Reborn Kyoto | Rwanda

Shortly after I arrived in Kigali, I was introduced to a charity organization and social club called Africa International Club (AIC) – Rwanda. Funds raised through outings and events go to support local projects. This organization has afforded me the opportunity to met and connect with a number of other women from the US and other parts of…

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Gatagara Pottery Works | Traveling Rwanda

This past Saturday, I spent the day journeying to Gatagara, about 1 1/2 hours outside of Kigali, to visit a pottery shop. But the destination was only part of the experience. As I sat in the car watching out the window at the rice and papyrus fields and coffee plantations, I got to know three…

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Seasoning Blends | Southwestern

This spicy, southwestern blend works perfectly on chicken, steak, for tacos, or in vegetable stews. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of cumin 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper Instructions:  Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with a fork until combined. Transfer into a spice shaker and shake away!…

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Challenging Myself | Behind the Apron

As I realize that we have already been in Rwanda for almost 3 months and time is quickly flying by, I sat down to think about what are my goals during our 2 years here {well, now 21 months} and in life in general. From the get-go I have said this was going to be…

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Seasoning Blends | Mediterranean

With all the spices in our pantry, I have several blends that I have bought pre-made, combined myself, or mixed up according to recipes that friends have shared with me such as a discontinued McCormick’s “Salt’n’Spice” mix which is great with just about anything. I find having seasoning mixes on hand or go-to blends that you can…

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Basil and Spinach Pesto | For Now or Later

Since we arrived in Rwanda, I have been dying to make pesto from scratch to have on hand for pasta. With all the basil you get at once from the market, I thought this would be a perfect way to use it all before it goes bad. I splurged for pine nuts at the local…

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Beet, Orange, and Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Normally in February I would be loading myself up with soups, stews, and oven-roasted root vegetables to warm me up from the cold weather and snow outside. But this year, I’m enjoying 70 to 80 degree weather here in Rwanda and it leaves me craving fresh, light, and citrus ingredients. This salad is one that…

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Coriander and Lemon Chicken

Shortly after I arrived in Kigali, a friend of mine told be about a cookbook called “Beyond Ugali in Kigali” which is a compilation of recipes which use local ingredients to make beloved favorites from home instead of Rwandan recipes. {All profits of the sale of the cookbook go to support Kigali Christian School’s lunch program.}…

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Garlic, Rosemary, and Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Rwanda was how often potatoes were served as sides for meals here. In fact, “chips” or fries seem to be served with the large majority of meals. After getting my fill of fries in the first few days, I started asking for substitutes and began to think of other…

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Chicken with Rosemary and Garlic Butter

As the first dish I made after arriving in Rwanda, I wanted to make something simple and easy to adjust to cooking at a high altitude with limited ingredients in our cabinets as well as making sure it’s not undercooked. I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out so flavorful and delicious. This hubby-approved chicken recipe is…

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