From Rice-water to Caramelised rice pudding!

Rice-water may sound humble but believe me, when it ends up as a delicious rice pudding you will want second and third helpings! In Ghana rice-water is a breakfast porridge. It is simply rice with water, simmered until the rice disintegrates and served with sugar and evaporated milk. My mum made rice water as a Sunday evening supper, after a rather large Sunday lunch, often chicken peanut butter soup… I have to say, the rice-water didn’t really excite me, as I missed her ...

May 31, 2015

Patti’s plantain & mince tarts

With Christmas round the corner, I’d like to share the perfect plantain idea to treat your guests - plantain mince tarts. A mouth-watering alternative to mince pies, especially if like me you prefer them not too sweet! These tarts are soft and crumbly with just the right amount of fruity centre. Try to imagine ripe plantain, cored and stuffed with mincemeat in a crumbly pastry boat. I love serving them warm like little islands floating in a sea of custard. Plantain is readily available in ...

December 17, 2014

Tastes of Ghana course

Wednesday 15th October was ‘Tastes of Ghana’ day at the Novelli Academy, and what fun it was! From the minute the guests arrived till the moment they left, the energy and atmosphere was one I will remember for a long time!! We began with the usual welcome, teas, coffees and biscuits and chatted as guests wandered around the kitchen and enjoyed looking over the ingredients &nbs...

October 22, 2014

Yam at Staples Corner

Welcome to ‘Staples Corner’! I’m looking forward to sharing how I enjoy African staples like yam, plantain, cassava, cocoa yam, rice and sweet potatoes. They’re easy to find, easy to cook and a satisfying addition to your eating experience! I find they go down well with traditional dishes like savoury pies, roasts and stews, once you see how easy they are to cook, I’m sure you’ll find so many ways to enjoy them. Let’s start with yam. An excellent alterna...

September 20, 2014