So I have successfully taught my family how to make peanutbutter!! And it is goooooooood!! That is if you like the thick, crunchy, organic stuff. Its not hard, its fun, good excercise, and it tastes great. First you buy 70 cents worth or peanuts at the market (I think they come from Indonesia). Roast them over a fire in a wok, no oil required. When they are cool, take the skins off. Then we do what the Timorese call "fai." Which is basically like pounding them in a wooden bucket with a wood or metal stick. This is also how they pound coffee and corn. Then you use a mortal and pestal to "deut" the mash until it is creamy. Add a little sugar, a little salt, and a little cinnamon if you can find some. In the morning we put it on bread with banana slices and a few drops of honey (which is also made in Timor).
At first I was making it all myself, because peanut butter is really expensive in Dili and I like the homemade stuff better. Then I gave some to my family because I wanted to introduce some more protein into their diets. They really liked it and expressed interest in making it, so last night we did it together. Even DoeDoe is eating it now. Hopefully they will start making it all on their own.
Its exciting because at first my family was really "moe" and too shy to eat any of the foods I introduced to them. I always ate by myself or just with Regina. But now they will dig in whenever I offer them something. I feel like they are alot more comfortable with me around, and I don't know, maybe I am almost a part of the family now.
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