Kaluhi's Kitchen

Life. Love. Food

Smoked Ham Macaroni Salad

You know when people say if you want something done well you must do it yourself? Well, that statement does not apply in every sphere of my life but it has proven true many times. In this instance, making the best macaroni salad proved to be such a rewarding journey once I made mine myself and with flavors I knew would work well together. I must say, the concept of a macaroni salad never sat well with me. And maybe someone is reading this equally as skeptical. But let me tell you honey, this is the best macaroni salad you will ever have! You know full well that we make the best salads here at KK, and this one is no different.

I hope you fall head over heels inlove with this as much as I did!

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Back To Basics – The Perfect Coleslaw

In my world, every time I host, I always include coleslaw as part of the spread. While it can be exhausting, I have come to truly enjoy hosting and it is one of my favorite things to do. I love creating an entire experience around food in my home, and I look forward to hosting in my home come 2026!

Coleslaw gets a really bad rep, especially on twitter (and that’s ok, really, we all like different things!). For me personally, I have always thoroughly enjoyed coleslaw. It is infact my favourite way of eating cabbage. I love the crunch. I love how it introduces dimension to a plate. I love how it adds the contrast of soft sweetness to spicy dishes. There are certainly many different ways a slaw can be prepared. What I would encourage you, my love, is to explore, and steer away from those that demand your slaw only has just cabbage and dressing. That is indeed boring but you know, we do not do boring here and I would like to introduce you to a slaw that has more depth and packs loads of fresh flavor.

As you go into the world of delicious coleslaws, allow me to introduce you to my ginger red apple coleslaw recipe. It is super simple, really delicious and one that I totally swear by!

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Curry Garlic Crispy Fried Gizzards

The national happenings of this past month acted as a catalyst for me to connect deeper and understand wider the history and rich culture of my people. As I tweeted, I found a profound appreciation and deep pride that I come from a geographical region that is deeply attuned with the breadth and depth of the human experience. While colonialism stole a lot from us and erased an even greater magnitude of our history, whatever we managed to salvage and pass down is a precious golden string that ties us to the strength of those in the great beyond. And what a privilege it is to still practice what our foremothers did: to still have our naming ceremonies, to still know and use herbs that grow from the same soil that They once danced on, to still observe our sacred burial rites, to take pride in community as our sacred sanctuary, and to love as deeply as they did.

While we did manage to preserve a lot of our rich heritage, there are also some practices that we might be aware of but are deliberately shedding off. One of them is: Gizzard is a special part reserved for men only. It really is a dumb one, and I am thrilled that it is not practiced at all – or atleast not in our home or those who I know. Chickens have other phenomenal parts (I’d argue even better ones); however, today I would like for us to focus on my perfect curry garlic crispy gizzards that I know you will fall in love with!

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Moist, Homemade Carrot Muffins

I have grown to really enjoy hosting. It is not something I do often, however, when my energy, time and money align, I always have a friend or two over. In typical Kenyan culture, when guests are over, they must be offered something to eat or drink, regardless of how simple. It is something deeply ingrained in us and I pride myself on being a warm host. While it is not a must to offer, even for a brief visit, I ensure my guests nibble on something delicious and if the offerings allow, I pack a little doggy bag for them to head home with!

On the day I filmed these yummy carrot muffins, my friend was passing by to drop off a document that needed my signature. “Sitakaa ata” she said, to which I agreed to but insisted that she must have a mug of chai masala for chai ya saa kumi. We ate the carrot muffins, she packed some for her daughter and we chatted on till about 7 in the evening.  It was so lovely! And the carrot muffins were lovely too! Truly, nothing beats freshly baked, ultra-soft and spongy, generously warmly spiced carrot muffins.  I am excited about how deeply in love you will fall with this recipe!

Super soft, freshly baked carrot muffins with visible carrot pieces and very soft and spongy, placed on a tray with tea cups ready to eat
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Garlic Coconut Cream Tsisagaa (Chinsaga/Saget)

It is not a secret that my most favorite place in the entire world is Maragoli. It is where my mind completely rests; and as someone with mild anxiety and a constantly ticking mind, that’s a huge thing. It is a place I find absolute peace. It is where I know I am completely safe and overflowingly loved. The emerald hills are story-book pretty and everyone is so warm and kind. One of the things I really love about finally growing up is the ability to drive out whenever I want. And because my work can be done form everywhere, I try be away from Nairobi as often as I can. I am writing this post from the back yard. My parents have since returned to Nairobi, but I chose to stay for an extra week and a half. It is peaceful. It is still. And I am happy. I will finish writing this and then set up my canvas and paint in the afternoon before the evening storms set in. This right here, is my dream life and I am living it!!

I had photographed this in my Nairobi home before driving out and found it fitting to complete this blogpost about a much beloved vegetable. Today is Monday and it is Market day at Mudete and I think I will pass by and buy a bunch and cook some using this recipe coz remembering how bomb this recipe was is making me drool! The recipe is very simple, with a #KK twist you will for sure love!

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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

I think it is universally agreed that the best recipes are those that are both very simple and very delicious. Do not get me wrong, I honestly do not mind putting in the time and cooking meals that demand that investment. It always pays off in the end! However, sometimes one is just tired, but still, in the mood to eat something supper yum. In instances such as those, I almost always turn to my cheesy chicken pasta bake.

This recipe is simple and an easy crowd-pleaser. It is a default when impromptu guests come knocking. It is impossible not to love and just as difficult not to savor! This is for certain gonna be among your family’s absolute faves!

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Back To Basics – Uji ya Wimbi

There are certain, specific dishes that are very reminiscent of home. Every person has their own, and several too. For me, the small of mandazi or drop scones reminds me of home. The aroma of pilau reminds me of home. The smell of a baking lemon cake reminds me of home. And the smell of warm uji – particularly on a drizzly morning or late afternoon – also reminds me of home! I have always loved uji (porridge) even as a child. I loved it as part of breakfast or even in place of chai ya saa kumi. Uji ya Ngano (wheat porridge) is very common in the coast, Uji ya Mahindi (corn porridge) common through out the country and my favorite Uji ya Wimbi (millet porridge) most common in the Western part of the country but equally beloved throughout!

Today I show you how I make mine, at it’s most foundational recipe!

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