My grandmother's name is Amaarech, which means "she became beautiful" in Amharic. She has taught me everything I know about Ethiopian cooking. She is the matriarch of our family and the inspiration behind the spice line. For as long as I can remember, Amaarech has prepared the spices I use in my cooking. All the Ethiopian dishes I share on Instagram are flavoured with her amazing blends.
I have always cooked Ethiopian food, no matter where I am in the world. I always manage with whatever local ingredients I find but the spices are irreplaceable. Amaarech knows this and therefore always makes sure I leave home with tonnes of spices in my suitcase.
As I have grown older, one of my favourite things to do with Amaarech is to blend spices and cook family-favourite foods. It has become somewhat of a ritual. We cook lots of food together and blend our spices. This is how we bond and spend time together. Over the years she has taught me a lot, but just when I think I know everything, she produces a new nugget of wisdom.
Amaarech and I have collaborated to create a spice line to share with you all. It felt like the logical next step. All of our blends are based on Amaarech's original recipes. She hand-picks every single ingredient and combines them into the products you find here on the website. We are excited to finally launch and hope you enjoy the blends as much as we enjoyed creating them.
Xx
Helen
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