Wednesday 19 March 2008

I need to start reading again.

I had been looking forward to watching "The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency" on the BBC on Easter Sunday. I say had, because even though I am still looking forward to watching it, I was most upset to hear that the Director, Anthony Minghella died yesterday. For some reason, the news of his death really moved me. I have never been a fan but I just liked him.

So in his honour, I am going to start reading again. Real books and intend to start at the front and not jump to the last few pages after an hour. So I will start with some books by Alexander McCall Smith, the writer of the The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Any suggestions welcome. I have to warn you that I do not want deep, meaningful, sad books. Life is enough for that. I want humour, not too chick lit, some depth and meaning but not enough to make me want to slit my wrists. My Amazon basket needs filling so get commenting.

Off to hunt for Frejon beans and a good recipe for Easter. Might have to cook with the phone to my ear, listening to Mama Kemi's instructions! I see confused looks, Frejon?? Mashed black beans, cooked with coconut milk and sugar. Eaten with sieved gari and fish soup. I want my mummy!!

14 comments:

Andrew F. Alalade said...

Hello KML, how you dey? Was so happy to see your lines on my blog, can you believe it? Anyway, howz Lopes? Say hi to her ooh.

Noni Moss said...

I came across your blog cos I was looking for frejon recipes. I didn't even know how to spell it initially (frijon) but I finally found some good recipes which you can adapt accordingly.

http://stelka.tripod.com/frejon.html
http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/board/woman-woman/20494-frejon-smothered-catfish-bean-sauce.html

One tip I would suggest having spent all day cooking today - soak the beans overnight. Saves you a hell of a lot of trouble. And the beans to use are black eye beans - although to be honest, I dont think it really makes a difference. I'm using a combination of black eye beans and haricort beans. Whatever you do though, dont get the ones in tins. Gross.

Lapa said...
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Jennifer A. said...

I'm into Francine Rivers' books for now...

I'm sure I'll get addicted to some other author real soon...I love Francine Rivers.

About books abt detectives, u're reminding me abt my uttermost LOVE for the Nancy Drew Files. That was my high-school book luv! Lol. Enjoy reading...it actually stimulates the brain...:)

Christian Writer said...

I was very sad about Anthony's death as well. I didn't know him either but in interviews he always came across as an approachable person, someone dedicated to his art. I have some books you might like, but knowing you, you'll probably say they're too 'heavy'. Jaycee is right though, Francine Rivers always hit the mark. And for correct chick lit, try 'God has daughters too'. Yes, I know I wrote it but it's extremely popular. There's a sample chapter you can read on my blog.

As for this frejon, when are you coming to my house to cook it?

Naija Idol said...

hi im new here.The name "kemi" attracted me to ur blog cos ive had 2 kemis' as friends in my life and the experience i had wiv them wasnt too gud so i just wanted to give it another try cos i know all kemis aint d same.it sounds cheesy (trust me i know) but im 4 real.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

my goodness, I haven't had frejon in ages! I want my mommy too! lol!

Happy Easter!

NIGERIAN CURIOSITY
IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN I ONLY HAD ONE...

Anonymous said...

Can you please post pics of this frejon dish? I am from the south and do not know what it looks like.

Your sincerely, thanking you in advance.:)

Naapali said...

So I missed my share of Frejon (wetin be the proper spelling sef?)?

well done o, I hope you enjoyed it sha.

Demi said...

Mama Lopes, ermm...did you say Frejon? O ga o, you are not from Isale Eko or Isale Agbede or somewhere along Oju Ina are you? Ahan...this is a proper Lagos delicacy ke...and i'm not chatting about the Ikeja or Shomolu Bariga wanna be Lagos o...I'm talking about down town gan gan! You should have given me notice now. I would have come to yours armed with my 'abo ajase' and agbari ojuku to collect my ration now.

From the look of things, you sure did have a lovely Easter.

So, did Lopes eat some? Did she like it?

Morountodun said...

My grandma used to cook Frejon at Easter but I haven't eaten it for years. Can't some Naija restaurant do it at easter as a treat? Come on guys some innoivation is needed here.

KemiMamaLopes said...

@andy, we are all good. Regards to Mrs Andy.

@noni mooss. Thanks for the frejon recipes. Alas was too ill to cook and got a consignment from my aunt. Frejon is not just for easter so I will be cooking it sometime soon. Can smell the fried fish soup already.

@ Jaycee Thanks. Off to investigate Francine Rivers.

@CW. Coming to your house? Get thee to Middx!

@naija idol. Welcome. The other Kemis must have been fake. I am lovely :)

@SS. Frejon is lovely. My mum in Ibadan has fozen some for us. I feel a trip coming on.

@anon. Alas, no more Frejon to photograph. Did not see the comment on time.

@naapali. I have declared Frejon an all year round dish. Nothing spoil.

@Desola. I am a an ara oke, Ondo girl from Ile-Oluji. Mum is fron Ijebu-Ode but grew up in Lagos. So prepare your agbari-ojukwu for Ila asepo, Ikokore, Imoyo crab stew, Aya Mase etc. Real melting pot, literally in our house!

@Morountodun. Alas Nigerian restauants always pander to the majority. If you are in London and I have perfected my recipe, we can have a Frejon day!

Anonymous said...
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SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Mama Lopes, how body?