Sunday, January 15, 2012

Additions to the Africa Cookbook Collection from Benin and Ghana

I have been in Abuja for a week now, and was delighted that one of my colleagues at the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Degla from Benin, remembered his 2010 promise to bring me a copy of a cookbook from Benin: Nazaire Hounto-Ada's Mon Livre de Cuisine, a 56-page booklet showcasing (in French) 100 Beninoise recipes. I'm looking forward to exploring this West African cuisine in more detail.

Also, I was in Ghana just after the launching of a long-anticipated book by Florence Aleeno Sai, a respected culinary professional of Ghana with a long history in the field of consumer affairs, nutrition, home economics and home science. Her 129-page hardback book is tastefully (!) designed and fully illustrated with color photos throughout. It is a treasured acquisition, and I thank my son-in-law Koranteng Ofosu-Amaah and his mother Elizabeth Ohene for graciously obtaining a copy for me. More information can soon be found at www.auntymamascookbook.ghanabiz.com.gh. I have had some preliminary discussions regarding becoming the North American distributor of this landmark book, currently available only in Ghana. I'll keep you informed if and when this happens.