Happy Independence Day!!

Above is the CHZ US treasurer Sara with CHZ US president's daughter Jaden at the state fair in Dallas, TX

Above and below CHZ US president Heather and daughters Jaden and Morgan at a pumpkin patch and on a hay ride.

Here in the US, October means the beginning of Autumn and all of the festivals that go along with it. In Texas, we have the state fair full of rides, games, and anything else you could want to do. This year, the treasurer and president of our US group united in Dallas, TX to enjoy the entertainment that was as big as Texas! Of course, there are always pumpkin patches and fall festivals to go to in October as well. That is how many of us in the US celebrate October/the beginning of Autumn.

In Zambia, however, they celebrate something much bigger in October! On October 24th, 1964, Zambia became an independent nation. Therefore, this year, they will be celebrating 46 years of independence! It is amazing to think that they have only been a sovereign nation for 46 years!

What to celebrate Zambia's Independence Day? Why not fix a traditional Zambian meal of nshima and beef stew? Then, gather several of your friends and family members together to share a plate with you. You can not eat this meal alone nor can you have only one person to a plate. In order to celebrate it correctly and eat Zambian style, make sure you keep your silverware in your kitchen drawers. Wash your hands and gather in a circle (to make story telling and talking easier). Then, with your dominant hand (whichever hand you usually write with), grab a ball of hot nshima, dip it in the stew, and savor the delicious meal that will leave your tummy full for hours afterward.

To make Nshima, all you need is water, corn meal and a heat source (open fire or stove). Heat 4 cups of water until it is lukewarm (not boiling). Then, slowly stir in 1 cup of regular corn meal. Keep stirring so that it doesn't burn. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat down slightly. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and add another 1 cup of corn meal. Stir the corn meal until you see it become smooth and thick. Then, turn off the heat, cover and let sit for about 5 minutes. Serve hot and fresh, as leftovers will not taste the same. This serves 4 people, so if you have more people planning to eat, double or triple the recipe accordingly.

Enjoy! If you decide to try this meal in celebration of Independence Day, send me your photos and thoughts on the meal to macandmic@gmail.com !