Benin
Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.

Benin is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania. It is hot and humid in the south and semiarid in the north.

Recipes

Fritters - Snack

Ingredients:
2 cups All-purpose flour
2 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 large Eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tbsp. Vegetable oil

Directions
Sift flour with baking powder and salt, combine lightly beaten eggs with milk and vegetable oil (Stir into the dry ingredients)
Drop by spoonfuls in deep fat at 375 degrees until golden brown


Ginger Beer - Drink

Ingredients:
16 ounces (or a couple of large handfuls) fresh ginger
1 or 2 limes’ juice
1 stick cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp. Whole cloves (optional)
1 cup sugar, or to taste

Directions
Wash the ginger and peel it, being careful to remove only the outer layer of skin. Grind or pound to a pulp, and place in a large, heat-proof container that is enamelled or made of glass or stainless steel. Cover with 1/2 gallon (8 cups) of boiling water. Set the mixture aside in a warm place. (You may want to protect it from dust by covering the container loosely with a cloth.)
After an hour or so, strain the liquid through a cloth, squeezing pulp to extract all the flavour. Stir in limejuice, cinnamon, half the cloves and 1/2 gallon of cold water. Let liquid sit for another hour, in the sun if possible.
Pour the mixture gently through a cloth to strain it, trying not to disturb any sediment at the bottom. Strain again if necessary. Stir in the remaining cloves, then transfer the ginger beer to a jar and refrigerate