Author: Kaluhi (Page 3 of 23)

Curry Chicken & Bacon Pizza

June 16, 2021 / Kaluhi / 38 Comments

If there is one recipe that has been requested of me a billion times over, it has got to be how to make pizza! Making pizza is very simple, and most actually do not mind simply buying, but a huge majority would also love to learn how to make some at home. For reasons unbeknownst to me or anyone, I kept postponing, until I simply decided to get it together and post one for you guys!

This post is super detailed and we are going to be making everything from scratch! I will give you all the hacks, let you in on what can be made ahead of time and how you can make this beauty at home. Doesn’t this look fantastic? Let’s get right into it!

Creamy Ginger Riseveve

June 9, 2021 / Kaluhi / 22 Comments

My nephew is the most energetic, smartest, cheekiest, funny little boy you will ever come across. I know everyone says that about their children or their nephews/nieces but believe when I say my smallie (I call him smallie) takes the crown! Kipyotin is always on 100 from the second he wakes up. And the only time he is still is when he is asleep lol. He is very observant, very immersed in everything happening around him and is always ready to do everything. His little hands are always busy. This almost-three-year-old is a professional driver (on an adults lap in the driveway, not the highway), he is an experienced water splasher and mud puddler and he is a talkative, active, witty small boy! Kipyotin has always had an excellent appetite. Of course sometimes he does throw a spectacular tantrum during mealtimes but for most times, he very eats well. My sister introduced him to riseveve when he was weaning and to date, it is his favorite vegetable! It is among one of my favorites as well! And is my little bestfriend and I love riseveve, baby you must get into it too!

I have been meaning to do a traditional veggie series since I think 2017 but kept postponing. But all that matters is we start today and you will love everything I am going to share with you guys!

Garlic Cumin Loaded Masala Fries

June 2, 2021 / Kaluhi / 3 Comments

I have had plenty of cheese in my fridge this past month! For some reason, I kept buying some and I ended up with a surplus. Now honey, cheese can be pretty pricey, and because I did not want mine to go to waste, I am using it in many dishes. The first was these cheesy meat pies we had a few weeks back and today we are making some masala fries but not just any masala fries, but loaded, cheesy melty masala fries. We have made honey whiskey masala fries as well as these perfect rosemary garlic masala fries and today we take things up a notch and introduce this cheesy indulgent beaut!

To my foreign readers, masala fries are smothered fries very common in Kenya and I think through out the East African region. At their essence, the fries are cooked then coated in a hot, spicy sauce and there are many renditions on the same. We have done a couple, today we are adding another one and for sure, plenty more shall be coming in the future!

Cheesy Beef Meat Pies

May 19, 2021 / Kaluhi / 16 Comments

I enjoyed University!! I loved Primary School, I deeply hated Highschool and later on loved University studies and the whole experience. I enjoyed B.com and all Finance units were my favorite. I never skipped classes. Was I uptight? Maybe lol. But I just loved all the classes and it never felt like a chore for me to be present. During my final year, Wednesdays were the heaviest, busiest days. We had back to back classes with brief 30 minute breaks in between. The first break at 10.30 after double Audit and there after double Macro-Economics which I loooooooved! During that 30 minute break, as the reigning Miss High Metabolism, I always had to eat. I reached out for a spring roll, or a samosa but often, meat pies did the deed for me!

I felt a bit nostalgic about my favorite Uni snack and decided to make some, but of course with a delicious twist of my own! These beauties are meaty, explosively flavorful and cheesy too! Mtapenda!

Herby Cinnamon Grilled Carrots

May 5, 2021 / Kaluhi / 5 Comments

A great side can really make a plate and grilled carrots is definitely one of those! I love having all food groups on my plate and if I can have an extra serving of veggies, I never hesitate! I have always reached for grilled carrots because not only are they super delicious each time, I love making some because they always turn out fantastic each time round! My eldest sister loves when I make some and I cannot wait to make these for her next time she is in Nairobi!

This is a quick recipe, delivers on flavor and is the perfect addition to your plate both in terms of taste and nutrients it adds to your body!

Chai Masala

April 28, 2021 / Kaluhi / 47 Comments

A perfect mug of chai masala can fix literally anything! There is a comfort that it brings, that reminds you of home. Chai masala is a hug in a mug. Chai masala is fun times with family. Chai Masala is joy in your heart and cozy night in. It is comfort and laughter with your mother. It is magical! In my hearts of hearts, I am a strungi (black tea) girl. However once in a while, I do love me some milk tea and when I do brew a mug, it often is chai masala.

Chai is the Kiswahili word for tea. Chai masala hence means spiced tea. There are a billion variations out there but this particular once I am writing about today is one I have tried, tested and perfected. You will love it just as much!

Most Spectacular Brownies!

April 21, 2021 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

My dad used to drive a deep brown Peugeot 504 in the 90’s. My sisters and I used to call that car brownie. I cannot remember who exactly coined the moniker, but it stuck. “You left your dolls in Brownie.” “My crayons rolled under Brownie’s seats.” “Go grab your coat form Brownie.” And when anyone said Brownie, we all knew it was dad’s car that was being referenced. We enjoyed that car! For all the cosy rides to Maragoli snuggled at the back, to the noisy chatter back home after church to my sister’s and I blacked out on our way home after visiting our cousins, brownie was pretty much central to all that. Brownie served us well, and it was let toward the close of the 90’s.

That story was at the back of my mind as I was filming today’s video. What is an indulgent snack to all, means something entirely different to me as well. With memories of monikers at the back of my mind simmering up top, I made for you Brownies. Real Brownies. These are beautifully indulgent, delicious and a snack you will really enjoy!

Leek & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Buttery Cinnamon Apple Topping

April 7, 2021 / Kaluhi / 30 Comments

I am still not over the fact that we are now past the hottest part of the year. I love love love the weather from December to March. I love the sweltering heat. I love that I don’t need to wear too many garments, or carry a coat. I love the extremely bright days. I love how sunny weather automatically makes me happy! As we move to a different season (not a season per se, just slight change in weather since our equatorial country has no seasons), the Long Rain season also brings it’s own set of comforts. I appreciate the cosy weather. I love the fresh crisp air and less dust. I love the cooler nights and I love that we can now get into our soups.

The soup playlist we have put together on Youtube has a new addition to it and that is my roasted red pepper soup with the most aromatic, buttery apple topping. Today could not have gotten here faster, and I am thrilled the day is finally here for me to share this beut with you!

Ginger Thyme Chicken Fingers with Sweet Chili Mustard Dip

March 31, 2021 / Kaluhi / 24 Comments

I always finish filming, clear my sink, mop my kitchen floor and once everything is put away and my space sparkling, that is when I settle down and eat. On this day, I however stopped mid-clearing to eat because everything was just too damn delicious!! From the first batch, I grabbed the first finger to confirm if it was cooked through, then dipped into the dip and popped it into my mouth. “Oh my gooood!” I exclaimed, with my already very large eyes opened wide! It was perfect! The first batch went straight into my tummy! I could not believe how bomb all the flavors were. It was right there and then I knew these chicken fingers would be a favorite of yours, and I am so so thrilled to share this with you guys!

This chicken finger recipe is a recipe that is a sure show stopper and a crowd favorite! It is a definite favorite for families, for fussy toddlers, perfect for picnics or even just for one while watching something beautiful on TV.

Coffee Cardamom Mango Milkshake

March 24, 2021 / Kaluhi / 17 Comments

There really isn’t a fruit on the face of the earth that comes close to the splendor that mangoes are! Mangoes are the Beyonce of fruits! Mangoes are the Meg and Harry of fruits. Mangoes are the Kenyan Coast Line of fruits. Mangoes are the Maragoli weather of fruits. They are the best of the best and no matter how you spin it, they will always remain number one! Fruit of the gods!

We are now winding down mango season! The variety of mangoes the earth blesses us each season is always a blessing! You can eat mangoes just as they are and incorporate them in a million different recipes and enjoy each time! This is a thread of different recipes we have done in the past and today we are doing the final one of ’21. With a day as sunny as today, indulge in my beautiful coffee cardamom mango milkshake.

Lemon Blueberry Muhogo Pancakes

March 17, 2021 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

I am one girl who loves loves loves loooooooves Muhogo (cassava). Growing up, I never enjoyed it. In my mind, muhogo was for old people. And I have now grown up and become that “old person” who 7 year old me would be shook to learn adores muhogo. Muhogo is versatile. It has an inherent soft, earthy taste to it which on its own is so delicious. However, it is also versatile enough to take up favors of other ingredients so well making it a joy to cook with! I often re-make these muhogo fries we made in 2016. They are tasty as a snack and also as part of a full meal. I also love muhogo wa nazi literally any time of the day, and paired with any meat of choice, it becomes super filling too.

In an age where we are moving more into consuming foods that are sustainable, muhogo (cassava) is definitely top on the list of one of the foods the world is warming up to. Maragolis and most people from western Kenya eat muhogo all the time, and in different ways. We love it whole in different forms. We also mix in the flour for unga ya ugali and ya uji. I got my hands on the flour and decided to make something sweet and gorgeous. Let us get into my perfect lemon and blueberry muhogo pancakes.

Sweet Chilli Tangerine French Beans

March 3, 2021 / Kaluhi / 25 Comments

Rest is such an important part of not only one’s well being, but also a fountain to keep the creative juice flow going. Most of the recipes I post are born out of mindless experimentation in my down time, which I later on sharpen, refine and post for you guys months down the line. This sweet chili tangerine french bean recipe is one of those. It was the week before christmas of 2020. The work year had come to a close and the days were long, lazy, brilliantly sunny and sweaty. The mood was festive and the tongue simply demanded new, delicious things to experience. I love a plate with all food groups, each element bringing something to the table. I wanted something zesty, fresh and filling to have with my snapper and rice. My sister had bought french beans which I saw she had no plan on preparing. I just decided to make something exciting out of them. The sweet, hot, salty, nutty, zesty flavor that was borne out of this made this one of the best things I ate last December!

I was excited to share this with you guys last year, and the day is finally here!! You will love this one!

Dried PawPaw & Ground Nut Mango Custard

February 25, 2021 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

I always say, the most assured way to know that a recipe is excellent is by looking at the reactions of the people you made it for look like. If the plates, or bowls (as it is in this case) are cleared then that is a clear indicator that said recipe is a winner. When I was making this custard, I didn’t even know what I was going to name it. I didn’t even know what I was going to make but what I knew for sure was the flavour notes I wanted to taste in my mouth. I wanted something creamy something fruity something with character and something that is light yet indulgent enough for a dessert.

The flavours I put together for this custard are easy to bring together. And the complexity of every note that explodes on your tongue is unforgettable. My sisters inhaled this and cleared this within seconds. Everyone was completely quiet while eating and that was a clear sign that this was a winner. I am so excited to share this with you guys today. I hope you enjoy this as we wind down mango season. This shall be the second of three mango recipes I’m going to share this year. this was the first and you can check out the rest we have done since I started blogging compiled and linked in this Twitter thread. That said let’s get into this beaut!

Red Velvet Cake

February 10, 2021 / Kaluhi / 35 Comments

A great cake can fix almost anything. Even if you are not quite the sweet tooth, a great cake does good to the soul. This year, I want us to bake a lot more. I enjoy cooking and over the years I have also gained a lot of confidence with the science that baking is. Plenty of beautiful things are being birthed from my oven. I asked you guys on my Instagram Stories which cake we should bake this week and with nearly 30,000 votes in, 64% voted in favor of Red Velvet and here we are!

I must admit, I have long wondered why red velvet is much loved. Never got the hype! After this same conversation on twitter last year, Anita told me actually a red velvet should have a chocolate-y taste and a mild bitterness from the cocoa. What people make in KE is usually just a dry-ass plain cake, with a red color. That is not red velvet. A real red velvet must be buttery. It must be moist. It must have a chocolate-y cocoa taste. And yes, it must have it’s signature red hue. Today I walk you through how to make a legit red velvet and I cannot wait to see you guys try this out with your friends and family!

Green Apple Marinated Braised Mbuzi Ribs with Chimichuri

February 3, 2021 / Kaluhi / 31 Comments

As Kenyans, we really do enjoy having mbuzi (goat) at any and every huge occasion; or quite honestly, even at a small gathering of friends. Oh we have a wedding? Let us choma 10 goats! We have a graduation party? Goat ribs will definitely be part of the buffet! We are going to Lake Naivasha with a group of friends? You can bet on your life that that evening we will be chomaing some mbuzi! We love love love love mbuzi and it is one of my favorite red meats! I understand the hype!

We often have our goat as a choma (roast). However with ever expanding city life or when times the weather does not allow, we cannot always choma. This braised mbuzi recipe is one that will allow you to braise your ribs and enjoy them. It also allows you to choma if you so feel like. Either way you decide to swing, you will really and deeply enjoy this one! The marinade is out of this world good and paired with a chimichuri.. guys! You will fall inlove with this mbuzi recipe!

Lime & Rum Pina Colada

January 27, 2021 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

I am generally an outdoorsy person! I love being out and about getting lost in the wild and getting a good sweat while at it. I love keeping fit. I love cycling. I love hiking. I love a brisk walk. I love a great evening run. I just enjoy movement. I have been wanting to incorporate swimming too, but I am not the best swimmer out there. I have also been wanting to learn, but I have kept postponing. However if 2020 taught us anything, it is to live for the now and just do. I will commit (and I will keep you all updated! ). Seeing that it is very hot and beautifully sunny here in Kenya for the next couple of months, I am commiting to having swimming as one of my many activities I enjoy keeping my body fit and my energy levels high.

Outside of activity, these sunny days also call for the yummiest drinks. Sunny days make me happy because sunny weather itself is an embodiment of happiness and joy! To celebrate and enjoy the beauty that gorgeous January is, let us get into my lime rum pina colada! This is my favorite cocktail I have ever made to date and I am thrilled to share it with you guys!

Cumin Nduma Fries with Roasted Garlic & Grapefruit Aioli

January 20, 2021 / Kaluhi / 23 Comments

There really isn’t any place on earth where you can get the freshest, most bountiful, most flavorful, cheap organic produce than you would in Kenya. Most African countries also have the best tasting fresh produce but god was in a fantastic mood when he gave Kenya her fresh produce. I know for a fact we do appreciate it and I hope we intentionally enjoy it because life is to be lived and enjoyed!

If you have been following me for a long time now you know I love potatoes. I however never shy away from switching things up and in as much as regular potatoes are dope as hell, other root tubers also really bring alot to the table! Nduma in particular not only tastes fantastic, they are also so versatile and they take up flavor so beautifully! We made this nduma recipe waaaay back in 2015 ( I cannot believe I have been blogging this long!) and today we add another one that is even better, and for sure, plenty more are coming in the future!

Cinnamon Rolls with a Mango Amarula Frosting

January 13, 2021 / Kaluhi / 28 Comments

December was really a month that I had my creative juices flowing!!! I guess I really did needed down time because a rested mind is a creative one. I love the holidays so much because not only is it rest time and a valuable time but time for a little bit of indulgence. I have always been a mindful eater, but over the holidays I let loose a little bit. Just a teeny tiny bit. Because everyone is at home too, we experiment a lot and what we make is always a feast! I first flirted with the idea of marrying Amarula and Mango last month as I shared with you on twitter; but just didn’t know how I’d do it. After some hopping off and on some ideas, I settled on todays beauty of a recipe and I am excited to share with you guys!

Creamy Lime Chilli Omena

January 6, 2021 / Kaluhi / 28 Comments

Happy 2021 my honey drops!!

I hope this year has kicked off well for all of you. For me, it started of calmly and I have a sense of nervousness and anxiety which I am slowly shaking off, and most likely, as a hang-up from the rough year that 2020 was for me and for most. I am slowly easing into it and acclimating into the feel of everything and I am hoping for a beautiful one ahead. There are so many exciting things happening on the work front which I am excited to share with you all when the time comes. I am also so excited to be back to regular posting and creating both for my blog and channel! The recipes scheduled for this year are out-of-this-world-good and you will fall inlove with each one!

For today, we are making some delicious creamy lime chili omena. Let’s get into it!

My favorite four November ’20 recipes!

December 23, 2020 / Kaluhi / 6 Comments

Long time no blog!

Hey guys! I missed writing for you! However if you follow me on my social media, you know I have been very much around. This year has been quite a trip, and for most of us, we are glad that it is coming to a close. For me, it has been pretty strange too, however on the work front, things have been excellent. I have partnered with a couple of brands this year and I am happy my source of income remained unaffected. One of my favorite brand partnerships this year was with Luminarc. I loved cooking with and plating on their cookware and dinner ware. The recipes I created for them were all hits across the board, and I honestly loved all four of them. I shared them over November on my IGTv, but I would like to do a quick blog post just to immortalize them and make them easy to search when you guys want to reference them.

Let’s go!