still IN THE KITCHEN WITH ABIMBOLA OMOLADE VI

PALM-NUT SOUP




Ofe Akwu which simply means Palm nut soup in igbo language is
a native Nigerian soup, popular in the eastern part of Nigeria. It's
quite similar to Banga soup(Delta style palm nut soup) & Abak
atama (Efik style palm nut soup) with the only difference being
the type of spices and herbs used in preparation.  For Ofe akwu,
you could either use just Nchuawun as i did in this post or a
combination of Nchuawun (Scent leaves) and Ugu "Pumpkin"
leaves . When you go to buy Palm nuts "Akwu" it's always best to
pick the right types to get the best result. There are usually two
types of Akwu sold by the traders: The "Agric''(which is fleshy
and therefore would give you more oil extract) and the
"Native"(looks smaller but is known to be sweeter). It's always
advisable to combine both to get the maximum benefits. Ofe
Akwu is mostly used as a stew for white rice in the east but in
some other parts, it's used as a soup and taken with "Swallow" i.e
Garri/eba, Semolina, Fufu, wheat meal, corn meal e.t.c.

Ingredients:::
• Fresh Palm Nuts (Aku) (2 Derica cups)
• Beef (Red meat), Cut in chunks
•Assorted meat ,Cow Intestines, Tripe a.k.a Sharki
• Crayfish, Ground
• sized Dry fish / Smoked Fish
• Stock fish "Panla" a.k.a.Okporoko
• Seasoning cubes. Crushed
• Red scotch bonnet pepper (Ata rodo), Ground
• Ogiri Okpei (Substitute: Dawadawa)
• Salt to taste
• A handful Scent leaves "Nchuawun"
• A handful Pumpkin Leaves-(I skipped this) (View full list and
pics of Nigerian leafy vegetables)
Preparation of ofe akwu

Step 1: Rinse the palm nuts 2-3 times with water then place in a
medium sized pot. Add clean water just enough to cover the palm
nuts in the pot and cook on the burner for 15-20 mins till the
nuts get soft. you can check this by biting into one of the nuts. if
it's soft, then its ready. Strain the liquid used in boiling out and
place the palmnuts in a mortar and pound with a pestle till the
skin separates from the kernel. Scoop the pounded nuts into a
clean bowl and add water into it. Squeeze and strain the palm oil
into a bowl
View the full palm kernel oil extraction with pictures HERE

Step 2: Wash and place the Beef and assorted meat in a different
pot. Add the Crushed seasoning, Pepper, Salt and water just
enough to cover the meat in the pot. Cook till the meat gets tender
leaving the concentrated meat stock within

Step 3: Prepare the ogiri okpei by placing it in a small bowl of
water. Mash it up to dissolve -Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the stock fish (if using any) by soaking it in hot
water to soften for 10 minutes then rinse with clean water. For
the smoked fish or dry fish, all you need to do is open it up from
the middle, then remove the bone and gut. Rinse and set aside

Step 5: Pour the extracted palm nut liquid in a medium sized pot
and cook for about 10 minutes. Gently add the Beef and assorted
meat (Including the stock "Meat water").

Step 6: Pour in the Ogiri okpei liquid, Add the Smoked fish and
stock fish (if you are using any), Add the ground crayfish. Stir
and leave to cook with the pot covered for 25-30mins.

Step 7: Place the Scent leaves together and thinly slice with a
knife. Repeat the same for the pumpkin leaves "Ugwu" if you are
using any. Add the chopped leaves into the pot of soup and leave
to simmer for 5 mins.

Turn off the burner and serve with Boiled rice or your
favorite swallow.

ABIMBOLA OMOLADE
+2348188866735
abimbolaomolade9@gmail.com
www.ladesimi.blogspot.com.ng

STELLA DAMASUS AND HUBBY REVEALS PLAN TO LAUNCH ONLINE TV

Stella Damasus and hubby Daniel Ademinokan have revealed that they would
be launching their online TV station, Mon Afrik TV anytime soon. They
explained that the station would be a blend of BET, MTV, E-ONLINE, NBC and
CW Network rolled into one station but with 100% per cent African content.
The couple stated that they want to create a medium of expression and not
just another TV station. A platform that will showcase the beauty of African
culture to the rest of the world.
“That is what we have created and we want Africans all over the world
to see this as their own medium of expression, not just another TV
station. We see no reason why a struggling producer who could barely
afford to raise the capital to make his or her TV show should also look
for money to pay the TV stations for airtime,” he said. After that, they
have to convince brands to place adverts on the show before they can
start making any money. That is extremely discouraging for independent
producers.
Mon Afrik TV is creating a platform where producers can showcase
their works to the world and make good money for themselves without
having to deal with the run-around from TV stations. This is not a Video-
on-Demand platform for movies and is not trying to pry into an already
saturated market,” Ademinokan said. Africa has often been represented
as a dark, isolated continent.
Yes, Africa has issues, just like every other continent but there is more
to us than starving children, gun wielding terrorists, arid lands and
dilapidated buildings in remote villages. We have beautiful cultures, a
vibrant entertainment industry and entertainers who have conquered the
world on many levels and we want to showcase that to the world.”

STRAIGHT FROM THE INK OF A POET II - MUBARAK OLADOSU

TEMPTATIONS







Paradise tosses back and forth
On the layers of my heart
As the day goes to bed
And pitch-darkness
Brightens my slumber thoughts.



I slip between  the clouds
And the cuddle of my dreams
Yet, I have the ground to smile
Watching my guilt embrace triumph
In unity
On the altar of ascetic grace
Where I defy terrestrial angels
Who populate these ivory gardens.

.....an excerpt from the book 'MIND MANTRA' by OLADOSU MUBARAK...
Oladosu Mubarak writes for and broadcasts at the UNILORIN BULLETIN
and UNILORIN FM respectively

call: 07034426998, tweet @mubarakng

OLASUPO TASKS NIGERIAN YOUTHS ON THE NEED TO BE SELF-EMPLOYED.

The National coordinator of Brain Builders international, Mr. Olasupo Abideen has identify Self-employment as a panacea for poverty in the country. While addressing the audience at the kwara State University Global Entrepreneurship week 2015, he stress not only on the need to be Self-employed but creative and innovative .
The event which took place at the main auditorium kwara State University, Malete, kwara State, on Friday, November 20, 2015 at exactly 11am is the continuation of a 7day entrepreneurship  activities celebration and witness an enormous audience ranging from Students, Business owners, Civil servants among others.
Olasupo, who is also an entrepreneur and a reputable business mentor, highlights 'REPACKAGING AND REBRANDING' as the language in the global market. He further recommends self employment as an inevitable tool for nation building.

ALL ROAD LEAD TO ELOY 2015...

The 2015 Exquisite Lady of the Year  (ELOY) Awards took place at the Red Carpet Hall, Victoria Island Lagos.
The event is being hosted by Sika Osei and Ozzy Agu and several guests have been spotted including Osas Ajibade, Gbenro Ajibade, Toke Makinwa, Bolanle Olukanni, Toju Foyeh, Tewa Onasanya, Elma Godwin, Cynthia Kamalu, Michelle Dede, Tonye, Susan Peters, Tomi Odunsi and more.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE SELF-EMPLOYED. -TOM EWER

Sometimes, amidst the stress of multiple converging deadlines and the endless hustle to obtain new clients, it can be hard to remember why we chose to become self-employed in the first place. It’s all too easy for freelancers to focus on “clients from hell ” and the daily little frustrations that we encounter.

We forget why self-employment is awesome.

But fear not — in this post it is my intention to remind you exactly why being self-employed is so much better than working for someone else.

The 12 Best Reasons Being Self-Employed is Better Than Being an Employee

1.  You’re your own boss.

You knew this one was coming, didn’t you? It’s the one we all dreamed about when we realized self-employment was a viable option: being our own boss. Escaping the rat race and living life as we pleased. Remember that?
When you’re self-employed, you no longer have a “higher-up” governing your every move. You control how your work is done. Your client has a say in the final product, but that’s it — their power ends there. How you get from point A to point B is completely up to you and that is awesome.

2. You earn more money.

On average, freelancers earn 45% more than those who are traditionally employed. They’re also allowed to deduct certain business expenses that employees are not, allowing to actually keep more of what they earn.
Feel like you’re not quite there yet? Check out my 7 Tips for Negotiating High End Rates. There’s no reason you can’t pull in just as much (or more!) money now than you did when you were traditionally employed.

3. You spend less.

When was the last time you were stuck in traffic on your way to work? If you perform your professional duties from a home office, it’s most likely been a very, very long time. (And, no, waiting in line for the bathroom for your morning shower doesn’t count).
Think of all the money on gas you’ve been saving.
Even if you work outside of your home, as someone who’s self-employed, you were able to choose the location. And I’d be willing to bet you chose somewhere that nixed the lengthy commute.
Child care expenses may also be a thing of the past for you. Along with expensive daily lunches “out” because of your distinct distrust of the office fridge.

4. You enjoy variety.

When you were an employee — whether you were crumbling away in a cubicle, restlessly working retail, or dying at the drive-thru — you were handed a manual or given some hasty instructions by your boss and then…that was it. You knew what you needed to know to perform your job, and there was never any reason to grow beyond that. Because your job never, ever changed.
As a freelancer, your job is changing constantly. You’re expected to continually adapt, learn, and update your skills. With every new client comes a new challenge.
When you’re self-employed, you’re forced to think — to be creative — and you love it, don’t you? (It’s okay to admit it. Go ahead. Take a second to say it out loud.). It’s a great feeling to know that your skills are being put to good use and that those skills are going to continue to grow as your business grows.

5. No co-worker drama.

Many of us work alone (or work remotely) and that isolation can be a bit daunting at times. But do you really, honestly, miss your co-workers? Even the one who listened to her music sans headphones? What about the guy who loved to talk (loudly) on his cell phone during his breaks…right next to you? Or how about the gem of a human being who shirked all of their cleaning duties on you?
Your favorite co-workers became your friends and are likely still a part of your life in that capacity. Everyone else? Good riddance!

6. Sick Day? A-OK!

Freelance writer Jennifer Lawler has been self-employed for so long that she was taken aback when, upon a recent visit to the hospital, she was asked if she needed a note excusing her absence:

“And then I realize[d] that the default method in the world of work and education is to treat people as if they are incompetent or lying or both. Because that’s the only explanation for what is clearly a routine question for an exam during business hours. I guess if I were employed in the traditional corporate world, I’d be forced to ask, ‘Please boss can I take my daughter to see the neurosurgeon? No? Okay.’ Seriously? Seriously?”

A day we don’t work is a day we go without pay, but at least we can take that day off without having to beg for our boss’ forgiveness. Or feel the demeaning sting of having to prove how ill we were by providing a doctor’s note. Or fill out a stack of meaningless forms.
Of course, we have to buy our own health insurance. But even that isn’t so bad; at least we get to choose which insurance we use. Our health coverage is no longer left up to a head honcho choosing the cheapest package.

7. Your work area is truly yours.

Want dual monitors instead of one? Go ahead. Prefer a standing desk? Knock yourself out. And framed photos of your friends and family? The more the merrier!
Decoration regulations (try saying that ten times fast!) are a thing of the past. You can Feng Shui your work space to your heart’s content. So put up that poster you found online, get in the habit of watering your indoor fern, and finally buy that ergonomically correct chair!
Need some inspiration? Check out these pics of 60 jaw-dropping home office setups. Even if you already have a killer home office, improvements can always be made.

8. New equipment when you want/need it.

If you’ve ever worked in an office building, you’re well aware of the frustrations that come along with the I-need-something hierarchy. Whether you need a new pack of pens, staples, or laptop repair, as an employee you would have to ask someone for the equipment you needed. And then they would ask someone else, who would ask someone else, who would ask someone else. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to get the equipment or maintenance you needed in order to complete your project.
Need something now that you’re a freelancer? Go to the store and get it. Get back to work. The end.

9. No uniforms.

Being self-employed is a bit like being Phil Collins: No Jacket Required.
Also, no tie required. No neon polyester t-shirt. No two-toned logo-covered baseball cap.
Unless you’re meeting with a client in person — or via video chat — you can wear (or not wear) whatever you darn well please. It might be a cliche to freelance in the buff, but it’s definitely an option.

10. You set your own schedule.

Whether you crave the steady familiarity of a fixed schedule, or you long to mix it up with hours that are more flexible; as your own boss, you’re the one who creates your schedule.
If you’re not a morning person, you can rest easy knowing that you no longer have to set your alarms in triplicate in order to just barely make your morning meeting. Or, if early’s your style, you can set your hours for the dawn and have a full day’s work done before your kids get up for school.

11. You’re more valued.

As a freelancer, you’re no longer part of the hive; you’re a highly-valued individual. More importantly, you get to decide what that value is, through a well-devised proposal like this one.
You get credit for your own work. And, through your ongoing marketing efforts, you’ve even started to earn some name recognition, not just among your long-time clients, but from complete strangers as well.

12. You choose your own customers.

When you work as an employee, you’re more-or-less forced to serve whoever decides to show up at your employer’s place of business. Whether it’s a bedraggled couple with two crying children looking to buy school supplies or the old man who screams at you because he still hasn’t quite figured out how the combo menu works or the confused woman who’s called three times in the past hour with the exact same customer service question: you had to help them. Because that was your job.
If a client yells at you now, it’s because you chose the wrong client. You’re the one in control now, not them. You choose who you provide services to.

The Final Word on Self-Employment

When the stress of everyday life starts to wear thin on you, it can be hard to remember how amazing your life — your business — really is. You may even consider giving it all up from time to time.

Truth is: self-employment is a fantastic lifestyle choice. Be thankful.

If you ever forget why you chose to be your own boss, think back to what you were doing before you became a freelancer. Think about your worst customers, your most hideous dress code, your cramped work space, and your long commutes.

still IN THE KITCHEN with ABIMBOLA OMOLADE V

                     

              SUYA  SPICED WHOLE TURKEY

                

 

 

SUYA SPICE SEASONING MIX 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 6 tablespoons suya spice
• 3 large onions (peeled and sliced)
• 6-10 cloves fresh garlic (peeled)
• 3-6 Scotch bonnet peppers (ata-rodo)
• 3 ripe red bell peppers – tatashe
• Medium size ginger root (peeled and cut)
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 6  double knorr cubes
• Salt – to taste
• Other : Favorite herbs as desired (Efirin (scent leaf), basil, rosemary, sage,oregano, cilantro etc)                                            
  
  The use of herbs is where you add your own signature and make it your own blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite blend. I used about 2 cups of fresh herbs in my mix.
  Direction:
• Combine all listed ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blitz until almost smooth.
• Store mix in an airtight container for future use.

ABIMBOLA OMOLADE
+2348188866735
abimbolaomolade9@gmail.com
www.ladesimi.blogspot.com.ng