African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Witblits White Dog South African Moonshine

Witblits white dog moonshine the famous high-octane spirit.

Witblits Moonshine from South Africa. Whatever you call it; firewater, n dop brandewyn, moonshine, witblits, donkey dop, white dog this powerful sundowner (alcoholic drink) made from grapes will surely cause anyone a babalas, that means hangover in Afrikaans. 
 
Witblits Moonshine from South Africa photo by trevorhpittman

Philippolis is the oldest settlement in the Free State province of South Africa and is quiet most of the year. However, in April it’s time to celebrate a local tradition of distilling Afrikaans "white lightning" at the Philippolis Witblits Festival.

Witblits is made from grapes and is an undiluted homemade brew that does not involve any “calming down” therefore Witblits is not the smoothest brew and the alcohol content of the clear brandy can reach up to 70-80%.

Distinctive family recipes and small-batch manufacturing of Witblits means there is great variety in the manufacturing of white dog. In most homemade brews, a “still” is used to create the product. Fire heats up the brew mixture in the tank, the steam rises through the copper head before the liquid slowly flows down coiled tubes dripping out of the tap, into a bucket.

In 1924 there became a  monopoly on brandy production, however, small farmers were allowed to create their own homebrew usually from the leftover fruit on farms. Some museums in South Africa have special liquor licenses to distill Witblits as a working exhibit to collect money for the museum.


Prince Albert Cocktail
Prince Albert Cocktail

Did you know? A popular Witblits drink is the Prince Albert Cocktail made of a shot of Witblits and pomegranate juice over crushed ice. 

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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