Wangui Wagacha

WRITING SAMPLES Kindly note: ​I often write under my ​nom de plume​ “Ciggie Cramond.” For More writing samples, kindly visit: www.ciggiesportfolio.wordpress.com​ (includes Product Descriptions) www.ciggieonkenya.wordpress.com www.ciggiecramond.wordpress.com ----------------------------------------------------------- One Book Everyone Should Read (and Why) In 2002, the Norwegian Nobel Institute voted “Pippi Longstocking” into the list of the ​Top 100 Works of World Literature. The book details the adventures of ​Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking (Pippi), a 9-year old freckle-faced redhead with a big heart, inordinate strength, and no manners to speak of. The absurdities that this eccentric Swedish heroine gets up to will certainly continue to delight children and adults alike forever, making it a book that everyone should read, at least once. Pippi, who lost her mother in early childhood, has been raised by her equally eccentric seafaring Captain of a father, Ephraim -which may explain her complete ignorance for societal niceties. Indeed, Ephraim, having become aware of the need to civilise her, decides to send her back alone to their home town in Sweden to do some growing up, armed with a suitcase full of gold coins, her horse, and “Mr Nilsson”, her pet monkey. She takes residence at the family owned Villa Villekulla, befriends neighbouring siblings, Annika and Tommy, and promptly begins turning the town upside down. Pippi’s adventures are heart-warming because, while they elicit roars of laughter, they also show the reader the importance of being able to laugh at the absurdities in their own life, whether created or endured. “Pippi Longstocking” was the first of the Pippi book series, comprised of 3 full-length books. The reader might regret that there are so few to indulge in, if they didn’t remember that they can always be re-read! ----------------------------------------------------------- Keeping Up with Pastis The tradition of the shared “apéritif” drink before dinner is alive and well in the Mediterranean, especially in and around coastal Marseille where, for over 70 years, the natives have long preferred countryman Paul Ricard’s delicious ​pastis​. Coming out of a long battle to distinguish his beverage from the dreaded and banned absinthe, “pastis” is the name Ricard came up with, in 1932, for his first ever legal concoction based on the stunning Asian flavours of star anise, and liquorice root. In fact, he was so proud of it, he gave the brand his name. If you’ve never tried a Ricard, now is the time! The golden liquid is qualified as a ​liqueur​, because it is bottled with sugar. Ricard is best served with mineral water (5 parts water to 1 part Ricard is suggested), which changes its color to a milky white. Add to this a few ice cubes, and you’re set for a wonderful sundowner, with anecdotes amongst friends. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of barley water to create the popular, pink-hued “Mauresque” cocktail, or a dash of mint syrup to increase freshness to what is now your green “Perroquet”. In fact, you’re allowed to go wild with all sorts of syrups; there are also the popular strawberry-flavored “Rourou” cocktail, and the curious “Tomate” cocktail, which actually includes grenadine syrup. Refreshing and invigorating, the Ricard is especially popular on long, hot afternoons, but it is always good for titillating your digestive juices, readying you for a convivial meal. ----------------------------------------------------------- Top 5 Convection Ovens The baking oven has gradually become the latest must-have in the modern kitchen. As compact as it is useful, it overrides even the microwave in its multiple capacities. Baking ovens accept all the dishes that conventional ovens do, including glass and foil, but do not function like microwave ovens, which accept plastic. They may be used to bake, toast, cook, broil and reheat dishes, as well as for pizza-making. The secret of the baking oven, however, is not what it does -it´s how it does it. A powerful fan spreads heat evenly throughout its chambers allowing food to retain its fullest flavour while it cooks, instead of drying it out terribly. The results of this fast and powerful system can only make you look like a proper chef -even when it’s only a pan of beautifully roasted vegetables. The following are the top five choices on the market for would-be home chefs: KitchenAid KCO273SS Convection Bake Digital Countertop Oven This stainless steel item is usefully coated with non-stick material, and comes with a non-stick pan, a non-stick drip tray, and two separate racks. A choice of nine cooking programmes ensures that you will find the option that you need, while its unique "Asado Roast" function cooks meat just as beautifully as it would be done on a barbeque. Reasonably priced, this is probably the most popular convection oven on the market. Hamilton Beach 31104 Countertop Oven With Convection And Rotisserie The remarkable factor in this convection oven is the included self-basting rotisserie, which allows meats to develop crispy brown skin, yet retain their moisture all through the cooking process, by bathing them in their own juices at every turn. This item also has a larger than average capacity, comfortably allowing for even a five-pound chicken. Handy accessories include two cooking racks, two baking pans, a broiler rack and rotisserie items. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Convection Toaster Oven With Element IQ Sleek and Smart, this particular marvel adds a function to deal with frozen foods, as well as a remarkable slow-cook feature. When the slow cooking cycle is completed, it automatically converts into a warming mode, keeping everything nice, hot, and ready. This model also boasts a lovely easy-to-read LCD panel. Its capacity is larger than average and, unlike many other models, this oven features an interior light, allowing the chef to peek in without wastefully opening the door. Accessories include a a 13-inch pizza pan, a large baking pan, and a broiling rack. Black&Decker KCO273SS Countertop Convection Oven This compact and inexpensive convection oven may be the best choice for bakery chefs, who may rely on the powerful, even blasts of warm circulating air to cater to their carefully concocted confections, especially pies, pastries and cookies. This item also provides functions to deal with frozen foods and, impressively, it automatically shuts off after a programme has completed. Accessories include a baking pan, and a broiling rack. Waring Pro CO1600WR Convection Oven It may be on the expensive side, but this stainless steel convection oven is almost the size of a microwave oven and, unlike most models, it actually accepts the standard sizes of baking accessories. Featuring up to six temperature adjustment functions, it can go up to ℉ 500, and includes a rotisserie mode. The generous range of accessories features a stainless steel baking pan, two wire racks, a rotisserie spit, and two rotisserie skewers. The disadvantages of most baking oven models currently in the market include a missing internal light, their inability to accept standard-sized baking accessories, awkward button and/or display panels, and loud timers. Customers should also carefully review their choices to ascertain durability and temperature maintenance, as some models do not actually maintain their stated temperatures. These factors, however, are not enough to deter discerning customers. The advantages of using a baking oven include less time spent in the kitchen, and perceptively better-tasting food. Overcooking leads to a loss of the nutrients in food, so with perfectly cooked food, you’re also eating healthier. Compact and unintrusive, they come with handy accessories, they are easy to tuck away, and take up little space on the kitchen counter. Finally, with a good range of inexpensive choices available, there is sure to be a good fit for everyone. Try out a favourite recipe today!