Tuesday Treasures

Do you know what the above is?
This is called a Jiko and it is used my families to cook on in Kenya. I was lucky enough to go to Kenya to teach and my friend and I decided to bring one of these back each. This was in 2006, before all of the restrictions on luggage etc. We wrapped our clothes around them and they went in the hold of the plane. We crossed our fingers that they would not get damaged. They are made of a soft metal, so not too heavy. There is lining of terracotta and this is heated my putting charcoal in a little door in the base. Then there is a grate above whereby you put your pan or frying pan.

They give off very little smoke, if any, so are often used in the house but often outside.

This is how food lessons are taught. One reason why we should be very grateful for the ovens etc that we enjoy in this country.

Now I have used this several times since bringing it back and Sophie loves it. Above you can see onions being cooked on one of the nice days that we had this summer, and it uses the same charcoal as BBQ's.

I can also cook Mandazi using this which is a traditional food which is a bit like a doughnut taste, and they are gorgeous. I just wish that I could find my recipe but I have found one on the internet.

Mandazi Recipe here:

Take a look as you can have a go at these if you have a small deep fat fryer or a deep saucepan to put a good depth of oil in. Do not have the heat too high as it can be dangerous, keep a close eye on it and kids well away. Sophie can only watch at a very good distance and I only make these in the summer so that I can cook outside. They are lovely with icecream or chocolate sauce.

Take care all

xx