HAPPY THANKSGIVING
to
ALL OUR FRIENDS!
Well I suppose Thanksgiving came and went quickly for all of you, and now the season of shopping and sales has begun. Here in Zambia November 26, 2009 held very little significance for most people. The day heated up to its usual 90 degree temperatures ending in a brief rain to relieve the heat. I woke up early as usual to head to home school and Kyle woke up at his usual time to attend to his email and reports. We both worked our usual day.
However, we were invited to the Peace Corps house to share in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, the only other people in Chipata to recognize the significance of the day. As I began to prepare my contribution, the power went out (as usual) so as to make baking anything impossible. In a frenzied attempt to make SOMETHING, I threw together a rather tasty salad that was a big hit and a unique contribution to the traditional meal (*Recipe provided below).
At 4pm we headed out. The gathering was about 40 people with only 4 non-Peace Corps people, Kyle and I included. People were welcoming and friendly. It was a great opportunity to connect with this community. We had a lot of fun and all the traditional fixings...AND there was canned cranberry sauce, my personal favorite and impossible to find in Zambia unless you want to pay $8.00 for a small can in Lusaka. It was a wonderful surprise.
to
ALL OUR FRIENDS!
Well I suppose Thanksgiving came and went quickly for all of you, and now the season of shopping and sales has begun. Here in Zambia November 26, 2009 held very little significance for most people. The day heated up to its usual 90 degree temperatures ending in a brief rain to relieve the heat. I woke up early as usual to head to home school and Kyle woke up at his usual time to attend to his email and reports. We both worked our usual day.
However, we were invited to the Peace Corps house to share in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, the only other people in Chipata to recognize the significance of the day. As I began to prepare my contribution, the power went out (as usual) so as to make baking anything impossible. In a frenzied attempt to make SOMETHING, I threw together a rather tasty salad that was a big hit and a unique contribution to the traditional meal (*Recipe provided below).
At 4pm we headed out. The gathering was about 40 people with only 4 non-Peace Corps people, Kyle and I included. People were welcoming and friendly. It was a great opportunity to connect with this community. We had a lot of fun and all the traditional fixings...AND there was canned cranberry sauce, my personal favorite and impossible to find in Zambia unless you want to pay $8.00 for a small can in Lusaka. It was a wonderful surprise.
We hope all of you had an excellent Thanksgiving and beginning to the Christmas Season!
If you want to change up your next Thanksgiving meal (or any meal) you can try my salad recipe below:MANGO MOZZARELLA SALAD
SALAD:
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach leaves (chopped)
white onion (thinly sliced)
Mango (peeled and cut into cubes)
Real Italian Mozzarella cheese (grated)
Mix salad ingredients together in a big bowl.
DRESSING:
1/4c white vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
chopped Spearmint (or another kind of mint, but use fresh herbs)
1/8c oil
*note that amounts are estimated. Adjust to your personal tastes.
Dissolve sugar and salt in vinegar. Add chopped mint and shake. Add oil. Chill or let set to absorb flavor. Pour over salad just before serving.
Spinach leaves (chopped)
white onion (thinly sliced)
Mango (peeled and cut into cubes)
Real Italian Mozzarella cheese (grated)
Mix salad ingredients together in a big bowl.
DRESSING:
1/4c white vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
chopped Spearmint (or another kind of mint, but use fresh herbs)
1/8c oil
*note that amounts are estimated. Adjust to your personal tastes.
Dissolve sugar and salt in vinegar. Add chopped mint and shake. Add oil. Chill or let set to absorb flavor. Pour over salad just before serving.
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