Hello Diners!

I’ve got lots of good recipes coming your way this month. I thought I’d share with you a tradition that we have started with my group. Every year in either November or December, depending on what month we are meeting, we plan what we call our “holiday appetizer party.” Initially the idea was to bring a favorite appetizer, or bring an appetizer that you were thinking of trying out for the holidays. There is no better audience for feedback than our enthusiastic DFW members!

It has proved to be really successful and fun. There’s less emphasis on planning a meal and the meeting is a little more casual. We pretty much snack and talk and discuss the whole evening.

Of course, you can bring any type of appetizer you like. But I thought it would be fun, and in keeping with our world mission to plan an “Around the World Appetizer Party!”

I’ve culled some recipes from the archives, and I’ve also presented four new recipes in addition. I collaborated with my good friend and fellow DFW member, Alice Krause, who is renowned in the dessert category. No one would dare bring a dessert to our meeting if Alice was attending.

Alice has concocted a brilliant dessert tamale, with a chile-laced crème anglaise. It’s child’s play for Alice, but for most of us it can look like a daunting recipe. If you break it down and take it step by step though, and make parts of it ahead of time, you can lessen the burden of work. I hope there are at least a few of you who are up to this task, as it really is a lovely dessert.

Since the country we are supporting this month is Niger, I’ve made sure to include a recipe for that country. Check out the Peanut Chicken Skewers, a traditional snack found in street stalls everywhere. We’ve tried to cover the bases with some vegetarian options, different types of proteins and recipes for all skill levels.

Here’s the line-up:

New recipes this month:
Spice Crusted Sweet Potato Wedges—Africa
Easy Samosas—India
Sweet Chocolate Tamales—Guatemala
Shaking Beef—Vietnam

From the archives:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail  Mexico
Afghan Eggplant Dip  Afghanistan
Peruvian Lime-Marinated Raw Fish  Peru
Nepalese Lentil Patties  Nepal
Lamb Flatbread Jordan
Peruvian Caramel Cookie Sandwiches Peru
Peanut Chicken Skewers Niger

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments at nw4@togetherwomenrise.org. Have fun with the recipes this month!