Sunday Dinner in the African American Culture

This lecture explains the differences between Soul Food and Southern Food as well as why some people consider their food to be Soul or Southern.

This lecture is a discussion about the different types of food that came over to America during the Transatlantic Slave trade and are still beloved and  popular foods of the American diet to this day.

This is the demonstration for the way that I prepare Salmon Croquette Patties.

Demonstration of my recipe for Sweet Potato Pie

This lecture is the conclusion to the Soul Food 101 Course

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Employs a multi-modal approach comprising of video demonstrations, readings, and discussions
Explores the history and origin of American Soul Food, a topic highly relevant to the study of African American culture and history
Instructs students in the preparation of six popular Soul Food recipes, developing practical culinary skills
Provides a strong foundation for beginners interested in the topic of Soul Food
Offers a comprehensive study of one aspect of history, the arts, or the human condition, namely, the history and origin of American Soul Food
Could be taken as part of a broader curriculum on African American studies or culinary arts

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Reviews summary

Soul food: history and authentic recipes

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and unique experience, expertly blending rich historical context with practical authentic recipes. Students praise the engaging instructor for her passion and clear demonstrations. While it's particularly suited for beginners and home cooks eager to explore African American culinary traditions, some experienced learners found the culinary training aspects to be more basic, lacking advanced techniques. Minor issues like inconsistent video quality were occasionally noted.
Instructor's passion, knowledge, and storytelling make learning enjoyable.
"The instructor's passion for soul food history and culture truly shines through."
"The instructor is engaging and knowledgeable. I felt like I was learning from a family elder."
"The instructor is a wonderful storyteller and chef. Anyone interested in African American culinary traditions should take this."
Provides classic, authentic soul food recipes yielding delicious results.
"The cooking demonstrations for dishes like the fried chicken and mac & cheese were incredibly clear and easy to follow."
"The recipes are authentic and delicious. The collard greens recipe is now a staple in my home."
"The recipes are exactly what I remember from my grandmother's kitchen. The fried chicken technique alone was worth the price."
Masterfully combines historical insights with practical cooking.
"I loved learning about the origins and evolution of soul food, not just the recipes."
"I appreciated the blend of historical context with practical cooking. The lessons on the Great Migration ... were particularly enlightening."
"The way the history of soul food is interwoven with the cooking demonstrations is brilliant. It's not just about cooking; it's about culture and heritage."
Some demonstrations have varying video, lighting, or audio quality.
"My only minor critique is that some of the video quality in a couple of the early demonstration sections could be a little sharper..."
"The demonstrations are generally good, but sometimes the angle or lighting could be improved for better visibility of certain steps."
"The video quality for some of the demos was also inconsistent. Audio was a bit muffled at times too."
Excellent for new cooks, but less suited for advanced culinary professionals.
"It's fine for absolute beginners, but not really for someone looking to elevate their existing skills."
"I signed up for a 'culinary training course' expecting more detailed cooking instruction and professional techniques. The demonstrations felt like someone cooking at home..."
"For a professional, the cooking techniques demonstrated might be a bit too simplified. I think this course is perfect for home cooks or those wanting to learn the basics and the cultural story."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Soul Food 101 Certificate Culinary Training Course with these activities:
Review Reading Materials
Refresh your memory of the history and origins of Soul Food by reviewing reading materials from the course.
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus.
  • Go through the introductory lecture.
Practice Cooking Techniques
Improve your ability to prepare Soul Food dishes by practicing cooking techniques.
Browse courses on Cooking Techniques
Show steps
  • Identify basic cooking techniques used in Soul Food recipes.
  • Find practice recipes or exercises.
  • Practice the techniques repeatedly, seeking feedback when possible.
Follow Along with Cooking Demonstrations
Solidify your understanding of Soul Food recipes by following along with cooking demonstrations provided in the course.
Show steps
  • Gather necessary ingredients.
  • Watch and follow the cooking demonstration videos.
  • Take notes and ask questions if needed.
  • Optionally, try making the recipes yourself.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Answer Questions in Discussion Forum
Share your knowledge and help fellow learners by answering questions in the course discussion forum.
Show steps
  • Join the course discussion forum.
  • Monitor the forum for questions.
  • Answer questions accurately and respectfully.
Write a Recipe Blog Post
Expand your knowledge and practice communicating about Soul Food by writing a recipe blog post.
Browse courses on Cooking
Show steps
  • Choose a Soul Food recipe to focus on.
  • Research and gather information about the recipe.
  • Write clear and engaging content that includes the recipe.
  • Optionally, include images or videos to enhance the post.
Create a Meal Plan and Cook a Soul Food Meal
Demonstrate your mastery of Soul Food by creating a meal plan and preparing a complete Soul Food meal.
Browse courses on Meal Planning
Show steps
  • Research and choose recipes for a 3-course Soul Food meal.
  • Plan the meal, considering timing and ingredients.
  • Purchase necessary ingredients.
  • Prepare the meal according to the recipes.
  • Optionally, invite friends or family to enjoy the meal with you.
Enter a Soul Food Cooking Competition
Challenge yourself and showcase your Soul Food cooking skills by entering a competition.
Browse courses on Culinary Arts
Show steps
  • Research and identify Soul Food cooking competitions.
  • Select a competition and review the rules and requirements.
  • Develop a unique and impressive Soul Food dish.
  • Practice and refine the dish.
  • Enter the competition and present your dish.

Career center

Learners who complete Soul Food 101 Certificate Culinary Training Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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