Welcoming Respect

Imagine you are sitting in a room, and someone walks by that you know. They stare straight at you, but do not even bother to greet you, or even worse turn their head away and ignore you. How does that make you feel?  In our daily life, most of us greet people multiple times in a day. In different cultures, different greetings are appropriate or considered normal. We need to be aware and open minded that we may be meeting someone with different cultural greetings than our own.

 The first time I realized how important greetings are was in Senegal. In Senegal, it is most essential that you greet everyone you know by asking them several times about themselves, their family, and their household. I enjoyed taking time out to greet people, as I am used to most people asking me how I am, and by the time I answer they are usually about 50 feet from me running in the other direction. 

 I always find it most important before I travel somewhere to learn how people greet each other. If you do not know how to properly greet someone, then how do you expect to have a meaningful conversation with them? Most recently, spending time in South America and Europe, I experienced many awkward greetings. It is almost like being on a date with an awkward first kiss. Sometimes no one knows what to do! After talking to my sister about our similar experiences with awkward greetings, she shared her philosophy of just going for it! So, when she is with a new group of people, she greets them in the most culturally appropriate way possible.

Recently, I witnessed a situation in which two people knew each other, and one chose not the greet the other. This was seen as the ultimate disrespect by the one who did not receive a greeting. Have you ever thought about the importance of the way you greet another person? Do you always greet someone by the way you feel is appropriate, or do you ever think about the way they greet people in their culture? No, we can not always get it right, and believe me I have many funny stories of greeting another person the wrong way. A few days ago I greeted my friend in Arabic and said goodnight instead of good morning, and she laughed and corrected me. But the point is that our efforts show that we are trying to respect, connect, and communicate with others. Have you ever thought about the ways that greeting and showing respect can correlate to conflict? Some scholars have argued that two of our basic needs are recognition and respect. And when those needs are threatened, the chances of conflict are increased. So take a moment to think about the way you greet others. Is there anything you need to change?

One of the most beautiful places I traveled to was Istanbul, Turkey. I was constantly greeted with kindness, hospitality, and a cup of delicious Turkish tea. In honor of wonderful Turkish meetings and greeting, let's eat some Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Aleppo Pepper!! The recipe is at the bottom.

WASTE LAND

Synopsis- "Filmed over nearly three years, WASTE LAND follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world's largest garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. There he photographs an eclectic band of “catadores”—self-designated pickers of recyclable materials. Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” the catadores with garbage. However, his collaboration with these inspiring characters as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both the dignity and despair of the catadores as they begin to re-imagine their lives." -http://www.wastelandmovie.com/synopsis.html

This documentary explores the lives of those in society who often go overlooked, by greeting, respecting, telling their story, and creating positive change.

 

  This is a delicious recipe I found online:

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Aleppo Pepper

  Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Aleppo pepper* or 2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper plus 2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika, plus additional Aleppo pepper or paprika for sprinkling
• 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek-style yogurt** (8 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled, flattened
• 2 unpeeled lemons; 1 thinly sliced into rounds, 1 cut into wedges for serving 2 1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken (thighs and/or breast halves), cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
• Flat metal skewers or Wood skewers (if you are using the oven)

Preparation

If using Aleppo pepper, place in large bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon warm water. Let stand until thick paste forms, about 5 minutes. If using dried crushed red pepper and paprika combination, place in large bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons warm water and let stand until paste forms, about 5 minutes. Add yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to spice mixture in bowl; whisk to blend. Stir in garlic and lemon slices, then chicken. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Thread chicken pieces on metal skewers, dividing equally. 

 Discard marinade in bowl. Sprinkle each skewer with salt, pepper, and additional Aleppo pepper or paprika. Brush grill rack with oil. Grill chicken until golden brown and cooked through, turning skewers occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer skewers to platter. Surround with lemon wedges and serve.

If you do not have a barbecue you may also put the skewers in the oven (use the wood skewers). Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Put chicken in the oven for 30 minutes.

*A slightly sweet Syrian pepper with a moderate heat level; available at some specialty foods stores and from wholespice.com.

** A thick yogurt; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores (such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods markets) and Greek markets. If unavailable, place regular yogurt in cheesecloth-lined strainer set over large bowl. Cover and chill overnight to drain.

 

Ingredient tip:
Aleppo pepper is sold finely ground or crushed into small flakes; either one will work well in this recipe.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com:80/recipes/food/views/Yogurt-Marinated-Chicken-Kebabs-with-Aleppo-Pepper-353832#ixzz1noKRZE7S

Zevk!

http://bewitchingkitchen.com/2010/01/05/turkish-chicken-kebabs/

 

Hosting Harmony. . .The hostess with the mostess!

In different cultures we all have varied concepts of what it is to invite someone into our homes. But sometimes we do not realize that we may be insulting someone with the way we host them. I know in American culture there is a mix between wonderful hosts and people who do not host at all. I was raised to show someone respect when they come into your household by always offering food and drinks. Is that something you do? Maybe you don't cook, but if you know that someone is coming over think of having something around to offer them. Think of whoever your best host was and be inspired to do the same as they do.

Senegal is one of the most hospitable countries I have ever been to. They are actually known for their "teranga" (a word in Wolof the Senegalese language that means hospitality). I have never felt more taken care of in my life than in Senegal. When I came back from Senegal my mother thought I was so polite and respectful that she wanted to send me back. I have realized that the more friends I have made from other countries and cultures, the more vital I have found it to open my door with food and drinks. What type of host are you? Have you thought about the connections of food, culture, and conflict? We may be insulting others by not being aware of these things. So next time you host, make sure your guests are comfortable. We feed others before ourselves because we are showing them respect. So in honor of great hospitality let us all eats some Senegalese Chicken Yassa!! It is a savory chicken dish with delightful flavors. Recipe is at the bottom of the post.

A LIST OF 7 PEOPLE YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO BE YOUR HOST

Somali Pirates

Mexican Drug Lords

 

 

Charles Taylor

22nd President of Liberia

 

Hugo Chavez

61st President of Venezuela

 

Tamil Tigers- Sri Lankan Militant Separatist

 

Omar Bashir

 President of Sudan-accused of war crimes by the ICC

Anyone from the North Korean Ruling Family

Thank you Durra for helping me create a list!!

Who would be on your list? Leave your suggestions on the comment!


WATCH THIS EPISODE OF: Vice Guide to North Korea

The episode chronicles an independent TV journalist who manages to get into North Korea, and captures what it is like to visit and live in North Korea. This rare footage is a must watch!!

NORTH KOREA AND CONFLICT

"Many outside organizations describe North Korea as a totalitarian Stalinist dictatorship with an elaborate cult of personality around the Kim family and one of the lowest-ranking human rights records of any country. The North Korean government denies this association. North Korea is the world's most militarized nation,with a total of 9,495,000 active, reserve, and paramilitary personnel. It is a nuclear-weapons state and has an active space program." -Wipikedia ^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Korea}

You can watch the full episode by clicking on PART I, PART II, and PART III

Well, enough of the negativity!!! Let's create some positivity and eat some delicious food.

Chicken Yassa or Poulet Yassa

• 1/4 cup peanut oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 chicken , cut into serving-sized pieces
• 4 -6 onions cut up
• 8 tablespoons lemon juice
• 8 tablespoons vinegar (cider vinegar is good)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Maggi seasoning sauce (or Maggi cubes and water or soy sauce) (optional)
• 1 chili pepper , cleaned and finely chopped (optional)
• cayenne pepper or red pepper (spicy red pepper)
• black pepper
• salt
• 1 small white cabbage , cut into chunks (optional)
• 2 carrots cut into chunks (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients (except the optional vegetables), the more onions the better, and allow chicken to marinate in a glass dish in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade but save the marinade.
3. Cook according to one of the following methods.
4. Cooking method 1: Grill chicken over a charcoal fire (or bake it in a hot oven) until chicken is lightly browned but not done.
5. Cooking method 2: Saute chicken for a few minutes on each side in hot oil in a fry pan.
6. While chicken is browning: Remove onions from marinade and saute them in a large saucepan for a few minutes.
7. Add remaining marinade and the optional vegetables and bring to a slow boil, cooking the marinade into a sauce.
8. Reduce heat.
9. Add chicken to the sauce, cover and simmer until chicken is done.
10. Serve with Rice, Couscous (couscous with chickpeas and raisins is very good), or Fufu.

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/poulet-yassa-chicken-yassa-from-africa-14936#ixzz1nUItuP7p

Lekal (Eat in Wolof)!!!