Close your eyes and imagine you’re eating at a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion. What cuisine are they cooking? French? Italian? Spanish? New American? Why not Ghanaian, Nigerian, or Ethiopian food? Which cuisines do we choose to elevate and which do we sideline or leave out of the conversation entirely?
Today’s guest is Kess Eshun, a Ghanaian chef and pastry chef who makes a living creating magical meals that weave together her memories of growing up in Ghana with her culinary journey here in America. She’s here to take us on a delicious and informative journey that all food lovers will get something out of.
Episode Show Notes:
- Learn more about Kess Eshun on her website and Instagram. She also has an app!
- For an extra flaky pie crust, Kess recommends freezing your butter and then grating it. She also recommends using vodka in your pie crust for an even better texture.
- One of Kess’s favorite Ghanaian dishes is Red Red, a dish of stewed black-eyed peas in palm oil.
- Learn how to make Kess’s Jollof Rice in this fun video!
- If you’re looking for a game-changing African ingredient to have around, Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced ghee) is incredibly flavorful and easy to make at home.
- Kess’s go-to karaoke song is anything by Whitney Houston. “I Will Always Love You” always gives us chills.
If you enjoyed the baking tips in this episode, be sure to check out our episode with Hetal Vasavada of Milk and Cardamom!
I used to order Red Red religiously during late nights at Bukom Cafe in Washington DC. I haven’t been there in over a decade, but I can still taste it as we speak. It is so awesome to get the recipe for it and many more. Thank you for featuring this chef.
Love the memory associated with this dish! So awesome!
I watched Kess on the Food Network Baking this season! She was such a delight to watch, her smile is infectious !