Fufu - A Taste of Africa

When your friend is an international pageant queen, you get the benefit of making her cook you African cuisine. Jannie, who is from Liberia, and her mom, Mrs. Hannah, introduced me to fufu a few months ago. Ever since I have become acquainted with the African community here in Boise, not too much time goes by before I hear, see, or smell fufu. All of my sheltered American readers such as myself are probably wondering, what the heck is fufu, right? Well...luckily you have stopped by the perfect blog to find out! Last night Jannie was kind enough to take over my kitchen to cook me some.

Boise Hot Spot

I lived across the street from the Boise Tech Mall for a whole year before I ever stepped foot in there, but once I did, I was amazed at all that was in there. I was most excited to find the 2nd floor area where you could eat or just hang out and have a beer or a cup of tea. The Boise Tech Mall restaurant is hidden away, and I feel that people should definitely know about it, and check it out. I sat down with the new restaurant owner, Zach Dummermuth, to hear his story, and I was able to even enjoy a few samples. I went in thinking I would have a little sample of one dish, and was pleasantly surprised to show up to 3 full dishes. He definitely spoiled me, and after that, it was over for the day for me. Straight to the couch I went, just me and my leftovers. Check out the 3 dishes he prepared for me along with my interview with him! 😃

The 3 dishes he prepared for me were:

"Eat Poor On New Year's, and Eat Fat the Rest of the Year".

Growing up in the south, it was a tradition to eat certain foods on New Years Day. Typically, when you go to any southern kitchen on New Years', you can expect to see a mixture of collard greens, hog jowls, cornbread, and rice, but one thing you will always see is black-eyed peas. But why? Well, let's dig a little deeper!

Bringing Home to Me - Christmas Dinner

Typically, I would be spending Christmas Eve having a dinner gathering at my grandmother's house, and then Christmas day either at my mom's house or my Nana's house. Playing with my nieces and nephews, and visiting as many houses as I can over the course of 2 days to visit friends and collect to-go plates. I have had some great memories over the years. Seeing that it was going to cost a million dollars to try to fly home for Christmas, we decided to stay in Idaho for the holidays. Of course, it makes me a little sad not being able to go home and enjoy my loved ones, so I had to bring home to Idaho.

Everything Is Better In Chocolate

A couple days ago I received an invite to a Christmas networking event, and honestly, I was debating if I wanted to go because it started at 7:30am. I don't know why I cared though because I wake up around 5:30 every morning like clockwork for some reason. The one thing that caught my eye was the wonderful statements "Free Food", and "Chocolate Covered Bacon". I had never had chocolate-covered bacon, but I knew that I loved both chocolate and all things swine. So I had to go try it out!

I am not a big sweet and salty person, but it was actually pretty good. I don't think I will be making it anytime soon. I think I will keep mine separate, but it wasn't bad. For anybody that has a sweet and salty taste palate, you would love it. I shared with a couple people and they loved it, so I suggest everyone try it out at least once. You never know. I also heard it's good with Cayenne pepper for all my spice lovers.

Have you ever tried it? Leave us a comment!

Bringing Summer Back - Sangria Style

Who wants to join me in bringing back the feel of summer! It's been very cold here in Idaho the past week or so. It actually hit 3 degrees this week, and I just celebrated my birthday with a snow day. The joy of having a December birthday, but it was actually pretty relaxing and I enjoyed it. With Christmas in a few days, sangria can be a perfectly smooth and fruity drink to bring a sense of warmth to your holiday gatherings.

When In Idaho Do As The Idahoans Do

Ever since I moved to Idaho, I have heard over and over just how great elk meat was. Although I love trying new things, Elk NEVER seemed appealing to me. I think I blame my dad for that...