Welcome to my blog

Why this blog?  It’s true that I’ve already been in Cameroon for two years and only have a few months remaining.  And I definitely don’t consider myself a “foodie.”  However, I just got internet at post and I can only Facebook stalk people for so long.  And people back home always want to know what I eat, so my boredom + your requests = this blog!  On a more serious note, I hope fellow PCVs can get easy meal ideas from this and people back home can learn a bit more about Cameroonian food!  Bon appétit!

Let’s start this off with a quick tutorial on how to make my go-to meal: popcorn!

1. Put a medium size heavy iron pot on the stove.  Let it heat up until the lid is warm to the touch.
2. Pour in enough oil to thinly cover the bottom of the pot.  Replace the lid and let the pot continue warming until the lid is hot.  Some people like to sprinkle in the salt at the stage.
3. Pour in the popcorn kernels.  Very important:  do not buy Mix Pop!  It’s a knock-off of Miss Pop and is terrible!  Quickly replace lid.
4. The kernels should start popping immediately.  Listen carefully to the popping – when it slows down slightly, give the pot a good shake to shake up the kernels.  Do this every time the popping slows.
5. When the popping slows to about three seconds between pops (or stops completely), immediately remove the pot from the stove.  Shake the pot a few times, then carefully pour it into a bowl.  Watch out for flying popcorn!
6. Season it with salt alone, parmesan cheese, or salt and sugar (Cameroonian style!).

Heating the pot beforehand helps keep the kernels from burning, but you have to be attentive!