Melba Wilson, owner of the famed New York restaurant Melba’s, caterer, and cookbook author, stops by the Today Kitchen to celebrate Juneteenth. To commemorate the holiday, she’ll prepare a collard green salad topped with country-fried catfish, paired with a festive red punch.
Juneteenth Collard Green Salad and Country Fried Catfish
Melba Wilson
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday by President Biden in 2021, but my family began celebrating it for years before that. Back then, we called it Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, and we celebrated it every year on June 19th to honor the end of slavery in the United States.
This recipe evokes feelings of nostalgia and recalls family gatherings. This dish combines cultural connections with delicious flavors. It celebrates the desire to recognize and honor the history and traditions of African Americans and our African ancestors.
Juneteenth Red Punch
Melba Wilson
Red punch is a popular tradition during Juneteenth (June 19) celebrations. Eating red food and drinking red drinks symbolize the struggle, strength, life, and death of enslaved people.
If you like festive recipes, you might also want to try these:
Summer pea, bean and corn salad with buttermilk dressing
Nicole A. Taylor
Grilled chicken thighs with adobo sauce
J.J. Johnson
