The flavors are intense and powerful because of the rustic, wholesome ingredients. After you’re finished reading, you may never want to leave the kitchen!
]]>First, eating at home is way more affordable than eating out. On top of that, home-cooking just tastes better than anything else. There’s nothing quite like preparing a hearty, flavorful dish for the ones you love—or even for yourself.
What makes home cooking even better?
When you’re able to bring authentic and traditional African recipes to life.
Why?
Because the flavors, as a rule, are intense and leave a lasting impression. They’re influenced by imported spices. Furthermore, these spices are affordable and can be bought in bulk, lasting for months.
If you want to bring Africa's rich aromas and delicious tastes into your dining room, read on and learn these ten easy-to-make recipes:
Jollof rice is one of many African recipes that has an array of variations.
However, the five must-have ingredients that you’ll find in this dish are as follows:
It’s rare for there to be a Nigerian dish without Jollof rice being an integral component in the recipe. And this delicious offering is best known for being brought out for festive occasions.
Much like how many southern states have a rivalry over BBQ, many West African communities are trying to stake their claim to the best Jollof recipe.
This West African dish, also known as Chicken Yassa, is beautiful in its simplicity. Here are the three straightforward steps that’ll lead to Senegal-inspired deliciousness:
The first time you try this splendid dish won’t be the last, because it’s guaranteed to become one of your weeknight-dinner staples.
How does this sound? Take sumptuous Nigerian herbs and spices along with either flavorful goat meat or with fish combined with a light broth that's packed with flavor.
Peppersoup is what cures the soul in West Africa, just as chicken soul does in North America. This splendid soup provides comfort and warmth. It seems to carry healing powers with its rich earthiness if you’re feeling gloomy or under the weather.
Versions of this soup are varying, but for it to be authentically pepper soup, it must possess the traditional seasoning, which includes:
There’s ready-made spice mix available online, but you can also make a variation without Nigerian ingredients.
Mashed peas and potatoes with corn (irio) is a trademark Kenyan dish known both for convenience and excellent flavors.
Not only can irio hold its own as a standalone meal, but it’s also an ideal side with grilled meats. Though, if you’re going meatless and prefer keeping things plant-based in the kitchen, stir a cup of thawed lima beans into the mash.
In the local dialect, irio translates to “food,” speaking to how much of a signature meal this offering can be.
Nothing quite says bright and intense flavors like a chicken braised in broth with dates and raisins.
East African braised chicken stems from the Indian spice trade that introduced potent, aromatic curry dishes to the region. Also, making this traditional African recipe requires a regional braising technique.
The most economical way to go about preparing the chicken is starting with a 3-to-4-pound bird. Then you must remove the bone-in breasts, thighs, and drumsticks.
Pork tenderloin, in and of itself, is an absolutely mouth-watering dish. When you immerse this delectable cut of meat with North African style cuisine, it becomes dynamic and irresistible.
The magic spell of this recipe is bolstered by roasted red bell peppers, cumin, garlic, and coriander.
Now, all you need is yogurt sauce, and you’ll have a ridiculously tasty main dish that fills your belly and feeds your soul.
There does tend to be a story behind most traditional African food, and this refreshing salad is no different. More specifically, mangoes were brought to the eastern region by Persian traders in the 10th century.
Of course, this delightfully fresh dish isn’t enough to stand on its own, and best acts as a complement to a more robust plate. It pairs with stewed or braised meats (like the chicken we just discussed!), adding some bright notes for balance.
If you want to further diversify and brighten the flavors, try adding these delicious spices:
Then you can add some peanuts for an added crunch, for a more well-rounded texture. Red jalapenos are usually found in this salad, but if they aren’t available, use twice as many green ones.
One of the world’s most famous Ethiopian chefs, Marcus Samuelsson, has put forth his own magnificent version of this dish. Unlike the chef’s modern version, traditionally, this pasta offering is known for butter and oily richness.
Yes, pasta isn’t necessarily something associated with African cuisine. But a brief Italian occupation during WWII left a European impact in both the cathedrals and the kitchens.
Mafé (otherwise known as maafe) is a dish that originated in Mali, then spread across the West African region. It’s probably best known in Gambia and Senegal, where it was popularized during the colonial period. It was during a time when initiatives were put in place to increase the production of groundnuts.
This Malian dish combines meat with a peanut or peanut butter sauce. It’s then served over rice or couscous.
In Ghana, there are whitish/yellowish local vegetables called garden eggs.
The eggplants are commonly and successfully used as the primary ingredient in a stew. They're combined with okra, meat, and continually smoking palm oil. Together, this mishmash of flavorful goodness creates an unbelievably decadent dish.
Throughout Ghana, aubergine stew is regularly served with a soured maize meal starch known as banku. We also suggest serving it on a bed of couscous.
You Won’t Need to Search for “African Food Near Me?” With These Recipes
When we're all told to stay home, it's good to have the added motivation of these delicious African recipes to help us remain put.
While you're making these awesome recipes at-home, take a look at our "50 Shows and Movies to Stream Right Now".
]]>We are donating $6,000 to The National Society of Black Engineers and an additional $6,000 to The Equal Justice Initiative.
The money donated to the National Society of Black Engineers will go toward scholarships. These scholarships will ensure that black youth have access to good higher education and the tools needed to become successful engineers.
Our donation for the Equal Justice Initiative will help support the lawyers and legal teams who are working tirelessly to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment in the United States, and to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
These organizations were chosen from the many suggestions we received from you either through social media or email. Thank you for doing your part in supporting us and these organizations.
]]>No matter if you have long or short hair, curly or wavy, with braids or even straightened, we know you’ll love experimenting with the five natural black hairstyles we’ll teach you in today’s article!
You’ll need: a wide-tooth comb, a hair tie, big hair clips, leave-in conditioner, cream, gel, and a fake hair puff
We’ve all seen RiRi rock her Bantu knots many times and we’ve all wondered how we too can achieve this trendy look. And the truth is that it’s not nearly as difficult as it might seem!
When done correctly, this hairstyle can hold for up to five days, so it’s perfect if you’re having a busy week and don’t want to have to worry about your hair.
You’ll need: bobby pins, hair ties, a wide-tooth comb, a brush, oil, and gel or cream (with medium hold)
Looking for a simple but fun hairstyle? Then you should try doing the double buns! You can do them as high or as low as you want -- with your natural hair or extensions -- no matter what hair texture you have.
This hairstyle is great for those bad hair days when you need (or want) something a little bit more exciting, than just a ponytail or a braid. To make it extra cute, you can always lay your edges as well.
You’ll need: bobby pins, two hair ties, a wide-tooth comb, and cream
Box braids by themselves are already one of the coolest natural hairstyles there is. If you’re attending a special event or simply want to change things up a bit -- turning your braids into a big top knot is one of the simplest, yet most stylish things you can do.
You can turn your whole hair into a bun or leave the back half down - either way, this hairdo couldn’t be easier.
You’ll need: nothing!
Few hairstyles are as feminine and elegant as the beautiful halo braid. This hairdo looks amazing on all types and textures of natural hair and you can do it even if you have short hair - all you need is some long braided extensions.
The halo braid is a really versatile style and it works just as well for formal events, as it does casual occasions. If all of that wasn’t enough, once you master this hairstyle, you can get it done in less than 15 minutes!
You’ll need: bobby pins, a wide-tooth comb, and a gel spray
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So, which one of these hairstyles are you going to do first? Let us know in the comments below!
Be sure to also checkout our article on "9 Essential Black Hair Care Products You Need to Try in 2020"!
]]>However, understanding what those products are isn’t always a straightforward process. You need to consider the texture of your hair, the problems you want to solve, how damaged your hair is, and which nutrients it is lacking. All of this, while staying within your budget.
That’s why today’s article is for anyone out there who needs a hand perfecting their black hair care routine. Keep reading and discover our top nine products for natural hair in 2020!
1. Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream (Cantu)
Perfect if: You want to tame your frizzy hair.
Cantu is a popular brand of natural hair products and their Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is a must-have for anyone who struggles with frizz on a daily basis. With amazing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and avocado oil, this cream will moisturize your curls to the fullest.
2. Restorative Hair Mask (Moroccanoil)
Perfect if: Your hair is damaged due to heat or chemical treatments.
Dealing with damaged natural hair can be frustrating if you don’t know how to bring it back to life. Thanks to its deeply restorative formula, the Restorative Hair Mask by Moroccanoil will do the job by giving your hair some much-needed proteins, vitamins, and oils.
The mask works in as little as five minutes and it is a great choice if you want a light product that won’t weigh too much on your hair, no matter how fine it is.
3. Oat Milk Blend Shampoo (Aveeno)
Perfect if: Your curls look dull and dehydrated.
There are certain ingredients that do wonders for natural black hair and oat is definitely one of them. The Oat Milk Blend Shampoo by Aveeno is an excellent product choice for all types of curls. As the combination of oat and almond milk, provides for the right amount of moisture that natural hair demands to look shiny and gorgeous.
4. Style Vegetal Sculpting Gel (Rene Furterer)
Perfect if: You want to style and define your tight curls.
If you have type 3 or 4 curly hair and you’re looking for a gel that will help you define your curls and perfect your hairstyles, Rene Furterer’s Style Vegetal Sculpting Gel is an awesome choice. This product offers stronghold to your hair that will last for hours, and it also protects it from UV rays.
5. Haitian Black Castor Oil (Kreyòl Essence)
Perfect if: You want your hair to grow faster.
If you’ve been trying to grow healthy, long natural hair for months - or even years - and it seems like nothing happens, you might need a product like Haitian Black Castor Oil. This oil is rich in vitamin E, proteins, and omega 6 and 9. Which will not only promote hair growth, but moisturize and repair it as well. If you or your partner has a beard that needs some care, they can also use this product. A real 2-in-1!
6. Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler (Oribe)
Perfect if: Your hair is tangly all the time.
Dealing with hair knots isn’t easy. Dealing with knots when you have natural hair… a big challenge, for sure. Oribe’s Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler has three amazing oils - olive, avocado, and jojoba - that will soften and moisturize your hair. It also contains three kinds of butter - murumuru, mango, and cocoa seed - that will prevent breakage and strengthen your curls. Perfect for types 3 and 4!
7. Urban Moisture Conditioner (Shu Uemura)
Perfect if: You have dry hair.
The Urban Moisture Conditioner has many great ingredients. Two that we should highlight are red micro-algae and moringa flower. Both are extremely nutritionally rich and the first one fights free radicals and promotes healthy hair growth. While the second one has deep hydration properties.
8. Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie (Shea Moisture)
Perfect if: You’re transitioning to natural hair.
If you’ve recently decided that you want to start rocking your natural hair, it’s essential that you use the right products to revitalize it. Thanks to its rich formula, the Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie will hydrate, protect, and soften your hair, making it easier to manage during this transition period. Plus, it smells delicious!
9. Revitalizing Fortifying Serum (Sisley)
Perfect if: Your scalp needs some love.
Achieving your natural hair goals isn’t just about the hair itself: your scalp needs some special attention as well. Sisley’s Revitalizing Fortifying Serum has plenty of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and extracts! These amazing ingredients will guarantee the good health of your scalp and, consequently, of your hair, no matter what texture you have.
The natural hair journey can be a long one, but knowing which products work best for you can help you in many different ways. Leave a comment if you try any of our recommended products and let us know what you thought of them!
]]>“What do kids do all day when they’re at school?!”
If you’ve run out of activities to entertain your kids -- trust us -- you’re not alone and we can help with some great ideas. Read on as we go through five simple, yet effective ways of keeping your children busy during quarantine!
1. Make Sure They Follow Their School Routine
Your child is used to following a certain routine during their school days and maintaining it is a great way to keep them busy during the quarantine.
If your kid’s school is doing online classes, most of the routine will already be planned out. Make sure that your child has a tidy, distraction-free spot to attend their classes.
If your kid isn’t attending online classes, or you’re homeschooling them instead, remember to:
Creating a school routine will be beneficial for yourself as well, as it will allow you to plan out your working hours more efficiently. Plus, it will give all of you some structure in a time when losing track of time and giving in to procrastination is so easy.
2. Go Outdoors (But Be Careful)
Yes, we should all be at home. However, going outdoors can make these stressful time a lot easier to deal with, no matter if you’re a child or an adult.
So, how can you do so while ensuring everyone’s safety?
If you have a backyard, it’s easy. There are plenty of activities you can do with your kids that will keep you all entertained while you get some much-needed vitamin D.
Just to name a few:
Your child can still enjoy the outdoors, even if you don’t have a backyard - you just need to be extra careful. Go on walks or bike rides around the neighborhood and, most importantly, avoid playgrounds and playdates.
3. Take Virtual Tours
Right now, you can’t go on traditional family adventures. So the second-best thing is to go on the virtual tours, that countless attractions around the world, have made available during the outbreak.
Finding the perfect one is a matter of doing some research, but here are four tours every kid would love:
4. Have Friendly Family Competitions
A little competition never hurt anyone, did it?
You can have some occasional activities with the kids or go full out and organize the Quarantine Olympics of 2020. Keep scores and choose a grand prize for the winner. A few activities you should definitely include are:
5. Cook With Your Kids
There are many tasks in the kitchen that your children can help you with like: getting the ingredients from the fridge or pantry, measuring and pouring them, or even chopping them; if you have a kid-friendly knife.
This is a great opportunity to teach your child some basic cooking and nutritional skills -- letting them know what makes a healthy, balanced meal.
If your child is old enough, it can also be fun to reverse the roles: they’re the main chef and you’re their helper. Not only is this a great way of improving their leadership skills, but it’ll relieve you of some of the million tasks you probably have on your hands right now!
Thriving During the Coronavirus Outbreak - Family Style
We’re all stuck at home and we’re all going through a bit of a rough patch - toddlers and children included!
However, as you can see, there are many things you can do during this quarantine!. Things that will keep everyone busy, that will allow you to create some unique family memories and even that will teach your kids some useful skills.
Stay positive and be safe!
If you are looking for some other great ways to kill time during this quarantine -- check out our Quarantine and Chill list!
]]>At spfraidersoccercamp, we know how important it is for black women to be leaders and empower their communities by enacting change and setting a good example. Our CEO and Founder, Addie, hopes that we continue to see more black women in leadership roles.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first elected female President in Africa. She became the President of Liberia back in the year 2006 and served as president until 2018. During her reign, she has received several awards. In 2011, she was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize along with two others to recognize their efforts in bringing women into the peacekeeping process. In June 2016, she was elected as the Chair of Economic Community of West African States, making her the first woman to hold the position since its creation. She did great things for the country of Liberia and the world.
Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda was the Malawi’s first female-vice president, first female president, and the second woman to become president on the African continent. She was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and is an activist for women’s rights. During her time as Vice President (2009-2012) she founded the People’s Party in 2011, right before she became President in 2012. She is a powerful woman who has used her passion and knowledge to lead Malawi and be a strong leader amongst world leaders.
The first and only woman to ever hold the positions of Burundi’s Prime Minister and Acting President is Sylvie Kinigi. Her leadership was very important because she rose to an important position during the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis. Kinigi was Tutsi while the President was Hutu, the did this as a way to show others that it is possible to exist in peace. Unfortunately, the President and six ministers were killed by armed Tutsi. She then stepped in as the acting President.
Elected into office on October 25, 2018, Sahle-Work Zewde became the first woman to be President Ethiopia. Before becoming President, she worked in different positions within the UN and as an Ambassador for her country. She is making positive changes in her country and in 2019, she was recognized as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes and was the highest-ranking African woman on the list.
These women are an inspiration to black women around the world. They show that we can truly do everything, including leading countries. Tell us in the comments about a black female leader who inspires you.
]]>We’re a big fan of makeup and how it can bring an outfit together. One of the fastest-growing cosmetic lines operated by a black woman is The Crayon Case. The Crayon Case is known for its bright colors and creative packaging. The makeup is a big hit amongst amateur makeup users who desire to recreate fashionable looks. The owner, Raynell Steward has created a brand with a very loyal fan base. For Cyber Monday in 2019, she grossed 1.3 million in one hour.
What black woman hasn’t wished for a beanie or turban that can protect hair instead of leaving us with a mess on our heads? Grace Eleyae created the solution for us with an incredible line of headpieces that are lined with satin. This means that black women now have a stylish piece to wear on their heads that will protect our hair instead of messing it up. She filled a need that the community wanted filling and her business is doing well.
One of the fastest-growing tax companies in America is owned and operated by Dana Chanel and her husband. Their company, called Jumping Jack Taxes, is a family business and wants to create generational wealth within the community. Their goal is to keep money in the hands of black people and help folks gain financial literacy.
Lastly, we ourselves are owned and operated by Addie Elabor. This company was started by her and has grown into an amazing business. She took her background and created a trendy fashion line for those who also want to rep their heritage.
In recent news, a black woman-owned company, Honey Pot, was accused of being “racist” to white people for stating, that she wants her company to do well "so the next black girl that comes up with a great idea could have a better opportunity". The backlash targeted toward the company was due to a commercial released by Target. The commercial for feminine hygiene products used black actors for the portrayal. Immediately, there was a response from the internet as people left poor reviews for the company on multiple sites. This is an example of why we need more representation of the black community.
Representation helps create self-worth for young women and makes them feel just as worthy and as important as any other race. Representation also has another side to it, where it encourages society to also accept other races and forms of beauty as commonplace and mainstream. It helps build a bridge between races by helping educate people on cultural differences. Sometimes people are afraid to ask questions that they think might be disrespectful or rude toward a group of people. However, watching these conversations play out over television or through stories can bring people together.
In the case of Honey Pot, the backlash tells us that we need even more representation. There was no reason for people to find the commercial “racist” for wishing that black women have more opportunities to share their ideas. The Honey Pot commercial is a sign of changing times.
At spfraidersoccercamp, we work hard to create trendy African print fashion and also create an inclusive community that accurately represents strong men and women of color. Our bold prints and vibrant colors are perfect for those who like to let their clothes do the talking. Part of our goal as a company is to build up the youth through positive representation.
For young, impressionable girls it is imperative to raise their confidence and self-esteem, so they grow up to be strong women. The bottom line is that representation makes young women feel like they matter and gives them a voice.
Our goal is to continue to provide an inclusive community and representation for all women and men of color by continually raising the bar. Be part of our community and support our goals of representation for people of color. Check out our vibrant and bold African Print Clothing and proudly represent this movement with us!
Don't forget to check out our recent blog "The Strength of Women's Suits" and shop our new Spring T-Shirt Collection!
]]>To celebrate our anniversary, we wanted to let you – our loyal customers, into our world to see what spfraidersoccercamp means to us. The word spfraidersoccercamp is special, the “D’” means “of” or “from“ in French, while “IYANU” means “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian language, Yoruba. The literal translation is “of or from [something] wonderful” reminding everyone that they’re uniquely and wonderfully made and to dress like it.
For the people that work tirelessly to produce the best African print clothing, the word means more than just its dictionary definition. For our anniversary, we wanted to share what spfraidersoccercamp means to us. Below, you’ll find quotes from various employees about how we feel about our company and where we are headed next.
"It's incredible to see how far spfraidersoccercamp has come since I launched it solo in my studio apartment in January of 2014. In six years, we've gone from a one woman show to a team of 17 people creating and promoting African inspired fashion that's shipped worldwide. The journey hasn't always been easy, but it has been worth it seeing the impact we've made with delighting our customers, hiring amazing employees and contributing to great charities. spfraidersoccercamp would not be what it is today without our wonderful customers and hard-working team. This anniversary is really to celebrate you! As I think about what the future holds for spfraidersoccercamp, I'm excited to see how much more impact we can make through our charitable contributions and growing the brand into a household name." - Addie (CEO)
"To me, spfraidersoccercamp means strength, beauty, knowledge of self, being comfortable with who you are, and expressing yourself through beautiful garments In the business of communicating cultural pride From an executive perspective, we’re looking to expand our product offering, and we want to do this by further understanding our customers. We hope in 5 years to serve 1 million customers on annual basis worldwide." - Dara (President)
"spfraidersoccercamp means connecting with people around the world with different backgrounds and bringing them together through fashion. In the next 5 years, I see us growing and expanding- adding locations across the world." - Kim (Customer Service)
"spfraidersoccercamp offers the world unique clothes. We have a chance to inspire. It’s very inspiring to be here from the beginning to see the company grow and be a part of the growth. In the future, I have high hopes for us with the plans that we have and growth that we expect to see. We are becoming more innovative." - Lisa (Customer Service)
"spfraidersoccercamp means bringing together cultural inspiration and modern fashion to provide cool new products to customers. In the future, I see the company becoming more mainstream; branching out from the niche to grow as a business. I predict we will look back in 20 years in amazement of how far our brand has grown." - Pete (Operations Manager)
"spfraidersoccercamp is the melding of cultural pride with everyday fashion. I see us putting out more innovative products that other competitors don’t serve to our customers and reaching out to more global markets." - Jen (Production)
"spfraidersoccercamp is a unique brand that inspires everyday people to embrace the essence of our existence, by wearing symbolic African prints. Our company is constantly challenging ourselves to find innovative ways to improve and elevate our brand to the next level. What make spfraidersoccercamp so unique is that we’re not afraid to take chances and being courageous. Which I believe our merchandise strongly reflects. We have an excellent following and loyal customers. I see big things for spfraidersoccercamp." - Cherish (Production)
"spfraidersoccercamp is revolutionizing the way that we see African clothing and taking things to the next level. I will see us taking things to a global level and creating more job opportunities worldwide." - Shahedah (Design)
"spfraidersoccercamp means African pride/ African American pride, empowerment and being proud of your culture. We are setting the trend for this fashion; there’s not a lot of companies doing what we do. In five years, we’re going to be way bigger than we are now. spfraidersoccercamp will be a household name and very well known. At the moment, we are small but in the future, people will know of us. We will be seen in major cities and branching out worldwide." - Sunni (Design)
"To me, spfraidersoccercamp means bold and daring. We have great patterns and prints that empower our customers." - Tatiana (Order Processing)
Thank you to all our customers for supporting us, we greatly appreciate the role you’ve had in helping us grow. We will continue to produce the best African Print Fashion for years to come. We look forward to hearing from you as well and sharing what our company means to you.
Please share your comments below for a chance to be featured on our Facebook/Instagram pages!
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