Pucker up with Madagascar
Africa’s geography is as diverse as its language. The range of climate and soil conditions in Africa has created a diversity of vegetables, fruits, wild and domesticated animals. Africa rests on both sides of the equator and is the only continent to extend from the northern temperate to southern temperate zones. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Madagascar is famous for two food products; the vanilla bean and tamarind. Tamarind is mostly grown wild on the tropical western portion of the island. Tamarind is used as a spice in soups, in desserts or used to make wonderfully sour drinks.
Madagascar Tamaranid Drink
Yield about 3 cups
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
½ teaspoon ginger paste
3 cups hot water
½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
Directions:
Place all ingredients into a large heat proof pitcher
Mix well
Serve over ice or serve warm
For a more adult taste mix in 1/2 cup spiced rum (or to taste)
