Need last minute holiday menu inspiration? These 8 Belles could have what you need

With less than 10 days to go, we think we can help you find more holiday food inspiration in the beautiful works of eight Black women – as far south as South Africa – who tell stories with their images, reels and their gifts of situating food on a platter or in a pan in such a way that makes us marvel, maybe drool. If you don’t find anything in this article, visit their feeds for food, drink, and decor inspiration. 

Maureen Celestine of @worldytreat is an influencer who does it all. Based in Texas by way of Nigeria, Maureen’s website has a section for holiday recipes. The reel that captured our attention is for her nightcap or adult holiday beverage, Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate. You can watch the reel here and get the recipe here. [photo & recipe: Maureen Celestine]

Atlanta’s Madelynne Grace is the creative principal behind @bitesandbevsmedia – her food photography has been seen in local, regional and national ad campaigns. She also gives advice on food photography via her IG feed. We found breakfast (for breakfast or dinner) inspiration from her photo of her client’s Red Velvet Pancakes. [photos: Madelynne Grace]

Miriam Green or @itssogood81 entire feed of food is inspiration but we love her take on Gumbo Greens for the holidays, including New Year’s Eve. The recipe is on the reel here.

If you’re expecting stay over guests or hosting a small gathering before, during or after the holidays, then Eden Westbrook’s Festive Holiday Charcuterie Board recipe is perfect for grazing before a meal or noshing on during a movie or football game. Visit @sweet_tea_thyme for more inspiration or visit her site Sweet Tea & Thyme for more recipes. [photos: Eden Westbrook]

Have you ever eaten mac-n-cheese made with long macaroni noodles? No? It’s a New Orleans Creole (and Cajun) standard, you should try. Marisa Demasiliere (@risascuisine) has a Baked Macaroni recipe she demonstrates on Instagram as she discusses the history. (She uses Bucatini noodles.)

Want a small bite-take on peach cobbler? Try Chrystal Jones’s (@chrystalsclassycreations) Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls are a great alternative to serve at brunch or to give as gifts.

Honorary Belles include Oakland CA’s Ronica Rupan who has a Navy Bean Pie recipe you can add to your dessert table, and commercial food photographer and videographer Riyana Vigeland of Cape Town offers a cinematic view of hands making brownies. But the brownies aren’t just any brownies. The recipe was created by the late South African TV personality, chef and author Fatima Sydow. Chef Sydow was extremely proud of her Cape Malay heritage and it was reflected in recipes handed down to her. Visit her site and you will see a recipe for sweet potato pie in her index. Riyana’s IG: @riyanavphotography Brownie video 🎥 LINK

Follow the Instagram accounts of the following Black women. Not all have recipes, but you’ll find plenty of inspiration for the holiday season and beyond.