What I ate : Birthday Edition

I turned 24 yesterday. I remember being excited for my birthday days in advance when I was younger. Making plans of what I was going to be doing on the day was a huge part of celebrating. Every single person deserves to be celebrated, but this year I felt so different about it. All Kenyans know what 21st September signifies after last year. I felt like it was so much more important to celebrate peace and moving forward so I didn't think about my birthday even for a second before it actually came. I don't know if that's what growing older does to you, do you lose all excitement? Should it become just another day? Well, my family and friends made me realise that being alive and healthy is a huge blessing, and maybe your birthday is celebrated so you can have a chance to show how grateful you are. I had an absolutely unexpected lovely day. It couldn't have gone any better in my opinion. Spending time with family and friends was just what I needed, especially with the study mode I've been undergoing all year. I was spoiled rotten with all the food! And the food merchandise! Spending quality time over a meal is such a great thing to do, even more with good food.

Woke up to this! Look at the chocolate! And the waffle maker! And the chocolate mould! And the Jaffa cakes! (Which I devoured, cake like biscuit covered in chocolate with orange jelly in the middle-a British favourite!).Can you tell food makes me happy? (Ignore the mess in the back, early morning excitement can't be helped).

Started my day off with this beautiful blueberry cheese cake my mum made for me as a surprise. Truly tastes divine. I could eat it alone for days. Thank you mummy! Took me back to my primary school days when I'd come home to a huge cheese cake with a strawberry jelly top. Will always be my favourite.

Home made cappuccino in my new mug, again made by my mum! 

We were too full to have breakfast after the cheese cake (best breakfast substitute), so my mum took me for a hot chocolate. I had a fabulous time and it was delicious. I'm not sure of the name of this place but it's somewhere in spring valley. When I remember I'll put it here.

Lunch with friends. This is at Four cafe bistro in gigiri. I was looking forward to trying some place new. It definitely did not disappoint. Above is the chips mexicasa- which the four of us couldn't finish. It's basically chips with melted cheese, tomato, capsicum and onions if you wish. Then the pizza with pesto sauce, originally with chicken but we substituted it with mushroom instead. It definitely didn't disappoint. It was my first time having a pizza with pesto sauce instead of tomato/Arabiata! I think I'll try this at home sometime. 

Made some of the chocolate in the mould my parents got me. It's so much fun popping the pieces out of the mold. I also love how shiny the surfaces are. I'm planning on trying different varieties, maybe coconut, nuts, biscuits in the chocolate next time.

I'm sure you can guess where I went for dinner. For you! Tried the corn with cashewnut this time which I really liked. And the staff all came in singing happy birthday with this strawberry ice cream that we all shared( does anybody else feel awkward/not know where to look when people sing to you or make you open gifts?). 

I feel like I was so spoiled yesterday and I'm not sure I deserved any of it. But it was so much fun and I made so many memories which I think are very worth every moment. I know it seems like I ate a lot of Food, but I can't lie, I did! I could barely stand the thought of food when I got home. And I'm not a fan of overeating. But it was an exception I guess. Back to moderation from today. Also trying to remember that my age has changed, in case anyone asks me. :) 

                                                                       ~risha~

Banana Bread

The weather over the past few days has taken a complete turn and it's been freezing in nairobi. I love sweater weather and it's got me craving warm comfort food, especially after the long week I've had. I've been wanting to make banana bread for the last couple weeks but never had the time, or all the ingredients. I finally got down to it today and let's just say it's made my day. Perfect in the rainy weather with a cup of tea or coffee.

If only you could smell the cinnamon, coffee and chocolate scent throughout the house whilst this is in the oven. It's divine.

Ingredients

250g plain flour 

2 tsp baking powder 

125g softened unsalted butter

125g white sugar

125g brown sugar

3 large ripe bananas, mashed (I used 5 small ones)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tsps vanilla extract

200g good quality dark or milk chocolate bar, (I used milk chocolate with nuts and white chocolate )

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 shot of espresso, cooled. (I used 1/3 cup!)

Sift the flour and baking powder first. Then mix the sugars, mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, butter, espresso and of course the chocolate chips separately.. Mix we'll and add in the flour. Mix until all incorporated. Line the cake pan with butter. Bake at 180 degrees for 50-60 mins. (Put in a toothpick or skewer to check). 

It's as simple as that!

We did things a little differently this time-my sister filmed me making the bread and hyper lapsed the result and we made a little video. It was quite fun for us! (Please excuse the mess in the kitchen, that's the aftermath of lunch on a saturday when everyone is home :) ).

Looking forward to having the bread with my chai.

                                                                  -risha-