Food for the Soul

The congregants of the nationally renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church share their favorite recipes as well as the exceptional stories related to them. Since its founding nearly 200 years ago, Abyssinian has been a major social and religious voice of black Americans. One of the oldest African American churches in the United States and located in Harlem, it is a cultural melting pot of a ministry, with members from throughout the African Diaspora--and a history of cooking and eating that reflects that diversity. Yet beyond the great recipes for such dishes as Bahamian Seafood Cobbler, Soulful Chicken Stir-fry, Whipping Cream Biscuits, and Mama Georgia's Sweet Potato Pie lies a rich and textured account of how the church incorporates the creation and enjoyment of food into its love and devotion for God and humankind. Woven throughout is a fascinating account of Abyssinian's two centuries of serving the community told by its ministers, its parishoners, and, of course, its cooks. The stories within these pages are full of life--these anecdotes and recipes come from the heart and provide deep sustenance to the body and soul.