Embrace the spirit of Kwanzaa by making West African Benne Cakes with your residents. Originating in West Africa and often served during Kwanzaa celebrations, Benne Cakes are crunchy treats with sesame seeds as the star flavor, resembling English cookies or wafers. Toast sesame seeds, prepare a dough with brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix in the toasted sesame seeds, shape the dough into cookies, and bake for a delicious treat. This activity provides an engaging culinary experience, connecting residents with West African traditions and the joy of holiday baking.

1. Emotional Engagement: Elicit joy and satisfaction through the process of creating a festive treat.
2. Spiritual Engagement: Connect residents with the cultural and culinary traditions of West Africa and Kwanzaa.
3. Social Engagement: Foster community and camaraderie as residents work together in the kitchen.
4. Physical Engagement: Engage residents in the hands-on process of baking, promoting fine motor skills.
5. Intellectual Engagement: Stimulate cognitive abilities by following a recipe and learning about the cultural significance of Benne Cakes.

1. Set up a well-equipped kitchen space with all necessary ingredients and utensils.
2. Toast sesame seeds until lightly browned and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and butter until creamy.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl, and blend until well combined.
5. Fold in the toasted sesame seeds.
6. Shape the dough into cookies and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 325°F (approximately 163°C) for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the Benne Cakes to cool before serving.

• 1 staff member.
• Additional staff/volunteers to assist participants if needed.

• Sesame seeds
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking sheet
• Oven

• Risk of burns or injuries from hot surfaces or equipment: Ensure residents are supervised and use caution in the kitchen.
• Risk of allergic reactions: Confirm residents' allergies before starting the activity.

1. Residents experience joy and satisfaction from creating a festive treat.
2. Enhanced understanding and appreciation of West African culinary traditions.
3. Strengthened sense of community and camaraderie among participants.
4. Improved fine motor skills through hands-on baking.
5. Increased cognitive engagement by following a recipe and learning about the cultural significance of Benne Cakes.