Make This Tonight Season 8 Episode 8 Southern Kwanzaa Feast

Make This Tonight, the popular cooking show, returns with its eighth season and a brand new episode titled "Southern Kwanzaa Feast." In this episode, the host and chef, Jen, brings to the audience a traditional Kwanzaa feast with a Southern twist that will leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. It is a time for family and friends to come together, light candles, exchange gifts, and share a special meal. Jen takes this opportunity to showcase some of her favorite dishes that perfectly capture the spirit of Kwanzaa.

The show begins with Jen introducing her guest, a local Kwanzaa expert who explains the significance of the holiday and its seven principles - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Jen then dives into the first course, which is a classic Southern dish with a twist - sweet potato bisque. She simmers sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, and ginger in a pot until they are soft, then blends them with coconut milk to create a silky smooth soup. She serves it with a garnish of pecans and drizzles of honey, which add a touch of sweetness.

For the main course, Jen prepares a mouth-watering roasted chicken that has been marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, including smoked paprika, thyme, garlic, and lemon. She places the chicken in the oven and lets it roast to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy meat. She serves it with a side of collard greens, a classic Southern staple, that has been cooked with smoked turkey to infuse it with a smoky flavor. She rounds out the meal with a delicious corn pudding, a creamy and cheesy dish that always impresses.

Dessert is not forgotten in this special Kwanzaa feast. Jen delights her guests with a decadent sweet potato pie, a Southern classic with an African American twist. She uses sweet potatoes that have been mashed and mixed with butter, sugar, spices, and a hint of rum, then bakes the mixture in a flaky crust until it is golden brown. She serves it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Throughout the episode, Jen shares tips and tricks for cooking each dish to perfection, including how to get the perfect texture for the bisque and how to make the chicken skin crispy without overcooking the meat. She also talks about the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and how to adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

In the end, Jen and her guests gather around the table to share the delicious meal and reflect on the meaning of Kwanzaa. They discuss the seven principles and how they can be applied to their lives, as well as how food can bring people together and create a sense of community. It is a heartwarming moment that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday.

Overall, "Southern Kwanzaa Feast" is a fantastic episode of Make This Tonight that showcases the diversity and richness of African American cuisine. Jen's innovative twist on classic dishes and her engaging hosting make it a must-watch for anyone who loves food and culture.