“Cooking with Culture: Creole Cooking Demonstration” event to feature NSU alumna Chef Sheri Raleigh

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will kick off October's Creole Heritage Month with "Cooking with Culture: Creole Cooking Demonstration" featuring NSU alumna Chef Sheri Raleigh. The culinary experience will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Columns Cafe. This event is a collaboration between NSU's Hospitality Management & Tourism Program, the Creole Heritage Center and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

Raleigh, an accomplished Louisiana Creole chef, will guide participants through the rich history and cultural significance of Creole cuisine. Attendees will learn about the ingredients, techniques and traditions that have been passed down through generations in Creole families. She hosts cooking classes and has authored "Gifts from The Ancestors" cookbooks with Creole and West African inspired recipes.

"Food is such a distinctive and integral part of Louisiana Creole culture. The Creole Heritage Center is thrilled to welcome NSU Chef Sheri Raleigh to share her knowledge of the history of some of the foods, ingredients and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to bring Creole families and communities together," said Dr. Kent Peacock, director of the Creole Heritage Center. "Our faculty and students look forward to collaborating with Chef Sheri L. Raleigh through preparing savory dishes while exploring influences of West Africa in Southwest Louisiana Creole heritage culture and cuisine."

"This event serves as a powerful reminder of the role food plays in connecting people across cultures and history. We are excited to see the comparisons between Creole and West African food and culture as we're guided on a culinary tour. We love creating opportunities for our community to learn, share and celebrate together as we celebrate Creole Heritage Month," said Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

The demonstration will take place in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. Seating is limited to 50 people. Guests should RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/4d8arty7.

For more information, contact Dr. Jasmine Wise at the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity at [email protected].