Carrots are in season. Here are 10 ways we’re eating and drinking them them: 1. Eat raw – washed, peeled, washed again and chomped on. Want some dipping sauces? Combine plain/ natural yogurt with curry powder and cilantro leaves, to taste 2. Grate and add to sandwich fillings, salads – cooked and raw, stir fries, rice dishes (including Jollof – yes, yes, I know), Pasta sauces etc 3. Make a smoothie. or Juice. 4. Saute. Oh, what a fine way to enjoy it. 5. Bake. Yes, Carrot cake. Even Carrot – Agbalumo cake. 6. Add to soups, even pepper soup 7. Make...
A Citrus I cannot Name: Lime or Lemon?
There are many things which make me happy. There are quite a few that drive me mad. Not being able to name a fruit or vegetable? One of them. Like Monkey Cola, and now, this citrus that looks a bit like a lemon and tastes a bit like lime. One Sunday, we braved traffic and drove to the 5th Roundabout in Lekki, Lagos where a new Shoprite store opened in late December. Traffic on Sundays is just…*sigh*. Not. What. You. Want. But still, if it brings up gems like this, one must not complain. Shoprite amazes me in some of...
In Season, In Season – Carrot Pepper soup
I’m trying to eat more than carrot cake, delicious as my version of it is – adapted from food52 and topped with the same lemony cream cheese frosting as goes on my red velvet cake. The last time I made some Carrot cake, on Boxing Day. If you didn’t know the origins of Boxing day (and I didn’t for the longest of times, till a few years ago when my children enlightened me), then here’s a little bit of insight a la Wikipedia: ‘Boxing Day is a holiday traditionally celebrated the weekday or Saturday following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts,...
10 Lessons: From The Jollof Rice Installation & Exhibition
This exhibition was everything I love about food. The sculptor and curator describe it as ‘Sculpture meets food meets travel meets history’. As you well know, I’m fascinated by the history and culture behind Jollof Rice. Its origins, the translations, the fascination we have with it and of course the ‘wars‘ it has begun :). So when, in December of 2015, ‘the solo exhibition WOLOF/JOLLOF by the Nigerian-born sculptor Folakunle Oshun, curated by Inês Valle opened, I was there and ecstatic. This exhibition which explores the popularity and migratory controversy of this culinary dish consists of a huge outdoor art installation of 70 unique three...
Best wishes for 2016
Very best wishes for 2016. The year of ‘The book for me’. All the very best xxx[wpurp-searchable-recipe]Best wishes for 2016 – – – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]
Happy New 2016
Thank you for all your love in 2015. I wish you all the very best – peace, love, joy, courage, hope, good health and much more in 2016. God bless you. With love, Ozoz[wpurp-searchable-recipe]Happy New 2016 – – – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]
Postcards From Lagos
This Saturday, 19th December 2015 my first ever photo exhibition opens at Freedom Park, Lagos. I am beyond excited. This collection are my notes of a city that I’ve began to call home. These postcards…are my memories, my hopes, my inspiration for living la vida Lagos. Please come. See catalogue x
Cookies of The World by Food52: #26 Nigerian Coconut Cookie Crisps
Last week, I received this email and my eyes were awash. ‘My friend forwarded your recipe/blog on the coconut cookies. First of all, I remember those! Second, Peugeot 504 – I hadn’t thought of that car in forever and I remember getting squished in the back seat as well! Third, my dad worked for the State Department and we were in Lagos during the Biafran War. I was in fourth and fifth grade and that was a long time ago and I have no idea what years those were! But I just wanted to thank you for the memories – the squishing,...
Twenty (20) Things to Know & Make With Agbalumo
Last season (December 2014 – April 2015), I ‘discovered’ other aspects and characteristics of Agbalumo that hitherto were unknown. I’m glad it’s back because I have a few more recipes to try with our African Star Apple. My intention is to make some specialty Agbalumo treats for sale, especially the drinks and chutney. In the meantime, here’s a look back: Anatomy 1. Its Anatomy and perhaps why it is called African Star Apple 2. How to process it 3. Flavour pairings 4. Interesting things Preserved 5. Dried Agbalumo 6. Agbalumo leather Drink recipes 7. Agbalumo infusions 8. Agbalumo wine coolers 9. Agbalu’lade (like lemonade but with Agbalumo)...