New Tees!

Our new tees have finally arrived…and in time for the holidays!

www.amharictees.com

Waiting…

It has been a much, much longer than expected wait – awaiting the arrival of our new infant and toddler tees. They are being shipped via boat…from India. All I can say is that it will be worth it once they are ready.

Stay tuned…

 

New Product!

Scarves for kids have just arrived from Ethiopia!

Visit our website to see the variety of colors.

All are wonderfully hand-made by artisans in Ethiopia.

New Items!

Beautiful hand-loomed scarves are in!

www.amharictees.com

Crib Blankets, Gabis, and Scarves…

…are here and oh so konjo.

Visit our webite to order – www.amharictees.com

Arrived!

After 4 hours of driving to 2 destinations and going through the red tape of customs, we have officially become “importers”.

I had no idea how much is involved bringing in goods from another country. After opening the box today I about cried – the products are so worth it.

Thank you Elsa!!!!!

A Look Inside Ethiopia

Thank you to Michelle for sharing photos from her travels -  Addis and south to Hosanna. She loved taking in every day life…

Meskel

Cultural Connection Through Celebration

When I was in process to adopt my daughter from Ethiopia, I had to complete a questionnaire. One of the questions asked: “what will I do to keep her connected to her culture?” It was a question I took very seriously and one I was committed to finding answers to.

I knew that Ethiopians have a deep sense of pride in their country and in their cultural values and this is something I wanted to instill in my daughter. I wasn’t sure how I would accomplish this being a non-Ethiopian mommy living in America given there was not much available (at the time) in the way of cultural support.

What I knew as a parent was that I needed to balance out the negative press about Ethiopia. I couldn’t overlook the hard realities that existed, but I didn’t want these images to over-saturate my daughter’s perception of what Ethiopia is and who she is as an Ethiopian girl. So I am constantly seeking ways (big and small) to fuel in her a strong Ethiopian identity.

Fortunately, many areas have organized Ethiopian community events – especially for adoptive families. However, not everyone has access to these groups and the need to find creative ways to establish traditions as Ethiopian-American families still exists.

One of the missions I have taken on as a parent is to introduce “our” culture to others in every way we can – especially during Ethiopian holidays. Last year we celebrated Enkutatash with a gathering of neighbors. Tesfaye played the drum, the kids danced and formed a parade, and painted pictures. We ate a traditional meal and played Ethiopian music. It was one of our favorite memories.

One year later our neighbors tell us how their children shout “E’topia” and wear their Ethiopian dresses. That was fun to hear!

What are some ways your family keeps the connection through celebration?

Recipe: Yemarina Yewotet Dabo

Bread.

What’s not to love?

Ethiopian Honey Bread.

Mmmmm.

This fragrant sweet bread has two special ingredients: ground coriander and black cumin seeds that make it distinctly delicious and a comforting part of any Enkutatash celebration.

It’s also fun for kids to get their hands into!

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the yeast and 1 c. warm water. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the egg, honey, spices and salt until smooth. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and yeast water.
3. Stir in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing to form a soft, smooth dough. Do not add all of the flour if the dough becomes too stiff. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Don’t over mix – the dough will be tough.
4. Remove the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes to form a smooth, elastic dough.
5. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
7. Remove the dough again to a lightly floured work surface. Punch down the dough and knead for about 1 minute. Form the dough into a round and place on an oiled baking sheet. Allow to rise another 30-45 minutes then preheat oven to 325 degrees.
8. (Optional) Beat 1 egg and a splash of milk creating an egg wash. Brush atop dough.
9. Place in the oven and bake 45 minutes – 1 hour until the bread is lightly browned and “sounds hollow when you tap on it”.
10. Cool before slicing.

A Look Inside Ethiopia

Thank you to Marie Claire Andrea of New York for allowing us to share her photos of children in Ethiopia  – just being kids. She took these during her travels – 2007 – and has so kindly given us permission to even use a few for our website…

Thank you Marie Claire!