With today's fast-paced world and busy lifestyles, our search for convenience has produced quick-cook appliances, modems, and computer generated recipes. Though we've easily adapted to using all these gizmos, we take for granted two inventions that were forerunners to many of the electronics now wired into our daily lives.

Lewis Latimer, an African-American inventor, helped invent the electric lamp with a carbon filament, and an efficient way of making the carbon filaments. This development helped make the electric lamp accessible and affordable to a greater number of people. In addition, Latimer also worked with Alexander Graham Bell, developing the patent drawing for the first telephone. These contributions by Latimer, helped pave the way for many of the electronic gadgets we now rely on.

Imagine the kitchen, microwave oven, or computer without an electric light. And the computer, modem, or Internet without the telephone. The abilities required to make contributions like these can be affected by diet. We are what we eat, and a significant number of African-Americans are afflicted with health concerns that can affect the faculties that make innovation and creativity possible. Some of these health concerns, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can be helped by changing the diet and eating habits.

In an effort to modify the diet, adding more healthful items to the menu, include more high fiber, low-fat foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats. All of these are good choices when making a change toward better eating.

Jerk-Style Pork Chops - Print Recipe
Serve these jerk-style chops with hot rice and tossed salad.

4 (6 oz.) center cut bone-in loin pork chops
2 tablespoons salt-free chicken grilling blend
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

In small saucepan, over medium heat, combine orange juice, salt-free chicken grilling blend, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Bring orange juice mixture to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat; cool. Place pork chops in resealable plastic bag or baking dish with cover. Pour orange juice mixture over pork chops. Cover; marinate in refrigerator 6 to 8 hours or overnight, turning once.

Drain marinade from pork chops. Discard marinade. Place pork chops on broiler pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle each chop on both sides with sald-free chicken grilling blend. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until brown and pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160ºF. Servings: 4

Source: Charla L. Draper
It is not legal to reprint without author's permission.