I saw a comment asking about how we prepare our food. Well, peace corps, gives every volunteer a gas stove and two refillable gas bottles. Our stoves have two large burners and one small burner. It’s like using a gas stove at home… don’t even need matches to light it! As far as keeping food… well I would have to say that I learned pretty quickly to eat food that I probably wouldn’t have eaten in the United States. Leftovers can be kept overnight (without refrigeration) providing that you reheat them for at least 15 minutes the next day. Eggs last quite a long time in the open air. Plus, it’s not like the market has a wide variety of produce. I get so excited when I manage to get carrots… or as one one day… apples, yes apples. Houegbo is always full of surprises.
That being said, Jeff and I did buy a mini-frig, so we have nice cold beverages and no food storage issues. Not everyone can get a fridge of course, but for those who have one… it’s great! Of course, my friend Rima got a fridge a week into living at post and it still isn’t working because she doesn’t have “enough” electricity.
I would advise new volunteers to bring a good quality chefs knife and paring knife. Good knives are not being imported here, even in the city! Peace Corps gives you a nice cookbook, but if you have anything that makes you think of home, bring the recipe with you. You’ll want it. You’d be surprised how much you can cook here. I was an avid baker in the states and I was certain I wouldn’t get to bake here.. but after a few disasters… I’ve managed to become successful at dutch oven baking. I’ve made cinnamon rolls, pizza, cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, empanadas, etc.
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