MOTIVATION & INSPIRATION

All the Amazing Black women in my family who came before me, my mother, my grandmother, sister, niece, aunts and cousins. Each of us has a special recipe, a taste, or specific smell of "Somethang Good"  

that takes you back to a childhood memory or family gathering.

Sharing these deep-rooted recipes passed down from family members is the legacy of our cultural experiences. Hoping this collection inspires readers to reflect on your own memories of cooking with family and good times shared with loved ones.

I dedicated this collection of family recipes to two very important people. First, I wanted to acknowledge and honor my late cousin Taisha Davis, better known as Tai, who loved to bake up magnificent desserts and other dishes. 

At holidays and family gatherings Taisha would bless us with splendid desserts, like her famously delicious Pineapple Upside Down Minis. 

Truly missed but never forgotten… I feel her love and presence with us & I am reminded of her genuineness and unique nature at the first sight of fresh falling snow each year!  

Melanin Meals is dedicated to my cousin Taisha Dinyce, better known as Tai, who loved to bake and unselfishly gave of herself and cared so deeply for others. 

Also written in honor of my Gran Diva, my maternal grandmother, the matriarch of our family… and the sweetest soul I know.