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FINER

FINER FLAVORS Created by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - State of South Carolina

South Carolina State Reporter - Latoya Jeeter

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

CREATED IN December 2023

🎄 Welcome to the Heartwarming Flavors of the Season! 🎁 Dear Culinary Enthusiasts and Festive Foodies,

FOOD PHOTO BY Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated State of South Carolina

SPONSORED BY The State of South Carolina

In these pages, you'll find more than just recipes; you'll discover a collection of stories, a symphony of aromas, and a gallery of flavors that capture the essence of the holidays. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, our carefully curated selection of recipes promises to inspire, delight, and bring people together in the true spirit of the season. From cozy classics that evoke the nostalgic scents of cinnamon and nutmeg to innovative creations that put a modern twist on beloved traditions, our holiday cookbook is a treasure trove of culinary delights. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the magic of the holidays unfold in your kitchen. May this cookbook become a cherished companion during your festive preparations, making your gatherings more joyful, your tables more bountiful, and your holiday season truly unforgettable. Wishing you a season filled with love, laughter, and, of course, delicious moments!

Warmest wishes,

Soror Jeeter

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPETIZERS 1. Vegan Broccoli Salad - Soror Lisa McClease - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter 2. Smoked Salmon Dip - Soror Latasha Smart - Upsilon Rho Zeta Chapter 3. Liberian Meat on a Stock - Soror Eris Buxton-Speights - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter 4. A.C.’s Magic Barbeque Sauce - Anthony Coker - Zeta Male Network of Rock Hill

MAIN DISH/SIDES 1. The Perfect Mac and Cheese - Soror Rasheedah H. Muhammad - Delta Xi Zeta Chapter 2. Vegan Broccoli Salad - Soror Lisa McClease - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter 3. Chicken Casserole - Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

DESSERTS 1. Cold Oven Pound Cake - Soror Linda Holland - Zeta Lambda Zeta Chapter 2. Red Velvet Cake - Dr. Reathea Nesbitt - Gamma Zeta Chapter 3. Original Pound Cake - Soror Gail Burnes - Mu Pi Zeta Chapter 4. Sweet Potato Bites (or pie) - Soror Patricia Brown - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter 5. Blueberry Delights - Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter 6. Kemp’s ‘Nana Pudding - Soror Brenda Kemp - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter 7. Old Fashioned Jelly Cake - Soror Linda S. Wilson - Beta Pi Zeta Chapter

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Rasheedah H. Muhammad - Delta Xi Zeta Chapter

The PERFECT Mac and Cheese It’s the perfect amount of cheese and elbow noodles noodle!

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Rasheedah H. Muhammad - Delta Xi Zeta Chapter

The PERFECT Mac and Cheese It’s the perfect amount of cheese and elbow noodles noodle! PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

45 minutes

35 Minutes

DIRECTIONS

16oz box of Elbow Noodles

Cook noodles er the directions on the box.

1/2 cup of Milk⁣

Drain the noodles once they’re tender to touch and taste (do not rinse the noodles).

1/2 cup of Heavy whipping cream⁣ 1 stick of butter, softened ⁣ 1/2 cup of Sharp cheese (Shredded)⁣ 1/2 cup of Colby Cheese (Shredded)⁣

In a mixing bowl, combine noodles and one stick of butter. ⁣ Add your cheeses (Velveeta first to mix and melt into the mixture followed by the other cheeses). Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and stir. Transfer your mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375 for 45min. ⁣ 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:⁣

1/2 cup of Muenster Cheese⁣

Follow each step previously mentioned, add seasonings (white pepper, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder) and

1/2 cup of Smoked Gouda ⁣

also stir in a tsp or capful of apple cider vinegar after adding the milk and heavy cream.

1 16oz or 32oz block of Velveeta⁣cheese

Stir and transfer to a baking dish.

1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp black pepper 1 Egg 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)⁣ 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional) 1 tsp white pepper (optional) 1/2 tsp black cracked peppercorn (optional)

Scramble 1 egg yolk in a bowl and mix into the macaroni mixture before baking at 375 for 45 min. ⁣ Bake at 375 for 45min occasionally stirring the mixture Adjust the recipe to taste as you go and your desired serving size. This recipe easily doubles and triples without losing flavor or consistency.

EQUIPMENT USED 2 Mixing bowls Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients,

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Lisa McClease - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Vegan Broccoli Salad It's delicious and can be eaten as a main dish or side dish.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Lisa McClease - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Vegan Broccoli Salad It's delicious and can be eaten as a main dish or side dish. PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

45 minutes

35 Minutes

DIRECTIONS

Uncooked Broccoli Florets - 2 cups (bite size

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, cover the bowl, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

pieces)

Also, add more of each ingredient or subtract ingredients based on your preference and/or health restrictions.

Red Onion - 1/4 onion chopped in small pieces Vegan Feta Cheese - 1 cup Raisins - 1/2 cup Cranberries - 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts - 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans - 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds 1/2 cup Raspberry Walnut Vinegarette - 1/2 cup Salt - 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper - 1/2 Teaspoon

EQUIPMENT USED 2 Mixing bowls Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients,

Unless you really like onions, don't add too much onions because they will overpower the other ingredients.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Linda Holland - Zeta Lambda Zeta Chapter

Cold Oven Pound Cake

This recipe is a "never fail." Always a "crowd pleaser". The cake is always moist and never disappoints. You may choose to glaze, frost, or just slice and enjoy! It lends itself to freezing very well also. Hope your family enjoys it as much as mine.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Linda Holland - Zeta Lambda Zeta Chapter

Cold Oven Pound Cake

PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS 3 cups granulated sugar 2 sticks of unsalted butter 1/2 cup shortening 5 extra large eggs 3 cups of cake flour

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

2 Hours

1 slice per serving

DIRECTIONS Do Not Preheat The Oven!! Prepare the tube pan with shortening and flour for baking the cake. Place sugar, butter, and shortening in the large mixing bowl and mix until all incorporated very well. Add one egg at a time beating into the batter well. Measure your chosen extract into the cup of milk. Then add one third of the flour mix to the already creamed mixture, mix in well.

1 cup milk, whole dairy milk

Alternately add 1/3 of the milk in very well.

1 tsp lemon extract or almond extract

Repeat the above 2 steps until all milk and flour has been thoroughly

EQUIPMENT USED 2 Mixing bowls Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients,

mixed into batter. Pour batter in the tube pan, scraping the bowl sides. Place the cake on the middle rack. Set the timer for 2 hours. Then turn the oven on to 300 F. The secret is mixing the batter well, but not rapidly beating the batter! Take your time it will be well worth your time and energy!

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Red Velvet Cake

State Director - Dr. Reathea Nesbitt - Gamma Zeta Chapter

I love this recipe because it reminds me of my grandmother as should would prepare desserts from scratch for our family gatherings.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

State Director - Dr. Reathea Nesbitt - Gamma Zeta Chapter

Red Velvet Cake

I love this recipe because it reminds me of my grandmother as should would prepare desserts from scratch for our family gatherings.

PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

25-30 minutes

30 minutes

8-10 servings

DIRECTIONS

1 1/2 cups sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

Cream the sugar and oil in a large bowl.

2 large eggs 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 2/1 cups self-rising flour

Add the eggs, mixing well. Combine the cocoa powder and flour. Add the buttermilk and flour mixture alternately to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and food coloring. Beat well.

1 cup buttermilk

Combine the vinegar and baking soda; add to the batter. Beat well.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pour mixture into three well-greased and floured 8 - inch round cake pans.

1 oz red food coloring

Bake 30-35 minutes.

1 teaspoon vinegar

Remove from the oven and cool.

1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)

Layer with frosting and cover the top and sides. Decorate with pecans, if desired Frosting

Frosting

Cream the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer.

1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened

Slowly add the powered sugar until well mixed

1 stick butter or margarine

Stir in the vanilla.

2 (16 oz) packages powdered sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

EQUIPMENT USED 2 Mixing bowls Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients,

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Latasha Smart - Upsilon Rho Zeta Chapter

Smoked Salmon Dip

I love smoked salmon, and this is another way for me to enjoy it. It is also an easy way to introduce family and friends to smoked salmon.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Latasha Smart - Upsilon Rho Zeta Chapter

Smoked Salmon Dip

I love smoked salmon, and this is another way for me to enjoy it. It is also an easy way to introduce family and friends to smoked salmon.

PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

10 minutes

3-4 servings

DIRECTIONS

8 oz Cream Cheese (At room temperature)

Cream the cream cheese until smooth.

1/2 c. Sour Cream

Add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well.

1 tbs. Lemon Juice (Can be freshly squeezed or not) 1 tbs. Dill minced (Can be fresh or dried) 1 tsp. Horseradish (Drained) 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Pepper 4 oz. Smoked Salmon

EQUIPMENT USED Electric Mixer

Refrigerate to chill. Serve with vegetables, crackers, etc. See full instructions here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/smoked-salmon-dip-recipe-2106505

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Pound Cake

Soror Gail Burnes - Mu Pi Zeta Chapter

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Gail Burnes - Mu Pi Zeta Chapter

Pound Cake PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

1Hr 15 Min

1HR 15 Min

8-10 servings

DIRECTIONS

9 eggs

Beat eggs 1 minute.

3 sticks butter (softened)

Add butter and beat 1 minute till combined.

3 cups white granulated sugar 3 cups plain flour 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. almond extract

EQUIPMENT USED Stand mixer Tube pan (greased with shortening, and floured)

Add sugar and beat 1 minute till combined. Add flour one cup at a time and beat 30 seconds till combined but don't overbeat or baked results will be stiff. Add vanilla and almond flavorings and mix briefly. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until golden brown on top and cake tester comes out clean. Note: frequent opening and closing the oven will cause the cake to fall. Please do not use self-rising flour. It is common to add salt and baking powder to bread recipes using plain flour but not this one. Cake will rise without the addition of salt and baking powder and brown beautifully. I didn't believe this until I baked it the first time, 30 years ago. This recipe was given to me (without the almond flavoring) 30 years ago by a former teacher. I experimented over the years with different flavors and found I loved the combination of almond extract with vanilla extract. Be careful with almond extract because it is potent, and will overpower the vanilla if you add much more.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Patricia Brown - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter

Sweet Potato Bites You can use just a sweet potato pie recipe. The filling that is left can be used for a sweet potato pie.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Patricia Brown - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter

Sweet Potato Bites You can use just a sweet potato pie recipe. The filling that is left can be used for a sweet potato pie. PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

30-40 minutes

24 servings

DIRECTIONS

3 or 4 Sweet Potatoes

Wash your potatoes

1 stick of unsalted butter

Place them on a baking pan

1 canned of sweetened condensed milk ½ cup of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until soft. Poke with a fork to check if done. Peel potatoes and place them in a bowl. Add the butter and blend with a hand blender until creamy. Remove any potato strings

1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Add in your remaining ingredients and mix with until well combined (Please season with spices to your desired taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Unroll the crust

2 Eggs

Use the cookie cutter to cut out your circles

Purchase 1 Pillsbury Pie Crusts Box with 2

Push the circle crust in the mini muffin tins, being careful to make sure the crust is open for the sweet potato filling

Crusts

Fill the crust with the sweet potato pie filling Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until done. Check the mini bites bottom to make sure they don’t burn

EQUIPMENT USED Mini Muffin Pan (24 count) Round Cookie Cutter (I used a 2 ¾ size but 2 or 3 inches is still good) Baking Pan

You can use just a sweet potato pie recipe. The filling that is left can be used for a sweet potato pie.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Chicken Casserole Down-home comfort food!

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Chicken Casserole Down-home comfort food PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

50 minutes

4-5 servings

DIRECTIONS

2 cups of cooked shredded chicken

In a large skillet, combine oil, onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Sauté until peppers

1 Tbsp. oil

are tender-crisp.

1 cup chopped onion 1 green pepper, chopped

To the skillet add, chicken, corn, soup and garlic powder. Mix well. Add salt and pepper

1 cup fresh mushrooms

to taste.

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

Cook noodles in boiling, salted water until barely tender. Drain.

1 can tomato soup

To the skillet, add cooked noodles and 1 cup cheese. Toss to blend. Spoon into a 2-

¼ tsp. garlic powder

quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Salt and pepper to taste 1 pkg. (8 oz.) medium-size noodles 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided

EQUIPMENT USED Baking dish Mixing bowl

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Blueberry Delight Yummy, yummy good!

Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Soror Monica Butler - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Blueberry Delights Yummy good PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

45 minutes

6 servings

DIRECTIONS

1 8-inch square pan:

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, lemon juice, and nutmeg.

¼ cup (½ stick) soft butter

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Blend into creamed mixture alternately with the

½ cup granulated sugar 1 egg

milk.

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Butter an 8-inch square pan. Spread cake mixture into the pan. Sprinkle blueberries

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

evenly over the top.

1 cup all-purpose flour

In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients until the mixture makes coarse

1 tsp. baking powder

crumbs. Sprinkle mixture over the blueberries.

¼ tsp. salt ¼ cup milk

Bake at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream

2 cups (1 pint) fresh blueberries

Topping: ½ cup granulated sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup (1 stick) soft butter

EQUIPMENT USED Baking dish Mixing bowl

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Brenda Kemp - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Kemps ‘Nana Pudding My little slice of heaven that I can make quickly.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Soror Brenda Kemp - Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Kemp’s ‘Nana Pudding My little slice of heaven that I can make quickly. PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

30 minutes

30-35 minutes

8-10 servings

DIRECTIONS

1 cup of powdered sugar

Mix the powdered sugar/ cream cheese and vanilla flavoring together in a mixer until

1 8oz packages of cream cheese

easy to spread.

1 teaspoons of vanilla flavoring 1 graham cracker crust pie shell (I look for the

Take your graham cracker crust and layer some vanilla wafers on the bottom and then

one with the extra slices)

spread your cream cheese base on top and around the edges.

1 box of vanilla wafers (you will not need the

Slice at least one or two bananas on top of the cream cheese and spread out.

whole box)

Mix your pudding mix according to the box for the pie recipe, which calls for less milk.

4 bananas (or as many as you like)

Pour over the mixture (if it is a little running let it sit for a minute first). Place some more

1 large box or 2 small boxes of Instant Jell-O Banana pudding mix (follow directions on the box) 1 container of cool whip

EQUIPMENT USED Mixing bowls Mixer

cookies around the outside of mixture. Then cover and refrigerate about 4 hours at least longer is better until set. Once set add the additional bananas and cover with whip cream (you will not use the whole container. Crush up some cookies and sprinkle on top. Just slice it like a pie or you can cup it up and add additional bananas in the cup with topping.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Eris Buxton-Speights - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter

Liberian Meat on a Stick My little slice of heaven that I can make quickly.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Eris Buxton-Speights - Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter

Liberian Meat on a Stick My little slice of heaven that I can make quickly. PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

1 hour

5-6 servings

DIRECTIONS

Cube meat (pack of desired serving)

Split the peppers in half. Blend 1 half and cube the other for the kabobs.

Peppers(Green, Yellow and Red) and

Blend the peppers.

Habaneros Onions

Combine the peppers with meat, seasoning, and peanut butter. It would be great to

Garlic

combine and save overnight. This will help the meat marinade.

Seasoning( To you liking)

Cube the 2nd half of peppers.

Kabobs Sticks

Alternate the peppers and meat on the kabob sticks.

Peanut butter(optional because of allergies)

You can grill the meat on the grill or put it in the oven at 400 degrees until desired. If

Oven or Grill

EQUIPMENT USED Oven or Grill

you use the oven, turn the meat every 20 minutes until done. If you do not eat meat, you can use salmon or make it all vegetables. * Peanut allergy

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Linda S. Wilson - Beta Pi Zeta Chapter

Old Fashioned Jelly Cake When I was young my mom always made this cake at Christmas time.

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Soror Linda S. Wilson - Beta Pi Zeta Chapter

Old Fashioned Jelly Cake When I was young my mom always made this cake at Christmas time. PREPARATION TIME:

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

35-40 minutes

16 servings

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Cake Mixture

Cake

3 Cups Self-Rising Flour 2 Cups Sugar 2 Sticks Butter (1 Salted and 1 Unsalted);

Combine Butter and Sugar Add Eggs

softened

Add Milk and Vanilla

4 Large Eggs

Add Flour

11/2 Cups Milk

Pour Mixture in 9 inch non-stick cake pans.

2 Tbsp. Vanilla Flavoring

Bake @ *350 degrees 35-40 minutes or until done.

Maraschino Cherries

Jelly Frosting

Jelly

1 Large Jar Apple Jelly

Melt Butter

1/2 Cup Sugar

Add Sugar

1 Stick Butter

Add Jelly

EQUIPMENT USED Bowl and 9-inch cake pans

Cook on medium heat constantly stirring. Drizzle over each layer. Garnish with Cherries

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Anthony Coker - Zeta Male Network of Rock Hill

A.C.’s Magic Bar-B-Que Sauce

Finer Flavors Vol. 1

Anthony Coker - Zeta Male Network of Rock Hill

A.C.’s Magic Bar-B-Que Sauce PREPARATION TIME:

INGREDIENTS

COOK TIME

READY IN

PORTION FOR

45 minutes

32 ounces per ingred.

DIRECTIONS

1 ½ cups of mayonnaise

Steps 1: Gather all ingredients

1 ½ cups of ketchup

Step 2: Blend the ingredients in a mixing bowl

½ cup of apple cider vinegar ½ cup of brown sugar

Step 3: Place blended contents in a saucepan and simmer for 45 minutes

¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce

Step 4: Allow simmered sauce to cool

1 teaspoon of salt

Step 5: Place sauce in an airtight container of jar

½ teaspoon of pepper ¼ cup of hot sauce

EQUIPMENT USED 1 saucepan 1 mixing bowl and large spoon

Dear Contributors,

k n a th ou Y

A heartfelt thank you for your wonderful submissions! Your creativity, passion, and unique perspectives have truly illuminated our project. We are grateful for the time and effort you invested, and we feel privileged to have such a talented sisterhood.

Soror Jeeter