Author: Damaris Gatwiri

Tanghulu, a popular Chinese street snack, is made by coating skewered fruits in a hardened sugar glaze, creating a delightful combination of juicy fruit and crunchy candy. Traditionally made with hawthorn berries, tanghulu can be customized with other fruits like strawberries, grapes, or oranges. Here’s how to make tanghulu at home. Ingredients For a batch of tanghulu, gather the following: 1 cup of fresh strawberries, grapes, or other fruits of your choice 1 cup of granulated sugar ½ cup of water Bamboo skewers Step 1: Prepare the Fruits Wash and dry the fruits thoroughly, as any moisture can prevent the…

Sweet rice is a popular dish in many cuisines, known for its sticky, satisfying texture and lightly sweet flavor. Often enjoyed as a dessert or side, sweet rice is simple to make and can be customized with flavors like coconut, cinnamon, or vanilla. Here’s a step-by-step guide how to make sweet rice. 1 cup of glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sushi rice) 1 ½ cups of water 1 cup of coconut milk (or whole milk) ¼ cup of sugar (adjust to taste) ¼ teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) Toppings like shredded coconut, toasted…

Sun-dried tomatoes add an intense burst of flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads and pasta to sandwiches and pizzas. Making them at home is easy and cost-effective, and you can control the flavor and texture. Whether you dry them in the sun, oven, or a dehydrator, this guide will walk you through every step. Here’s how to make sun dried tomatoes. Ingredients For a batch of sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll need: 2 pounds of ripe Roma or plum tomatoes (they have less water content) 1 teaspoon of salt 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional, for oven or dehydrator drying)…

Stywe pap, a staple in Southern African cuisine, is a hearty, stiff cornmeal porridge with a texture similar to polenta. Known for its thick, satisfying consistency, stywe pap is a versatile side dish served with a variety of meats, stews, or vegetables. This easy, step-by-step method will help you achieve perfectly textured stywe pap every time. Here’s how to make stywe pap. Ingredients To make stywe pap, gather the following: 2 cups of maize meal (fine cornmeal) 4 cups of water ½ teaspoon of salt Boil the Water Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a…

Making strawberry jam is a simple and rewarding process, perfect for preserving the flavor of ripe strawberries. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, sweet spread that’s free from preservatives and easy to store. This method walks you through each step on how to make strawberry jam, ensuring that you get a smooth, glossy, and perfectly set strawberry jam. 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 4 cups of granulated sugar 2 tablespoons of lemon juice ½ teaspoon of butter (optional, to reduce foaming) Prepare the Strawberries Rinse the strawberries thoroughly, then hull and chop them…

Steam bread is a traditional treat that’s both delicious and easy to make with a few simple ingredients and tools. Using a plastic bag as a mold, you can create fluffy, soft bread on the stovetop without an oven. This method is ideal for anyone who wants to try a unique baking technique, with easy steps and minimal cleanup. Here is how to make steam bread in a plastic. Ingredients and Tools To make steam bread in a plastic bag, gather these ingredients and supplies: 3 cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of salt 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 packet…

Spur-style onion rings are known for their crispy coating and slightly sweet onion taste, making them a popular side dish or snack. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s how to make spur onion rings. Ingredients You’ll Need 2 large onions 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor) 1 cup milk 1 egg Oil for frying Prepare the Onions Choose large onions for thicker rings and a sweeter taste. Cut the onions into…

Spring rolls are a delicious, crispy snack filled with a variety of vegetables, meats, or even noodles. Making them at home is simple, and you can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer them fried or fresh, here’s how to make spring rolls. Ingredients You’ll Need Spring roll wrappers (about 10–12 pieces) 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1/2 cup carrots, julienned 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional) 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork, shredded (optional) 2–3 green onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon soy sauce Salt and pepper, to…

Soup mixes are a convenient way to make a warm, hearty meal. These pre-packaged mixes often contain a blend of dried beans, lentils, barley, and seasonings. Making soup from a soup mix is easy, and you can add vegetables, spices, or meats to customize it to your taste. Here’s a guide on how to make soup with soup mix. Ingredients 1 cup soup mix (or follow the package’s suggested amount) 6–8 cups water or broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef) 1 onion, chopped 2–3 cloves garlic, minced 1–2 carrots, diced 1–2 celery stalks, diced Salt and pepper, to taste Optional add-ins:…

Adding curls to short hair is a great way to create volume, texture, and a fresh look. There are various methods to achieve curls on short hair, ranging from using a curling iron to trying heatless techniques that are gentler on your strands. Here’s a guide on how to make short hair curly. Choose Your Curling Method First, decide whether you want to use heat-based or heat-free techniques for curling. Each has its own benefits: Heat Styling: A curling iron, flat iron, or hot rollers can give quick and long-lasting curls. Heatless Methods: Braid curls, twist curls, or using foam…

Scones made with amasi (a traditional fermented milk popular in Southern Africa) are soft, slightly tangy, and absolutely delicious. The amasi adds a unique richness and tenderness to the scones, making them perfect for breakfast, tea, or a quick snack. Here’s how to make scones with amasi. Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 3/4 cup amasi (or substitute with buttermilk if unavailable) 1 large egg Extra flour for dusting Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or grated cheese for extra flavor Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your…

Samp and beans is a comforting, traditional South African dish made from dried corn kernels (samp) and dried beans. This hearty and filling meal is easy to prepare, although it does require some soaking and cooking time. Here’s how to make samp and beans. Ingredients 1 cup samp 1 cup dried beans (sugar beans or any beans you prefer) 4–6 cups water Salt, to taste Optional: onion, garlic, and seasonings for extra flavor Soak the Samp and Beans Samp and beans need to be soaked to reduce cooking time and make them tender. Rinse the samp and beans under cold…

Sago, a starchy treat made from sago palm or tapioca pearls, is a popular ingredient in desserts and drinks. Known for its chewy, jelly-like texture, sago is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed with coconut milk, sweetened syrup, or as part of a larger dish. Here’s how to make sago at home. Ingredients You’ll Need 1 cup sago pearls (tapioca pearls can also be used) 4–5 cups water Sweetener (optional), such as sugar or honey Coconut milk or evaporated milk (optional, for serving) Rinse the Sago Pearls Start by rinsing the sago pearls to remove any surface starch. Place…

Rosemary tea is a fragrant, herbal tea made from fresh or dried rosemary leaves. Known for its calming and digestive benefits, rosemary tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and is easy to prepare at home. Here’s how to make rosemary tea. Ingredients You’ll Need 1–2 teaspoons dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary) 1 cup of water Optional: honey, lemon, or mint for extra flavor Boil the Water Start by boiling water for the tea. Fresh, filtered water will give the tea a cleaner taste. Use about 1 cup of water per serving. If making multiple servings, adjust the…

Rose water, known for its delicate fragrance and beneficial properties, is a versatile ingredient used in skincare, cooking, and wellness routines. Making rose water at home is simple and allows you to enjoy a pure and natural product. Here’s how to make rose water. Ingredients You’ll Need 1–2 cups fresh rose petals (or 1/2 cup dried rose petals) Distilled water (enough to cover petals, about 2 cups) A clean jar or bottle for storage A small pot with a lid Strainer or cheesecloth Select the Right Roses For the best quality rose water, choose organic roses that are free from…

Adding a ribbon bow to a gift instantly elevates its look, making it feel special and thoughtfully wrapped. Making ribbon bows is simple and allows for creativity, as you can adjust the size, color, and style to suit any occasion. Here’s a guide on how to make ribbon bows for gifts. Materials Ribbon (satin, grosgrain, or wired ribbon works well) Scissors Double-sided tape or glue (optional, for securing) Extra embellishments like small flowers, beads, or twine (optional) Cut the Ribbon Start by cutting the ribbon to the desired length for your bow. The length you need depends on the size…