Ivy Newton-Gamble's Blog: Everyday African Food, page 7
December 26, 2010
December 24, 2010
Merry Kisimusi
December 25th, Christmas day is of course celebrated throughout the African continent by Christians. Christmas in South Africa is a summer holiday and Christmas celebrations are colorful and joyous. Like in many parts of the world the Christmas season is celebrated with visits to family and friends. Boxing Day, December 26th is a public holiday. It is observed in the Ghana, Nigeria, and other countries with a mainly Christian populations. In South Africa this public holiday is now known as the Day of Goodwill.
How to Say Merry Christmas
In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa
In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi
In Afrikaans (South Africa) Geseënde Kersfees
In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle
In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle
In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse
In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema
In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal
In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen
In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun!
December 11, 2010
November 28, 2010
November 21, 2010
November 13, 2010
Ground Nut Stew
[image error]Groundnuts are peanuts. This hearty stew is made with peanut butter, chicken, okra, tomatoes, and onions. Peanut butter and okra flavor and thicken this tasty African stew. You can substitute green beans for the okra, if you like. African Groundnut Stew is unique and delicious. Inspired by authentic West African cooking, this delicious stew combines vegetables and peanut butter with a little heat from a medley of spices. In Senegal this popular stew is called Mafe.
Ground Nut Stew
Yeilds 8-10 servings
Ingredients
6 skinless chicken breast cut into bite size peices
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 can tomato paste
1 large tomato diced
2 cups sliced okra
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion chopped
2 hot chile peppers cut in half
1 teaspoon red pepper flake
Directions
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
2. Saute chicken and onions for 10 minutes
3. Add remaining ingredients, simmer for 25 minutes. Serve over rice.
November 11, 2010
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. Since the mid 1990s the former Spanish colony has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers and in 2004 was said to have the world's fastest-growing economy.Equatorial Guinea is sub-Saharan Africa's third biggest oil producer. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the population's living standards.
•Full name: The Republic of Equatorial Guinea
•Population: 650,702
•Capital: Malabo
•Area: 10,830 sq miles
•Major languages: Spanish, French
•Major religion: Christianity
•Nationality: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)
•Ethnic groups: Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4%
The press
•Ebano - state-owned
•La Opinion - private, weekly
•La Nacion - private
•La Gaceta - monthly
Television
•Television Nacional - state-run
Radio
•Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial - state-run
•Radio Asonga - private, owned by president's son
Togo
Togo formed part of the Slave Coast, from where captives were shipped abroad by European slavers during the 17th century. In 1884 it became the German protectorate of Togoland. Togo is among the world's poorest countries. Isolation has further aggravated its weak economy.
It was seized by Britain and France at the start of World War I, divided and administered under League of Nations mandates.
The British-ruled western part was later incorporated into what is now Ghana.
France granted independence in 1960 and Togo's first president, Sylvanus Olympio, was assassinated in a military coup three years later. Head of the armed forces Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in a 1967 coup and dissolved all political parties.
Private media have proliferated; there are dozens of commercial and community radios and weekly newspapers, as well as a handful of private TV stations. Radio is the most popular medium, particularly in rural areas. The main TV station is government-owned Television Togolaise. The government also operates Togo-Presse daily.
A few facts:
•Full name: Togolese Republic
•Population: 6.6 million
•Capital: Lome
•Area: 21,925 sq miles
•Major languages: French (official), local languages
•Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam
Source: BBC
November 6, 2010
Cape Verde
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important
coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established
and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,
Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
Location:
Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal
Area:
total: 4,033 sq km
country comparison to the world: 175
land: 4,033 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly larger than Rhode Island
Terrain:
steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)
Natural hazards:
prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active
Geography - note:
strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes;
important communications station; important sea and air refueling site
October 23, 2010
The World's Toughest Job, Salt Miner
In the West African desert, gathering and hauling salt is a grueling task, not left for the meek. Camel caravans still move the tablets to market.
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