Sunday, March 29, 2015

Recipe of the month ( Fish balls stew)

Good morning to all Yodaai families out there! As we are welcoming the month of April and getting ready for our regular meeting, it is also time for our monthly recipe. This month one of the oloris wants me to share a simple and quick recipe for "FISH BALLS STEW". Believe it or not this is a bomb as they say. Ok now, it is time to visit Mrs. Ami's kitchen.

Fish balls stew
 
Below are the ingredients you need for the delicious stew
 
  • 500g of fish
  • Half onion
  • 3 gloves of garlic
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 1 table spoon of peanut butter
  • Fresh chili peppers to your taste
  • Black or white pepper, optional
  • ½ table spoon of salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 able spoon of corn flour, optional

  • You will need the following ingredients for the tomatoes stew

  • 2 fresh tomatoes
  • 1 table spoon of tomato paste
  • 1 big onion, minced
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 3 gloves of garlic, grated
  • 1 table spoon  of black pepper
  • Red or green chili, to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 table spoon of cooking oil
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 big potato, peeled and cut
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and cut
  • Half cabbage, cut into medium pieces
  • Or any vegetables of your choice  ( pumpkin, sweet potato, etc.)


  • Directions
    Making the fish balls:
    Step 1:  Remove bones and skin from the fish or use fish fillet. Grind the fish in a food processor with some salt.
    Step 2:  Grind the onion, garlic, bouillon cube, chilies peppers, black pepper in a food processor.
    Step 3: Mix the fish with the onion mixture and peanut butter. Mix well add the corn flour if you want. Then grease your hands and shape the fish mixture into small balls.
    Step 4: heat the oil on medium and fry the fish balls until brown. Remove and reserve.
    Making the stew:
    Step 1: In a big bowl, mash the fresh tomatoes with a little bit of water. Add the tomato paste, minced onion, grated garlic, bouillon cube, black pepper.
    Step 2:  heat the oil and add the tomato mixture. Let simmer at low heat for 5 to 10 min or until it’s thicken and you can see the oil.
    Step 3: Add your vegetables and water. Bring to boil and add the fish balls. Let simmer for 20 min.
    Salt and pepper to your taste.

    Final result
    This stew can be served with rice, yam, bread and couscous
     
    Enjoy it !
     
     
    Wole Amusan.

    Wednesday, March 11, 2015

    YODAAI AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY IN SELMA

    As thousands gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Selma Alabama. Our former Vice President Mrs.. Sola Popoola was  not only there to witness the historical event but to represent the entire Yodaai family. She also joined many dignitaries in listening to President Barack Obama's  impassioned speech titled " What could be more American". The speech call on all of us to have a reflection of the cruel event that happened 50 years ago and to think about those great heroes who fought restlessly for our right to vote and the freedom we are all enjoying today. He ends the speech by asking God to bless the United States of America and those Warriors of justice who are no longer with us.
    Below you will see some of the memorable pictures she took from the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge and other symbolic monuments in Selma.

    SHE WAS THERE MAKING HISTORY FOR YODAAI
     

    Walking across the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge

    One of the heroes who knew what injustice is all about

    People marching into the bridge

    Listening to President Obama's Speech on march 7

    Who is Rev.  James Reeb
    Dr Martin Luther King's famous speech " I HAD A DREAM" 
    Below is former ambassador to Nigeria Andrew Young

    Saturday, March 7, 2015

    CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE OF OURS

    The entire YODAAI families are hereby rejoicing with Professor and Mrs. Ayanwale for the new addition to the family. The arrival of this new baby will bring more blessings to the family.
    Below are our proud grandparents.

    Adun a kari gbogbo wa o

    Thursday, February 19, 2015

    Welcome to the Magic City

    Eka le o! A ku  imura ipade.
      I strongly believe and trust that all is well with everyone. I know this is quite a late reminder about our meeting in the magic city (Birmingham). All is set and we the Barminghians are fully ready to
    welcome our members and other guests in the magic city this Saturday the 21st of February. 
    We want to remind all members that the meeting will start at 3pm prompt. No Nija time please.
    Since we are still celebrating the " WEAR RED DAY" I will love to see those RED gele and RED fila flying in the air. Let the atmosphere  shout REDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.
    Thank you and see y'all in the magic city.
     
    Wole Amusan
     
    
    

    Sunday, February 15, 2015

    RECIPE OF THE MONTH (PEANUT BUTTER SOUP / STEW)

    Good day to you all! I trust we all had a wonderful week-end especially with Valentine day falling on a Saturday. I know our dads showed our moms the true meaning of love. Ife na o ni baje o! a tun bo mo lekun si ni o. (amin).
    As we all know our beloved Social Secretary in the person of Mrs Lawal told our Yodaaite women numerous times about submitting a recipe of which she planned to publish late one.
    I want to encourage all our Yodaaite men and women to please submit any recipe which will be published monthly on this blog. A maximum of two recipes will be published monthly and if you have any picture please including it. With that been said, my adorable and lovely Olori has submitted a recipe which I am publishing now.

    PEANUT BUTTER SOUP / STEW
     
    
    1-3/4 teaspoons of olive oil or vegetable
     
    5/8 large bell peppers ( any color but red preferably ) finely diced
     
    5/8 medium onions finely diced
     
    1/4 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
     
    1-3/4 large cloves garlic minced
     
    2-1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth
     
    1/8 of red pepper or Habanero
     
    1/4- (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter

    3-4 cups of Basmati Rice or Uncle Bens Rice.
     
    don't forget your meat. It can be any of these: Goat meat, Beef meat, smoked fish, Chicken or hen
     
    DIRECTIONS
     
    First heat your oil in a stock pot over a medium high heat. Cook your chopped and minced ingredients ( onions, red pepper, garlic and habanero pepper) you can ground them if you want.
    Add your broth or water. let it cook for 20mns- 30minutes then add you peanut butter stir till it's dissolved or you can add some hot water on the peanut butter to melt and then pour it in the already cooked ingredients.
     
    Second add all your meat and then cover and let it cook for another 15 minutes at a low medium heat.
     
    You can serve it with rice or fufu
     
    Trust me it is very delicious when serve with basmati Rice or Uncle Bens Rice.
     
     
     
    
    
    
    
    Image result for peanut butter stew

    This recipe is a courtesy of Mrs. Ami Amusan

    Merci a tous et Bon appetite!

    Wole Amusan



    

    Friday, February 6, 2015

    CELEBRATING THE HEART MONTH/ WEAR RED DAY

    The month of February is full of many events and celebrations. We the Omo Egbe Yoruba in Alabama are taking this moment to join millions of Americans and others around the globe to celebrate the  " HEART MONTH " also known as " WEAR RED DAY".
    This is an event that is worth celebrating because of the awareness it brings to people about their health and how important it is to know about ones heart's health.
    According to the American Heart Association, 1-3 women is suffering from heart problem and men should understand that this is not only a women's disease. With all this trouble, the good news is that 80 percent of this killing disease can be prevented if we all follow our physicians recommendations.
    I am including this article by " Go Red For Women Association" to my publication for my fellow Yodaaites to read and know some steps than can be taken to control the risks of heart disease.
     
    by the Go Red For Women Editors
    Do you know there are seven easy ways to help control your risk for heart disease? Manage your heart risk by understanding “Life’s Simple 7.”

    1. Get active

    Daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day (like brisk walking), five times per week, you can almost guarantee yourself a healthier and more satisfying life while lowering your risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
    What To Do
    Start by learning the basics about fitness. Also, children need 60 minutes a day–every day–of physical activity, so find ways to workout with your kids to help ensure their heart health in addition to your own.

    2. Control cholesterol

    When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Cholesterol is a waxy substance and our bodies use it to make cell membranes and some hormones, but when you have too much bad cholesterol (LDL), it combines with white blood cells and forms plaque in your veins and arteries. These blockages lead to heart disease and stroke.
    What To Do
    Try these tips to lower cholesterol with diet and foods.

    3. Eat better

    Healthy foods are the fuel our bodies use to make new cells and create the energy we need to thrive and fight diseases. If you are frequently skipping out on veggies, fruit, low-fat dairy, fiber-rich whole grains, and lean meats including fish, your body is missing the basic building blocks for a healthy life.
    What To Do
    Want more ways to eat better? Try these tips:
    • Track what you eat with a food diary
    • Eat vegetables and fruits
    • Eat unrefined fiber-rich whole-grain foods
    • Eat fish twice a week
    • Cut back on added sugars and saturated fats

    4. Manage blood pressure

    High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.
    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means the blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears. Our body then kicks into injury-healing mode to repair these tears with scar tissue. But unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque and white blood cells which can form into blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries.
    What To Do
    To manage blood pressure, you should:

    5. Lose weight

    If you have too much fat — especially if a lot of it is at your waist — you’re at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. Even losing as few as five or ten pounds can produce a dramatic blood pressure reduction.
    What To Do
    Calculate your body mass index (BMI) to help you determine if you need to lose weight.

    6. Reduce blood sugar

    Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Your body makes a hormone called insulin that acts like a carrier to take your food energy into your cells. If your fasting blood sugar level is below 100, you are in the healthy range. If not, your results could indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes.
    Although diabetes is treatable and you can live a healthy life with this condition, even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, most people with diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease.
    What To Do
    The following tips can all help reduce your blood sugar:
    • Reduce consumption of simple sugars that are found in soda, candy and sugary desserts
    • Get regular physical activity! Moderate intensity aerobic physical activity directly helps your body respond to insulin
    • Take medications or insulin if it is prescribed for you

    7. Stop smoking

    Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Smoking damages your entire circulatory system, and increases your risk for coronary heart disease, hardened arteries, aneurysm and blood clots. Like a line of tumbling dominoes, one risk creates another. Blood clots and hardened arteries increase your risks for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Smoking can also reduce your good cholesterol (HDL) and your lung capacity, making it harder to get the physical activity you need for better health.
    What To Do
    Whatever it takes for you to stop smoking, it is worth it! Visit the American Heart Association’s Quit Smoking website for tools and resources.
    Learn more about “Life’s Simple 7″ and take action with MyLifeCheck from the American Heart Association.

    Wole Amusan



     

     

     



     


    Sunday, February 1, 2015

    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

    This young Nigerian writer has been an inspiration for many Nigerian youth, and her story led many to believe in themselves and follow their dreams of becoming future writers. I hope publishing her biography will inspire our current Yodaaite writer and future ones to come. 





    Home |Introduction |Biography & More |Bibliography |Interview |Links |Miscellaneous |About this Site

     
    Biography
    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Photo © Karen Jackson Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born on 15 September 1977 in Enugu, Nigeria, the fifth of six children to Igbo parents, Grace Ifeoma and James Nwoye Adichie. While the family's ancestral hometown is Abba in Anambra State, Chimamanda grew up in Nsukka, in the house formerly occupied by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. Chimamanda's father, who is now retired, worked at the University of Nigeria, located in Nsukka. He was Nigeria's first professor of statistics, and later became Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University. Her mother was the first female registrar at the same institution. Chimamanda completed her secondary education at the University's school, receiving several academic prizes. She went on to study medicine and pharmacy at the University of Nigeria for a year and a half. During this period, she edited The Compass, a magazine run by the University's Catholic medical students. At the age of nineteen, Chimamanda left for the United States. She gained a scholarship to study communication at Drexel University in Philadelphia for two years, and she went on to pursue a degree in communication and political science at Eastern Connecticut State University. While in Connecticut, she stayed with her sister Ijeoma, who runs a medical practice close to the university. Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieChimamanda graduated summa cum laude from Eastern in 2001, and then completed a master's degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. It is during her senior year at Eastern that she started working on her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, which was released in October 2003. The book has received wide critical acclaim: it was shortlisted for the Orange Fiction Prize (2004) and was awarded the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book (2005). Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun (also the title of one of her short stories), is set before and during the Biafran War. It was published in August 2006 in the United Kingdom and in September 2006 in the United States. Like Purple Hibiscus, it has also been released in Nigeria. Chimamanda was a Hodder fellow at Princeton University during the 2005-2006 academic year, and earned an MA in African Studies from Yale University in 2008. Her collection of short stories, The Thing around Your Neck, was published in 2009. Chimamanda says her next major literary project will focus on the Nigerian immigrant experience in the United States. Chimamanda is now married and divides her time between Nigeria, where she regularly teaches writing workshops, and the United States. She has recently been awarded a 2011-2012 fellowship by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University. A list of the awards she has won is available here.
    Sources
    © 2004-2014 Daria Tunca. Please do not reproduce without permission.
    Page hosted by the University of Liège

    Thursday, December 25, 2014

    2014 Ajodun Pics: Part 3 - Dance, Dance, Dance & a Farewell to the Blog...

    And on we went after some dancing
     and merriment to the raffle drawings. 
    Below is our pint sized 
    Grand Prize Raffle Winner...


    Other raffle winners...



    Our M.C with guests, above...

    Our member from Montgomery and his invited guests - next 6 pics











    The Montgomery consortium dancing in to the beats of Mr Timi -D

    Winning is good...

    An address by the new Yodaai President to the new executives

    The Birmingham group rocking it in above...

    The Auburnites dancing in, not to be outdone...

    Another vision in blue...


    The 2 presidents, new and old...





    MC to executive member...


    The outgoing Vice President...






    The new VP, the chairman of the board and his wife
    & the new President




    The incoming executive...



    The board of directors...



    The new VP and President...


    The Auburn Captain to the left & the Captain Emeritus for Montgomery

    And So ends the pictorial journey into what was
    the 2014 Ajodun
    & with it, my tenure as the web master.



    A farewell:

    3 1/2 years ago, we started this blog as a way for Yodaai to have a presence on the web & to be able to show case our best to the world through our very rich culture .

    We hoped to introduce to others, the many  aspects of our Yoruba Culture through yoruba history, proverbs, profiles and many more. 

    184 blog posts later,  I believe we have.

    Together, we have had a lot of firsts on the blog that are too many to count.

    I have truly enjoyed writing and editing the blog and learned and gained so much in doing so. I have met people who found us solely because of the blog. One physician couple came to Montgomery for job interviews just based simply on their experience of the Yodaai blog.

    Here is wishing us all many more years together on the blog and beyond and wishing the new Web Master all and every success as 
    he makes the blog his own. 

    Y'all's support will be needed to encourage him to keep going & make this blog even bigger and better!

    And so, a simple a farewell for now. So long...
     I miss doing this already...
    May God Bless & keep us all in Yodaai.
    Amen.

    The outgoing web master.



    F. A