Melkam Genna!

Merry Ethiopian Christmas! We are so happy to be a family with strong ties to such a wonderful people, culture and country. Since last year was such an "off" year for us we really have tried to take advantage of the past 6 months and enjoy the fact that (despite being pregnant again) I feel good. Unfortunately my immune system is shot and despite no preschool, daycare or outside job the kids and I have been hit hard by sickness after sickness this fall and winter. Luckily, we all got better just in time to fully enjoy the company of our family and friends to celebrate January 7th!

I cooked for a couple of days straight. It was a lot of work but it paid off as everyone seemed to really enjoy the food and cultural experience. We served injera (and no utensils, of course) with Siga Wat (chicken stew), Doro Wat (beef stew), Lentil Wat (lentil stew), Gomen (stewed cabbage), Ye'Abesha Gomen (collard greens), Lentils, Tibs (beef steak and green peppers), and Ethiopian Salad. My father-in-law made the lentil wat and basmati rice and my mom made some lentil sambusas.

I also had a smattering of American food, Mexican food, and a little Thai food for good measure. We had Ethiopian beer, Tej (honey wine), and Chai (tea that I served iced, spiced and honeyed as we have had in the past).

Israel demonstrated how to use the injera properly and eat off the community plate.

I made cupcakes and tried to make them look like the Ethiopian flag (my blue sprinkles weren't as prominent as I would have liked but it was recognizable at least).

Brian served a coffee ceremony. We didn't roast our own beans over a charcoal fire in our house so it wasn't super authentic but the taste and service style were authentic. Of course we had sweet popcorn with it as well as Kolo which was a HUGE hit.

And some extra photos of some cute kids since the party :)

Thank you family and friends for helping us celebrate the Christmas season and Ethiopian culture!