Bloggers Unite to Cook Red to Remember for World AIDS Day 2012

Today is World AIDS Day. It’s a day that starts to haunt me around October. A few years ago I stepped out in faith to use my blog as a voice to remember those who have died of AIDS, are suffering from AIDS, are HIV positive and to lift those up who are grieving for them.

I am one of those mourners. I tell my story here. I have a happy life, but my sadness never goes away. Depending on what part of the world you live in, and what subculture you roam in, you will have a different story and a unique view of AIDS and its crisis. Some people will never be affected in any way that they are aware of. Living in Nashville for the past 13 years, I’ve not heard of one single case of a person who is HIV positive or has AIDS. That was not my story when I lived in Long Beach California where it was an epidemic in 90’s. I lost a lot of people. A brother. A cousin. A hair stylist. A close neighbor. A client. Gone in a short amount of time, leaving families with a hole.

Today these bloggers have joined me in cooking a red dish so that we will remember there are people behind this disease. Most of them are not personally connected to AIDS, and for that I applaud them for participating in World AIDS Day, a cause with a hard edge.

It was not easy to get other bloggers to join this venture in cooking Red to Remember. I understand that. It’s a difficult topic. Even I struggled with this. But, that has all the more hardened my resolve to do it. I will not forget the people I lost, nor will I forget that there are others out like me, who lost a brother, a sister, a child, a parent, a cousin, a friend and they got very little sympathy. It’s the grief you almost feel guilty feeling, because its AIDS.

Last night, my server crashed and I couldn’t have this post ready for early morning. My mac has track pad issues, and I lost my glasses. As a Christian who believes in a loving God who cares about this crises, I believe it was no coincidence to be here today, to have a voice, to show mercy, and to say it’s time to end this all over the world. I am a praying woman. I pray in this post that God will raise up genius scientists with a heart of great compassion and also raise the funds needed so a cure can be found.   If you pray, please remember. If you lost someone of AIDS, please know we grieve with you, and if have AIDS or are HIV positive, please know we care about you.

Joan of Foodalogue features several red dishes, and I chose my two favorites to feature. Crispy Salami and Red Fish with Corn Salsa.

Faith of Edible Mosaic made a winter’s tomato soup.

Norma of Platanos, Mangoes and Me made Two Tapas for Two Friends– THYME/GARLIC BAKED TOMATOES + STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPERS

Strawberry Puff Pastry Pizza  and Shrimp Saganaki from Evelyn of Cheap Ethnic Eats

Grilled Cauliflower Steak with Roasted Tomatoes by Angela of Spinach Tiger

Grilled Brie with Ciabatta and Roasted Tomatoes by Val of More than Burnt Toast

Tiger Cake with Peppermint Glaze for Cook Red to Remember

Tiger Cake with Peppermint Glaze from Lora at the Mad Hausfrau

Mulled Cognac Cranberry Citrus Chutney from The Ardent Epicure

Potato, Apple and Onion Gratin from Greg of Sippity Sup

Manicotti from Spinach Tiger

Radish Salad from Priscilla of She’s Cookin

Red Velvet in a Jar, by Spinach Tiger.   I leave you with something sweet. This is NOT YET POSTED,  but you can look for it on Monday.

A few years back, these bloggers (some of the same ones here today) also participated in Red to Remember 2009.

These are worthy articles to read:

The White House Commemorates World AIDS Day today. 

Some shocking statistics today at the Huffington Post.