On Friday, June 12, the Dordrecht Cultural and Educational Center (CECD) is organizing a special edition of CECD Eat & Meet as part of Keti Koti Remembrance Month.
This evening is dedicated to the power of stories, cultural heritage, and the way knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Our special guest is Sandra van Houwelingen, former owner of the restaurant Sorgh & Hoop and author of the cookbook *Sorgh & Hoop*. Her book focuses not only on recipes, but above all on the stories of Aunt Joosje, Aunt Julie, and Aunt Sita. Stories of women who passed down their knowledge, memories, traditions, and life lessons through the kitchen.
It is especially important during Keti Koti Remembrance Month to highlight these forms of cultural heritage. Much of the knowledge, customs, and traditions within the diaspora are not recorded in books or archives, but were passed down at the kitchen table, during family visits, and through cooking together. Recipes became vessels of history. Behind every meal lies a story of heritage, resilience, family, and identity.
The stories of Aunt Joosje, Aunt Julie, and Aunt Sita show how culture continued to thrive even under difficult circumstances. Generations before us passed down knowledge, customs, recipes, and family stories—especially during times when people’s freedom and opportunities were restricted. That transmission of knowledge and culture has ensured that important parts of the diaspora’s heritage have been preserved. In this way, these stories align seamlessly with the meaning of Keti Koti: not only to acknowledge the history of slavery, but also to recognize the strength, dignity, and resilience of the people who managed to pass their culture on to future generations.
During this special evening, Aunt Joosje’s famous peanut soup takes center stage. Sandra takes visitors on a journey through the story behind the dish and demonstrates, step by step, how the soup is prepared. The aroma of fresh herbs, the sound of gently simmering ingredients, and the stories shared while cooking bring the past to life and reveal how culture is passed down from generation to generation.After the preparation, visitors will gather around the table to enjoy a warm bowl of peanut soup and engage in conversation about memories, family stories, and the significance of cultural heritage in the present. The CECD invites everyone to join this special gathering.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, cooking, or simply want to enjoy a lovely evening, you’re warmly welcome to join us in discovering stories, sharing memories, and tasting how our heritage lives on in the dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
