King's Daughter's Kitchen

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

I am excited again to go shopping at the Bamboo Pantry and the International Store for ingredients for a recipe. I experience the wonderful sights sounds and smells of each of these places. Then, I am home. I carefully unload my purchases and begin to make my own Berbere, a spice mix with many variations which has its origin in the horn of Africa. In my opinion, the jar blends just don’t cut it. My recipe comes from my  friend from Ethiopia.

I turn on my Praise and Worship playlist and sing along as I mix the ingredients. Before I finish, I am in full on worship mode, hands high, eyes closed, tears of thankfulness steaming down. A free life. A happy dance. Nobody else. Just me and God. It is good to be free with God.

Berbere powder spice (Ethiopia)

This makes about 1/2 cup

2 Tablespoons paprika

2 teaspoons allspice

2 teaspoons cardamom

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons clove

2 teaspoons coriander

2 teaspoons nutmeg

2 teaspoons turmeric

2 teaspoons fenugreek

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons ginger

1 teaspoon cayenne

Mix powders well and store in air tight container until ready to use.

Can be used in many dishes such as Obe Ata-Nigerian pan sauce, or Doro Wat-Ethiopian Stew.