The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

Easy Moroccan Breakfast Recipe Moroccan breakfast couscous with dates and honey recipe. Honey, dates, and couscous combines handsomely in this easy Moroccan African couscous recipe to create a rich dessert or sweet breakfast cereal. Moroccan African couscous recipes Couscous with Dates and Honey Ingredients 2 cups low fat milk 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons cinnamon 3 cups dry couscous 1 cup chopped dried dates Directions In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, honey and cinnamon. As soon as it comes to a boil, stir in the couscous. Turn off the heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in dates. Serve warm for breakfast or as a dessert. Making couscous  Did you know? Honey is the only food source produced by an insect that humans eat.

Yohimbe Tree Bark is an ancient herbal African ED treatment, Cameroon supplies the majority of the Yohimbe tree raw bark in the commercial trade. Bark from the coastal forests of Central and West Africa's Pausinystalia johimbe or as it it commonly called, the yohimbe tree is a sexual performance natural remedy long used in African traditional aphrodisiac medicinal arts. African herbalists know the virtues of herbs and their use in healing here is a breif explanation of the Herbal African ED elixir made from Yohimbe tree bark. Yohimbe bark contains a chemical called yohimbine that can increase blood flow and nerve impulses to the sexual organs. About half of men ages 40 to 70 have erectile dysfunction (ED) to some degree, although only one in 10 report a complete inability to have erections. Taking an ED drug produces an erection sufficient to start intercourse in about 70% of otherwise healthy men. As the African proverb says "What the eye does not admire, the hea...

Behind China and India, Kenya is the largest tea producer in the world. Kenyan tea, around 90 percent of the tea is grown and produced is cultivated on very small farms.  Kenyans are leaders in developing new varieties of tea such as white and purple teas that grow abundantly and are able to tolerate climate conditions in Kenya. Kenya is the 3rd largest tea producer in the world Making the Perfect Cup of White African Tea Africa produces handmade white, green, and specialty teas produced by smallholder tea farmers. Malawi Antlers White Tea is a specialty tea favored by tea lover all over the world. Picking tea leaves in Kenya Step-by-step on how to make the perfect cup of White African Tea 1. Use one teaspoon of dried loose tea per cup of water, more to taste. 2. When making a flower or herbal tea with smal...

The local variety of octopus in the seas of Zanzibar off Africa's Eastern shores is a favorite ingredient in Octopus stew.  African Octopus Stew Eat Zanzibar African Octopus Stew recipe with white rice, stewed beans and a large piece of chili on the side. Zanzibar African Octopus Stew Recipe Ingredients 2 pounds cleaned and sliced octopus 2 cups water 1 onion finely chopped 4 scallions finely chopped 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed and very finely chopped 2 sprigs thyme 2 large bay leaves 2 tablespoons palm oil or sunflower oil 2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, chopped Salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions In a large pot, add octopus, one cup of water and seasonings. Let stew on low heat 1 hour. In the same pot add all remaining ingredients, cover and simmer over a medium heat for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

Make Cameroon weight loss garden egg tea. Garden eggs are also known as eggplants are very low in calories but high in dietary fiber . In Most African countries, garden eggs are a favorite food for weight loss. Cameroon Mendim-me-zong garden egg tea is perfect for achieving weight loss due to its low-calorie content. Weight Loss African Eggplant Tea Recipe Ingredients 4 Garden Eggs Water for boiling Directions Over high heat, in a large pot add peeled diced eggplants, cover with water. Boil eggplants until soft about 10 minutes. After cooling separate the eggplant water from the pulp using a kitchen strainer. Drink tea warm or cold. Eggplants contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and anthocyanins and will help with achieving a healthier weight. Eggplants contain sufficient amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients , and anthocyanins . Most people should consume about 25-38 grams of fiber each day. One cup of raw eggplants provides about 12 percent...

African Folklore Why People are given a name Giving names at birth Where did the custom of giving names at birth begin? The African Folklore Why People are given a name explains.  Why People Are Given A Name African Folklore The Great Soul sends his son to earth to see what is here. His son's name is Somebody. Somebody goes about doing evil until he is captured by four old women. People call a meeting to talk to the wrongdoer, Somebody. They decide to put Somebody to death. A little boy proposes, that, before killing him, they ask him for his last request. Somebody answers, "I wish to have every man given a name, and to end the practice of calling me and everybody 'Somebody.' Then every deed may be attributed to its doer." The wisdom of this reply gains for Somebody his release, and for every man a name. Why People Are Given A Name African Folklore Legend of Deepest Darkest Africa Rabbit A...

Cassava is a starchy root vegetable is used in bread, french fries, roasted veggies and is the second most important starchy root crop worldwide. Cassava is very versatile root vegetable and is used the main ingredient in bread, fries, roasted veggie stews and soups, chin-chin, fritters, sweet cakes and fufu. All About Cassava Portuguese traders introduced cassava into Africa from Brazil in the 16th century. Currently, about half of the world production of cassava is in Africa. The plant is known under many names: ubi kettella, kaspe, manioca, rumu, yucca, mandioca, aipim, manioc, tapioca and cassada. Cassava was introduced into Africa by Portuguese traders Cassava is cultivated in around 40 African countries, stretching through a wide belt from Madagascar in the Southeast to Senegal and to Cape Verde in the Northwest. Around 70 percent of Africa's cassava output is harvested in Nigeria, the Congo and Ta...

Ever wonder why your stomach growls when it is hungry? As the Folktale from Liberia Africa explains to us, the first meeting of hunger and stomach is an interesting tale. Ever wonder why your stomach growls when it is hungry? How Hunger First Got Into Stomach Folktale from Liberia They say that long ago hunger never catches the stomach of the people. But, all this is spoiled now. As the elders say, one day there was a great celebration in a distant town and Hunger invites Stomach to go with him. Before they start, Hunger cooks plenty of food and asks Stomach to eat. Hunger insists that he get on Stomach and be carried to the play since he provided a fine meal for the both of them. Stomach refuses, and there is a big fight between the two. In the end, Hunger wins the fight and mounts Stomach. When they arrive at the play, Stomach asks Hunger to get off, but Hunger refuses and holds tight. He even succeeds in creeping inside of Stomach. Stomach is furio...

King Lion and his family sits waiting for the perfect meal to come along, Wildebeest. Lions hunt Wildebeests to this day because of a wrong done to Lion by the Wildebeest. Lions hunt Wildebeests to this day because of a wrong done to Lion by the Wildebeest. Why Lions Hunt Wildebeest African Folklore Story King Lion feels that his subjects dislike him therefore, as a test, he withdraws to his house and has word sent out by his servants that he is sick unto death.   The animals hasten to King Lion's house to show their sympathy except Wildebeest. It is announced that Lion is dead. Rabbit says “King Lion is dead, and that it would be well for all the animals to mourn his death loudly.” Wildebeest declares that he intends to kill Lion's wife now that the King is dead. Wildebeest kidnaps Lion's wife, but Lion chases them and kills Wildebeest. King Lion declares that all Lions are to hold Wildebeest as their enemies, and to this day Lions ...

Ujeqe is versatile African steamed dumpling and goes well with any soup, stew, BBQ, curry or side dish. Ujeqe is made similar and tastes like Chinese,  Vietnamese and Indian steamed buns. Ujeqe Steamed Zulu Dumpling Recipe Ingredients 2 1/2 cups bread flour 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large eggs 1 sachet instant yeast 1 cup warm water 1 teaspoon white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions In a bowl add water, yeast and sugar, let stand 3 minutes. In a large bowl, sift dry ingredients together. Beat eggs into yeast mixture and stir gradually into the dry mixture. Add enough additional water if needed to make a stiff dough that doesn't stick to the sides of the bowl. With damp hands, shape dough into a semi-flat circle, and place into a greased steamer. Steam until cooked through, about 45 minutes. Dumpling is done when a knife stuck into the center comes out clean. Serve with any dish!

There is no better source of wisdom than people who have lived a long time; it is not beneficial for anyone to ignore elderly knowledge and experience as Mufono discovers in the African Folktale of Mufono seeks wisdom from the should be dead.  Mufono Seeks Wisdom from the Should Be Dead African Folktale The animals of the forest meet, and agree to build one big village and live together. Jumo, a man with one eye, one ear, one arm, and one leg, comes out of a river claiming to be the son of the Seffa River People and talks the animals into making him their king. Mufono consults his parents As the newly crowned king, Jumo understands to get complete power; he must kill anyone older than himself. The king therefore decrees everyone kill their elders after the great feast of Kepi.  Mufono does not trust in the wisdom of the king and hides his parents in the forest.  Next, the king decrees that the animals work for him on his farm across the river, so...

Banc d’Arguin National Park in Mauritania — Flamingos, Green Sea Turtles and the Imraguen People North Africa’s Banc d’Arguin National Park is one of Africa’s top bird-watching destinations, famous for its flamingos, green sea turtles, and the traditional fishing culture of the Imraguen people. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Africa’s Atlantic Coast Banc d’Arguin National Park, created in 1976, protects over 12,000 square kilometers (3 million acres) of coastal dunes, islands, and wetlands along Mauritania’s Atlantic coast. Its shallow waters support seagrass beds, coral reefs, and sandy shores that sustain one of the richest marine ecosystems in West Africa. Bird-Watching Paradise — Especially Flamingos Home to both greater and lesser flamingos , the park is one of Africa’s most important zones for nesting and overwintering birds . From August to December, migratory birds arrive from Africa, northern Europe, Siberia, and Greenland. Visitors can see flamingos ...

Bail water, while it’s still ankle deep, is a West African Igbo Proverb whose meaning warns us not to ignore our problems because they grow and become bigger problems over time. Bail water while it’s still ankle deep West African Igbo Proverb means leaders solve problems and stop them before they get too big. Bail Water While It’s Still Ankle Deep African Proverbs and Quotes. It happens to even the most seasoned people. You are excited to embrace new challenges and you have visualized success at the end of the road. Here is how some leaders think about problems and how you can learn to overcome them before they get too big. A positive attitude may not solve your problems -- but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. – Anonymous A problem is a chance for you to do your best. – Duke Ellington All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them. – William F. Halsey Do not bother people for help without first trying to solve the pro...

Ghanaian proverb do not beat a drum with an axe teaches us to understand our words and actions. Our words can make beautiful music in a person’s life or cause devastation and destruction.  Words hurt, do not beat a drum with an axe Watch what you say, you may not realize sharp, hurtful words create lasting damage while positive words inspire us to be hopeful and kind. Words do hurt. Ridicule, distain, humiliation, taunting, all-cause injury, and when it is delivered in childhood from a child's peers, verbal abuse causes more than emotional trauma. It inflicts lasting physical effects on brain structure.  When that environment is hostile or socially unhealthy, development of the brain is affected, and often it is impaired. The environment that children are raised in molds not only their mind but also their brain.  This is something many long suspected, but now we have scientific instruments that show us how dramatically childhood experience alters the physical s...