A Different Kind of December: Christmas on the Beach

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  Christmas on the Shore: A Holiday Wrapped in Sunlight There’s something quietly rebellious about spending Christmas on the beach. While the rest of the world pulls on wool sweaters, warms their hands around mugs of spiced cider, and braces for winter’s bite, you’re standing barefoot in warm sand, with the sun painting everything in gold. The ocean murmurs in the background like an easygoing caroler who only knows one verse but hums it proudly. Christmas ornaments sparkle in palm trees instead of pines. And the only frost you’ll see is the faint mist on the rim of a cold drink pulled from an ice chest. For many people, Christmas is tied tightly to a sense of tradition. Snow. Fireplaces. Cozy nights. A sense of retreat from the cold. I grew up with that version, too. But the first time I celebrated Christmas on the beach, everything I thought I knew about the holiday rearranged itself. It didn’t ruin my childhood nostalgia. It didn’t replace it. Instead, it carved out a warm, sun...
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Hilda Baci completes a world record attempt for the largest pot of Jollof rice

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Nigerian chef Hilda ‘Baci’ Bassey has completed her attempt to set a world record for the largest pot of jollof rice during an eight-hour cooking session at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

Using more than five tonnes of ingredients, Baci aimed to create the largest jollof dish ever prepared. She reported pouring 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of cooking oil, and 600 kilograms of onions into a large steel cauldron measuring six metres in diameter.

Initially planning to cook 250 bags of rice, she adjusted the amount to 200 bags to remain within the 20,000-kilogram limit. “It was safer to keep it below the scale’s capacity. Reducing by 1,000 kilograms still gave us enough to feed 20,000 people,” she noted.

The Weigh-In

The event attracted thousands, with 20,000 individuals officially registered for the free occasion titled “Gino World Jollof Festival With Hilda Baci.” However, tension arose when the pot was lifted for weighing. During the attempt, the cover came loose as the crane hoisted the pot, causing some concern among spectators.

By dawn, the jollof rice was eventually transferred into coolers and served in takeaway packs, to the cheers of those who had waited through the night.

Support


Baci was supported by ten assistants wearing red uniforms, who helped stir the large pot while DJs and musicians entertained the crowd. Notable attendees included Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, actress Funke Akindele, and several social media influencers.

Akindele commended Hilda’s determination and encouraged women to pursue their ambitions. Baci was visibly emotional as she received messages of support online.

Flavor Diversity

Jollof rice, a staple in West African cuisine, is typically cooked with tomato sauce, meat, or fish and is commonly served at various social occasions. Different countries in the region have their own variations; for example, Nigerian jollof tends to be spicier, while Ghanaian jollof may include carrots and peppers, and Liberian jollof can feature seafood.

The origins of jollof rice date back to the 14th-century Wolof empire in West Africa, with its recipe evolving and spreading throughout the region.

Awaiting Guinness Verdict


Guinness World Records acknowledged Baci’s attempt and wished her good luck on social media, stating that they would review evidence to confirm her achievement.

Baci emphasized that her goal extended beyond setting a record; it aimed at celebrating Nigerian culture and feeding people. “It was challenging but exciting. My mind feels at ease,” she remarked.

This challenge marked Baci's second Guinness attempt; she previously set the record for the longest cooking marathon in May 2023, completing 93 hours and 11 minutes.

Born on September 20, 1995, in Akwa Ibom State, Baci studied sociology at Madonna University and was inspired by her mother to turn her childhood interest into a culinary career. Her latest endeavor intends to showcase Nigerian cuisine globally, with the ambition to leave a lasting legacy through her cooking.

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