A recipe for Jollof rice, which has an incredible depth of flavor that somehow conjures its long history. This big batch makes enough to do fun things with leftovers. But beware, it is spicy!

Cooking chicken and rice together this summer gave my son and me a little bit of structure, a shared goal, a creative playground that led to exploration and learning, time to tell stories and get caught up on each other’s lives, and some damn fine meals.

Creating a meal together is a wonderful, collaborative and fulfilling experience that transcends the food and is woven into the fabric of relationship memories.