GARLIC POTATOES IN THE HOLIDAYS

It’s holiday season. I love traveling during this season. There’s a variety of activities that people do during the holidays like camping, bootcamps, farming and much more. For my sister and I, it was the norm to spend the summer at my aunt’s house in Jalingo. Garlic potatoes are one of her favorite dishes to cook for her “girls,” as she calls us. This delicious meal became synonymous with our  yearly trips; she would cook it on the day we arrived and when we were going back home. And we frequently helped her in the kitchen while she was cooking. 

Potatoes are one root crop that is deeply rooted in the heritage of my home. Not only for garlic potatoes but also features prominently in other Traditional cuisine/local dishes such as Potato Akara, Potato Puff-Puff, Potato Pepper Soup, Potato Egusi Soup, Potato Moi Moi, Potato Ojojo (Fritters), Potato Porridge, Potato casserole and many other Potato recipes. So whether you enjoy them mashed, swallowed, roasted, or baked, potatoes in your diet provide essential nutrients, and contribute to a healthier and more satisfying culinary experience.

This year, however, I decided to break tradition. Instead of packing my bags, I found myself unpacking memories and trying her garlic potatoes right at home. During my stay at home, while I cleaned and organized my room, I came across old notes, my first recipe notebook, and old photos from my school years. I also searched my home library. One of the books I found was “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren and “Attitude is Everything.”

I remembered receiving these books on a prize-giving day at school, their pages mostly untouched since summer travels always seemed to beckon louder than their wisdom. I opted to read these long-neglected books as I had a lot of free time and appreciated the quiet times at home. Having read this book, and I have to tell you that it is incredibly wonderful and easy going. I love the fact that as I am reading, I still get to make references to my Bible and take notes as well, got a notepad and a highlighter so reading would be easy.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are”

– Mason Cooley

“Reading is a way to expand your mind, open your eyes, and fill your heart” 

– Unknown

One of the books I read when I was younger was Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. My father gave me the book and challenged me to finish it. Although reading it at first was not particularly intriguing, when I read utilizing my imagination, everything came to life.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”

– Nelson Mandela 

Purple Hibiscus was another book I read twice; the setting, plot, and everything in between was perfect. It wasn’t until the second time that I understood the book well.

“I knew that when the tea burned my tongue, it burned Papa’s love into me.” “Morality, as well as the sense of taste, is relative.” “We did that often, asking each other questions whose answers we already knew.” “Silence hangs over us, but … a different kind of silence, one that lets me breathe.”

– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

African literature is a vibrant tapestry of stories, woven from the threads of rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, and a resilient spirit. Like the majestic purple hibiscus, these stories are full of beauty and strength, reflecting the inspiring aspects of our lives.

Within these pages, we discover the colorful nuances of identity, culture, and belonging. The words are like a nourishing rain that revitalizes the soul.

African literature is not just a reflection of the past; it is a beacon of hope for our future. It celebrates our essence, testifies to our strength, and reminds us of our shared humanity with a sense of optimism and possibility.

Garlic Potatoes: The Preparation

As I turned the pages, savoring the insights and life lessons, my mind kept wandering back to those summers in Jalingo and my Aunt’s comforting garlic potatoes. It struck me then – how often do we overlook the treasures in our own homes, always seeking experiences elsewhere. This holiday season taught me that sometimes, staying put can be just as enriching as traveling. And what better way to celebrate this realization than by recreating my  Aunt’s recipe in my kitchen? So, let me take you on a journey – not to Jalingo, but through time and taste. 

Personal preferences

Potatoes are very common and available here in my place so getting potatoes was pretty easy for me. I strolled and got potatoes from the farm and other vegetables to prepare this meal. I like to add meat broth to the recipe. It adds flavor to the garlic potatoes. I didn’t have chicken so I used rabbit instead which was available at home.

Another thing I enjoy doing when on holiday is watching television shows. Reality shows and cooking shows. I could watch television all day. These shows were my inspiration to start baking. From The Baker’s Table[an Indian show] to Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Food: Fact or Fiction? Valerie’s Kitchen, Cake Boss, Sideserf Cake Studio, and of course the ultimate Chef Gordon Ramsay. I get excited by the amazing things I see. Not only does it entertain me, but gives me ideas for new recipes to try. Like how I got the idea of baking friendship cakes using bubblegum flavor. And now that I’m home, I get to try out new recipes, and  get more cake orders😊

Memories

I’m thoroughly enjoying every aspect of this holiday, making the most of each moment. I also make time to visit my grandparents, visiting them is a priority, and of course, there are always stories to listen to when I visit them; stories of my parents in their childhood and stories about my uncles and aunts.

One particular story cracks me up, how she lost one of her spoons. During family meals, my grandmother had a deep big silver spoon that my Uncle Steve would use to eat and he was served with his twin sisters. But here’s the thing – the girls thought Steve was getting more food because of that giant spoon. So in a bid to get an equal share while eating, the girls threw the spoon into the well of the house. Family means a lot to me and every time spent is precious. And I believe the best way to start a conversation is where food is present and where there’s food, there are memories.

Holiday – Volunteering & Community Service

I also participate in community service and help out at NGOs and foundations that benefit vulnerable people. It gives me a sense of purpose and the opportunity to give back to those in need. Engaging with the community and making a difference in someone else’s life is incredibly rewarding and humbling.

Music and podcasts have been my new solace. 😌 I’ve realized that music is therapeutic. It has this remarkable ability to uplift my spirits and calm my mind. Listening to different genres allows me to explore various emotions and experiences, making it a powerful creative outlet. Similarly, podcasts offer a world of knowledge and stories, expanding my horizons and keeping me company during quiet moments.

I enjoy the fact that everything I do allows me to grow, improve, and develop personally. Every challenge I face, every new skill I learn, contributes to my personal growth. It makes me feel happy and fulfilled, knowing that I’m constantly evolving and becoming a better version of myself.

In these times, it’s important to stay home, enjoy the warmth of each meal, and be safe. Home has become a sanctuary, a place where I can find comfort and peace. Each meal shared with loved ones adds to the richness of this experience. Staying safe ensures that we can continue to enjoy these moments and look forward to a brighter future.

Happy Holiday❤

Footnote

What a loaded ending to a summer packed with lovely books, tv shows, music, family time and the comfort of loved ones. Sigh! I could almost visualize that finishing stretch of those arms. (Hugs)

Especially love garlic potatoes (Drool). For me more the garlic- the better! That bit of rabbit broth thrown in was an unexpected surprise that jumped out of the tasty dish. Definitely trying this one!

Particularly loved the story about the silver spoon. I chuckled as I read it- reminded me of that lost pair of tongs from my goofball mother’s kitchen which we looked for frantically all over the messy apartment. It was finally found in her almirah safe. And soon after her gold necklace was found amongst the laundry which needed to be picked up and folded. While it is all very funny in hindsight- it was quite a pain looking for them when they went missing!

Happy summers and happy cooking. The Days are Just Packed. 😀