Sesame Crusted Blackened Sweet Potato Fries with Chamomile Ginger Syrup Recipe by Briana Riddock

Q: How is food a form of self-care?
A: Food innately is a form of self-care. When you begin to consciously decide to heal yourself through food, you become more aware of what you put in your body. Your everyday eating habits are a huge determining factor in your overall health. Instead of drastically cutting certain foods out of your diet, I like to recommend adding more leafy greens, legumes and fruits and gradually change your mindset toward food. Find out what your body likes and what makes it thrive, and release eating foods that make you feel heavy and weighed down. Everything in moderation. Most importantly, stay attuned to your body and listen to it.

Q: How would you describe yourself or the food you make?
A: I would describe myself as a chef who’s simple, chic and bold all at the same time. I am grateful to have been raised by a Jamaican mother who taught me how to cook Caribbean foods. I naturally gravitate toward a spicy palate with the scotch bonnet peppers as my standard of heat. Thyme, scallions, ginger, garlic, turmeric and coconut are my favorite flavor profiles to incorporate into my food.

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and we are known for our lemon pepper wings and Southern hospitality. The grind and hustler’s mentality of the city shows up in my food as well. It wasn’t until I moved back to Atlanta after a few years away that I started my dinner party series entitled "Table of Influence.” I created menus that incorporated Southern, Caribbean and West African influences. I wanted to showcase the strength, creativity and ingenuity that the African diaspora has contributed to food culture as a whole.

Q: What's one thing you want people to know about food?
A: A perfect pot of rice is easy to achieve with a few helpful hacks. I absolutely love making rice. It’s a versatile grain that’s accessible to everyone. I can eat rice plain or dress it up with spices and herbs. My favorite varieties of rice are basmati and jasmine. Also—make your own salad dressing! You can control the sugar and sodium levels when you simply make your own vinaigrette.

Q: Tell us about Dope Girls Cook!
A: The phrase “Dope Girls Cook” started as a hashtag that I used on my pictures when I blogged regularly about food. I noticed that other women bloggers and industry foodies also began using the hashtag to promote their food content. To be a dope girl that cooks is empowering, trendy, and down-right badass. It encompasses the person I am as a chef, because working with food on a daily basis is a serious grind and it takes pure motivation and adrenaline to get through the challenging days of standing on your feet for hours. Dope Girls Cook is about focusing on being your best self by cooking and nourishing your body with good and comforting foods.