toh' toh

The photo of Serenity is from our Santa Lucia celebration in our house, where Serenity serves the family breakfast wearing a garland of evergreen around her head. We celebrated a little late this year, but the cinnamon rolls still tasted great.

We learned some new Amharic words from Luke and Kelly on our zoo day. Cute is "coh'choh." "Toh'toh" means bottle. I've been a little worried because Helen hasn't been eating much for a week or two. I called the doctor, and they said all was well. Well, in the last 2 days Helen is making up for lost time! Plenty of "toh'toh"s.

Tonight we used the Ethiopian spice, berbere, that Rebekah bought a bulk bag of. Kinda spicy. I think I will put a little less in the kids rice next time. Helen hasn't tried it yet.

And we have a recipe for african peanut chicken soup from Luke and Kelly as well.

2 T olive oil
1 c. cubed chicken breast
1/8 t. cayenne pepper
1/8 t. ground black pepper
1 1/3 c. diced onion
1 diced green pepper
1 diced red pepper
minced garlic
5 1/4 c. chicken broth (Kelly uses more)
2 1/4 c. canned diced tomatoes
1/3 c. uncooked instant white rice (Kelly uses brown)
1/2 c. crunchy or creamy peanut butter (Kelly uses more)

Heat oil in large, heavy saute pan. Add chicken and cook 5 min. Season with cayenne and black pepper. Add diced onion, green pepper, red pepper, and garlic. Saute until onions start to brown. Add chicken broth, canned tomatoes and rice. Simmer until rice is done. Stir in peanut butter, adding more salt and cayenne pepper if needed. Makes 10 cups.