Zambian Culinary Goodies

We have come to know and love so many of the culinary items in Zambia! This time of the year is probably my favorite! Many people ask us what kinds of vegetables and fruits grow here. There are many that are not listed below, but here are ten reasons why we love these yummy treats in Zambia:1) Fresh Maize to grill
2) Pumpkin for yummy bread

3) Green Peanuts for boiling

4) Papaya

5) Lemons for Lemon Bars and Lemonade
6) Okra for frying and boiling
7) Raw Sugarcane
8) WATERMELON
9) Sweet potatos for pies and casseroles
10) As always and year round, Nyimba bananas!

One new adventure that I embarked on last week was purchasing honey comb from a man that came to my gate. Lily LOVES honey and what better way to teach her where it comes from! I bought several pieces of honeycomb and then asked my friend, Bertha to teach me how to cook it. (For those of you interested, I will share.) Begin this process in late afternoon or the bees will chase you! We placed the honeycomb into a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Stir the honeycomb continually until it is all dissolved. After 30 minutes you scrap the thick comb off the top and then wait another 2-3 hours and do the same thing. We realized that it was easier to strain it than to scrape it. I must say, this honey is divine! We have all enjoyed it! It almost looks like molasses!