The dinner party w/ Haitian recipes is a wonderful idea for a fundraiser. You could do it as small or large as you are comfortable and still raise funds. A little more personal than just texting the red cross (which has been amazing, of course).

"It just seems like another way to feel at one with the Haitian people in their time of need. "

Sorry, but I think this idea isn't a way to show solidarity with the Haitians. It's a way for middle class white people to feel involved. Write a check, text your donation, or even hold a fundraiser. But don't pretend that by eating dinner you're involved.

I think this kind of emotional glomming on to something in the wake of a natural disaster is weird.

A Taste of Haiti by Mirta Yurnet-Thomas

It's a really good book that I have. The author also included a little history and information on when the food is generally cook, on what occasion, etc.

Yes, let's eat while those poor victims go without. Some how it will help them???

I was shopping with my mother yesterday and overheard the cashier ask the lady in front of us if she'd like to donate. Her reply was, "I've done enough for them, as long as they don't come here I'm happy" My mom and I just looked at each other in shock and disgust and when my mom donated just ten dollars the cashier said it was the most she'd gotten, which was even more sad. What is wrong with people?!

This is the dumbest thing I've seen in awhile.
Ummm, the Haitians have nothing to eat or drink so I'm failing to see how making a meal of their traditional dishes is a way to "feel at one with them"?
Stupid.

Really guys? Why so harsh? We all have to eat; why not take a day and eat like a Haitian and also send a donation while you're at it? Eat rice and beans for a few days and send any money you save. Or like was mentioned above, throw a dinner party to raise funds.

Even if you don't do any of that, to take an opportunity to learn a little more about how another culture eats and lives is a good way of of developing long-lasting empathy and interest. It's better to do that and be involved over the long term than just send a one-time donation. Food is an immediate, tangible way to learn about others.

I think any creativity in finding both empathy and ways to help should be applauded.

I think cultural awareness is important, whether it's brought on by increased media attention in times of disaster or not. Let's say this person HAS donated money, as much as they can, and still feels drawn to learn more about the people and hopefully raise awareness of a country that's had more hardship than anyone could ever imagine? Well, learning about the foods unique to their country is one way of doing that. And eating is inherently a communal event. Sharing foods from a different country is a great experience and we all could stand to be a bit more connected to one another. I don't think it's wrong at all, so long as we continue to donate money, etc. as well. It's the bigger picture. And it becomes more important, especially as our world grows "smaller".

I just blogged about Haitian food with a tasty recipes for Red Snapper with Haitian Sauce and Red Beans and Rice.
Please take a look at www.victoriaallman.blogspot.com

Yeah, she said it's "another" way to feel connected, not the ONLY way. I think it's a neat idea.

Thank you Faith.

and Ouch. I'm the person who asked the question. Yes, I have donated. I just thought that as a community of food lovers, some of the other people on this blog would have some interest in or some interesting resources for Haitian food, now that the country is front and center in our minds.

And I had planned on using the recipes for a small dinner party/fundraiser... I just didnt feel the need to include that in the question. I figured that other people on this blog might be thinking the same thing and we could all use the recipes however we feel was appropriate.

And I didnt that in the question, because I wasnt asking for advice on how to host a small fundraiser, I was asking for some recipes that would help me do more creative than just write a check. Maybe I could have phrased it better, but really attacking someone else's motives isn't all that awesome or morally kosher either.

i agree. it's time to not only donate what we can to the Haitian people, but CELEBRATE the culture--a large part of which is food.

i'm really surprised MrFaux pulled the race card when there are TONS of middle class blacks in this country who haven't a clue about any other black culture but the american version. how bout you check race at the door, and bring a dish instead! this IS a great way to spread knowledge about Haitian culture.

If you want to celebrate Haiti's culture, promote something like Meds and Food for Kids/Medika Mamba. Haiti is desperately poor. People there have been eating dirt, literally, to feel full. A post like this is at best in poor taste.

I'll admit that when I first read this post I scoffed a bit. But then I gave it some more thought: For me, eating a meal inspired by Haitian culture would surely be something different from my routine. And in that routine shake-up, I couldn't help but be reminded about the situation in Haiti, and truly, I'd likely contemplate it more deeply than I have. From there, I would feel more connected to their culture, and inspired to do even more for them.
While I agree that to merely eat the food that Haitians themselves don't have access would be in very poor taste, but as a step in a process to inspire ourselves and others to do more, it could be pretty powerful.

haha wow everyone is SO sensitive. Wanna know what I think?? I think its just like ignorant AMERICANS to get offended by the dumbest little things! This thread could only get more ridiculous if people started suing each other. I was born and raised in the US, so I think I am allowed to say that everyone needs to just CALM DOWN!

I think it's a cute idea to want to try something different. I agree with Lady Sadie when she says it would be in bad taste to just eat the food when the Haitians don't have access to anything at all. However if you've done what you can to help, there is no reason that you can't try an authentic recipe JUST because we fear how it might look. That's like saying that you can no longer appreciate a culture unless they are all capable of appreciating it as well. Makes no sense :) We should all just settle down!

When I did aid work, my counterparts in other countries (developing nations) would get very frustrated at the way their nations and people were portrayed by aid organizations. They were upset by the way that photos of starving children were used to invoke immediate, heart-wrenching responses, but that also lowered the image and credibility of their country in the world's eyes. They are one-sided images, that say, "This is what this country is. They are starving children. Nothing else."

Yes, there is need, but it needs to be communicated in such a way that helps those in need to preserve their humanity and dignity -- not reduced to a one-dimensional image. When we communicate need in the context of a rich, human society, it's different.

A people and a nation shouldn't just be judged by their need. Yes, Haiti is in overwhelming need and distress right now, and we wholeheartedly want to help.

And yet, ultimately, to only portray their nation in terms of their need is to contribute to the ongoing imbalance between developed and developing nations. When we celebrate Haitian culture and take the opportunity to do learn a little about it, I don't think that is just guilty "emotional glomming on" of upper-class elites. I think that it is important, especially in times of horrible crisis like this, to also take a moment to learn about the nation and people as a whole, and to learn more about what makes them special and unique. The way I know how to do that best is through the lens of food. And in eating like them for a day, hopefully I find ways to appreciate and respect their culture while also giving what I have to help their need.

I personally think that balance is important, and it's a balance that is neglected in much well-meaning American aid. I posted this question very purposefully, with that in mind. If you disagree with that perspective I do understand, and I acknowledge that the question could have been better worded. But I wanted to take a moment and respond personally, as this was a very purposeful post.

Give all that you can, and help in whatever way you can. But also take a moment or two to learn a little about the people you want to help.

When I was in Haiti it was mostly rice and beans, with some jerk-style-ish chicken. Some mangoes... And no waste!

Some of these recipes sound really delicious! And I like the idea of doing a fundraising dinner. Also, thanks for pointing out that Kitchn article from a couple of years ago.

My favorite thing to eat when I lived in Haiti (as a very small girl) was Soup Joumou. Okay, so I have no idea if that spelling is correct or not but there it is. It's a pumpkin soup that I've only had once since and the flavor sent me right back to my earliest memories. After speaking with a close Haitian friend a few weeks before the earthquake I discovered that it is considered a national dish, always eaten and celebrated on Haiti's independence day. After talking with my dear friend (who gave me a packet of seeds to grow the pumpkin in question) it sounds like tte closest equivalent is kabocha. I don't have a recipe but I'm sure a perusal of the internet will come up with something. I won't ask my friend, she has enough to worry about right now.

Now, about this controversy. Haiti is an incredibly impoverished nation, but it is rich with culture and food is an esssential part of that culture. I think it's great that people are thinking beyond the tragedy and Considering what it might be like there when not overwhelmed by suffering. It's humanizing. It's a way to make a connection with people.