Author: kunleadegbola

Letting go

Letting go

Disclaimer:This content may include discussions of emotions, mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics that could be triggering for some individuals. Please take care while engaging with this material and prioritize your wellbeing. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in need of support, […]

Fluffy scrambled eggs

Fluffy scrambled eggs

Scrambled eggs is a classic and you will find this in cafes in their breakfast or brunch menu. Last Saturday morning, I kept it simple by preparing scrambled eggs with chives, sautéed mushroom in butter and parsley, and sauteed spinach over rye bread with a […]

Thoughts – I was wrong

Thoughts – I was wrong

Admitting that when we are wrong can feel like standing exposed under a harsh light. It’s a human experience which we often resist more than we relalise. One of the biggest challenges in saying “I’m sorry” is facing the fears and insecurities associated with owning a mistake. We worry about being judged, rejected, or seen as weak. For many admitting our faults feels like a blow to their identity—especially if we pride ourselves on being competent or in control.

Insecurity plays a major role. If we’re unsure of our worth or fear that others will lose respect for us, apologising can feel threatening. We may fear that an apology makes us  vulnerable to criticism or emotional distance. Others may have grown up in environments where admitting mistakes led to punishment, not understanding—so as a coping mechanism, we learn to hide our faults rather than face them.

Fear also stems from the unknown. Will the other person forgive us? Will they use our apology against us? This uncertainty can make silence feel safer than taking emotional responsibility. But the truth is, avoiding the words “I was wrong” often causes more harm—both to relationships and to our inner peace.

Learning to apologise sincerely is a process of emotional maturity. It involves quieting the ego and accepting that imperfection is part of being human. A meaningful apology includes not just the words, but also empathy, accountability, and the willingness to change. While fear and insecurity can cloud the moment, choosing honesty over pride is a sign of strength.


We may have different opinions with this point that I am about to say and I understand if this is the case whether if you believe in God. Humility helps us recognise our faults, and God welcomes those who approach Him with a sincere, repentant heart. By admitting our mistakes, we invite His grace and the chance for transformation. God Desires a Humble Heart.

Admitting we’re wrong is a powerful step toward personal growth. It humbles us, reminding us that we don’t know everything and never will. This humility opens the door to self-improvement, allowing us to reflect on our choices and learn from mistakes. Acknowledging our errors also shifts our perspective, helping us see situations from others’ points of view and fostering empathy. Most importantly, it keeps us open to learning—one of the most vital traits for lifelong growth. By embracing our imperfections, we invite new insights, deeper understanding, and a more honest, resilient version of ourselves to emerge.

Gardening: A Soothing Sanctuary for the Soul and a Boost for Your Health

Gardening: A Soothing Sanctuary for the Soul and a Boost for Your Health

In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, finding solace in the simple act of gardening can be a profound and healing experience. Tending to plants not only connects us to nature but also offers a myriad of mental and physical health benefits. Whether […]

A new direction

A new direction

Thatsafrotastic, what a treasure it has been to me. I remember first time creating this site, and how excited I was sharing recipes, photos and inspiring others to develop a positive relationship with food which, I still aim to do. However, something has come to […]

Understanding your values

Understanding your values

After speaking and listening to various people from different walks of life, (as obvious as it may sound), it was clear that everyone had different views and values when it comes to food choices. For some, it’s a way of bonding with others, enjoying the moment, exposing themselves to different cultures. Cooking is a love language to others and for myself. Unwinding as I enjoy the aromas, how the table is set up with good food, music elevating the small details which can be opulent, elegant or even simple and humble making the mundane things in life more meaningful. Some of my best memories are centered around food and the table. Also. it is establishing a positive relationship with food and using as my creative outlet. However, this might not be the case for everyone and sometimes we may experience values that conflict with ours. The reason why I am emphasising this is that it essential that we recognise our own biases as it is easy to judge other choices without fully listening to people’s stories and giving them a safe space to do so. Health is not a one size fits all and sometimes, society and sometimes over curated posts in social media can obscure our view of what food choices and health looks like for us. (Double edged sword). #connect and show the realistic side and to be authentic.

With the values that I had mentioned previously, I acknowledge that not everyone may have or want to invest the time when preparing food. Some might see it as just food for fuel, providing for the family, might be pressed for time. We are all coming from different experiences, circumstances. especially cooking skills and ability.

Establishing a positive relationship with food is a journey, not a destination and there are many ways to embark on this lifelong journey. For some, it might mean meal planning, quick and easy meals, carving out time, choosing a day to get your groceries and not going when you’re hungry.  I’ve seen a family of six spend $80 a week on groceries whereas there are others I know a family unit of two that can easily spend $60 every few days of pre-prepared meals which works for both.

Pannacotta with mixed forest berries

If your finding that you are looking to change, re-evaluating the way how you see food, I invite you to take the time, to reflect, even if its five minutes and ask yourself the following questions:

What do you value when it comes to food choices?

My answer as an example. Diversity of food from different cultures is important to me. I try to obtain local and sustainable ingredients where I can. Food that nourishes my body, enjoying simple humble meals and fine dining (I don’t mind spending a coin or two with fine dining). I enjoy making time for food, but when life gets busy, I prefer to have meals prepared in meals to help avoid getting takeout and overspend. Food should not be wasted and try to be creative with leftovers and use a list posted on the fridge highlight expiry dates of stored meals, leftovers, meats to prevent food wastage. I will also have ~2 frozen meals in the freezer busy days where I have no time to cook in the kitchen.

Reflecting out your values, how they make you feel?

It makes me feel good as it offers flexibility, variety, exposure to new foods and experiences. This helps me with enjoying my meals with others or solo and leads me back to a place of gratitude.

Feel free to share your responses in the comments below and would love to hear your thoughts’.

Resources:

What’s in the fridge? (And How Long will it Last?)

What’s in the Freezer? (And How Long Will It Last?)

Cocoa oats with candied orange and pistachio

Cocoa oats with candied orange and pistachio

I remember when living with friends and I implemented eating our meals on Wednesdays. They enjoyed the company, meals and environment that it became a daily thing for the mornings. To this day, we recall our fond memories of the times of eating our meals […]

Your change can start today

Your change can start today

When the clock strikes 12pm when the New Year is announced, all of the excitement and splendour from the beautiful fireworks populate the night sky making a vibrant eye-catching scene. Do you ever feel like you need to wait until the new year to start […]

Boiled eggs

Boiled eggs

 

How to boil an egg, you must be kidding. No, I’m not cracking jokes. When it comes to cooking, we all have to start from humble beginnings. (If you were a wiz in the kitchen, you might be familiar with all of the content of this post). By the end of this post, you will learn how to make soft, medium and hard-boiled eggs which you can use to prepare several recipes. Before we get into the post, first look at some cooking methods and how to check if an egg is fresh.

Cooking methods and uses

Eggs are a versatile ingredient and can be used other than in breakfast. The list can go on with ideas and recipes to suit your preferences, from lunches, sauces, lunches, and the various cooking methods. There is a budget-friendly option, and if a dozen eggs are too many for one person, you can share purchasing them with a housemate.

Checking for freshness

When making eggs, such as scrambling or poaching, you want to make sure they are fresh. One way is observing the egg yolk as the yolk should stand high whilst the white part is connected to it cohesively. Another trick is to get a glass of cold water and gently place the egg in the water. If the eggs sink to the bottom of the glass, the egg is fresh and ok to consume. The egg may fall to the bottom but is titled in an upright position; they are suitable for hard boiling.

If the egg floats on top, you want to check the egg by cracking it open and ensuring no foul smells or that the colour does not look off. The egg will float. Eventually, the air pocket inside the egg will become more significant as water is released and then replaced by the air. That is because eggs shells are slightly porous, so over time if eggs are not used, air will enter, resulting in a larger air pocket leading to eggs acting as a buoyancy aid.

While there are many many ways to observe if an egg is fresh, to make things easier, it is best to follow the best before date on the packages and to use it as soon as possible.

Boiling Eggs (Tips and ideas)

While there are many methods of boiling eggs, following one that is simple and less confusing would be useful when making soft or hard boiled eggs. For the most consistent eggs, I prefer to boil the water first.

Troubleshooting

The green ring around the yolk of boiled eggs

Like other foods, rice gets burnt, the meat becomes dry and boiled eggs become discoloured, which is a sign that the eggs were cooked for too long. Because of this, the iron from the yolk reacts with the hydrogen sulphide from the white(albumin), resulting in a greenish-grey colour ring in between the yolk and the albumin. Using water with a high level of iron may also be the culprit

Solution:

  • Reduce the time to boil the eggs and immediately run eggs under cold water to prevent them from overcooking.
  • Consider using filtered water if you have water containing high levels of iron.

Seasoning ideas

All-purpose seasoning (this can be a secret cook weapon, convenient to have at home if you won’t bump up the flavour of food and is available in all supermarkets). This blend combines salt, pepper, dried garlic, dried onion, dried herbs, and other savoury spices. Try mixing it with paprika and dried or fresh parsley.

  • Magic spice belnd by Eric Kim https://food52.com/recipes/80692-6-minute-soft-boiled-egg-with-magic-spice-blend
  • Furikake
  • Bagel seasoning
  • Wholegrain or dijon mustard / fresh thyme

 

Need ideas for using boiled eggs 

Soft-boiled eggs

  • Toasite with smashed avo
  • Toastie with avo, tomato, mushroom
  • avo tomato and egg https://downshiftology.com/recipes/egg-salad/

Hard boiled eggs

  • Tiffin eggs

Did you get a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment below or share your photo on Instagram. Dont forget to tag @Thatsaftotastic and use the hashtag #Thatsafrotastic.

Question: Do you prefer soft, hard boiled eggs or both?

Soft/ hard boiled eggs

April 17, 2023
: Easy

An easy no fuss method for getting perfectly cooked soft or hardboiled eggs every time. Author by Lisa Bryan

By:

Ingredients
  • 1-6 eggs (depending on how many you want to use)
Directions
  • Step 1 Using a medium size pot, allow the water to boil. Make sure there is enough water so that it covers the eggs around an inch.
  • Step 2 As you are waiting for the water to boil, collect the eggs from the fridge, place them on the counter and prepare an ice water bath using a large bowl.
  • Step 3 When the water has reached boiling point, reduce the heat to low. Using a skimmer. add the eggs slowly into the water.
  • Step 4 Using a timer cook the eggs for 6-7 for soft boiled eggs and 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Step 5 Once the eggs have been cooked about your preferred time, remove the eggs using the skimmer and submerge them in the ice water bath immediately to prevent them from cooking further.
  • Step 6 Peel the eggs and enjoy.

Refences and resources

  • https://www.australianeggs.org.au/facts-and-tips/tell-if-eggs-are-bad#:~:text=Simply%20fill%20a%20bowl%20with,eggs%20should%20be%20thrown%20out.
  • https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_perfect_hard_boiled_eggs/
  • https://www.huffpost.com/entry/green-rim-hard-boiled-egg_n_6464402
Back to basics Cooking 101 #Basics

Back to basics Cooking 101 #Basics

Welcome to the new series Back to basics. This series aims to provide foundational skills for cooking that will eventually lead to exploring other recipes and even inventing your own original recipes. This will include staple ingredients, how to observe their freshness, storage and cooking […]