Lerato’s recipe for sharing this Christmas

Some have food but cannot eat
Some can eat but have no food
We have food and we can eat
Glory be to thee oh Lord
Amen!

I remember this poem from my childhood. We were taught it by Nuns in Nursery and recited it every day before school lunch. This was quite a strong reminder that we were blessed to have food to eat, a solemn poem to teach us children of how blessed we are, and never to take the simplest things for granted.

To this day, I recite this song and hope to do the same with my own children. The excitement of Christmas sometimes turns some of into excessive shoppers, eaters and drinkers, but why is this the case? Christmas is, after all, a celebration of the birth of Christ, during which Mary and Joseph certainly did not throw champagne breakfasts and marvellous feasts with jollof rice and salmon to celebrate the occasion. It is right for us to celebrate this joyous feast with family and friends, but remember, “some can eat but have no food…”

Now more than ever, we should think of those who have no food. They are all around us, our neighbours, some of our own friends, the lady you buy vegetables from who’s children are always with her in the market, your chauffeur who is driving you around up until the late hours of Christmas eve, they are all around us. Food here means kindness. Be kind, be considerate, be thoughtful and be giving. Sometime in May, I was a guest on the Morning Crossfire on Nigeria Info with Tolu and Onome. I was particularly interested in pushing this idea of reducing food waste by sharing a lot of our food with our neighbours. Some of us love to shop in large quantities because it is cheaper, but we often end up with half a bag of rotten potatoes, pest infested beans and more.

I fantasised about the idea of buying in large quantities and sharing it with those who we know have little or no food. This way we are not giving cash gifts which may be embarrassing to some, we are simply sharing. But in our radio conversation, an important point was highlighted – the Nigerian culture of suspicion. We are often taught by our parents not to accept food from others for fear of being bewitched or kidnapped etc. And so sometimes, we may find ourselves in situations when we are just not sure about the best way to give.

The important thing is to want to give. Once we want to, we will always find those who are willing and happy to share with us. Just remember my little poem and it will always keep you inspired.

See more of my recipes that are perfect for sharing.

Lerato’s Corn and Green Bean Salad
https://guardian.ng/features/warm-your-hearts-and-your-plates-with-leratos-corn-green-bean-salad/

Feasting for the season with Lerato’s spicy Mango Chicken
https://guardian.ng/features/food-and-drinks/feasting-for-the-season-with-leratos-spicy-mango-chicken/

Lerato’s Green Fried Rice
https://guardian.ng/features/go-green-with-leratos-green-fried-rice/

Lerato’s Easy Christmas Cupcakes
https://guardian.ng/features/leratos-easy-christmas-chocolate-cupcakes/
Why not share your marvellous creations or ask me questions on: Instagram @lerato_tomato; Twitter @leratotomato; facebook: leraolovesfood