lets try this

So, it has been on my to do list for a long time, to start blogging but I had many fears, what will I write about, will it make sense, can I do this.  I have followed many bloggers and have decided to make a stab at it.  So, then the big question came.  What do I blog about?  What do I know except eating, sleeping and working?  The answer came...eating.  I love to eat.. and with eating you have to cook and I love to cook.  And besides cooking, I love to take pictures.  So that is what I am going to blog about eating, cooking and taking pictures.. well maybe a few more things but we will see.
   I love to cook and over the last few years, after my husband finally got his visa and was able to join me here in United States, I have learnt to cook many African meals. During this time I have also learnt the joy of using many new spices and putting food together... I love African food.  The first time I made something African was after we got married -- I made rice and beans with a tomato sauce for a fundraiser we had at church... well I can say that I have come a long way in 6 years.
   One of the favorite meals that we make is black eyed beans, onions, tomatoes and gari with fried plantains. This recipe is very easy, although you do need to think about it early, but otherwise takes very little to make it

black eyed beans with fresh tomatoes, onions and
gari, served with fried plantains

frying plantains

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                                                    Black eyed Beans
  1 to 2 cups of black eyed beans - wash in water first and pick out any beans that are discoloured.  Cook beans in enough water to cover and salt to taste.  Cook for approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours or until beans are soft.  Watch beans while cooking and add water as needed.  Water should be gone by the time the beans are soft.  Once cooked place on plate and added fresh onions, tomatoes and gari (we buy the gari from an African Market).
                                                   Fried Plantains
    Cut 1 -2 plantains in quarters and place in bowl, add approx 1 tbsp water and 1 tsp salt and mix.  Fry plantains in hot oil until a deep brown colour.  Enjoy.