My people, the meeting finally took place, so my ears can rest from “Is the meeting today???” I had a busy weekend preparing to host the traditional meeting for people from Ndop in the North West region of Cameroon, where Mr. N is from. It was a joyful time for me because I love to cook and feed people.
Before cooking, I did some shopping on Saturday. The photo above was taken at a farmers’ market here in Minnesota. The traders there are mostly Hmong, and the market felt just like those back home. I couldn’t resist taking a quick snap. Who would have thought markets like that existed in America? I even bought sugarcane from the fruit and vegetable section.
For this meeting I chose to keep the menu simpler than usual. I often go overboard with variety and end up exhausted afterward, so this time I scaled back. Below are some photos taken with my phone.
Fufu Corn was first on the menu. This fufu, made from ground corn, is a must-have for the meeting because it’s the traditional staple of villages in Ndop.
I also prepared bitterleaf cooked with egusi and fish to accompany the fufu.
Next was smoked chicken cooked in palm oil, a Cameroonian delicacy often called Khati Khati. It’s incredibly flavorful.
I also made Coconut Fried Rice because rice should always be part of a spread.
We had grilled charcoal chicken too; it ended up a bit more charred than intended, but they still tasted great and went straight to the table.
I also grilled well-spiced mackerel in the oven. These were excellent and the size was perfect so each person could enjoy a whole fish.
A great friend came over to help with the cooking. We planned to make fruit salad after setting the table, but one of the attendees arrived with a gigantic bowl of fruit salad. We gladly set aside our planned fruits—perfect timing!
I also served gateau, those addictive little balls of goodness popular in Cameroon.
On the side we had a spicy pepper sauce that everyone enjoyed.
Overall, it was lovely to have familiar faces come together. The girls were excited, especially since they had friends to play with.
On another note, today, October 31, 2016, is Halloween, which means many people here celebrate with costumes and festivities. For that reason I don’t let my kids participate in the holiday’s more supernatural themes.
And with a new month beginning tomorrow, I wish you all the best for November. Live each day as though it were your last. Go forth and enjoy a phenomenal week!