Who’s Cooking the Mac?

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Merry Christmas Eve, BFA Fam! Christmas Eve is here, and you're still opening up our emails? You’re a real one and you deserve everything nice in the world. Kick back with a spiked cider (or something stronger) while we unwrap the latest trends in culture, business, and a few holiday surprises you didn’t see coming.

In today’s email:

• Soul Food Royalty: How Mac & Cheese Became the Crown Jewel of Black Holidays

• Bleisure Boom: The Rise of Business-Meets-Leisure Travel in 2025

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

MAIN STORY

The Soulful Journey of Mac and Cheese

In the Black community, the question, “Who’s making the mac and cheese?” carries weight. Mac and cheese isn't just a meal; it's a beloved tradition with a lot riding on it. Think of it as the sidekick that can effortlessly take center stage. But have you ever thought about how this classic dish, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece, found its way into the heart of Black American kitchens?

Macaroni and cheese became rooted in Black culture during slavery, as enslaved Africans adapted European recipes using available ingredients. Early versions of macaroni and cheese were a luxury, reserved for European elites due to the high cost of cheese and pasta. Today, no Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is complete without this beloved side dish—the holy grail of comfort food.

In 1784, James Hemings, a culinary pioneer often overlooked, was the true architect behind America’s introduction to macaroni and cheese. Enslaved by Thomas Jefferson, Hemings trained in French cuisine while in Paris, mastering techniques that shaped his cooking.

One of his standout creations was a creamy, baked pasta dish—an early version of mac and cheese—made with butter, milk, and cheese, baked to golden perfection. Hemings’ skill elevated the dish from a European delicacy to an American centerpiece, first served at Jefferson’s state dinners in 1802.

Black Women’s Influence

Macaroni and cheese is a cherished dish in Black culture, thanks to the creativity and resilience of all the aunties, grandmas, mothers, wives, cousins and sisters. From slavery to domestic work, they transformed simple ingredients into staples of American cuisine. More than just a meal, it symbolizes ingenuity, survival, and celebration, with recipes passed down through generations. Each dish reflects tradition, community, and pride, underscoring the vital role Black women have played in shaping American comfort food.

The Evolution of Mac and Cheese in Black Culture

• Community and Church: Mac and cheese quickly turned into a favorite dish at community get-togethers and church potlucks, helping to strengthen connections and celebrate cultural traditions.

• Economic Constraints: Its affordability made it a go-to dish during economic hardship, showcasing resourcefulness.

• Jim Crow Era: The dish symbolized resilience and cultural pride amidst segregation.

• Soul Food Movement: With the rise of soul food, mac and cheese was celebrated as an emblematic dish, central to Black culinary expression.

• Modern Innovations: Today, chefs and home cooks add their twist to traditional recipes, keeping mac and cheese vibrant

Mac and cheese is a cherished part of Black culture, symbolizing resilience, creativity, and togetherness. Originating from the kitchens of enslaved women, it remains a staple at family gatherings, showcasing the enduring impact of Black culinary traditions and the role of food in preserving identity and fostering community.

If you're tasked with making the mac and cheese this year, just remember, the weight of history rests on your shoulders—no pressure.

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TRENDING

THE FLIP SIDE

How 'Bleisure' is Redefining Travel in 2025

Who says you can't enjoy a margarita on the beach as long as your work is getting done? In 2025, it's all about finding that sweet spot between work and play. The trend of mixing business with leisure travel is still going strong, but it's constantly changing. Whether it's tacking on a vacation day to the end of a business trip or fully embracing the "work from anywhere" lifestyle, the possibilities are endless.

Bleisure travel, the blend of business and leisure, is transforming how professionals view their travel experiences. According to Hilton's 2025 Global Trends Report, a significant 25% of business travelers plan to incorporate team-building into their trips next year, highlighting a shift towards more holistic travel experiences.

• Flexible Spaces: Hotels like Signia by Hilton in Atlanta provide environments for both work and relaxation, including exclusive services like Club Signia for a seamless experience.

• Prime Locations: Hotels are strategically located near major attractions, allowing travelers to extend business trips for leisure in cities like Atlanta, Orlando, and San Jose.

• Wellness Focus: With an emphasis on health, hotels offer wellness amenities like spas and fitness centers, understanding the need for rejuvenation alongside productivity.

Bleisure travel is revolutionizing the way we see business trips—now, they're adventures where work meets play. Hotels are stepping up, offering spaces where you can seal a deal one minute and sip a cocktail by the pool the next. It's all about finding that sweet spot between productivity and relaxation, ensuring every trip is not just a journey, but a rejuvenating experience. Welcome to the new era of travel where every business trip can also be a mini-vacation.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

SZA & Kendrick Lamar

SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s “30 for 30” is a bold anthem about love, confidence, and power dynamics. SZA explores vulnerability and independence, while Kendrick addresses ego and authenticity. The chorus demands real love, rejecting anything fake, reflecting modern dating chaos. With smooth vocals and clever lyrics, “30 for 30” encourages listeners to set boundaries and own their worth.

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