A field of greens from Nigeria

When I moved to Nigeria, I discovered a wealth of greens used in everyday foods. Suddenly it became much easier to increase one's intake of green leafy vegetables. In addition to being good for you, they often were the critical element in bringing together many recipes that would otherwise simply be a mixture of boiled meat with a splash of palm oil.
I describe below three of my favorites (until I discover more):

Ugu Leaf grows on the vine of a gourd plant cultivated in Eastern Nigeria. It is mild in flavor which is why it features in many recipes such as Egusi soup or Vegetable Soup. Apparently, goats and sheep love it, so it must be good!

Water Leaf is more temperamental. It quickly becomes slimy when overcooked, makes itself scarce in the cooking process as it releases water. However, it is an essential part of a good Vegetable soup. It brings a tangy flavor and lots of personality to the soup. Water leaf is originally from South America. It is high in vitamin C, E and Beta carotene.

Affan Leaf mixed with water leaf makes a mean Affan soup. It is nutty in flavor but remains subtle. It's incorporated in its dry form.

I am still discovering the many uses of these greens so I am eager to receive from you any additional information. I will be posting recipes using the greens soon. For some of you, I am certain that these greens grow in your neck of the woods as well. Do leave me comments with their local name and how you use them.

Note: Some information sourced from Practically Edible.

Enchanted wedding in South Africa

Our wedding was small (150 guests) and absolutely beautiful, everything I had hoped for. We got married outside Johannesburg, South Africa at Toadbury Hall, a lovely country hotel with an expansive lake and welcoming greens. We had family and friends from Nigeria, Senegal, France, USA. They all descended on Johannesburg to wrap their arms around us as we said I do.

We got engaged in January 2007 and quickly decided on a May date to avoid 9 to 12 months of endless planning. I always thought I would work with a wedding planner but when the time came, I felt inspired to tackle it all on my own. So inspired in fact that I designed and made our wedding invitations, even worked with a seamstress to come up with the simple silk dress I wore. I felt very sure about my creative choices and made them rather quickly.

The dinner reception menu was traditional European fare (choice between lamb and salmon) beautifully executed by the chef at Toadbury. The highlight of the meal though, was the three-tiered chocolate and truffle cake designed by Vicky Crease.

I discovered Vicky's work in 2004 while strolling through the annual home decor and food show called Rooms on View. I called on her to do a birthday cake for my husband the following year and it was memorable. For the wedding, I did not consider anyone else so she created the dreamy chocolate creation above in our wedding colors, tamarind and orange.
If you are getting married in South Africa, I would recommend the following service providers as they were outstanding for me:

Recommended Service Providers:

• Vicky Crease Catering: + 2711 880 5776 www.vickycrease.co.za
• Munton Photography and Video: a uniquely creative husband and wife team who did an amazing job for us. +2711 315 0189 www.chrismunton.co.za
• Atomic Orchid: a wonderful mother and son team who went beyond the call of duty to provide us with outstanding service. They did flowers, table settings and decorations. Call Colin at +2782 843 9057.

Photos courtesy of C. Munton Photography

Welcome back ...to me

Photo courtesy of Chris Munton Photography.

I haven't posted in so long that I don't even know where to start. I won't bore you with excuses about how busy life has been but I will share the wonderful events that have graced my life in the past 18 months.

Since I last wrote, I have gotten married, moved 3 times (from South Africa to Nigeria, from Lagos to Abuja and within Abuja). I also had a baby, the happiest little girl on the planet, who has brought unfathomable joy to my hubby and me.

Motherhood threw me for a loop at first. I could not seem to figure out how to get all the things that needed to get done in a day done. I struggled to find a rhythm. From afar, I probably looked like the person on the dance floor who seems to be dancing to the lyrics, not the beat. Fortunately, now that my sweetheart is almost 5 months old, I think I am getting the hang of it and figuring out this newly and forever reconfigured life.