I've always loved cooking. I often cooked for my family, friends, and colleagues, treating them to delicious meals. No question about it!
My daughter's school/class was the first to experience this passion. The school year and her primary school years were drawing to a close. Each class was to choose a theme, implement it in a project, and present it at the school festival. My daughter's class, 4b, chose Africa ! The teacher asked me for help with the organization, including whether I would help organize a small buffet. I didn't need to be asked twice.
Could you please write down the recipe for me?
That day, we had oven-grilled drumsticks marinated in my magic sauce (it wasn't called that back then), fried plantains , beignets, corn with allspice sauce … The aroma lured everyone who entered the building. Suddenly, the classroom was full, and everyone was curious about the delicious smell wafting from the room. Within half an hour, the buffet was completely empty, and the stories behind the dishes had been told what felt like sixty times. Most importantly, the visitors were thrilled, the students delighted, and the class fund was overflowing! Not to mention the number of "Can you please write down the recipe for me?"
That was the first time I realized what a culinary treasure lay hidden behind African food culture, and I made it my mission to share this treasure with others.