An Exotic Ethiopian Evening

Ramsis and Cecilia hosted an outstanding dinner last night, introducing us to the exotic and delicious cuisine of Ethiopia. The tables were set with brightly-colored African cloths as the scent of incense burners wafted through the air. Clear skies and balmy temps added to the perfect evening. The Godbers, next-door neighbors and close friends of the Adams, and the Simpsons, school friends, were also invited to this special evening.

Ramsis actually prepared all the delectable dishes, so Cecilia was able to relax and enjoy the majority of the evening along with the rest of us. We discovered one of the most important ingredients to an Ethiopian meal is the fermented bread, called Injera, which is similar in appearance and texture to crepes. Ramsis covered several large platters with Injera, overlapping to provide a completely edible base and mounded the assorted dishes on top of the sourdough-like pancakes. Other platters contained rolled-up Injera. To eat, we tore off a piece of the bread, folded it around a portion of one of the dishes on the common tray, and popped it into our mouths. The only utensils used throughout the meal were the portions of bread. Once we polished off the dishes, the best part was eating the bottom layer of Injera--mmmm!

It was an educational evening, as well, because Martha and Charlie, the Godber children, made up a quiz which included questions about the geography, politics and religious festivals of Ethiopia. As you can imagine, most of us didn't do that well, but we all had a great time learning about Ethiopian culture.

Kudos to Ramsis for a wonderfully scrumptious meal and fabulous introduction to his rich, cultural heritage.

Marce