African Food and Art: Sharing History and Heritage

Wonderful Child is a delightful African folktale. Folktales reflect the morals, superstitions and customs of the African people.  The Wonderful Child African Folktale A man had two wives named Kengi and Gunga. One day he called them to him, and said that he was going to a nearby town to buy salt, and so might be away some time. He left them both well. Sometime after he had gone, Kengi became heavy with child. And Gunga asked her how it was that she was in that condition. "It is true," said Kengi, "that I am with child; but never you mind. When the child is born, you will see that it is his." "How can it be, when he has been gone so long?" said Gunga. Now when the child was born, it carried with it a handful of hair. And all the people marveled. Then the child spoke, and said: "This is the work of God." And the people ran away, they were so much afraid. And when the child grew up, he went into the woods to hunt elephants. And all this time

Horn of plenty is a charming African folktale. Children enjoy listening to many types of African folktales learning from the wisdom and rich tradition of African storytelling.  The Horn of Plenty African Folktale At the entrance to a village, a brown-skinned boy sat watching the sunset. He was thin and small, and he had been crying. Out on the savannah the other children were laughing and shouting, but he did not join in their play, for his heart was sore. He had had no supper, and the women of the village were all so busy looking after their own children that they had forgotten him. The boy's mother died when he was a babe, and ever since he had been driven from one hut to another. His father was out all day hunting and snaring birds, and when he came back at sundown seldom spoke to his little son. That day one of the women beat him because the load of firewood which he brought back was small, and his heart was hot with anger. "I will go away and never come back,"

African food is a fusion of many different nations. One influence over the centuries is that of the European colonialists. As legend has it, Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford is said to have made afternoon tea time a fashionable practice when she complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoons. From this time on, a pot of tea and a light snack in the middle of the afternoon became a part of European traditions. One very popular light snack is that of the lightly sweetened cocoa tea biscuit or cookie. Lightly Sweetened Cocoa Tea Biscuits Ingredients 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 3 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons of powdered cocoa 2 tablespoons of lard 2/3 a cup of milk or enough to make a firm but not a stiff dough Directions Sift all the dry ingredients together, rub in lard with the tips of the fingers. Stir in the required amount of milk. Tu

Cooking with plantains is easy Green Plantain Porridge Green Plantain Sweet Porridge Plantains look similar to bananas, but plantains are bigger, have a different taste, and texture. However, plantains and banana's do have one thing in common, as the plantain ripens, it becomes sweeter and its color changes from green to yellow to black, just like bananas. Green Plantains are sold in the fresh produce section of most supermarkets.  Ingredients 3 green plantains ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup whole milk ½ cup sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup of raw sugar       ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 5 cups of water Directions Cut off the tips of each plantain and make an incision along the whole length of the banana. Slowly slide your thumb along the incision and remove the skin. Chop the plantain place into a blender. Add flour and ½ cup water blend for 2 minutes until smooth (add more water if ne

Easy African food recipe to make tonight and have again for leftovers tomorrow. Serve with rice or warm bread.< /p> African Peanut Soup Recipe African Peanut Soup Recipe is a delightful combination of tomatoes, onion, peanut butter, and chicken that make for a perfect African soup, everyone around the world will enjoy. Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 30 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Ingredients 2 tablespoons palm oil 2 filleted chicken breasts optional 4 cups vegetable stock 1 medium onion, chopped 1 large bell pepper finely chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic 16 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon red pepper flake 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup uncooked brown rice Directions Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell pepper and garlic about 3 minutes. Add chicken, tomatoes, vegetable stock, peanut butter, and spices. Redu

Pepper water stew is a combination of hot and delicious chili peppers, onions and two different kinds of meat. There is not much to making pepper water stew, this is why the recipe is popular inside and outside of Nigeria. Nigerian Pepper Water Stew is hot but there is nothing to stop you from adjusting the heat to suit your taste. Nigerian food is delicious with recipes full of flavor and spice lovingly prepared by Nigerian families for generations. Simple Nigerian Pepper Water Stew Recipe Ingredients 3 pounds of dark meat chicken 1 pound veal cut into small chunks 6 cups of water 2 chopped onions 3 large diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 stalk celery chopped 1 large tomato diced 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon red pepper 1 hot pepper sliced Juice of one lemon Directions In a large pot add all ingredients. Simmer together slowly until the veal is tender 1 hour. Serve with rice.

In rural Ethiopia, women and children can walk up to six hours to collect clean water because finding safe clean water in Ethiopia is a struggle. In many villages in rural Ethiopia, the only times you drink water is after a 6 hour trip to collect clean water. Sounds crazy right? Nevertheless, the crazy part is that is for millions of Ethiopans in Africa the reality is day-to-day real and much harsher than either you or I could relate. These are the people spending their day looking for water and then going to bed wondering where the next cup of water will come from. Ethiopan women and female children wake up at 6 a.m. before the sun gets too hot and start walking in search of clean safe water. Still walking at 8 a.m. 2 hours later, no clean water, still walking at 9 a.m. three hours later they finally get to a stream of clean river water. They fill up their plastic Jerry cans of water weighting about 40 pounds when full and began the three-hour walking expedition back home in the p

Do not tell the person who is carrying you that he stinks Chic African Culture Do not tell the person who is carrying you that he stinks is a wise saying in the language of proverbs have been passed down for generations in African culture. Toxic people stink Nothing satisfies them, even if they achieve a goal or get something they want. It seems like they have an insatiable hunger. They just never feel full. They usually have had it tough early on. Perhaps they came from an abusive family, or they went through something traumatic that was not handled right. Toxic people look for the big payback every time. When you are in their company, you feel a sense that you “owe” them something, and you cannot quite put a finger on what that is. Anger is an emotion that they easily go to. They are either churning about something that happened in the past resenting how they were treated or finding fault with what is going on in the present. You feel like you have to watch your ev

Why worms are blind, elephants have small eyes African Folklore is a unique animal folklore story for kids to learn about lending valuables to a friend. Explore the vast collection of folktales, myths, legends with Chic African Culture Why worms are blind, elephants have small eyes African Folklore. When Ambo was king of Calabar, the elephant was not only a very big animal, but he had eyes in proportion to his immense bulk. In those days’ men and animals were friends, and all mixed together quite freely. At regular intervals King Ambo used to give a feast, and the elephant used to eat more than anyone, although the hippopotamus used to do his best; however, not being as big as the elephant, although he was very fat, he was left a long way behind. As the elephant ate so much at these feasts, the tortoise, which was small but very cunning, made up his mind to put a stop to the elephant eating more than his fair share of the food. He therefore placed some dry kernels and shrimps,

Ostriches live in portions of 25 African countries. The ostrich, Struthio camelus, is native to Africa and is the largest birds in the world. The first commercial ostrich farm was established in South Africa around the year 1860 to farm ostrich feathers, meat and hides. Hello ostrich world! The ostrich is an omnivore native to Africa and the largest birds in the world. Ostriches live in portions of 25 African countries. The chicks, a few days after being hatched, are covered with a thick and silky down, of a light-fawn color, with black stripes. The neck and head are similarly covered. The ostrich is native to Africa and is the largest birds in the world. When fully-grown stand Ostriches stand about 7 to 9 feet tall and can weigh 200 to 400 pounds. Female ostriches are brown and gray; males are black with white wings and tail feathers. As the world's largest bird, the ostrich lays the largest egg of any living bird, ho

Lonely Frog and His Beautiful Wife African Folklore Short Story Short Story of love found and love lost A lonely frog had some difficulty in finding a wife, at last, carved the trunk of a tree into the shape of a woman and placed cowry shells in the spot where her heart should be and this brought her to life.  Frog named her Ayo since she was very beautiful pledged his undying love to her daily.   Frog married her and they lived happily in his home deep in the forest, until one day in his absence, some of the chief's men happened to pass by and saw the beautiful Ayo working outside in the garden.  They asked for fire and water, which she gave them, and on their return told the chief about a beautiful woman living deep in the forest. The chief shortly afterward sent the men back to frogs’ house, and they, finding the husband again absent, carried Ayo off.  She cried out, "Husband! I am being taken away!" but there was none to hear, and when the husban

Baobab the Tree God planted upside-down anecdotes, myths, and legends.   Baobab the Tree God planted upside-down  Common names for the baobab tree are cream of tartar tree, monkey-bread tree, tabaldi, and mowana. Why is the baobab tree called the upside down tree? The gigantic trunk of the baobab tree leads upwards to branches resembling the roots of a tree, which is why it has often been referred to as the upside-down tree. The baobab is also known as the tree of life. It is also legendary for its gigantic size growing to more than 70 feet high and 35 feet in diameter, its canopy spreading to 235 feet. Baobab legend Baobabs provide food , water, shelter and belief water collected from the seeds, leaves, and roots relieve sickness. Baobab proverb “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” Baobab myth Some African tribes believe if you drink water in which a baobabs’ seeds have been soaked you will be safe from crocodile attacks. Seven Bao

Why do people hate eating goat meat? Whatever the reason, everyone has some foods they just cannot or will not eat such as snails, anchovies or pigs feet.  Food preferences are nothing new because different cultures eat different foods due to food availability or particular taste. Before goat meat was found on the menu at every trendy restaurant, it was on the plate of African and Middle Eastern families for centuries.  Some people equate goat meat to eating sweet bread. Goat meat inspires a particular gag like reflex in people just from the idea of eating the meat. There is usually no issue on the texture of goat meat because the texture is similar to the texture of beef but with less fat. Most issues with eating goat meat come from the smell. Some people think goat meat smells disgusting and has absolutely no place in the kitchen, some people have never tried goat meat and because of the strong gamey scent will never overcome their olfactory senses and taste goat meat. Neverthele

Despite the name Sweetbreads are not sweet. Sweetbreads are offal meats or organ meats the thymus and pancreas from veal and lamb, beef and pork. Sweetbreads refer to a type of offal meat, which includes organ meats from animals such as veal, lamb, beef, and pork. Specifically, sweetbreads are derived from the thymus gland and pancreas of these animals. The term sweetbread can be attributed to the historical use of the word sweet as a way to describe the tender and delicate nature of these organ meats.  Sweetbreads are highly regarded in culinary traditions around the world for their unique texture and flavor. When properly prepared, they have a creamy and smooth consistency with a slightly nutty and earthy taste. Due to their rich flavor profile, sweetbreads are often featured in gourmet dishes and can be prepared in various ways, including sautéing, braising, or even deep-frying. Pumpkin Sweetbreads Bredie Stew Recipe Total time from start to finish 50 minutes Sweetbreads are av

Bokmakiri is a type of soft goat's milk cheese made in South Africa This broccoli soup with Bokmakiri goat cheese is easy to make soup that uses just a few ingredients and is full of tasty flavor. Bokmakiri Goat Cheese Broccoli Soup Ingredients 1 cup of goat cheese 2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons of a solid fat like bacon grease, butter or lard ¼ teaspoons sea salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Directions Melt fat; add dry ingredients gradually the liquid then add broccoli. When at boiling point and just ready to serve add cheese. Any kind of cheese may be used for this purpose.

Our favorite online and print edition African fashion magazines highlighting modern African perspectives of African fashion and everything in between. Haute African Fashion African fashion industry leaders highlighting modern African fashion . Each magazine has its own uniqueness however; each magazine provides a positive portrayal of Africa and her continuing inspiration on culture throughout the world. Listed are a few of our favorite African fashion magazines. Many more print and digital African publications are media standouts reflecting Africa’s gorgeous diverse culture discover your favorite. Zen Magazine Africa is a vibrant African based global online magazine that promotes fashion, travel, models, African Heritage and cultural arts from Africans. ARISE is Africa’s first and foremost international style magazine. Highlighting African achievement in fashion, music, culture and politics, it provides a positive portrayal of the continent and its contribution to contempor

Republic of Benin achieved independence in 1960 The West African Country French Dahomey achieved independence in 1960; it changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975. Explanation of the Republic of Benin Crest Crest Two horns (cornucopias) with corn in the ear and filled with sand The shield is broken into four quadrants: (1) Somba Castle (2) Star of Benin (3) Palm Tree (4) Ship The shield is supported by two leopards which are the national animal of Benin, the motto below the shields states Fraternité, Justice, Travail meaning Brotherhood, Justice, Work and the anthem of Benin: L'Aube Nouvelle (French) meaning The Dawn of a New Day. More About the people of Benin The population is primarily located in the south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the north remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations of residents in the west. Benin has a youthful age structure with almo

Kipchoge Kip Keino played rugby before taking up athletics and ran in the 1968 Olympics. Keino’s was Sports Illustrated 1987 Sportsman of The Year. Kipchoge Kip Keino running in the 1968 Olympic Games. Sports Illustrated 1987 Sportsman of The Year in Track and Field Kipchoge Kip Keino was Sports Illustrated 1987 Sportsman of The Year in Track and Field. Kipchoge Kip Keino the first chapter in Kenya’s success story in distance running. Kip Keino born January 17, 1940 in Nandi Hills, Kenya .  Keino, played rugby before taking up athletics. Keino’s father, a long-distance runner himself, encouraged his son in the sport. Keino is a four time Olympic winner in 1,500, 5k and steeplechase fields. Keino won a bronze, two silver and gold in 1968.  At the 1968 Olympics, he competed in six distance races in eight days. Kip Keino beat the favored Jim Ryun in the Olympic in Mexico City by 1,500 meters in 1968 the widest margin of victory in that e

Tribes of Kenya Facts Facts About Kenya Kenya has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Africa. Kenyan tribes include, the Kikuyus, also known as Gikuyu, Luhya, Luo tribe, Kalenjin, the Kamba tribe, also called the Akamba, Kisii, Maasai, and the Meru. Kenyan Culture Tribes of Kenya Eight Interesting Facts Kenyan Tribes Facts Capital: Nairobi Area: 580,367 sq. km (slightly more than twice the size of Nevada) Population: 45 million. There are over 40 Kenya tribes; indigenous tribes of Kenya fall into three ethnic groups, namely: the Bantus, the Cushites and the Nilotes. Largest tribes in Kenya Kikuyu The Kikuyus, also known as Gikuyu or Agikuyu, make up Kenya’s largest ethnic group around 22%.The Kikuyu tribe is a Bantu tribe that neighbors the Embu, Mbeere and Meru tribes around Mount Kenya. Kikuyus speak the Kikuyu language, and most of them live around the fertile central highlands and Mount Kenya where they mainly grow tea and coffee. The