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    Tag: Ghana

    Tasty Ghana Rock Buns

    Desserts, Recipes by louise

    The wind carries an ever slight chill, a reminder that summer and her beautiful weather departs as Autumn has arrived. Late morning sunrise and rain drizzles from the sky, a subtle hint of Autumn slowly settling in for the next few months and breathing new life into old rhythm.

    Last weekend, in my haste to enjoy a light wholesome snack and after a visit from a wonderful guest from Ghana, I found inspiration to make one of my old time favorites – the Ghanaian rock buns; also known as rock cakes or scones.  They bring back happy childhood memories and I promise you they are delicious and tasty! To me, rock buns are the perfect snack. You may serve them for breakfast on their own, with milk, coffee, or tea. This recipe has been modified from the traditional version. You can also mix it up by adding pumpkin pie spice to the recipe to make each nibble a celebration of the new season.

    RECIPE

    Prep time            Cook time           Total time 10 mins                 20 mins                 30 mins Serves: Makes 12-14 rock buns

    INGREDIENTS

    • 3 cups all purpose flour
    • 5 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup white sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (seasonal)
    • 1-2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon flax seeds
    • 1 egg (beaten)
    • 1 cup of milk
    • 3/4 cup of butter (1 stick and a half)
    • 1/3 cup of dried fruits
    •  1/4 cup milk (for coating)

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
    • Grease your muffin pan or baking sheet
    • Combine your dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, lemon zest, and flax seed (pumpkin pie spice is optional)
    • Add butter to the mixture. Mix it well until you have a bread crumb texture, then add your brown and white sugar.
    • In a separate bowl, mix your egg and milk. Slowly stir this into the flour mix until it is moistened.
    • Put a 1/4 cup full in the muffin pan. If you want these rock buns different from plain scones, add a 1/3 cup of dried fruits like raisins. You can also mix it up with coconut or chocolate chips.
    • Bake for 18-20 minutes. A few minutes before the rock buns are ready, coat them with milk to give the top a golden brown color.

    Please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you!

    Africa: letters of the little African girl

    Life, Self Care by louise

    Africa: the lure of beautiful beaches and romantic sunsets. I was born there, in a breezy tropical country close to the Atlantic Ocean.

    I was born to amazing parents from two continents that chanced upon each other in a city in Africa.  This is a story of optimism and love at first sight. The man pursued this beautiful woman and wooed her off her feet.  Their courtship was one of true love.

    They settled in her home country of Ghana.  A country known for its diverse wildlife, old forts, secluded beaches, and people who are extremely hospitable.  And that’s where I was born.  The day my parents took me home a white dove found its way into the car, darted across me and then flew out the window.  My mother believed in signs you see, she believed this was a symbol of good luck.

    I think it was there, in that moment that my love for people and art, and my appreciation for food and the environment began.  And it’s never ended.  It’s taken me across continents and enabled me to find creative ways in every situation.

    And so it’s been that I’ve become the optimistic girl.  Always positive, always ready to spread my wings and soar just like the white dove from my parents’ tale.

    I type these words to you late at night reminiscing days of yesterday and promises of tomorrow.

    So you see, another day awaits and with it the promise of another gift at life.  See you; see you ….on this magical adventure called life.

    @LOUISEMILLEN