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• by:
• Butts, Rev. Dr. Calvin

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.