Around the World in the Hetzel Kitchen

Haiti, along with the Dominican Republic , is one of the two countries on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Haiti declared independence from France in 1804, making it one of the first post-colonial nations. It is currently considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. French and Creole are the official languages. The country is slightly smaller than Maryland, with over 10 million citizens. Port-au-Prince is the capital. Read more at the CIA World Factbook . I have never been to Haiti, but feel a slight connection. In high school, one of my close friends and her family went there often to help on medical mission trips. More recently, my little brother Patrick has gone two years in a row to help do some work there too. I have art up in the house that they have brought back for me and I have heard plenty of stories. I would love to go someday and try to help and get to know the people as well. I reached out for some help on what I should make for Haiti. Might as well g...

Photo courtesy user H2O Alchemist on Flickr Location : Western Africa Geography : Surrounded by Senegal on three sides with a small ocean border.   The map is quite interesting. Area : Over 11,000 sq km; 167th largest in the world          Slightly less than twice the size of Delaware          Smallest country on the continent of Africa High Point (Elevation) : Unnamed elevation, 53 m Official Language : English Population : Over 1.8 million; 149th largest in the world Capital : Banjul Airports : 1 Source: CIA Factbook Apparently small African nations like to answer their embassy e-mail addresses to help people!  I got responses from first Gabon and now Gambia with regards to recipe suggestions.  I really appreciate that they have people that take the time to do this. The Cultural Attache attached three recipes in two documents.  The  first  starts with the ingredient "2 cups of peanut bu...

Photo courtesy of user pushreset on Flickr Location : Central Africa, between  the Republic of Congo  and Equatorial Guinea Area : Over 260,000 sq km; 77th largest in the world          Slightly smaller than Colorado Noun : Gabonese Official Language : French Population : Over 1.6 million; 153rd largest in the world Capital : Libreville Economy : Per capita income four times higher than most other sub-Saharan African nations Source: CIA World Factbook So, guys, it has been a while.  Since I last cooked we moved 551 miles, took a trip to the other coast, bought a house, and started new jobs.  Mine involves me reading a lot of books to Brendan.  Doesn't pay well but I get to work from home.  :-) A long long time ago (AKA December) I got an e-mail from the Gabonese embassy. It read: Good afternoon Ms. Hetzel,  My name is Kate and I work for the Ambassador in the Embassy here in Washington; I’m so glad you took t...

Photo courtesy of user Bernard Blanc on flickr. Location : Main part is in Western Europe.  However, five former overseas territories were made part of France proper, and they are in South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Southern Africa. Area : Over 550,000 sq km (main part); 43rd largest in the world          Slightly less than the size of Texas Population : Over 65.5 million; 21st highest in the world Capital : Paris Nuclear Electricity : 53% of total install capacity; 1st in the world Kevin's favorite link about France:  The Complete Military History of France (not for the easily offended) Sources: CIA Factbook This was still while we were in Virginia, so it has been a while.  I apologize for any lack of detail...my memory may have gotten a little fried during all of this travel. I knew that France would be big and important in my cooking travels.  It, unfortunately, also corresponded with the craziness of get...