Category: Snack (Page 1 of 3)

Pilipili ya Kukaanga

June 8, 2022 / Kaluhi / 26 Comments

Happy Wednesday my love bugs! Isn’t this year going so fast? Or is it that the business of adult life makes it seem as though everything is rushing to anywhere? Here in Kenya the weather is cooling down and things are about to get super cosy! That only calls for all the cosiest of meals and drinks and a bit of spicy ones too to crank up the heat! Regardless of weather, I always have some pipilipi ya kukaanga in my fridge. It is the most perfect relish, that is super versatile too and I would love for you guys to lean into it’s power, hence this post!

Pilipili ya kukaanga would roughly translate to cooked chili. It is a Kiswahili term and the relish itself is very common and enjoyed throughout our coastal regions. It is typically enjoyed with pilau, however I truly feel like it can go with nearly anything else. It is blazing hot, slightly zingy, mildly sweet and a glorious relish full of character you have to make a staple in your home!

Cheesy Beef Meat Pies

May 19, 2021 / Kaluhi / 16 Comments

I enjoyed University!! I loved Primary School, I deeply hated Highschool and later on loved University studies and the whole experience. I enjoyed B.com and all Finance units were my favorite. I never skipped classes. Was I uptight? Maybe lol. But I just loved all the classes and it never felt like a chore for me to be present. During my final year, Wednesdays were the heaviest, busiest days. We had back to back classes with brief 30 minute breaks in between. The first break at 10.30 after double Audit and there after double Macro-Economics which I loooooooved! During that 30 minute break, as the reigning Miss High Metabolism, I always had to eat. I reached out for a spring roll, or a samosa but often, meat pies did the deed for me!

I felt a bit nostalgic about my favorite Uni snack and decided to make some, but of course with a delicious twist of my own! These beauties are meaty, explosively flavorful and cheesy too! Mtapenda!

Herby Cinnamon Grilled Carrots

May 5, 2021 / Kaluhi / 5 Comments

A great side can really make a plate and grilled carrots is definitely one of those! I love having all food groups on my plate and if I can have an extra serving of veggies, I never hesitate! I have always reached for grilled carrots because not only are they super delicious each time, I love making some because they always turn out fantastic each time round! My eldest sister loves when I make some and I cannot wait to make these for her next time she is in Nairobi!

This is a quick recipe, delivers on flavor and is the perfect addition to your plate both in terms of taste and nutrients it adds to your body!

Most Spectacular Brownies!

April 21, 2021 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

My dad used to drive a deep brown Peugeot 504 in the 90’s. My sisters and I used to call that car brownie. I cannot remember who exactly coined the moniker, but it stuck. “You left your dolls in Brownie.” “My crayons rolled under Brownie’s seats.” “Go grab your coat form Brownie.” And when anyone said Brownie, we all knew it was dad’s car that was being referenced. We enjoyed that car! For all the cosy rides to Maragoli snuggled at the back, to the noisy chatter back home after church to my sister’s and I blacked out on our way home after visiting our cousins, brownie was pretty much central to all that. Brownie served us well, and it was let toward the close of the 90’s.

That story was at the back of my mind as I was filming today’s video. What is an indulgent snack to all, means something entirely different to me as well. With memories of monikers at the back of my mind simmering up top, I made for you Brownies. Real Brownies. These are beautifully indulgent, delicious and a snack you will really enjoy!

Leek & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Buttery Cinnamon Apple Topping

April 7, 2021 / Kaluhi / 30 Comments

I am still not over the fact that we are now past the hottest part of the year. I love love love the weather from December to March. I love the sweltering heat. I love that I don’t need to wear too many garments, or carry a coat. I love the extremely bright days. I love how sunny weather automatically makes me happy! As we move to a different season (not a season per se, just slight change in weather since our equatorial country has no seasons), the Long Rain season also brings it’s own set of comforts. I appreciate the cosy weather. I love the fresh crisp air and less dust. I love the cooler nights and I love that we can now get into our soups.

The soup playlist we have put together on Youtube has a new addition to it and that is my roasted red pepper soup with the most aromatic, buttery apple topping. Today could not have gotten here faster, and I am thrilled the day is finally here for me to share this beut with you!

Ginger Thyme Chicken Fingers with Sweet Chili Mustard Dip

March 31, 2021 / Kaluhi / 24 Comments

I always finish filming, clear my sink, mop my kitchen floor and once everything is put away and my space sparkling, that is when I settle down and eat. On this day, I however stopped mid-clearing to eat because everything was just too damn delicious!! From the first batch, I grabbed the first finger to confirm if it was cooked through, then dipped into the dip and popped it into my mouth. “Oh my gooood!” I exclaimed, with my already very large eyes opened wide! It was perfect! The first batch went straight into my tummy! I could not believe how bomb all the flavors were. It was right there and then I knew these chicken fingers would be a favorite of yours, and I am so so thrilled to share this with you guys!

This chicken finger recipe is a recipe that is a sure show stopper and a crowd favorite! It is a definite favorite for families, for fussy toddlers, perfect for picnics or even just for one while watching something beautiful on TV.

Dried PawPaw & Ground Nut Mango Custard

February 25, 2021 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

I always say, the most assured way to know that a recipe is excellent is by looking at the reactions of the people you made it for look like. If the plates, or bowls (as it is in this case) are cleared then that is a clear indicator that said recipe is a winner. When I was making this custard, I didn’t even know what I was going to name it. I didn’t even know what I was going to make but what I knew for sure was the flavour notes I wanted to taste in my mouth. I wanted something creamy something fruity something with character and something that is light yet indulgent enough for a dessert.

The flavours I put together for this custard are easy to bring together. And the complexity of every note that explodes on your tongue is unforgettable. My sisters inhaled this and cleared this within seconds. Everyone was completely quiet while eating and that was a clear sign that this was a winner. I am so excited to share this with you guys today. I hope you enjoy this as we wind down mango season. This shall be the second of three mango recipes I’m going to share this year. this was the first and you can check out the rest we have done since I started blogging compiled and linked in this Twitter thread. That said let’s get into this beaut!

Cinnamon Rolls with a Mango Amarula Frosting

January 13, 2021 / Kaluhi / 28 Comments

December was really a month that I had my creative juices flowing!!! I guess I really did needed down time because a rested mind is a creative one. I love the holidays so much because not only is it rest time and a valuable time but time for a little bit of indulgence. I have always been a mindful eater, but over the holidays I let loose a little bit. Just a teeny tiny bit. Because everyone is at home too, we experiment a lot and what we make is always a feast! I first flirted with the idea of marrying Amarula and Mango last month as I shared with you on twitter; but just didn’t know how I’d do it. After some hopping off and on some ideas, I settled on todays beauty of a recipe and I am excited to share with you guys!

Chocolate Swiss Roll with Rum Whipped Cream Filling

May 14, 2020 / Kaluhi / 9 Comments

My sisters’ and I usual snack during breaktime in Primary School was either a mandazi or a fruit or some biscuits with some juice. It was just a small snack 10 o’clock to keep us kinda full as we waited for lunch a little later at 12.45. We just carried whatever we could find at home, and we always had something to have- which was such a blessing. Once in a while, dad would buy us swiss rolls to carry for break and we loooooooved it so much. When Langata Uchumi Hyper was in it’s prime, their bakery was the world!! Literally everything they made was excellent! Don’t even get me started on their delicious power sandwiches *wipes excess drool*. Dad would bring the swiss roll log home and we would slice it and share among ourselves. It often didn’t make it to the next day, but when it did, it made snacking during breaktime so damn good!

For today, I am taking my childhood favorite and putting a twist of my own. Listen, you will fall head over heels in love with my chocolate swiss rolls with the richest rum whipped cream filling!

Sweet Chili Whiskey Loaded Hotdog

February 14, 2020 / Kaluhi / 18 Comments

I made this recipe on a whim last year September. My sister was having her boyfriend over and she demanded (literally) that I fix them a snack while they watch their movie. I was not in the mood for cooking, and I wanted to make it quick but yummy therefore hotdogs -with my own twist- fit the bill! I walked you through my Instagram stories as I fixed this and you guys wend crazy over it!!! I honestly did not expect that lol, but I was pleased you guys loved it.

Today I am craving that very recipe I very passively put together that ended up being so highly viewed and shared on my Instagram stories. The sexy, meaty, indulgent, unforgettable sweet chili whiskey loaded hotdogs will become your next addiction!!

Mango Cucumber Chicken Salad

February 5, 2020 / Kaluhi / 22 Comments

As it always is this time of year, I will always find an excuse to stuff a mango in my mouth! Be it eating 7 in one sitting or using them in numerous creative recipes, I will always find a way to have my daily dose of mango. Each year during mango season, we always make a couple of recipes with this bomb fruit. I made this twitter thread to make it easy for you to follow through my mango recipes, and today we add another one!

I always say this time and time again, the best salads in the universe are always created here at Kaluhi’s Kitchen! My salad playlist is true testament to that, and we add my cucumber mango chicken salad to that. You will love it!

Rum and Cinnamon French Toast

January 29, 2020 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

January has decided to bring with it some unexpected cooler weather… January is one of the HOTTEST months of the wear for those of us in Kenya. It is one of the reasons it is one of my favorite months of the year too for that same reason!! I flourish in my shorts and minis. I love how light floods into the house. I love that I do not quite need a sweater at night. I miss that kind of January and I hope February serves the heat it always has since I was born!

But whether it is sunny or rainy, one thing that is for sure is my cinnamon and rum french toast goes well with all kinds of weather, all year round. So whether you are experiencing the real winter, or a warmer January, this recipe will take you through all the year round!

Thyme & Oregano Scotch Eggs

October 16, 2019 / Kaluhi / 7 Comments

My mom looooooves hosting! She always goes out of her way to make sure the guests she has over have the time of their life not to mention, an elaborate banquet to feast upon. She would make sure our food was set aside first and the rest taken to the dining table for the guests. I remember the first time I had scotch eggs was on one of such days. Mum had guests over, and before dashing out to play, my sisters and I were sat down for lunch. My little hands reached out for this unfamiliar brown ball. I was skeptical, and left it for last. Until my sister Kadesa took a bite and exclaimed “Ni tamu!!”. I reached out for mine, and indeed, I loved it! This new thing, that had both egg and sausage – things I love- was delicious! I later on learnt that they were scotch eggs and have been inlove with them ever since!

Today I put my own twist on my mom’s recipe and give to you my thyme and oregano scotch eggs. Mtapenda!

Lemon and Iliki Short Bread Cookies

February 28, 2019 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

I love baking things that do not involve too much effort. Reason is simple- my baking game is the weakest thing on earth. But this year, I want to work on it. And for that, I am starting with the easy ones, whose technique I understand and whose ingredients are few- but kama kawa, with a twist of my own. Short bread cookies are stupid easy, and trust me when I say, if I can make them, so can you!
I felt very at peace making them, the process is short and simple, but the twist I added was using lemon zest and my favorite warm spice iliki. For some weird reason, on this day, I wished I was making them with my children. I do not know what was making me so broody while filming lol! Maybe the cuteness of the cookies? Maybe the inviting aroma? Maybe their unforgettable taste that I felt kiddies would enjoy? I don’t know. But what is for sure is, you too will love this recipe, enjoy baking my short bread cookies and eating them too.

Strawberries & Cream Popsicles

September 26, 2018 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

For some weird reason, luquat season always passes me by. My head hangs over my shoulders as I type that this year has been the same :(((((((. I had such GRAND planed for this years loquat season, which falls on August and September in Kenya. I has plans for sauces, for cakes, for dips and yes, for pospicles as well. I couldn’t get some, but will, I was determined to get my popsicle game up and running. Now that it is super bubbling hot in Kenya, no better snack to have as we cool down than a popsicle. My sad loquat tale aside, I picked myself up and set off to prepare some sunny popsicles that would be so complimentary to a beautiful day such as today!

I loved how my strawberries and cream popsicles turned out! So flavorful! So fruity! So creamy! And so so sooooo delicious! You will love these beauties and thank the heavens that they are so easy to make!

Pink Lady® Apple Chai Masala Oat Cookies

June 13, 2018 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

The air is now cold , thin and still in Nairobi. The sun may peak past the clouds from time to time, but the chilly weather has made it’s presence felt without doubt. For a nation whose people are so used to balmy weather and whose people are, literally and figuratively, born with sunshine in their hearts, 17°C is a bit icy for us Kenyans lol! However on the bright side, this kind of weather makes way for more baking. More indulgent treats. More of our kitchen smelling of warm spices and less of grilled meat. More cake! More crepes! More freshly baked cookies! And this year, I am definitely baking a lot more and stepping into what I may not be used to, but into where I shall learn and grow and without doubt, enjoy! You can bet I will take you on this adventure; and for this gorgeous Wednesday, I give you my amazingly delicious Pink Lady® Apple chai masala oat cookies!

You are going to love this one!

Nutmeg and Clove Vitumbua

June 6, 2018 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

wa! wa! wa! wa! wa!

FAILING IN THE KITCHEN IS REEEEEEAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

I have always very honestly spoken about moments recipes backfire on me. I detailed some of my fails on this post but trust me, there are many more LOL! The first time I tried making vitumbua, they failed their way straight to hot hell. They did not even hold together, they were just a pulverized, oily, cat-food-esq disaster. I was sad, not only coz of the backfiring, but because I wasted my afternoon and nothing fruitful came out of my effort. But you know what, my mama never raised a quiter y’all! I went through every little step I made and realized I made about 4 mistakes, not even 1, THREE mistakes hence the initial first disastrous recipe. I gave this another shot and they turned out pretty well! And here we are now! With a new recipe, a new video and plenty of lessons learnt. To you too, when you fail kidogo in the kitchen, get right back up. It happens to everyone and no one reading my blog should give up easily. No sir!

Without further ado, my nutmeg and clove vitumbua! <3

Orange Ginger Cinnamon Rolls

April 4, 2018 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

My eldest sister cheredi has always been the baker of the family. She always does really make the sweetest baked treated and very very effortlessly they turn out perfectly! Best believe I am always the one to push my sisters out of the way whenever she brings home one of her cakes. This year i have challenged myself to do more baking. I hardly ever do, I do not know why, but it is about time I dipped my feet into it, don’t you think so? And for today my orange ginger cinnamon rolls will be the first of many delicious treats you will see this year. I had plenty of fun making the video as well. This recipe was inspired by a cake my sister made some time back, that I shared a picture with you guys on Instagram. Needless to say, they turned out extra delicious and for that, I am thrilled!!! Here we go!!

Pineapple Tree tomato Milkshake with Date Syrup

March 28, 2018 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

One of the most infuriating things about Nairobi is how much traffic we have to endure day after day. It is either there is not traffic or you are stuck in a hell hole of none moving vehicles. But one person’s nightmare is another persons dream!!! While we hate the snarl up, most hawkers make the best of the situation, woo potential customers and try to sell as much of their merchendize as they can. And when luck is on your side, you too can be able to make some pretty dope purchases; which for me, I always gravitate towards fresh produce. After brunch with my friends this past Saturday and being stuck in traffic for about 45 min, the only nice thing I can say about that situation is that I managed to get some really fresh maize, the sweetest sweet bananas, new sunglasses and a great portion of tree tomatoes. I got some for my mum as well since she loves them and majority of the ones I got for myself went into the milkshake I am sharing with you today!

Iliki and Lemon Zest Mitai

September 26, 2017 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

Most times when I try out a new recipe, I surprise myself at how fast I ace flavor combinations at first try. Other times, oh Lord, the struggle is very very real! You see, when one is conceptualizing and developing completely new recipes, the result can very easily go south. The first time I tried making mitai with my own twist, they turned out so badly. But I excused it as my first try and just let it slide. I tried again the second time, and the outcome was even worse. They looked like little rocks from a plateau in hell *wipes tear*. By that point, I had enough for the day, so I wrapped things up and prepared for my weekend. I was done :(. After an amazing weekend, enough rest and recharging, I made adjustments to the original recipe for the third time, gave it another shot and guess what, my mitai turned out SO SO WELL!! To you too, when you cook things you haven’t tried before, you will fail sometimes. It is normal! Don’t just give up and run away from the kitchen forever. It happens to everyone!! Give yourself sometime, find where you went wrong and try again. I am sure you were’t raised a quiter, so keep at it.

Now, let’s get to it!!!