Kitchens of Africa
There is nothing wrong with slow cooking, in fact it can be an enjoyable experience as you mix, stir, season and simmer in anticipation of savouring your culinary efforts. Unfortunately in the face of hectic schedules, reality bites and slow cooking is just not possible night after night with so many other things competing for your time prompting the turn to convenience food. Convenience food has its pros, meals in minutes and it's cons, a reputation of nasty additives, flavour enhancers and preservatives. However, the availability of pre-prepared foods like sauces can be an introduction to the tastes of other cultures without the unfamiliar preparation and cooking methods that people can be afraid of. A wander through the shelves of any supermarket or deli will bring forth bottles or packets of Thai Green Curry or Chicken Tikka Masala to be whipped up in minutes. Nothing beats the original process of fresh homemade cooking but when the craving strikes and time is not on your side a pre-prepared sauce to which you just simply add a few other ingredients can be just what you need to bring forth the flavours and tastes of home; and the concept which was the inspiration behind Kitchens of Africa, a brand I stumbled across via the blog, Afroklectic. Homesick for food from home, but faced with the long cooking process that often comes with African cooking, Kitchens of Africa was founded by Jainaba Jeng, who was born and raised in The Gambia but is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jainaba also wanted to use the opportunity to introduce some of the diverse and unique tastes of Africa to the world.

The result of a year of experimentation, research and development to get flavours just right and keep the product fresh without the aid of preservatives, Kitchens of Africa does the slow cooking for you and has a range of simmer sauces, jerk pastes and marinades to get you started on journey into African cooking or quickly recreate familiar flavours. All Kitchens of Africa products are made with fresh ingredients and contain no preservatives or additives; think freshly crushed garlic and fresh aromatic ginger root combined with caramelised onions and citrus juice and warm spices in the Yassa simmer sauce; or the slightly sweet and tangy flavours of the Maffé   simmer sauce in a peanut and tomato base. The marinade flavours range from mild to spicy and if your tastebuds can handle it, fiery hot. Beautifully presented the packaging captures the essence of the product with strong silhouettes grout to life with the vibrant patterns of African cloths. Looking to the future Jainaba is hoping to develop further product ranges representing the regional flavours from the four corners of the continent.

...I'm feeling hungry now!

Additional details:
For further information about Kitchens of Africa visit: www.kitchensofafrica.com

Mandina Lodges
Emerging from a hideous week of snow and the ensuing chaos, the appeal of getting away from it all has sent me into sunshine daydream overdrive, and I know I’m not alone if various conversations I have had are anything to go by, so cue some internet globe-trotting. 

If you fancy a variation to the run-of-the-mill holiday by the beach, then situated on a mangrove tributary flowing of the River Gambia you will find the Mandina Lodges at Makasuru Forest. The Gambia is on my 'must visit places' list and given how I love the serene, calming effects of water, the Mandina Lodges hooked and drew me right in. 

What a stunning and unique place to spend some vacation time don't you think?

Presented as a haven of peace and tranquillity, the Mandina Lodges were built with an emphasis on preserving the beauty of the rural landscape. A sense of exclusivity is maintained within the forest where you have a choice of only eight lodges located on or close to the waters edge, all built to a high standard using local materials. The solar-powered River Lodges are either floating or elevated on stilts. But if being on the water is not your thing then the Jungle Lodges are set back from the river.

The Stilted Lodges are split across two floors offering: a separate bedroom, outside viewing deck and lounge area on the lower level; and a dayroom on the upper level. The Jungle Lodges benefit from their own private roof terrace looking out towards the mangroves and forest. Enjoy al fresco dinners in the tented dining areas whilst cosying up to the warmth of a magical mood enhancing fire; or chose to dine privately in the comfort of your lodge.

The pace of life here is unhurried allowing you to: unwind, enjoy leisurely cruises along the river, partake in guided walks or with the Lodge’s strong links to the Makasutu Wildlife Trust and the Gardens for Life programmes sponsored by The Eden Project learn more about the various conservation projects in the area.

The Gambia itself is a small narrow country surrounded by Senegal, known as ‘the small country with a big heart’ and even though it has grown in popularity over the years it is still a best kept secret destination, not over run with hordes of tourists… and those who do visit have a habit of returning.

Just looking at them I can feel the warmth radiating from the images... so idyllic!


Additional Details:
The Gambia Experience currently has 7-nights packages ranging from: £699pp-£1,999pp
For further information visit: www.gambia.co.uk