I still remember the first time I had a seafood dish that tasted so nice. It was in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the aroma of simmering broth. She had this way of blending spices and seafood so well that every bite felt like a warm hug. She never measured ingredients—just a pinch of this, a handful of that. But what made her dishes unforgettable was the rich, deep flavor of seafood. The crayfish, stockfish, and prawns worked magic in her pot, releasing a savory depth that no artificial seasoning could ever match. Years later, I found myself trying to recreate her recipes. But life got busy, and I didn’t always have time to source and...
The start of a new year always brings a feeling of renewal—an opportunity to reset, reorganize, and create new habits. Some years back, after the holiday feasts, I found myself standing in the middle of my kitchen one January morning, staring at the remnants of cookies, rich stews, and festive snacks. It hit me—grocery shopping needed a change. I wanted to shift from impulsive buying to a more intentional approach, one that would nourish my body and spirit throughout the year. If you’re like me, you've probably thought about making healthier choices, saving a bit of cash, or simply finding joy in the ritual of cooking. But grocery shopping can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. So, let...
I still remember the first time I encountered nkwobi at my friend Chioma's home in Lagos. The aromatic spices wafting through her kitchen told me I was in for something special, but I had no idea this traditional Igbo dish would become one of my most cherished culinary discoveries. Nkwobi, for the uninitiated, is a delicacy of spiced cow foot, slow-cooked until tender and served in a rich, palm oil-based sauce. The secret lies in the blend of seasonings - ground ehuru (calabash nutmeg), uziza seeds, utazi leaves, and potash, which create a complex harmony of flavors that arouse your taste buds. The Nutritional Benefits in Every Bite Beyond its incredible taste, Nkwobi is surprisingly nutritious. Here’s why: Protein...
Pepper. Just the word can send shivers down a child’s spine. For kids, it's the culinary villain, the fierce dragon that lurks in every spoonful of stew or soup. Yet, for adults, it's a culinary masterpiece a versatile spice that transforms dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Can you imagine a world without spice? Bland, boring, and utterly uninspiring. Thankfully, we live in a world of flavor, and Africa is one of its spice gardens. Let's take a walk through the world of peppers that ignite our taste buds. Bell Pepper This is the diplomat of the pepper world. Sweet, mild, and often the first taste of pepper for many, it’s a staple in salads, stir-fries, and stuffed dishes. Like its name, this...
Remember that time you were a kid and refused to eat anything but chicken nuggets, mac and cheese? We've all been there. But those days are behind you, right? (Hopefully!) May 21st is Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, a day dedicated to reminding us all about the world of delicious and nutritious options that surrounds us. Imagine bustling through the marketplace and you're met with the sweet, pungent aroma of ripe mangoes. Then, you caught the sight of plump, red tomatoes, green okra and yellow plantains which excites your taste buds. But beyond the dazzling displays, there's a powerful truth: fruits and vegetables are nature's powerhouses. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourishes our body. They boost our...
