Adventures in Ethiopian Food

I love Ethiopian food. Love it. When it is made by Ethiopian people. But since our little prince is from Ethiopia I thought I should probably try my hand at making Ethiopian food. So I ordered some necessary spices:














And made:

• Niter Kebbeh (spiced clarified butter) - this turned out great! We used it in the Kitfo, greens and the Shiro sauce

• Kitfo - minced beef - yes, we cooked it, it is traditionally served raw but I doubt our weak American stomachs could handle that - this turned out so-so
  
• Shiro sauce - made from powered chickpeas, garlic, onion, berbere, and water - this was also very yummy!
• Greens - kale with onions and peppers
  
• Iab - a white curd cheese - I made a variation from yogurt, cottage cheese, lemon and herbs - turned out pretty good
• Injera - a flatbread made from Teff flour - I normally love injera but mine (as seen below before it sat overnight) was nasty, nasty, nasty. And I don't know why! I followed the directions...if anyone has successfully made injera, please clue me in! For some odd reason, Beniam loved my first try at injera. Sweet boy.
  

Our first homemade Ethiopian meal (with rice instead of injera)...my sweet husband really enjoyed it...and he wasn't just being nice (although he is very considerate like that - he just can't hide not liking something from me) ...

One year ago...

One year ago yesterday B landed on U.S. soil in SF with a very tired Mama and Dada, met family and friends who had been praying for several years for his arrival and slept in his home for the first time.

Yes, these "first times" are a big deal in our house! God desires us to celebrate His goodness and having our little boy home has provided many, many opportunities to look back and remember what He has done.

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth...

1 Chronicles 16:11-2

I will remember the works of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.

Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
Who is so great a God as our God?

Psalm 77:11-13