FUFU 06/29/2009
   When I was in Nigeria, I visited Ghana when my son had to take his Toefl exams. At that time I didnt know anybody in Ghana . We stayed in an International hotel where they always offer international food. We left without savouring the local food. In my heart I desired to find out the culture and cuisine of this country, not knowing at that time, there will come a day that I will live in this hospitable country. Today I am proud that I have acquired a lot of information on Ghanaian Culture, Tradition,Cuisine, Languages as well as Geographical and Weather pattern. I put my hands in many dishes made by my friends and chop bars. My maids have been helpful to guide me in my transition of becoming better in preparing Ghanaians food.I always like food prepared at home , it is clean and healthy. Today I could prepare Fufu with groundnut soup for my daughter who is on holiday here. We even went together to local market to purchase all ingredients needed for this loyal dish. The market ladies are so friendly giving extra suggestion what the best to buy. BANANA BREAD 06/29/2009
 I have been throwing away overripe bananas for a long time, but not anymore. I have found this delicious bread a rescue for these bananas . Previosly I tried to make milk shakes but was not my cup of tea, though no harm in trying , it can please some of your taste buds. Before reaching the result of this yummy banana bread which I want to share the recipe with you all, I have tried many recipe available online. You have to make my version , you will be glad you did. Me and my family have fallen in love with the bread and I want to spread the love to you all. My daughter cant stop nibbling, she loves it wholeheartdely. We have saying in swahili language which says "Wish for your brother, what you wish for yourself" this goes without explanation what I mean , make this bread and taste the paradise on earth. Check out the recipe in the recipe section. African Fabric 06/26/2009
 Africans, in general, love to dress in colourful attire. They love fashion, authentic jewelry as well as costume jewelry, for example gold plated necklaces or artificial gems, and ofcourse, the real thing too. Different countries have different sense of fashion. West Africans are famous for Boubou, a loose dress or robe (kaftan) originating in Senegal but has now spread to most of the continent. Tanzanians, we have a popular cotton cloth called kanga, like a stole, that can be wrapped on shoulders or tied around the waist. They have different prints in a multitude of colors and come with wise sayings or adages, or a good way of delivering messages to opponents. For the past 20 years, I have been dealing with African fashion designing. It has a good market in the U.S. I have been really enjoying designing outfits as well as shopping for the fabrics. In Nigeria, I watched them at work designing the fabrics using stones, feathers, dyes, leaves, ropes to make stunning patterns and designs. Some of the outfits are embroided and I am really amazed at how talented these artists are at their craft, producing beautiful embroided patterns by hand, each piece a unique beauty. I'm glad I could pass my humble talents to a few Nigerians while working with them. The fabrics in the picture above are from Ghana. Now in Ghana I have started reviving my fashion designing so I can learn more of Ghana's styles and an opportunity to mix and work with people in this industry. It also allows me to learn more about their culture. Though I have left and miss Nigeria, and have moved here to Ghana, I still feel at home. Rainy days 06/24/2009
 Today has been a rainy day here in Tema. Normally, during the rainy season we Tanzanians love to have tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger. Tastes good and warms up. It is a common scenario to see people sitting on their porches drinking delicious tea. We believe everytime is tea time. Our economy is largely dependent on agricultural commodities like tea, coffee, cashew nuts, vegetables etc and also famous for minerals like Tanzanite, diamond and gold. Once even a little sun peeks out, vendors roast corn and cassava on the streets. People wears shawls and some even sweaters, when its still only 24 C! For us, even thats too cold! This period is also the cashew nut season. We roast cashew nuts still in the shell on a pan which has holes, placed on three stones underwhich firewood burns. What amazes me most is that through these holes, the fire rises and roasts the cashew nuts. It always amazed me as child. Once roasted, we cracked them and ate the cashew nut on the inside. The cashew fruit itself is yellow and yummy. Some people even make wine out of it. The raw cashew nut juice can even be used for tattoo. I still have my initials tattooed on my hand that I did when I was just 10! So now, Im going to go and enjoy some warm tea and this cool weather! :) Chop Bar 06/23/2009
While walking this morning, I smelled a great aroma and after a few steps I found the source. A Kiosk run by a young woman selling different kinds of Ghanaian foods from bean cake to boflo ( donuts) to Waakye ( rice and beans dish) to egg stew as well as steaming hot koko ( a kind of sorghum porridge). Cars, bicycles, people on foot crowding around for their delicious, fresh morning meal before work and school. Despite the hardwork of cooking chores, this woman worked dressed up with a beautiful dress and headgear, a true African beauty, contributing to the convenient yet inexpensive sustenance of her people. Mom's Omelet 06/22/2009
 When I was little, my mom used to make this omelet on special occasions. When we had visitors, it was an honor to give this omelet with flat bread for breakfast. Today, it doesn't mean as much as it did back in the day. We have so much these days that we take these small pleasures for granted, lose their value. We even used to love to lick the little sauces left in the frying pan. If you feel like sharing these memories with me, this is how my mom used to make it. The sauce inside is made of tomatoes, onion, sweet peppers and red chillies stuffed into an omelet. Just a bit of salt and cilantro leaves in the beaten eggs. So simple, yet so delicious. Can be stuffed with additional little pleasures like cheese, noodles, sausage etc. I love you, mom. I miss you. Till we meet in Al-Jannah. Accra 06/21/2009
 Presidential House Yesterday, I went shopping to Accra's Central Market. The market was full of fresh vegetables and fruits. Accra is the capital of Ghana, a small country in West Africa famously known as the Gold Coast. I currently live in the more peaceful port city of Tema, about 30km from the capital. Food common in Ghana includes rich stews with meat, fish, okra or other greens. Yams, cassava, cocoyam and corn are also common staples. A favorite dish is Kelewele, a seasoned fried plantain dish! Delicious by itself or even with eggs or sausages on the side. Look in the recipes section for the recipe for this yummitastic dish! What is your favorite dish? First Post! 06/19/2009
First day of THE KICK! Made Nigerian food for lunch - Jollof rice - a spicy tomato stewed rice dish along with grilled chicken and a salad. Washed down with fresh homemade pineapple juice. Yum. For breakfast, we had fried plantain ( known as Dodo in Nigeria) with a spicy scrambled egg. If you love spicy food, you would have loved today. For dinner, pasta filled with crunchy vegetables and Shitto ( a Ghanian spicy sauce with ground dried fish and shrimp). End the day with papaya to cool the tummy! Lol. Hope you like the Kick! and visit often! :) |
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