If you’ve ever noticed your kitchen feels warmer not just from the stove, but from the spirit of the season — you’re not alone.December has a way of turning ordinary meals into soul-stirring feasts. From the aromas drifting through the house to the laughter echoing off the walls, this is the time of year when cooking more isn’t just a choice — it’s a tradition that feeds the heart. At Flourish Spices & African Food, we see it every year: families planning menus that go beyond ingredients and measurements, creating dishes that carry purpose, connection, and nostalgia. And with just a day to Christmas, that feeling is stronger than ever. Why We Cook More 1. Food Becomes the Heartbeat of...
I still remember the first time I cooked with my aunt in Lagos. She told me to blanch the spinach. I froze. Blanch? Was that a spice? A pan? A dance move? She chuckled at my confusion, then showed me how to dip the leaves quickly in boiling water before plunging them into cold water. “That’s blanching,” she said, with the patience of a saint. That day taught me something important: recipes speak their own language. If you don’t understand the terms, the dish might slip right through your fingers. So, let’s break down some essential cooking terms you should know — the kind that pop up often, especially when you’re experimenting in your kitchen with African flavors and beyond....
June 17th is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s National Strudel Day! And if you’ve ever bitten into a flaky, golden crust filled with warm apples, spiced meats, or creamy cheese, you already know that strudel is a slice of comfort wrapped in delicious layers. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or totally new to this European classic, today is the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the most satisfying pastries the world has ever known. What Is Strudel, Anyway? The word strudel comes from the German word for “whirlpool,” which is fitting since the classic strudel looks like a roll of dough swirling around its flavorful filling. Although strudel is most closely associated with Austrian and German cuisines,...
If happiness had a flavor, it would probably taste like strawberries. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with goodness, strawberries are more than just a delicious fruit—they’re a symbol of love, warmth, and the simple joys of life. And guess what? February 27th is National Strawberry Day! A Strawberry Surprise Last year, my niece, Tolu, visited from boarding school. She had one request: "Aunty, can we make something fun and yummy?" I opened the fridge, and there they were—a fresh batch of bright red strawberries waiting to be turned into something magical. Tolu’s eyes lit up as we brainstormed ideas. "Strawberry milkshake?" she suggested. "Strawberry pancakes?" I countered. "Ooooh, strawberry-infused zobo?" That was it! We blended fresh strawberries with hibiscus petals, added a...
The new school year is upon us! Backpacks are prepped, notebooks are pristine, and excitement fills the air. But amidst the new schedules and early mornings, one question looms: what to pack in the lunchbox? Remember those days of sad, soggy sandwiches and wilted fruit? We've all been there. This year, ditch the lunchbox blues and opt for a world of flavors with a back-to-school African food fiesta! Imagine the look on your child's face when they open their lunchbox to find: Akarapancake Stacks:These fluffy Nigerian pancakes, made with beans, are packed with protein and taste incredible drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They're the perfect sweet and satisfying way to start the day. Drop Donut Delights: These...
