One of the hardest parts of living and adjusting to life in this country (for most volunteers I would say) has been the difference in what our diets consist of daily. So, as I celebrate with my fellow 'Team America' volunteers our one year mark of living here in Mali I would like to commemorate some of the fabulous meals I have made for myself or in the transit house here in Koutiala for a large group of starving volunteers. This is thanks to my wonderful family who makes sure I can still eat delicious food (in moderation) and the generally wide selection of fresh vegetation made available here by the lovely people of the Sikasso region. Needless, to say I am quite spoiled! (**Pictured above; Reese Pieces fudge brownie pizza--a gift to my fellow volunteers upon my return from my visit home**).
Here we combine the delicious vegetation that can normally be found in the Koutiala markets with the local dairy's cheese (and some Parmesan from home) to create our tasty version of the pizza. For most of us here, coming into Koutiala means not only ease of access to electricity, the internet and English-speaking friends; but, also means we can use a bonafide kitchen--complete with stove top, oven and a recent addition of a mini-fridge! We can get a bit crazy, but coming together as a small group and cooking is one of my favorite things to do when I come into the city.
Here is a sampling of what I make for myself at site. I do have a host family that is willing to share every meal with me, but when Malian women cook they are doing it to make sure their family is full until the next meal can be served so no one goes hungry. This means a usual lack in flavor and most importantly nutrition. Here I have taken tons of veggies, tuna and great seasonings with balsamic and oil to create my own lunch.
This is a definite shout-out to my fam at home for sending me the delicious chocolate-chips and bacon. I used some of those ingredients to make my own American-style breakfast at site—yummy!
