I grew up in South Jersey and like many others, my family's presence there was the result of the Great Migration. Growing up, my childhood was filled with foods characteristic of the Northeast mixed with Southern influences, like scrapple with cheese grits and my grandmother's favorite, cucumber and tomato salad made with Jersey tomatoes and Italian dressing.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with smaller menus and outdoor gatherings, many of us are rethinking our traditions, and finding ways to show generosity, gratitude, and community. November is also Native American Heritage Month, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate the cultures that are foundational to the culinary traditions of our country.

Philadelphia is one of the cities with the longest history of celebrating Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of enslavement in the United States. And even in this year of social distancing, there will be virtual festivals and pop-up takeout dinners that acknowledge the contributions and ongoing struggles of African Americans.

This year has been the longest decade most of us have ever lived through, each month presenting new reasons to prioritize self-care and employ an arsenal of mental health tools. This holiday season, global health crisis and ongoing social and racial uprising will result in new holiday traditions, bringing problems, more questions, and changes to every aspect of American life.

Heat-resistant spatulas, stand mixers, and food processors could help make your kitchen more efficient

As a child of the Delaware Valley, I know that summer isn't summer without Jersey corn. Jersey corn (also known as "sweet corn") is a type grown in New Jersey that has a much sweeter flavor than regular yellow or white sweet corn. The milky white kernels are fresh and juicy on a summer day.