following menu was put together based on the seven principles, especially Ujima, Ujamaa and Kuumba. Collectively, celebrants come together to provide an economical meal. All it takes is inspiration and creativity to put together a celebration that will be remembered throughout the years.

During Kwanzaa people fast from sunrise to sunset to cleanse their bodies, minds and spirits. During the evening meal when the daily fast is broken, the appropriate candle which coincides with the principle of that day is lit. The spirit of Kwanzaa teaches celebrants to share their home, food, drink and music, as their ancestors did during the hunt or harvest.

Their followers must do the same today and invite other family members, friends and neighbours to their homes to rejoice collectively in a meaningful way to strengthen unity. Harambee! (Let's pull together).

TOGETHERNESS SALAD Cracked wheat Grated carrots Grated beets Chopped scallions Tofu Raisins Sunflower seeds Broccoli Spinach or any green vegetable Combine loving herbal seasonings: thyme, basil, sage, ginger (fresh or ground), cayenne pepper, parsley USE mayonnaise that contains no sugar, salt or eggs; or tamari, tahini sauce.

Combine seasonings stated above, stir and mix. Portions make plenty of everything, and mix with your own vibrations.

Note: adjust amounts of ingredients according to your taste, and amount of servings.

DO DO (PLANTAIN) Nigerians call plantain "Do Do'' (pronounced "dough, dough''). This recipe is Do Do with a contemporary African vibe.

SLICE thickly a very ripe plantain and baste lightly with palm oil. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and nutmeg. Wrap in tinfoil and broil.

RICE CHEESE BALLS 2 cups brown rice 4 cups grated sharp cheese 4 eggs well beaten 4 cups Italian flavoured bread crumbs Vegetable oil Vegetable salt COOK rice in an 8-qt. pot, using instructions for firm rice on the package.

While rice is cooking, grate cheese into rice immediately after cooking and while rice is still hot. Form balls while mixture is hot and sticky. If mixture cools off before you finish, warm it on a low flame. Dip balls first into eggs, then coat with bread crumbs. Pre-heat vegetable oil in large frying pan until it sizzles when a drop of water is carefully flicked in. Fry cheese balls until they are golden brown on all sides, and crispy.

This recipe is high in protein, and heavy, so a nice tossed salad goes well with it.

SWEET POTATO PIE 4 medium yams 1 cup sugar 1 stick of butter 1 tsp. salt 1 cup coconut 1 tbsp. nutmeg or cinnamon 1 tbsp. lemon essence 1 tsp. vanilla 3 eggs, separated 1 cup milk 1 unbaked 9'' pie crust BOIL yams until they are well done. Peel and mash. In a large bowl mix yams, sugar, butter and salt. Beat well. Add milk, lemon essence, coconut, nutmeg and egg yolks. Continue beating. Beat egg whites until fluffy. Fold into mixture. Pour into pie crust shell which is in a deep pie plate. Bake in 350 degree F. oven 35-45 minutes.

KWANZAA FRIED CHICKEN 1 whole fryer, cut into parts 1 cup hot sauce 1 tbsp. mustard 1 cup flour 1 tbsp. cornmeal 2 tbsps. biscuit mix 1 tsp. of baking powder POUR hot sauce and mustard in bowl. Rub chicken thoroughly in bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Place flour, cornmeal, bread crumbs, biscuit mix, baking powder in plastic bag. Salt and pepper to taste. Drop chicken in bag and shake well. Preheat iron skillet. Pour 1 pan of oil until hot, drop chicken in oil.

Do not crowd. Cook on high flame until light brown on one side. Lower flame and cover until almost crispy brown. Remove cover and let cook 3 more minutes before turning over and turning gas back up. Cook until crispy brown. Drain and lay on hand towels. Serves 4 people.

BAKED BLUEFISH SUPREME 4 lbs. bluefish 2 onions, sliced thin Pinch of garlic powder 2 tbsp. paprika Pinch oregano Pinch ginger Onion bits 1 green pepper thin sliced 2 tbsp. Italian bread crumbs OIL bottom of pan well. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place onions and green peppers in pan, lay fish on top. Then place other ingredients on top of fish, seal tight with tin foil. Cook approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Serves 8 people.

BEAUTIFUL BAKED FISH 2 lbs. fish filets 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 1 lb. green seedless grapes MIX mayonnaise and sour cream, then place one layer of fish on the bottom of baking dish. Place mayonnaise mixture on top, then the grapes. Keep repeating this process until all the fish is used up. You should end up with the green grapes on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Serves 4 people.

TASTY RICE 1 cup long stem rice 1 tbsp. butter or margarine 1 tsp. curry 1 cup water or chicken broth PLACE butter in pan. With heat on high, add rice and water. Bring to rapid boil. Cover tightly and turn heat as low as possible. Cook approximately 30 minutes. Serves 4.

CANDIED YAMS 1 large can yams 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. fresh orange juice 1 lb. butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. mace 1 tsp. allspice 2 tbsp. pureed coconut Dash of salt PLACE butter in saucepan over low heat. Add lemon and orange juices. Add other ingredients and stir well until smooth consistency is reached. Slice yams and place in baking pan. Pour mixture over yams and let sit for 3 minutes. Place yams in pre-heated, 350-degree F. oven until bubbling brown on top -- approximately 15-20 minutes. Serves 5.