How did Somalia get its Name?

Ancient Egyptians called it the “Land of Punt.” Punt is also mentioned in the Bible, and ancient Romans called it, “Cape Aromatica.”  They valued its trees, which produced the aromatic gum resins, frankincense and myrrh.  Somali is an ethnic group so, it is believed Somalia means, “Land of the Somali.”  It is the most homogenous country in all of Africa, with Somali making up 85 percent of the population.  Bantu and other non-Somali make up the balance.  The official name is the “Federal Republic of Somalia” and the people there call it “Soomaaliya.”

Where is Somalia Located?

Somalia is the eastern most country of Africa; located on the strategic Horn of Africa.  It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Somali Sea and the Indian Ocean to the east, and it also borders Kenya to the southwest.  It occupies a strategic geopolitical position between the countries of Arabia and southwestern Asia.  Its capital city is Mogadishu, located just north of the equator on the Indian Ocean.  It has the largest coastline of any African country.

A Brief History of Somalia

The origin of the Somali people is not certain but it’s believed that they originated in the southern Ethiopian highlands and migrated into northern Kenya during the first millennium, BC.  Later they migrated onto the horn or peninsula.

Due to its strategic location, influences from both Africa and Arabia are present.  There were multiple Somali empires during the middle ages that had a large impact on trade.  Some of these empires included: the Sultanate of Adal, the Warsangali Sultanate and the Gobroon Dynasty. 

Arabs introduced Islam to Africa beginning in the seventh century and by the tenth century, Arab trading posts thrived in southern Somalia, along the Indian Ocean.  Most Somalis converted to Islam by about 1100 AD.  They fought multiple wars against the Ethiopian Christians and became the dominant people in the land.  Their capital, Mogadishu, was at its height of influence and wealth during the 13^th century, when it controlled the gold trade along the East African coast.

In the 1800s the British and Italians arrived and established British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland.  The Dervishes fought off the British from the interior for years under the leadership of Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, until they were eventually defeated in 1920.  The Italians controlled most of the area until after World War II, when the British took it over completely.  In 1960, Somalia gained full independence from Britain.

Unfortunately, in 1991 civil war broke out.  Since that time, the country has been in anarchy with no real central government.  It is also home to the jihadist terror group known as Al-Shabaab.  As a result, it is one of the most violent and one of the poorest countries in the world.  They have suffered mass casualties from war, disease and famine and many Somalis live as refugees in their own country or in neighboring ones.  In the north there is an autonomous region known as Somaliland but it is not recognized as such by the international community.

Somalia Culture

The population of Somalia is a guesstimate of about 14 million.  The official language is Somali however, it did not become a written language until 1973.  Arabic is also an official language and is spoken and read for religious reasons.  A small percentage of Somalis speak Italian and a growing number speak English.  The official religion is Sunni Islam; traditionally Somalis practice a moderate form of Islam, influenced by Sufism.  However, the Salafi movement, a reform branch, has gained more political influence in recent decades.

About 3/5^th of the population are nomadic herders, the others are city dwellers.  The Nomads spend nearly all their time outdoors. The traditional shelter of the herders is called the aqal, which is a dome shaped, collapsible hut, made from poles and covered with hides or woven, fiber mats.  It is easy to take down and reassemble and is the responsibility of the women of the family.  It is carried by camel.  Typically only a bed is inside the aqal, made from wooden stakes and covered with hides.  They have few possessions and just enough household items for cooking.  Many nomadic camps are surrounded by a fence made from thorn bushes to keep out predators.  Animals are kept in corrals, also made from thorn bushes.  They typically will make camp near a shade tree which is used as a gathering place and class room.

Clan groupings of the Somali people are important social units.  Clan membership plays a central role in Somali culture and politics.  They are patrilineal and are divided into sub clans, resulting in extended families.  Unfortunately clan rivalries are one of the problems they face in establishing a central government for the nation.  Somalis have a very high fertility rate, an average of six children born per woman.  However, they have a very low life expectancy, with only 51 years for a man and 55 years for a woman.

Somali Cuisine

Somali cuisine is varied with different local foods in every region of the country.  Its main influences come from East Africa, Arabia, Turkey, India and Italy.  

The camel was first domesticated in Somalia and there are more camels in Somalia than any other country in the world.  Camel milk is to Somalia what cow’s milk is to the west.  They even have a common phrase which is uttered to guests, “soo maal” which means, “go milk” (the camel.)  Camel meat is also consumed however, goat is much more popular.

Goat meat is often cubed and seasoned with a spice blend called xawash, similar to Ethiopia’s berbere.  They make the cubed meat into what is called suqaar, a common dish like a stew which is often eaten with rice or anjero, a flat bread, similar to Ethiopia’s injera.  Spiced rice called bariis iskukaris, which is similar to a pilau, is beloved.  Sambusas, little fried pastries stuffed with meat or vegetables, are a go to snack.  Generally speaking, the cuisine of Somalia has many spices with cardamom being extremely prevalent.  They like to buy cardamom in pods and grind it, just before use.  Cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, ginger and fenugreek are all common spices.  Somalis also like their food spicy hot, from chilies.  However, they like to put it on the side, so they can add heat to their liking.

So let’s enjoy a Somali Meal:

The Menu

The Meal

Muufo (Somalia Bread)

Main Course

Baasta Iyo Suugo (Somali Pasta)

Made with Xawaash (Somali Spice Blend)

Served with

Somali Salad with Bizbaz (Jalapeno Dressing)

Dessert

Kac Kac (Somali Doughnut)

We set the scene with a leopard print cloth to represent the national animal of Somalia.  A white star, which is prominent on the flag of Somalia, was placed along with a photo of a camel.  A banana was added because they eat them with almost everything, and we included their national flower, the King Protea.  We used incense with the fragrance of frankincense.  The meal was served all together, which is customary there, except for the dessert.

The pasta dish was made with small cubes of beef and seasoned with their famous xawaash spice blend, which was excellent.  Somalis eat bananas with all sorts of things and this Somali Pasta was served with a banana on the plate.  I was skeptical at first but oh my goodness, it was delicious.  It provided a wonderful sweetness to the dish which perfectly balanced the flavors.  We also loved the thick bread called muufo which was made with fine semolina and flavored with fenugreek.  It was perfect to soak up the spicy sauce. 

A basic salad of lettuce, tomato and onion was served as well but the jalapeño dressing called Bizbaz was out of this world.  I have made the spicy, creamy dressing many times since I cooked this dish and it goes great as a dip for grilled meats or as it was intended, as a salad dressing. 

For dessert, we enjoyed kac kac, a delicious fried dough, gently flavored with a hint of cardamom.   We had them with a cup of Somali tea, known as shaah bigays; a simple black tea that is served after heavy meals.

Afterwards, we sat down to watch a film called, Black Hawk Down, a war film about the true story of the U.S. military’s 1993 raid in Mogadishu.

I pray the people of Somalia will find their way to rid the country of radical ideology and  can finally live in peace.

“Rajada ugu fiican!” which means, “Best Wishes!”

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Solomon Islands get its name?

It was 1568 when the Spanish Navigator, Alvaro de Mendana, discovered the islands.  He named the archipelago, “Islas Salomon,” believing this was the area of the South Pacific where King Solomon got the gold  he used to build the Temple of Jerusalem.  The name was changed upon their independence to “Solomon Islands,” removing “The” from the official name.

How did Tuvalu get its name?

Tuvalu used to be called, “The Ellice Islands” or “Lagoon Islands.”  Tuvalu is an old name meaning “Eight Standing Together.”  Although Tuvalu has a total of nine islands; three reef islands and six true atolls, only eight were inhabited, as one has very little land that is above sea level.   The name reverted back to Tuvalu when it gained its independence.

Where are Solomon Islands located?

Solomon Islands consists of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands, located in Oceania.  They lay east of Papua, New Guinea, northeast of Australia and northwest of Vanuatu.  The islands cover a land area of about 11,000 square miles.  The country’s capital is Honiara, located on the Island of Guadalcanal.

Where is Tuvalu located?

Tuvalu is also located in Oceania, in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean.  It lies about 2500 miles northeast of Australia and is approximately half way between Hawaii and Australia.  It lies east-northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands, which belong to Solomon Islands.  Also, it is southeast of Nauru, south of Kiribati, northwest of Samoa and north of Fiji.  It is a tiny, country, covering only ten square miles of land. However, they are spread out over a large, economic zone of 289,500 square miles.  The highest elevation is only 15 feet above sea level.  Global warming and rising sea levels are major concerns for this country.

A brief history of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands are believed to have been settled by Austronesian people, sometime around 2000 BC.  For centuries, many self-governing villages speaking separate languages lived on the six, big, volcanic islands and scores of atolls in the Melanesian archipelago.  They lived largely unbothered by foreigners until the 1800s, when traders and missionaries from Europe, America and Australasia arrived to barter food, labor and goods. 

In 1886, a German protectorate was established over the northern islands.  In 1893, the southern islands became a British protectorate until 1899, when all of it was transferred to British control.  The British interest was in the supply of workers to fuel the sugar estates in Queensland and Fiji, much more than it was for the protection of the islands.  Disease and tribal wars followed and many areas known as “waste lands” were leased to foreign companies to produce rubber, copra (the dried kernel of the coconut) and vegetable oil.

Solomon Islands had only their land and labor to sell.  For years, young, fit men were taken forcefully by “Blackbirders” (Slave Traders)  to Fiji and Queensland.  They were often brutally treated but by the 1920s conditions somewhat improved.  Living together on plantations gave men the chance to learn a common language known as “Pijin English.”  By the mid-twentieth century, many Chinese had come to settle, displacing European traders and plantation owners.

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Solomon Islands.  The counter attack was led by the US Marines who landed on Guadalcanal and Tualgi in August of 1942.  Some of the most brutal fighting of World War II took place on the Islands for nearly three years.

Solomon Islands eventually gained independence on July 7, 1978.  Like many newly, independent nations, there has been ongoing ethnic violence.  In July of 2003, the Governor General issued an official request for international help.  Australia committed the largest number of troops to restore order and police the islands.   Although things have gotten better on the islands, ethnic tensions remain.  The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. 

A brief history of Tuvalu

It is believed the earliest settlers on the islands were Samoans, Tongans and settlers from other Polynesian islands sometime around the 14^th century AD.  A couple of the islands were then discovered by the Spanish, in two separate expeditions, in 1568 and 1595.  

In 1819, a ship owned by Edward Ellice of Britain visited Funafuta and named the islands “Ellice islands.”  From 1850-1875 there was a dark period where “Blackbirding” took place; the kidnapping of islanders for forced labor on plantations in Fiji and Queensland.  Between this and European diseases brought there, the population diminished from about 20,000 down to 3,000. 

 In 1877 the Ellice Islands become a British protectorate.  In 1916 the Gilbert islands joined the colony, until 1974 when 90% of the Polynesians voted for separation.  In 1975 the islands were renamed “Tuvalu” and full Independence was given on October 1, 1978.  In 1989 the UN  listed Tuvalu as one of a number of island groups most likely to disappear beneath the sea in the 21^st century, due to global warming.  It remains the country’s number one concern. 

Due to salinization of the soil, subsistence farming became extremely difficult.  Thankfully, the country got lucky on two fronts;  in 1998, it began leasing its 900 number to a foreign company, and then it established its TV revenue.  The TV agreement with a US company generated enough funds for Tuvalu to apply to join the United Nations in 2000.  The lease expires in 2020 but will have proven to be highly lucrative.  They also make money with their postage stamps and coinage, both of which are sought by collectors.

Solomon Islands Culture

The population of the Solomon Islands is about 690,000.  The majority of the people are ethnically Melanesian, but there is a small percentage of Micronesian and Polynesian, as well as ethnic Chinese.  The official language is English, but there are 63 other distinct languages.  Most people speak pidgin known as “Solomon’s Pijin.” 

Most islanders live in close knit communities of extended families, and while largely Christian, many still follow traditional systems of beliefs.  Land ownership, they call Kastom, refers to their traditional Melanesian roots.  Although nearly 70,000 people live in the capital city of  Honiara, the majority still live in rural villages, based on a subsistence economy of fishing, hunting and growing crops.  People still barter and use shells for money, although they do have their own currency.  Most houses are built on stilts to keep their homes cooler and most don’t have electricity, telephones or other modern amenities. 

Music and art play an important role.  Traditional music uses instruments such as the slit drums, panpipes and the conch shell.  Solomon Islanders are also known for their handicrafts, like intricately carved, dark ebony hardwood with inlaid mother of pearl.  Basket weaving and wicker weaving are also traditional art forms. 

On the islands about ten percent of the indigenous dark skinned people have strikingly, blonde hair.  Some islanders theorize that it was due to a diet rich in fish or excess sun exposure or from distant European ancestors.  It turns out, a geneticist discovered a gene variant responsible for blond hair on the islanders, that is distinctly different from the gene that causes blond hair in Europeans.

Tuvalu Culture

The population of Tuvalu is only 11,000 today.  The tiny islands’ nation is the second least populated and fourth smallest, landmass of any country.  It is listed as the least visited country in the world.  It has strong Polynesian culture with a laid back and friendly attitude.  Pacific island traditions are commonplace in Tuvaluan culture.  This is most evident in their dance.  Fatele is the traditional dance that is performed to celebrate leaders and was performed when Prince William and his wife officially visited the islands in 2012. 

Each family has skill sets known as salanga, which are performed within the community. The typical trades are fishermen, house builders, and boat builders and these trades are passed on from parents to their children.  They have community halls known as falekapule  where villagers gather for general meetings and celebrations.  The Tuvaluan community is extremely close knit.  Nearly the entire population is Christian which was the religion brought to Tuvalu with the earliest European settlers.  The official language is Tuvalu which is similar to Polynesian.  English is also spoken and taught in schools.

Solomon Islands and Tuvalu Cuisine

Solomon Islands have more land mass to grow food and therefore have a bit more variety in their cuisine than Tuvalu.  Both countries rely on imports from neighboring countries.  The main staple of Solomon Islands is fish, which is cooked in all sorts of ways from grilling, to boiling, to frying.  The fish is served with an assortment of side dishes which include coconut, sweet potatoes, rice, taro roots, taro leaves, cassava, bananas and their very famous breadfruit called ulu.  Poi, is made with fermented taro root and is considered the national dish of Solomon Islands.

In Tuvalu, they also have an abundance of seafood choices and therefore fish, crabs and even sea birds are the typical protein.  Coconut, in one form or another, is used in nearly every dish.  They have a different sort of taro that grows which is called “swamp taro” and the root and leaves are used to make side dishes along with bananas and breadfruit.

So let’s enjoy a meal from the Islands:

Menu

Appetizer

Taro Root Chips

Main Dish

Tuna Coconut Curry

Served with:

Palusami  (Corned Beef with Taro Leaves and Coconut)

Dessert

Coconut Pudding

We set the scene by displaying staple ingredients from both islands, on top of a tapa cloth. We added palm fronds and shells for a little island flair.

For the first course, we nibbled on some fried taro root chips that were simply lightly salted.  Taro root is a resistant starch and is considered to be good for the gut. 

For the main course, we had a tuna coconut curry, that was served with rice.  It was fantastic.  We absolutely loved the flavors; with spice from the curry powder and hot chilies.  Of course, you must use very fresh tuna, like you would get on the Islands.  If you wanted to be adventurous, you could make your own coconut milk as they would there. However, the recipe can easily be made with canned coconut milk.

The tuna was served alongside a favorite dish; popular in both countries, called palusami.  It is a surprisingly easy to make dish.  Although some people may shy away from canned, corned beef, (aka spam) one can imagine how much the taste of meat, an occasional break from fish, is a welcomed flavor on these remote islands.  It would typically be made with taro leaves, which you likely can find in a good Asian store, otherwise you can substitute spinach, which is also very tasty.

For dessert, we enjoyed a simple coconut pudding that reminded us a bit more of jello than a pudding.  The pieces were served in a coconut shell.  It was a sweet treat to end our Island meal. 

To be honest, finding recipes for these incredibly, remote Oceania islands was challenging, to say the least.  I am certain my recipes from Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Samoa would all be applicable to these island nations as well.  We loved our last experience on Christmas Island in Kiribati.  Perhaps a fishing trip to these remote islands is in order as well.  One thing is for certain, the ocean is a truly spectacular paradise for divers, snorkelers and fishermen.

As we say goodbye to these islands, I leave with a hope of peace for Solomon Islands and a prayer for Tuvalu, that it remains above sea level. 

Until next time,

Tofa   (Goodbye in Tuvalu)

Lukim iu. (Goodbye in Pijin)

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

How did Slovenia get its name?

The word Slovenin is a derivation from “slovo” meaning “word,” denoting people who speak the same language.  Slovenia is officially known as the Republic of Slovenia but is called Slovenija by its people.  The name comes from the Slovenes; the group of South Slavs who originally settled the area.  It is also known as the “Land of Hayracks.”

Where is Slovenia located?

Slovenia is a small country, situated in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.  It is bordered by Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and Italy and the Adriatic Sea to the west.  It is a mountainous and forested country and sits in the foothills of the eastern Alps; making it a skier’s destination.  It has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Croatia, which enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate.  It is also home to the Kras Plateau, which is a unique area of unusual geological formations; underground rivers, caves and gorges.  Its capital city and largest city, Ljubljana (pronounced lub-lee-yana,) is located in this area.  Ljubljana means “the loved one” and was voted the “Green capital of the world” in 2016. 

A Brief History of Slovenia

The Slovenes created their first state back in the 600s, which lasted until the eighth century when it was absorbed into the Frankish empire.  In the tenth century, Slovenia fell under the control of the Holy Roman Empire.  It then became part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire, from 1335 to 1918. 

At the end of World War I, Slovenia joined with other Slavic nations to form “the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.”  It was renamed in 1929, “the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.”  Slovenia and its neighboring states fell under Nazi Germany’s control in World War II.  Under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, they fiercely resisted the German, Italian and Hungarian occupation, which led to a socialist Yugoslavia at the end of the war.  During the post-war communist period, Slovenia was the most prosperous region of Yugoslavia.

After Tito’s death in 1980, serious disagreements between the states began to grow.  On June 25, 1991 the Republic of Slovenia declared Independence after a relatively bloodless ten day war.  Since Independence, Slovenia has worked hard for economic stabilization and government reorganization.  Today, Slovenia is a member of the EU and the UN and NATO and is a thriving nation with a renewed focus on tourism.

Slovenian Culture

Slovenia is home to about two million people; half live in urban areas and the other half living rural.  About 50% of the population is Roman Catholic.  The large majority of the population is Slovene, with a few, Croatians, Hungarians, Albanians, Serbs and Italians in the mix.  The official language is Slovene, or Slovenian, and belongs to the Slavic languages.  Despite its small size, there are over 32 different dialects spoken in the country.  Many Slovenians are multi-lingual, and they have a 99.7% literacy rate.

Slovenia has a very strong cultural heritage and is proud of hosting over 100 festivals each year, to include music, dance, film and food traditions.  Many Slovenians are beekeepers, some 90,000 of them.  That is, nearly one in nine souls take care of the calm, Carniolan, honey bees, that are native there.  Many Slovenians also grow grapes for wine. There are over 28,000 vineyards in Slovenia, making it a wine haven.  This includes the oldest grapevine in the world, that grows in the Maribor area and is estimated to be 400 years old.

Speaking of old, Slovenia is home to some of the oldest artifacts in the world.  The oldest flute, made from a bear femur, is estimated to be 60,000 years old, a needle was discovered believed to be 30,000 years old, along with a 5200-year-old wooden wheel. 

Slovenia has much to offer especially for those who love nature and the outdoors.  Its highest peak is Mount Triglav and is featured on their flag.  The picturesque lake, in the Julian Alps, called Lake Bled, is a very popular tourist destination, with an island in the middle of the lake and an old church, very popular for weddings.  The church dates back to the 17^th century but houses Gothic frescoes go back to 1470.  Slovenia is home to many castles and also is home to important Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.

Whether it is skiing in the Alps, exploring massive caves, kayaking along one of their beautiful rivers, or visiting the Venetian Gothic Mediterranean town of Piran along the Adriatic coast, it won’t take long for Slovenia to be the next major tourist destination in Europe.

Slovenian Cuisine

Slovenia, with its small size and many neighbors, has had many influences on its cuisine.  It is said to have 24 distinct culinary regions.  Generally speaking, Slovenian food is whole and hearty.  They do have many specialties, such as their famous karst prosciutto, cured with the cold winds of the region.  Buckwheat is made into several dishes and its white flowers are a favorite of the bees, who produce buckwheat honey.  Whole arrays of mushrooms are found throughout Slovenia and are favorites for foraging. 

The European walnut tree is native, but many were destroyed for their beautiful wood.  There has been a resurgence of the walnut tree and Slovenia is now home to some 100,000 of them; wonderful news for potica (a Slovenian nut pastry) nut lovers and bakers.  Dandelions, harvested in spring, are a nutritious green often used in salads.  Potatoes are ubiquitous and cooked in all varieties of ways.  Seafood is plentiful along the coast, however trout from the Soca river is the most beloved.  Carniolan sausage, made with pork, and beef is beloved. Soups are also extremely popular, one called Jota, is considered a peasant dish which is made with turnips, beans and onions and found throughout the nation.  Cheeses and dairy are also very popular. 

So let’s enjoy a Slovenian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Karst Prust (Karst Prosciutto)

Main Course

Stefani Pecenka (Meatloaf w/Hard-boiled Eggs)

Served with

Prazen Krompir (Roasted Potatoes)

Dessert

Potica (Nut-filled Pastry)

We set the scene with a honey jar, (featuring a bear with a honey statue.)  Slovenia is an important home to bears in its forested areas.  Walnuts and grapes were placed, along with a picture of their national tree, called the Linden tree, whose canopy has been a gathering place in Slovenian villages for centuries.  A picture of the famous Lipizzan horse was also added.  This is a breed that originated there.  Finally, we added a carnation; their national flower.

We began with a toast of a Slovenian white wine and said, “Na Zdravje” or “Cheers!”  We savored the appetizer course of prosciutto, sheep’s cheese and a bit of sweet melon. It was a lovely plate to begin a meal.

Our main course was called Sefani Pecenka; a simple meatloaf-style dish, spiced with vegeta, paprika, thyme and parsley, with a surprise of hard-boiled eggs in the middle.  The Stephanie roast was served alongside decadent roast potatoes, called prazen krompir.  These potatoes were topped with pork cracklings that had been cooked with pork fat and onions.  The combination of these two dishes was superb; hearty and comforting.

For dessert, we enjoyed one called potica.  Pope Francis made this dessert world famous when he mentioned it after he met Melania Trump  at the Vatican in May of 2017.  Melania Trump is the second-ever first lady to be born outside the USA.  She was born in Slovenia.  He said to her, “What do you give him to eat? Potica?” The sound-byte went viral and put potica on the world map.  It is not hard to see why.  It is a delicious, nut pastry that is frankly, unforgettable.  Although the walnut filling is typical, it is also made with other fillings, like raisins, tarragon, cheese, poppy seeds and chocolate.  There is another saying in Slovenia, “A potica a day keeps the sadness away.” Just another testament to its popularity.

As we say good bye to this lovely, little country, called Slovenia, I leave you with a few Slovenian proverbs:

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing!

Who is forced to go to church, will not pray.

and

Politeness costs nothing, but yields much.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Slovakia get its name?

The native name, Slovensko, is derived from the older name of the Slovak people.  Sloven was what they were called in 1791.  The name Slovaks stems from the Czech word, Slovaky.  The Germans called it Windischen landen and Windenland, back in the 15^th century.  Today the official name is the Slovak Republic, although it is generally referred to as Slovakia.  The Slovakians still call their country Slovensko, in their Slovak language.

Where is Slovakia located?

Slovakia is a landlocked country located literally, in the center of Europe.  It has many neighbors, the Czech Republic on the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine and Hungary to the east and Austria to the southwest.  The capital city is Bratislava, which lies in the extreme southwestern corner, close to the border with Austria. 

This small country boasts an astounding variety of scenery, from mountains, canyons, and caves (about 6000 of them), to lakes, forests and lowland meadows.  Slovakia’s natural beauty makes it an ideal year-round destination, for outdoor enthusiasts.  The country enjoys four seasons and belongs to the northern, moderate climatic zone.

A brief history of Slovakia

Slavs settled in what is now Slovakia, back in the sixth century AD.  They were taken over by the Avars, until they drove them out at the end of the eighth century.  In the ninth century, they became part of what was known as Great Moravia.  During this time, St. Cyril and St Methodius converted Slovakia to Christianity.  However in the 10^th century, a people called the Magyars destroyed the Moravian empire.  They settled down and formed the state of Hungary but they still ruled Slovakia.  Hungary would rule Slovakia for the next 1000 years!

Sometime after 1526, Hungary was dismembered and Slovakia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  In the late 19^th century, the Hungarians tried to “Hungarianize” Slovakia.  To escape oppression may Slovaks emigrated to the USA.  In 1918 Austria collapsed and the new Czech, Slovak, state was born.  It was called Czechoslovakia.  Many Germans lived in the border region of Czechoslovakia, called Sudetenland.  On March 15, 1939, the German army occupied the rest of what is now known as the Czech Republic.  Slovakia became nominally independent.  The new Slovak government was led by Jozef Tiso who introduced a repressive regime.  During World War II about 73,000 Slovak Jews along, with Romas, were deported to be murdered.  In 1946 the communists emerged as the largest party in the region.  

In 1993 Slovakia and the Czech Republic separated and became independent.  Slovakia performed poorly at first, suffering from high unemployment in the beginning of the 21^st century, but she has recently made good strides.  They became part of the EU in 2004, and joined NATO in 2009.  Zuzana Caputova was elected the first woman president of Slovakia in 2019, and serves a population of 5.4 million Slovakians. Today Slovakia is run as a parliamentary democracy.

Slovakian Culture

Slovakia has a rich, folklore tradition with nearly every region, city and municipality, having their own unique character.  Costumes, music, songs, architecture, customs and dances are preserved in festivals that are held all over the country.  They even have the first architectural village in the world, featuring all original gingerbread houses.  The first mention of this village dates back to 1272.  Many Slovak folklore traditions relate to birth and dying, and several in the fear of the unknown and an inability to explain natural events.  With the arrival of Christianity, new customs and traditions took hold, with Christmas and Easter being two of the most important holidays.  Christianity is the predominant religion in Slovakia with 66 percent being Catholic and about 10 percent being part of the Protestant religion.  There are a total of 18 religions and churches registered there. 

Namedays are another important part of Slovak heritage, with each day of the year representing one or two names.  When your name comes up on the calendar it is a party just like a birthday would be.

The official language is Slovak and it is a Slavic language like Russian, Polish and many other East European languages.  It is very similar to Czech and they can readily understand each other.  Slovak is said to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.

Slovakia is home to the largest number of castles and chateaus per capita in the world.  They are also famous for their many natural, thermal spas.  The healing water is said to be very therapeutic.  Kings, politicians and famous people, swear by it.  The water is said to treat the sick, regenerate the tired and bring out a person’s natural beauty.

Slovakian Cuisine

Slovakia takes its cuisine’s cues from its neighbors.  It features a hearty cuisine, similar to many Eastern European nations.  Their most famous dish is called halusky, which is a potato type, dumpling that is smothered in cheese, but not just any cheese.  It is a sheep’s cheese called bryndza.  This decadent dish is topped off with bits of bacon and is the ultimate example of a true, comfort food.   

Nearly every meal in Slovakia will begin with a soup as a starter.  They enjoy soups made from beans, tripe, chicken and noodles.  Their most famous, sauerkraut soup is often served in a bread bowl, called kapustinica.  Goulash is another staple made from various vegetables, potatoes and meat. 

Pork, beef and poultry are the main meats in Slovakia, with pork being the most popular.  Every part of the pig is used and made into dried meats as well as delicious sausages, some made with pork blood and rice.  Chicken Paprikash is another very popular dish.  Most meat dishes are either breaded or fried in oil, like a schnitzel.  

The traditional food of Slovakia can be traced back to times when the population lived self-sufficiently in villages with very limited imports.  This gave rise to a cuisine dependent on staple foods like wheat, potatoes, milk and milk products, pork, sauerkraut, onions and wild mushrooms.  Spices are not widely used in their cuisine.  

The main meal of the day is typically lunch and consists of a soup, main dish and dessert.  Beer is their most popular drink. 

So let’s enjoy a Slovakian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Kapustinca (Sauerkraut Soup)

Main Course

Bryndzove Halusky (Sheep Cheese Dumplings)

Dessert

Jablcka V Zupane (Apples in a Bathrobe)

We set the scene with colors of the Slovakian flag; red white and blue.  We placed a few potatoes in the décor, as it is a true staple ingredient, along with a cross to represent Christianity and a hockey stick to represent one of their most beloved sports.  A candle with a picture of their famous Orava castle on it, dating back to 1267, completed the setting.

We began the meal by saying, “Do brou chut” which is the cue to begin eating.  We then toasted with a beer and said “Naz dravie” which means “To your health.”  We ate continental style, which is customary there.  We also left our napkins next to the plate as we ate, as opposed to putting them on our lap.

Our first course was the famous sauerkraut soup, Kapustinca, served in a bread bowl.  This is a hearty soup dish that could easily be a meal unto itself.  It was superb with pieces of sausage in the mix.  We savored every bite and loved the pieces of bread that naturally ended up in the soup from the bread bowl.  Kapustinca is a perfect dish on a cold, winter day.

For the main course we served the hearty, Bryndzove Halusky.  This dish is made of little potato dumplings that reminded us a little of gnocchi.  It is drenched in a sheep’s cheese for which Slovakia is famous.  It was topped with bacon drippings and bits, which made this a truly decadent bite. 

For dessert, we had apple slices that were first covered in a batter of egg and flour, fried in oil and then dipped in cinnamon and sugar.  I guess it is the batter covering the apples that gives it the name, “Apples in a Bathrobe.”  They were a true delight.  We enjoyed the apples slices with a cup of robust coffee, which is another beloved drink in Slovakia.  This was another perfect ending to our International Cuisine meal.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing little country in the middle of Europe, I leave you with a few Slovakian proverbs:

Consider each day as your best day.

Not he who begins, but he who finishes is the master.

Don’t praise what is yours; don’t belittle what is another’s.

and

The truth rises to the surface like oil on water.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

New Year’s Eve traditions around the world

It is always fascinating to learn a little something about how other places and cultures celebrate special days.  New Year’s Eve, (or Old Year’s Day) is celebrated in many parts of the world, although it has many different names.  Countries in Europe call it St. Sylvester’s Day.  Malam Tahun Baru is what it is called in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.  It is called Hogmanay in Scotland and Reveillon or Wallonia in Brazil, and Portugal.  This special evening is held on the last day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, which is December 31^st, and rings in the New Year at midnight.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate the New Year in many countries around the world.  Festivals and celebrations also include song, dance and of course, great food.

Here are some fun and quirky things people do around the world to say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new:

In Australia, people run out into the streets and bang on pots and pans.

In Denmark, they shatter dishes and plates against the front doors of friends and family.

In hope for good fortune, in Ecuador, giant scarecrows are made of paper and burned, along with photographs of the past year.

Speaking of South American countries, many believe that, your fate in the New Year is determined by the color of the underwear you wear that night.  If they are red, they will bring you love, wealth if they are yellow, and peace if they are white.

In Peru, there is a festival in a small village called the Takanakuy Festival, where at the end of the year people settle their differences with a fist fight, so they can start off the year without holding any grudges.

An easier way to ring in the New Year is practiced in Argentina, where at the stroke of midnight they take their first step with their right foot, thereby, “Starting the year off on the right foot.”

In Romania, people toss spare coins into the river for good luck.

Dropping ice cream on the floor is what they do in Switzerland.  (We are not sure how this tradition emerged.)

In Puerto Rico, people throw buckets of water out of their window to drive away evil spirits.

In Turkey, they smash pomegranates. The more pieces it breaks in to, the more good luck will come.

In Belgium, even the livestock get in the spirit as they are decorated and paraded around town with bells ringing.

Columbia believes that if you carry around an empty suitcase, travel will come your way in the New Year.

Many places including Bolivia, like to bake a coin into their sweets.  Whoever finds it in the treat will have good luck for the next year (and hopefully not a broken tooth.)

In Spain, they eat grapes, one for each chime of the church bell at midnight.  It is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.  The grapes enjoyed along with some Cava of course.

In Finland, they cast molten tin into a bucket of water and then predict what’s in store for the coming year by the interpretation of the resulting shape.

In the Philippines, they turn on all the lights to ward off evil spirits.  They also wear polka dots, as anything round is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In Japan, the Buddhist temples strike the gong 108 times to expel 108 human weaknesses. The Japanese also have a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve, the long noodles represent longevity.

In Brazil, everyone wears white to scare away bad spirits and in Chile they sleep beside their loved ones in the cemetery.

Lentils and black-eyed peas are popular in many places to welcome in a full year of work and money.  In fact in Texas, black eyed peas are called Texas caviar.

Pork in many forms is another way the New year is celebrated, pigs root their food in a forward motion, so pork represents looking forward in the New Year.  My sister makes pork and sauerkraut every New Year’s day. 

Also in the United States, watching the giant crystal ball drop in Times Square (formerly called, Longacre Square) in New York City is a favorite at midnight, along with a toast of champagne, a kiss, and singing the Scottish classic called Auld Lang Syne which means, “old long ago.” According to Scotland.org, “The song is about love and kindness of days gone by, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take with us into the future.”

However you and your loved ones celebrate this New Year’s Eve, be safe, and why not do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity.

I would love to hear how you celebrate the New Year, Please do let me know in the comments below.

Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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How did Singapore get its name?

Singapore is a tiny country that has had several names.  Originally it was known as Temasek, which is believed to originate from the Malay word for “Sea town” or a piece of land surrounded by water.

Later the country was renamed Singapura, which is a Sanskrit word for “The Lion City.”  It was a Sumatran Prince who named it this, because he thought he saw a lion when he landed on the island.  However, there have never been lions on Singapore, only tigers. 

Although the names were used interchangeably from the 13^th to the 15^th centuries, when Portuguese traders arrived in the 16^th century, Temasek was no longer used and Singapura remained.

Singapore is also known as “The Little Red Dot”, a term coined by Indonesian President Habibie who referenced the country’s appearance on a map, where it always showed up as a red dot.  Singaporeans do not like this term as it serves as a reminder that their small size makes them vulnerable.

Where is Singapore Located?

Singapore is an island city-state, one of only three city-states in the world; the others are Monaco and Vatican City.  It is located at the end of the Malayan Peninsula, between Malaysia and Indonesia.  It has no land borders and has a total land area of only 278 square miles.  However, Singapore is not just one island.  It has 62 small, outlying islands, nearly all uninhabited.  The mainland of Singapore measures 31 miles from east to west and 17 miles from north to south, with 120 miles of coastline.

Singapore is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor and from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait.  Singapore is one of the few nations that is growing in size, as it reclaims land with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and sand from neighboring countries.  It is expected to grow by another 62 miles by the year 2033.

Despite its small size this country packs a large punch on the global scale.  It is one of the richest countries by GDP, the cleanest, the most honest and yet heavily urbanized.

A Brief History of Singapore

It is believed that the history of Singapore may date back as far as the third century.  It became a significant trading settlement by the 14^th century.  In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty to allow the British to locate a trading port on the islands.  This led to the establishment of The British Colony of Singapore in 1819.  During the subsequent decades, Singapore grew to become an important port in the region.  It was set up as a free port, which was a great advantage to the other nearby ports of Manila and Jakarta who levied tariffs on trade.  It allowed the introduction of the Chinese market, which greatly reduced the time and cost of shipping goods to Europe, after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. 

By 1880 over 1.5 million tons of goods passed through Singapore each year.  The Chinese, mostly Peranakans, who were descendants of early Chinese settlers, became the largest ethnic group in Singapore.  Malays were the second largest ethnic group but they were eventually outpaced by Indians as the second largest group. The Indians were brought in to carry out public works projects.  Despite its growth, Singapore was mismanaged with a predominantly male, transient and uneducated society.  Prostitution, gambling and drug abuse (mainly opium) were widespread.

During World War II, the Japanese occupied Singapore.  The fall of Singapore was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.  Singapore was renamed by the Japanese to “Syonan,” which means “Bright Southern Island”  and was under their control from 1942-1945.  However, this three year period was not at all bright, but rather a very dark time in Singapore’s history. 

After the Japanese surrendered to Allied forces, the British returned to Singapore.  The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed their credibility in the eyes of the Singaporeans.  This led to the beginning of self-governance.  After many trials and tribulations and alliances, Singapore gained Independence on the morning of August 9, 1965, after the Parliament of Malaysia voted 126-0 to expel Singapore from the short lived federation. 

Singapore wasted no time to seek international support and recognition of its sovereignty.  The new state joined the United Nations on September 21, 1965.  Although Singapore is a top country in many categories, it is rated one of the worst for freedom of the press and not so great on the level of democracy.  Generally speaking, Singaporeans have imposed the “surveillance” of its citizens to protect them. Today, Singapore’s economy is one of the best in the world.  The current president of Singapore is a woman, Madam Halimah Yacob.

Singapore’s Culture

One of the most beautiful things about Singapore is the way in which so many diverse people with varying religious beliefs, live in harmony.  This can be attributed to Singaporeans’ learning early on, the religious customs and traditions of each others religions.  They celebrate each other’s holidays as public holidays including Christian, Muslim, and Indian holidays, to name a few.  I happened to visit Singapore during the Chinese New Year, which was celebrated in large pagentry by all.  The state is home to ten major religions including: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. 

There are four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin Chinese.  Despite this, most people speak what is known as Singlish, another reflection of Singapore’s diversity.  It is a Creole language made up of local slang and expressions from the various official languages.  You will hear it spoken right away when visiting there.

Despite Singapore’s fast paced and rapid growth, it remains a very conservative and religious society.  Here are a few things you should know about how to stay out of trouble when visiting Singapore.  Respecting elders is of the utmost importance and you should never call someone older than you by their name.  They  should be called Auntie or Uncle or Grandmother etc.  Homosexuality is still illegal there.  Smoking in a non-smoking area is strictly enforced.  Don’t even think about trafficking drugs, it is punishable by death.  Littering or vandalism can result in hefty fines including  caning, and public shaming.  Chewing gum is against the law, as is not flushing a toilet after using it.  Perhaps it is these laws and punishments that make it one of the cleanest cities in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates.

Singapore has become a major tourist destination with several famous landmarks.  One of the newest is the Jewel Changi Airport, which opened in April 2019 and has a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex adjacent to the number one rated airport in the world.  The Marina Sands Hotel is one of the most Instagram-able hotels in the world; famous for its boat shaped infinity pool that overlooks all of Singapore. Another landmark is a giant observation Ferris wheel known as the Singapore flyer, that held the record as the largest from 2008 to 2014.  They have the second largest Aquarium in the world, which is part of the Adventure Cove Park.  A botanical garden, that is a UNESCO world heritage site, houses their beloved orchids, which are also a symbol of Singapore.

Aside from new attractions you will also find older establishments such as: the old Buddhist and Hindu temples, shop houses, mosques and areas like Little India, Haji Street and Chinatown.

Singapore Cuisine

Singapore imports nearly all of their food, as they only have 6% arable space.  They do try to grow what they can and recently put an emphasis on building vertical and growing roof top gardens.  Being a wealthy metropolitan city-state, you can find just about any type of food in Singapore.  I would argue the best can be found in what are known as hawker centers.  These are food stalls where you will find inexpensive but authentic cuisine of the people.  These food centers dot the country.  There is one food center that boasts a Michelin star which serves their famous chicken rice for only $1.42 per serving.  A few of Singapore’s favorite dishes are: chili crab, a spicy and delicious treat, laksa, a thick noodle dish often served with prawns and fish cakes, and a pulled tea, called Teh terik, made with black tea and condensed milk.  Make no mistake, you can find authentic Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian food all over Singapore.  You can also enjoy a traditional Peranakan meal by the famous Violet Oon, who is hailed as the Julia Childs of Singapore.  She has been the food ambassador of Singapore since 1988.  Also a trip to Singapore would not be complete without a stop at the famous Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and is still served with warm peanuts.  Culinary excellence is an integral part of the culture of Singapore.

So let’s enjoy a Singapore meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Singaporean Chili Crab

Main Course

Hainanese Chicken Rice with Sauces

Dessert

Pandan Chiffon Cake

We set the scene with orchids, as that is their national flower, along with a candle, decorated with the merlion, (the official mascot of Singapore, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish.) The colors used in our décor were red and white, to represent their flag.  A crab shell and other seashells were placed to represent the island’s seaside.  We also added symbols of the different religious faiths represented there.  Finally, a little F1 race car was placed, as Singaporeans were the first to introduce a night time Formula one race in the series.

We sat down with our Singapore Slings and said  “yumseng”, which is how you say “cheers” in Singlish.  Our first course was the amazing chili crab.  I had the privilege of eating this dish while in Singapore at the famous Jumbo’s restaurant.  I can attest that this recipe is just as wonderful.  It is spicy, rich and simply sensational.  It was served with steamed buns, as is customary there.  This could typically be a meal unto itself but I felt like it had to be only part of the IC menu.

For the main course, we savored the national dish called Hainanese chicken rice.  This dish can be found in all the hawker centers and is a true specialty of Singapore.  It is unique way to cook chicken, by poaching it.  The result is excellent, especially when served alongside seasoned rice.  The sauces that accompany the chicken and rice are what makes it truly extraordinary;  a chili sauce and another sauce made of ginger and spring onion oil, as well as a dressing, made with sesame oil, soy sauce and the poaching liquid.  Per their tradition, cucumber and tomato was served alongside the main dish.

For dessert, we enjoyed the pandan chiffon cake.  Pandan is a leaf, also known as screwpine, which is a very common ingredient in Singapore and Southeast Asian cooking.  It adds a nutty flavor and scent, as well as a bright green color.  This cake was light, fluffy, but not too sweet.  Delicious.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing little country of Singapore, I leave you with a few Singaporean proverbs:

Where there is a sea, there are pirates.

A given excuse that was not asked for implies guilt.

Never take a quiet person for granted.  He might have great qualities underneath his quiet nature.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Sierra Leone get its name?

It was a Portuguese explorer by the name of Pedro da Cintra, back in 1492, who named the area, “Sierra Lyoa” meaning, “Lion Mountains.”  There is some question as to whether it was named for the shape of the mountains or because the thunder sounded like a lion’s roar, upon his arrival.  In 1808 when it became a British Crown Colony, the name was misspelled to Sierra Leona and then later modified to Sierra Leone.  Sierra Leoneans call their country “Salone,” a Franco Krio name.   A nickname for Sierra Leone is “The Little Jewel,” as it is known for its gold and diamonds.

Where is Sierra Leone located?

Sierra Leone lies on the west coast of Africa.  It is bordered by Guinea to the north and northeast, Liberia to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.  It has a tropical climate with two seasons; the dry season is from Nov-May and the rainy season is June-Oct.  It has a coastal belt of mangrove swamps, a wooded hill country, an upland plateau and mountains.

A brief history of Sierra Leone

Archaeological findings show that Sierra Leone has been inhabited for thousands of years.  Different tribes and invaders organized themselves in small political units of kingdoms and chiefdoms.  Muslim traders brought Islam to the country.  It was the Portuguese sailors, who were the first Europeans to detail their adventures along the coast of Sierra Leone.

Located near the capital port city of Freeport was the Rokel estuary, which was established as an important source of freshwater for sea traders.  Initially, it was a place to trade for swords and kitchen items, in exchange for beeswax and fine ivory works.  By the mid 1550s, it was the slaves that were traded.  The English, French, Dutch and Danish all had interests in the area.  Trade was established through African rulers who prohibited European traders from entering the interior of the continent. 

In 1787, British philanthropists founded the “Province of Freedom.”  It later became known as Freeport and was the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade.  Some 1200 slaves were relocated there from Nova Scotia in 1792, along with a group of slaves from Jamaica.  By 1855, over 50,000 freed slaves called Freetown home, and they became known as the Krios.

Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1971.  Since independence it has experienced many changes politically, economically and in their social norms.  The 1990s brought a horrific civil war that led to intervention by the International community.  The war ended in 2002 and the process of rebuilding continues to this day.

As if recovering from civil war is not hard enough, Sierra Leone was hit in May of 2014 with the deadly Ebola virus.  The Ebola virus transmission was deemed  to be stopped in 2016, however there was a new strain found in bats in 2018 that once again alarmed scientists.  Although there are many travel warnings about visiting Sierra Leone, some bloggers say they have the most beautiful beaches and friendliest people in all of West Africa.  Despite its diamonds and gold, due to fighting and the skimming of resources, it is a poor country, one of the poorest in the world.  It is however, making strides and one day may become one of the world’s hottest, new travel destinations.

Sierra Leone Culture

The majority of Sierra Leoneans still live a traditional life, including subsistence agriculture, with ruling chiefs and religions which preserve social stability.  They also preserve local music, customs and traditions.

One interesting feature is the secret societies of Sierra Leone.  They are a fundamental part of the culture. There is the men’s secret society called the Poro and the women’s secret society is called Bundu.  These are where life lessons are taught and essential skills and knowledge concerning reaching puberty are passed on to contribute to the important roles of their society.

They also practice an interesting way of settling disputes called, palaver.  You may see two or three people yelling at each other quite aggressively and then immediately stop and hug each other like they are best friends.  This avoids anyone holding a grudge.

There are 16 different ethnic groups in Sierra Leone with the Temne in the north and Mende in the south, which is the largest.  The official language is English but Krio is the most universal.  Animist and Muslim are the two most practiced religions, followed by Christianity.

The Limba tribe plays a very important role in Sierra Leonean culture as they are the only people who can tap palm wine, also called poyo.  Other villages will put up signs trying to recruit good wine tappers in hopes that their village won’t run out of the naturally fermented, alcoholic drink.

Sierra Leone Cuisine

Sierra Leone’s cuisine is influenced by West Africa, in general.  Rice is considered a staple and they have multiple words in creole to describe the many ways it is consumed, like: pounded rice, steamed rice and the crusty part that forms on the bottom of a pot.  There is a saying there that, “If I haven’t had my rice, I haven’t eaten today.”  The rice is served with all sorts of stews and sauces, typically made with greens from cassava and potato leaves.  Other popular ingredients include: palm oil, onions, tomatoes, yams, ginger and chili peppers.  Protein is usually derived from ground-up nuts and beans, but also from fish, chicken goat meat and pork.  Being along the coast, oysters, lobster and crab are also frequently consumed.  The majority of the calories however, will almost always be from rice.

Fruits are also abundant in the lush, tropical regions of Sierra Leone and include: oranges, bananas, limes, lemons, pawpaws, avocados, watermelon, mangoes, guava and pineapples.  Fruit is typically consumed as a snack.  Plantains are fried and served as chips.  The stock cube, maggi, is also prominent in the cuisine, adding an umami, salty flavor, for which West African cuisine is well known.

Food is typically cooked over firewood or charcoal in large pots, placed directly over the flame.  It is only prepared by women or girls.

So let’s enjoy a Sierra Leone meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Grilled Oyster with Lime

Main Dish

Cassava Leaf Stew with Rice

Dessert

Ginger Cake

the meal served with:

Ginger Beer

We set the scene with colors of the Sierra Leone flag; green white and blue.  The green is symbolic of the agriculture and natural resources of the country.  White symbolizes justice and the blue is for the ocean and harbor of Freetown.  A lion figure was placed to represent the name of the country, as well as a coconut and a few palm fronds.  Rice, ginger and peanuts were added, as these are the staples of Sierra Leone.

Our first course was fresh, grilled oysters.  I have always eaten oysters raw and this was my first experience to grill them.  They actually open up on the grill and are incredibly succulent and delicious. They are simply served with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.  Grilling is a perfect way to enjoy oysters for those who are squeamish about eating oysters raw.  Oysters are abundant in the swampy mangroves that line the coast.  They are also an important source of income for the locals who harvest and sell them.

Our main course was cassava leaf stew, with sauce and served with steamed, rice balls.  It had a bit of beef in it, which is a luxury ingredient in Sierra Leone.  Cassava leaves were bought already pounded and the addition of eggplant, maggi, peanut butter, onions and smoked fish made this dish rich and flavorful.  It was a delight to the palate.

We set our plate in the center of the table and made little balls with the rice, which were then dipped into the sauce.  Food is to be eaten only with the right hand.  Typically, the men get the best pieces of meat, then the boys.  The women and girls get what is left.  It is important however, to only eat what is directly in front of where you are seated.  It is considered rude to reach over the platter.  It is also considered rude to talk during the meal.

For dessert, we enjoyed what is called, ginger cake.  I found it more like a bread than a cake but it was very tasty and a lovely way to end our meal; a sweet bite, topped with powdered sugar.

We enjoyed the whole meal with a very popular drink that is loved all over West Africa called, ginger beer. This was the non-alcoholic version and we loved it.  The ginger adds a surprising amount of heat to the drink.  The ginger settles on the bottom of the glass and can be added to your desired level of heat.

After dinner, we sat down and watched the adventure movie called, Blood Diamonds.  The movie depicts Sierra Leone during the civil war when diamonds were traded for weapons.  It was a tragic and violent time in this country’s history. 

As we say goodbye to Sierra Leone, I leave you with a few proverbs:

“A black cow gives white milk”

“To try and fail is not laziness”

and

“It is better to be loved than feared”

Until next time,

Good bye in Krio, “a de go”

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

How did the Seychelles get its name?

Just hearing the name Seychelles conjures up dreamy, white sand beaches and oceans of every shade of green and blue.  It is known to be an island getaway and is very popular as a honeymoon destination.  It is pronounced, “Say-shells.” 

The name of one of the islands, Mahe’, was renamed by the French in 1776 after King Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Sechelles, named it “Isle de Sechelles.”  The name has since been anglicized as Seychelles and is applied to the whole archipelago.

Where are the Seychelles located?

The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands.  The islands are located in the Indian Ocean, about 1000 miles off the coast of Kenya in East Africa, and northeast of Madagascar.  The Seychelles are considered to be part of Africa but they do meet at the crossroads of Asia as well. 

The capital city is Victoria, which is on the largest island of Mahe.  About half of the islands are of granitic origin, with narrow coastal strips and ranges of hills.  The highest range is Morne Seychellois, which rises to just shy of 3000 ft.  The rest are coral atolls, many of which are uninhabited.  All together the islands are about the size of the tiny country of Andorra.

A Brief History of the Seychelles

The beautiful and bountiful islands were a must stop for early Islamic traders and they were known to be a sanctuary for pirates in the early 17^th century.  In fact, to this day, it is thought the famous pirate known as The Buzzard, hid his treasure there, which still remains undiscovered.  The Seychelles were charted by both Portuguese and Asian explorers.  However, it was the French who originally inhabited and colonized the islands, having laid claim in 1756 to establish spice and coconut plantations. 

The first settlers were slaves and French planters who arrived in 1770.  When they arrived, one of the biggest problems they faced were saltwater crocodiles.  It is believed they became nearly extinct around 1819.  It was ultimately the British who ended up with the Seychelles in 1814 as part of the Treaty of Paris, after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.  The Seychelles became a crown colony, separate from Mauritius in 1903.

The British transformed the islands economically with the establishment of cinnamon, vanilla  sugar cane, coconut and tea plantations. They also built up the capital city of Victoria (renamed after the Queen).  There are many landmarks that remain today which were built in the early 1900s.

The Seychelles gained independence in 1976, which was then quickly followed by a coup and eventually socialist rule.  It has been a newly established, free country since the 1990s.  Tourism is the main industry, making up most of the country’s revenue.

Today the Seychelles is known for its pristine beaches, fishing, birding and scuba diving as well as a honeymooner’s haven.

Seychelles Culture

The locals are called Seychellois and are a melting pot of cultures, mainly from Africa, Europe, India and Asia.  They speak Creole, English and French, all of which are official languages.  The Seychellois’ government is heavily invested in protecting the integrity of the Creole language.  The national newspaper is printed in both Creole and English.

The main religion is Roman Catholic, practiced by about 90 percent of the population, but there are members of other Christian denominations as well.  There are also Hindi Muslims and adherents to the Baha’i Faith.

Many Seychellois believe in ghosts.  In fact, there is an entire island, Moyenne Island, that is believed to be haunted, (many believe that is where the buried treasure is hidden.)  Shaman, known as bonom di dwa or man of the woods, are regularly consulted for solving problems through supernatural guidance.

The Seychellois family unit is matriarchal.  Institutional marriage is not widely practiced and unwed mothers are the societal norm.  The law, however, does hold fathers accountable for financial support for their children.  Nearly 75 percent of the children are born out of wedlock.  This structure is known as en menage and it carries no negative social stigma.

Under the constitution women enjoy the same status as men and comprise 45.8 percent of the total number of delegates; having one of the highest numbers of women in parliament in the world.  Despite the country being a land of many colors, racism is non-existent.

Music is very important to the Seychellois and has evolved over the years.  African influences dominate, mainly in the moutia and sega music, that are often accompanied by dance.  The moutia dates back to the days of slavery and is a slow, erotic dance that was actually banned by the British.  Sega has a Calypso like rhythm and is also very popular in Mauritius.  This is the dance where your feet are not lifted from the ground. 

Seychelles Cuisine

The original French settlers arrived with their legendary skills in the kitchen.  Their ability to blend spices and herbs was adapted to island living, where seafood is particularly abundant.  Coconut, mango, papaya, banana, pumpkin and the golden apple are often used to make tangy salads.  It is said that if you eat breadfruit on the Seychelles it will guarantee your return.  Pork, chicken and beef are available but seafood remains king.

When the British arrived, they added their influence to the Creole cuisine with tea, cakes, custards and crumbles, as well as corned beef.  This influence however was mild compared to what the Chinese brought with their love of noodles and rice, the Indians who introduced, curries, beans, chilies and dahls, and the Africans  who contributed their use of creamy coconut milk, cassava and bananas.  Add in the local spices such as: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemongrass and you get a fusion Creole that is simply mouthwatering.  Fruit bat curry is considered one of the Seychelles specialties along with boudin, a blood sausage, sausage rougay (pork sausages in a rich tomato sauce.)  Freshly barbecued fish and kebabs can all be found in the night markets. 

So let’s enjoy a Seychellois meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Molouk (Crispy Fried, Flavored Dough)

Salad

Smoked Fish Salad

Main Course

Octopus Curry over White Rice

Dessert

Daube de Banana (Caramelized Bananas)

We set the scene with the national flower, an orchid, called tropicbird.  We included other tropical things like palm leaves, coconut and bananas to the décor, as well as cinnamon bark and the vanilla bean, as they remain huge exports.  A bit of sea life and shells were added, (after all it is the Seychelles.) 

We lit two candles, one of which had a picture of the famous tortoise, named Esmeralda, who is still living at 170 years of age on Bird Island.  He is the biggest and heaviest, free-roaming tortoise in the world, weighing a whopping 670 pounds.  Bird Island is home to the largest wild Aldabra tortoise population in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site.  Speaking of large, every visitor to the Seychelles will learn about the Coco de Mer or “Love Nut.”  It’s the largest seed in the world and stands out due to its voluptuous shape.  The other candle we lit had a picture of the black parrot, the threatened national bird.  With candle light glowing, we put on Calypso music to set the island mood.

For the first course, we loved nibbling on molouk, as it is called there.  In India it is called murruku.  Molouk is served in most bars on the islands as a popular snack.  They are made with rice and chickpea flour with added spices, such as hot chili powder and cumin.  The dough is drawn through a noodle press to shape it into thick noodles with curves.  We enjoyed them with an icy cold beer, which is also quite popular there. 

For our next course we had the smoked fish salad.  Salads of all types are served in the Seychelles.  This one was made with smoked marlin, shredded cabbage, carrots and onions.  It was served with a lime and olive oil dressing.  I think I could savor this salad every single day.  A true keeper recipe from the Seychelles and I am certain any type of smoked fish would be equally amazing.

For the main course, we served octopus curry and quickly learned why some consider it the most famous dish in the Seychelles.  It is a creamy curry made with coconut milk but so flavorful as it is spiced with masala and chilies.  Octopus is one of my favorite seafoods and we absolutely loved this curry over steamed white rice.  The original version comes from the island of Praslin and is a must try recipe.

For dessert, we wanted to enjoy something with bananas.  The Daube de Banana was perfect.  Bananas are loved and abundant on the islands.  What an absolute joy to savor this dish with all the special flavors that come from the Seychelles like: vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and of course, coconut.  This was yet another perfect ending to an International Cuisine meal.  The Seychellois cuisine was reminiscent of delicious Mauritius, which makes sense since they share much of the same history. 

As we say goodbye to the beautiful island nation of the Seychelles, I leave you with a poem written by  Terry Brewer called, Thoughts from the Seychelles Islands:

The sun carresses this granite isle

Where quietness rules the day.

The other world is sometimes grim,

here we smile, it is the Seychelles way.

Morne Seychellois stands tall, touching his cloud

Guarding, watching, massive and proud.

While flying foxes, sea birds, giant tortoises roam

Making this peaceful green island their home.

Red earth roads scurry through verdant hills

Clinging to mountains with desperate wills.

Sometimes destroyed by furious rains,

Making cataracts where there are no drains.

In Victoria, the Cathedral clock strikes twice at noon

Reminding time – move on, slowly, well soon!

Why hurry, there’s time to do what is to be done

And time goes slower if you stand, so much quicker if you run.

We trade with the world, who know not quite where we are

Vanilla, salt fish, green snails, beche de mer, copra

Go to far distant lands with a skilled sailors ease,

In schooners creaking slowly through fickle green seas.

Praslin Island is not too far away

The Garden of Eden, General Gordon did say

With the Coco de Mer in the Valley de Mai

Black parrots, peace and the silence of creation day

No airstrip yet intrudes and defiles

These untouched, unique, so, so beautiful isles.

Though there will be one soon, I’ver heard them say

Sadly, progress will change the quiet Seychelles way

Until next time,

Oo-rer-vwa  (“Goodbye” in Creole)

Darlene

How did Serbia get its name?

Serbia is the name for “The Land of the Serbs,” although, the actual origin of the name is unclear.  Serbia has historically had several different names: “The People’s Republic of Serbia,” “The Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes,” “The Socialist Republic of Serbia,” and from 1992 to 2006 Serbia was part of “The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”  Today her official name is, “The Republic of Serbia.”

Where is Serbia located?

Serbia is a Balkan nation located at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe.  Serbia sits on the southern Pannonian Plain, known for its thriving agriculture, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of the land.  It is also home to mountains and forests. 

It was once the core of the much larger territory of Yugoslavia.  However, today it is landlocked, surrounded by eight neighbors, with which they still hold a few land disputes.  Serbia’s neighbors are: Hungary to the north, Romania to the northeast,  Bulgaria to the southeast, Macedonia is south, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina  lie to the west and Montenegro to the southwest.  Serbia also claims a border with Albania, through the disputed territory of Kosovo. 

The Danube River, the second largest in Europe, passes through Serbia and is an important fresh water resource for the country.  Serbia  is also the home of Europe’s largest gorge; the Derdap Gorge, through which the mighty Danube flows.  The capital city is Belgrade and it is one of the oldest and largest cities of southeastern Europe.  It is a lively capital city and known for its party atmosphere. 

A Brief History of Serbia

Serbia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age.  By the sixth century, several regional states were established by Slavic migrations.  It was part of numerous kingdoms such as: the Byzantine, Frankish and Hungarian Kingdoms.  In 1217 the Serbian Kingdom was recognized by Constantinople, until its fall in 1346.

During the 16^th century the entirety of Serbia had been annexed by the Ottomans, with a few interruptions by the Hapsburg Empire.  In the early 19^th century, Serbia became a nation-state, following the Serbian Revolution and was the region’s first constitutional monarchy. 

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo, by a Serbian member of the Young Bosnia Organization, led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.  This is considered to be the start of World War I.  Serbia suffered mass casualties during the war with estimates as high as ¼ of the population at large and 57% of the male population. 

In 1929 King Alexander, the son of King Peter, established a dictatorship and changed the name of the country to Yugoslavia.  In 1941, Yugoslavia, which tried to remain neutral in World War II, was invaded by the Axis powers.  During this time, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Serbs fled the Axis puppet state, known as “The Independent State of Croatia” and sought refuge in the German occupied Serbia. 

Historians estimate that there were over one million war related deaths in Yugoslavia.  The Ustase regime (The Croatian Revolutionary Movement) was accused of systematically murdering somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 Serbs. This mass killing of Serbs, Jews and Romas, was considered genocide.

After the war, Yugoslavia became a one party state known as, “The Communist Party of Yugoslavia.”  Tito ruled there for nearly four and a half decades.  Eventually, due to ethnic tensions and wars, Yugoslavia broke up.  After many changes in leadership and rule, Serbia finally gained independence, (even as the last holdout of what was known as Yugoslavia,) on June 5, 2006.

Today Serbia is a parliamentary republic, and they are trying to become part of the European Union.   In 2008 Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, although the government of Serbia does not recognize the declaration.

Serbian Culture

Serbia is home to just over seven million people, which includes the autonomous region of Vojvodina, but not the population of Kosovo.  The ethnic makeup of the country, over 80%, is nearly all Serbs.  The remainder are Hungarians, Romanis and Bosniaks.  The official language is Serbian, however other languages, such as Hungarian and Romani, are spoken.  There is now freedom of religion in the country, but most, (85%) are members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.  The next largest religious group is Roman Catholic and a minority of Serbs are Muslims and Jews.

Serbia, being at the crossroads of eastern and western halves of empires for centuries, has been greatly influenced by those cultures.  Serbia is believed to have provided nearly a fifth of the Roman Emperors, the most famous being Constantine the Great.  He is credited with the introduction of Eastern Christianity or Orthodoxy, in the early middle ages.  Serbia has five UNESCO world heritage sites, all of which are monasteries.   The most famous might be the Milesseva monastery, where the fresco known as the White Angel (1235) was chosen as the first satellite broadcast signal from Europe to America. It  was a symbol of peace.

Icons and fresco paintings are considered the best of Serbian art.  (Serbian art during the Ottoman occupation was non-existent.)  The country is still dotted with many well preserved castles, medieval fortifications and monasteries.  There are several important museums in Serbia, including the prominent National Museum of Serbia, founded in 1844, which houses very important Balkan works of art.

Pirot carpet is known as one of the most important traditional handicrafts in all of Serbia.  It is made in the town of Pirot, in southeastern Serbia.  It is considered to be a national symbol of Serbian culture and uses the skill of making rugs on a vertical loom.  Music, dance, theater and literature also play important roles in Serbia’s history and culture.

Serbia’s Cuisine

Serbian cuisine is influenced by the surrounding Balkan nations, especially those that were part of the former Yugoslavia.  These include a mixture of Byzantine-Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish and Oriental as well as Medieval Slavic influences.  

Food preparation is a big part of Serbia’s family traditions.  Many items, such as rakija (their famous fruit brandy), jams, jellies, avjar, pickled foods and sausages, are all made at home.  They have several national dishes such as: gibanica, (an egg and cheese pie made with filo dough,) pljeskavica, (a ground beef and pork patty), karadordena snicla, (a schnitzel,) as well as cevapi, (grilled ground meat.) 

Generally speaking, the cuisine is made up of rich meats, vegetables, breads, cheese, fresh pastries and desserts.  The flavors are generally mild, fresh and natural.  As Serbians love to eat fresh produce, the seasonality dictates what is on the menu.  The cuisine is typically only lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika.  The national drink is the famous plum brandy, called sljivovica or their homemade rakija.    There is also a strong coffee culture.

So let’s enjoy a Serbian meal:

The Menu

Apertif & Appetizer

Meze (Assorted prosciutto with cheese and hard-boiled egg)

Served with: Šljivovica (Plum Brandy- the national drink)

Salad

Šopska Salata (Serbian salad with cheese)

Main Course

Ćevapi u lepinja sa kajmakom (Ground meat kebabs in flat bread with Kaymak)

(Also called Ćevapčići, this is one of the national dishes of Serbia)

Dessert

Suva Pita sa Orasmima (Walnut Pie)

We began to set the scene with raspberries and plums, as Serbia is the second largest exporter of each.  Also a jar of paprika was added and a statue of a vampire, representing the two Serbian words that made it into the English language.  We set the table with gold silverware, as an old Serbian legend says that in the 14^th century, meals in the Serbian palace were eaten with golden forks and spoons.  A cross was placed in the scene, to represent their Eastern Orthodox religion.  Finally, a tennis ball was added to represent the number one tennis player in the world; Novak Djokovic.  (Interestingly most Serbians last names end in “ic.”)

We began our meal with a toast, “Ziveli” which means, “Cheers” in Serbian.  It was accompanied by music, laughter and the clinking of glasses filled with plum brandy.  We enjoyed the aperitif along with meze, which means “little bites” and is similar to an Italian antipasto.  Our meze consisted of prosciutto, cornichons, pickled onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs and feta cheese.  We love meze, it was the perfect appetizer.

Next, we enjoyed a typical Serbian salad that is also popular all over the region called, Šopska Salata.  This is a basic salad made with cucumber, tomato, bell pepper and onions and topped with Serbian white cheese.  It is dressed with a simple, sunflower oil and white vinegar dressing and garnished with chives.  Excellent.

For the main course we savored one of Serbia’s national dishes, Ćevapi u lepinja sa kajmakom (Kebabs in flat bread with kaymak).  Everything was made from scratch, from the bread, called lepinja, to the grilled meat kebabs that were ground using lamb, beef and pork.  I even made up my own version of kaymak, which is a creamy dairy product that you smother on top of the lepinja.   We loved it all!

For dessert, we had this walnut pie called Suva Pita sa Orasmima, which is similar to baklava.  It is a sweet bite of heaven made with ground walnuts, which Serbians consider an aphrodisiac.  We enjoyed the dessert with a strong cup of coffee to end our fantastic Serbian meal.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing country of Serbia, known for their hospitality,  I leave you with a  few Serbian proverbs: 

The wound heals, the scar remains.

He who drinks on credit, gets drunk twice.

Peace pays what war wins.

and

A good deed is the best form of prayer.

Until next time,

“Zbogom” which means, “Goodbye,” in Serbian.

Warmest Regards,

Darlene Longacre

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How did Senegal get its name?

There are a few stories about the name Senegal.  Some believe that the country is named after the river of the same name that runs along its northern border, before entering the Atlantic Ocean.  Some historians believe the name may come from a Saharan Berber people called the Zenega, who lived north of the river.  In the Wolof language, “Sunugaal” means “Our Canoe” and the story goes that there was a miscommunication with a Portuguese captain and a Wolof fisherman over a canoe. This is the etymology of choice accepted by the Senegalese people, due to the charming symbolism of a nation, “all in the same boat.”

Where is Senegal located?

Senegal is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula in West Africa on the Atlantic coast.  Its vibrant capital city of Dakar, is the westernmost city on the African mainland.  Senegal has many neighbors: Mali, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and she wholly surrounds the small country of The Gambia.  This oddity makes the country look on a map like a big mouth taking a bite.

A Brief History of Senegal

It is believed the first humans in Senegal were hunters but sometime, around 3000 BC, they learned to farm.  By 500 AD a sophisticated society arose to make intricate iron tools and buildings made out of stone circles.  Towns and trade flourished.  In the 13^th century Senegal was part of the Empire of Mali, which lasted until their decline.  In the 15^th century, Senegal was broken up into several small kingdoms.

The first Europeans to arrive there were the Portuguese in 1544.  They began to trade with the Africans.  In the early 16^th century, the Portuguese started taking slaves from West Africa in large numbers to work sugar plantations.  The English, Dutch and French all established slave trading stations along the coast.  The Ile de Goree was taken by the French from the Dutch in 1677.   During the 18^th century, the slave trade flourished.  Europeans persuaded Africans from the coast to attack neighboring tribes and take captives.  Millions were shipped across the Atlantic in appalling conditions.  Today there is a museum called the House of Slaves with the “Door of No Return” that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It is a solemn place for contemplation and reflection.

The French took over Senegal and made it the headquarters of their growing West African empire.  This gave the Senegalese people education and healthcare that many other nations did not receive.  They also were a prosperous colony exporting ground nuts.  The French ended up giving independence to Senegal on June 20, 1960 as part of a union with Mali.  That was short-lived and Senegal became a separate nation on August 20, 1960.  Leopold Senghor, a catholic, became the first leader and is considered to be the founding father of the nation.  He introduced a new constitution in 1980.  Senegal is a poor country but unique in the world in many respects.

Senegalese Culture

The Sengelase have a motto, a way of life, called “Teranga,” which basically means “Hospitality.”  “The more I give, the more I have.”  This simple philosophy has shaped the nation in profound ways.

The country is made up of about 16 million people coming from about 20 ethnic groups.  The largest is the Wolof, however each ethnicity is important in the political, social and cultural spheres of the country.  The Wolof language is spoken by the majority of the people in Senegal and what you typically hear in the streets.  French and Arabic are considered to be the official languages, used in schools and government.

The country is 96 percent Sufi Muslim, a more mystical sect of Islam which was introduced in the 11^th century.  Christians, mostly Roman Catholics make up the balance.  They are a peaceful nation.  Western clothing is common in the urban areas of Senegal.  It is a choice however and many women prefer to wear a long, loose fitting, dress called boubous, with a matching headscarf.  

Like most African countries, Senegal has an age-old tradition of storytelling.  Written literature of Senegal is considered to be amongst the most important in West Africa.  Leopold Senghor, the founding father, is one of the most globally recognized poets.  Crafts such as glass painting, basket weaving, mask-making, wood carving, and textile painting are just a few of their specialties.

Music also plays an integral role in society.  The traditional music of the country has been influenced by the Malian Empire but it is faster and livelier.  Each ethnic group brings their own unique sounds and dance styles to the fusion of the nation.

Polygynous marriages are common in Senegal.  Households are often large and consist of a man and his multiple wives and children. The social structure is based on kinship.  Children and elders are highly regarded and children are taught social values at an early age.  In fact, the communal plate of food is a way to teach values.  The children have to wait, and only eat around the edges.  Adults get the triangle portion in front them and the women leave bites of protein for the children to enjoy.  With Teranga however, there is always room at the table for a guest. 

Senegalese Cuisine

Some say Senegalese cuisine is the best in the whole of Africa.  It has been influenced by North Africa, the French and Portuguese.   Being a nation of mostly Muslims, alcohol and pork are not consumed by the majority, but still available.  It is common to see a Senegalese enjoying a glass of bissap (a purplish juice made from the hibiscus flower) alongside a friend enjoying a local beer.

Because Senegal has rivers and borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish are very important to their cuisine.  Peanuts are the primary crop of Senegal.  In fact, they are one of the world’s largest exporters of peanuts.  Couscous, made of millet, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and numerous other vegetables, are considered staples.  Meat, fish and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices and then served over rice, couscous or enjoyed with a French-style baguette.

Some of Senegal’s most popular dishes are: thieboudienne, which translates to the rice of fish, thiebou yapp, which translates to rice of meat and is typically made with beef or lamb. thiebou guinar is the rice of chicken and thiebou guerte is the rice of peanut.  Yassa, maafe and dibi are also popular which were made for neighboring countries.  Desserts like cinq centimes, aka the five cent cookie, is a peanut cookie that is quite popular as is thiakry, a millet pudding, or banana soup.

So let’s enjoy a Senegalese meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Ndambe (Spicy Bean Sandwich)

Main Course

Thieboudienne (Fish and Rice)

Served with

Saladu Awooka Ak Mango (Avocado and Mango Salad)

Dessert

Thiakry (Millet Pudding)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red, yellow and green.  Peanuts started the decor, as that is their main crop.  Cotton, which is another important crop, along with millet were placed.  A soccer ball was added to represent the national sport.  A photo of the famous Baobab tree was placed which is also called “the tree of life” and is a national symbol of Senegal.  These massive trees are in danger from drought and population growth but you will find them in the center of many villages, and always serve as a gathering place.  We put on Youssou N’Dour music.  In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine described him as “ the most famous singer alive.” You should check him out.

Our first course was a famous street food that can be found all over the country.  It is called ndambe, a spicy bean and beef mixture that is slathered on a French baguette.  In Senegal, you first buy your fresh bread and then find your favorite ndambe vendor.  Sometimes they are made with lentils and have no meat.  It is a wonderful sandwich that is often enjoyed for breakfast.

The main course was the famous thieboudienne, pronounced “ceebu jen,”  the national dish of Senegal.  The classic Senegalese dish is a fish stew with vegetables, served over rice.  It is no ordinary fish stew as it is bursting with layers of flavor.  The fish is first stuffed or marinated with a puree of parsley, green onions, garlic, chili and Maggi.  (Honestly, this puree can be used as a marinade on so many things, I fell in love.)  The fish is then fried and set aside, the vegetables are cooked until tender with the left over puree, along with chopped onion and tomato.  Smoked fish and a unique ingredient called Netetou is added, which is made from a seed and then fermented.  It adds a unique, almost umami flavor.  It is a staple spice used in many West African countries.  The rice, typically made with broken rice kernels, is cooked until tender.  Then the whole meal was plated onto a communal dish, which was eaten using a spoon.   Alongside the main course, we enjoyed a refreshing avocado and mango salad.  This was the perfect accompaniment to the hearty main dish, as it had a lovely, fresh, citrusy flavor.

For dessert, we loved thiakry.  It is a sweet pudding, similar to a rice pudding but this was made with millet.  It was flavored with vanilla and nutmeg and topped with raisins and pistachios.  We enjoyed it with mint tea, which is served in three varying concoctions, as is done in neighboring countries Mali and Mauritania.

As we say goodbye to this most intriguing country of Senegal, it is my hope that we can all implement more Teranga into our lives. 

 I leave you with a few Senegalese proverbs:

“There can be no peace without understanding.”

“An empty belly has no ears.”

and

“A lobster loves water, but not when he’s being cooked in it.”

Until next time,

“Jai-rruh-jef”  (“Thank you”) in Wolof

Darlene