TANZANIA - Some cakes at last!!

Finding cakes in Tanzania was going to be quite a challenge! Although there are many cafes serving muffins, black forest gateaux, lemon meringues etc for the safari and Kili-going tourists (mzungos), at first I couldn't see much in the way of local sweet delicacies other than soda (Coke, Fanta and Sprite) which the Tanzanians have a very sweet tooth for, and chocolate bars!

Then I found a nice wee local cafe - Milk and Honey which sold local donuts - Maandazi. They were delicious and light, and not too sweet. Perfect with a cup of Kilimanjaro tea!!

Maandazi 

• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• oil

Makes about 2 dozen
Sift flour and baking powder together. Add sugar and salt.
Beat egg well and add water. Stir egg mixture into flour and mix until soft dough is formed. Add more water if necessary.
Knead dough in the bowl until smooth but not sticky. Dough should leave the sides of the bowl cleanly. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place about 30 minutes. Roll out dough on a floured board until 1/2-inch thick. Cut into squares, strips, or triangles. Fry in deep fat until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.