The girls accepted the challenge of an African theme dinner, and they surpassed all expectations! Not only with their dishes, but also with their little known facts of their selected African countries or food!
Grapes started off the evening by altering her outfit for the occasion!
We discovered some very good and unique wines from South Africa.
South African Fact: Has the longest wine route in the world!!
Grapes' appetizer was Bataka Sev (Spicy Potato Noodles) [Chickpea flour, potato, green chili paste, green chili, garlic, turmeric, ginger] that was accompanied by an Algerian Roasted Pepper Sauce. [Roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, roasted jalapeno pepper, garlic, olive oil] (on left).
Algerian Fact: 70% of lawyers and 60% of judges are women!!
She also brought an addictive Dukkah (no we didn't smoke it!)
This is an Egyptian blend of spices which was mixed with oil and used as a bread dip [Roasted hazelnuts, sesame seeds, cumin, mustard seeds, black pepper, sea salt] (on right).
Egyptian Fact: The 1st pyramid was originally surrounded by a 34 ft tall wall
which had 15 doors in it, but only 1 of the doors opened!!
Couscous lived up to her name and made Al Cuscus bil Khodar al-mausim
(Roasted Vegetable Couscous with Chickpeas and Onion-Pine Nut Topping) Even steaming the couscous from scratch! [Couscous, chickpeas, sweet potato, parsnips, carrots, Ras el hanout (spices), onion, pine nuts, raisins, cinnamon, honey]
Moroccan Fact: Rabat is the capital, but Casablanca is the largest city with a population of over 2 million !!
Paprika brought a tasty side dish of Mealie Bread (corn bread)
[Bisquick, cream corn, sugar, egg, milk, butter]
South African Fact: Has a penguin colony, which thrives thanks to the cold Antarctic currents on the west coast near the Cape!!
and a surprisingly blend of flavors of tomatos and peanut butter, yes peanut butter! in Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua (Sudanese tomato salad)
[tomatoes, green onions, green chili pepper, peanut butter, lime]
Sudan Fact: Split into two countries in July 2011 after the people of the south voted for independence!!
Saucy wrapped up the evening with an attractive and flavorful
Mamadou's Banana Glace [bananas, cream, sugar, maraschino cheeries, raisins, peanuts, almonds]
Senegal Fact: Many Senegalese believe in supernatural forces and wear amulets
(called “gris-gris”) around their waist, neck, arms, or legs.
and she brought African Rooibos Red Tea to round out the night.
South African Fact: Is home to 3 of the 5 fastest land animals
the cheetah (63 miles per hour), the wildebeest, and the lion.
We outdid ourselves with tasty dishes, good wines and even learned a little too!
Check in next month for yet another challenging topic for Wine Night!!
No comments:
Post a Comment