Cultural Cooking Roy Family Sambusa By Jane Roy Finding the Magic As Breanne Ritchie curls up on the couch in her new Byron home, en- joying the fall colours out her win- dow, she knows the stage is set for the next act in her story. From grow- ing up in Ilderton to leading youth theatre programs and community engagement at London’s Grand Theatre, Breanne’s journey has been an eventful one. When Achan and Ater arrived to join their sister Abuk, I figured it was time to learn some east african dishes. I am a hopeless cook, so I turned to some South Sudanese friends for help! They came over and taught me this sambusa recipe (similar to a samosa). The Roy twist was to hide as many vegetables in it as possible (minced zucchini, broccoli etc...). As the kids grew, it became a dinner staple, appearing often in kids lunches and whenever a family recipe was required for the school cookbook. But best of all? The kids and I would make it together. Roy Family Sambusa (An east African Samosa) Ingredients 1 (14 ounce) package spring roll or egg roll wrappers 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds ground beef (potatoes are used for vegetarian option) 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cardamom (nutmeg is a substitute) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 onion, finely chopped (vegetables such as leeks, corn, peas or carrots may be added) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon water, or as needed 1 quart oil for frying Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook, stirring until the onions are transparent. Add any vegetables and stir until tender. Add ground beef, and cook until about halfway done. Season with cumin, cardamom, salt and pepper. Mix well, and continue cooking until beef has browned. 2. In a small dish or cup, mix together the flour and water to make a thin paste. Using one wrapper at a time, fold into the shape of a cone. Fill the cone with the meat mixture, close the top, and seal with the paste. Repeat until wraps or filling are used up. 3. Heat the oil to 365 degrees F ( 170 degrees C) in a deep- fryer or deep heavy pot. There should be enough oil to submerge the wraps. Fry the Sambusa a few at a time until golden brown. Remove carefully to drain on paper towels. “All they want for Christmas is You” Breanne’s love of theatre began in grade four, when a perceptive teacher suggested she try acting to channel her exuberant energy. Starting with London’s Original Kids Camp and then moving into their main company, Breanne learned the foundational skills of acting and performing. She also found a community. “To gather with others who shared the same interests and passion was a special creative outlet for me at a young age,” explains Breanne. “I loved putting on the skin of new characters and telling a story.” Original Kids taught Breanne about the magic of theatre and what performance feels like. “The moment the lights go down as the show starts is special to me, even today. It’s that moment when you and the audience agree to walk through the story that’s about to unfold together.” Breanne Ritchie Photo credit: Mai Tilson of XUUX Artists On stage addressing the participants of the Grand’s High School Project (2023). Photo credit: Lia Karidas Breanne directing Finding Nemo at Original Kids. Photo credit: Heather Lynch
Page 9 To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com Byron Villager December 2025 Eat as is.... or dip into salsa, sour cream, plum sauce or favourite bbq sauce. CANADIAN TAI CHI ACADEMY Introduction to Tai Chi classes Coming in the New Year Elmwood Presbyterian Church • 111 Elmwood Contact us for details: 226-270-8502 www.londontaichi.ca Rebecca.Behar@td.com TD Wealth Financial Planning 3030 Colonel Talbot Rd., London www.financialplanners.td.com/rebecca.behar Contact me today to get started. TD Wealth london@canadiantaichiacademy.org Facebook: Canadian Tai Chi Academy -London Branch Ask about our introduction classes. TD Wealth Financial Planning is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsiduary of the Toronto-Dominion Bank. The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of the Toronto Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. 6475877 Here is the requisite first day of school photo from 2010.... when the kids were heading off to St. Martin’s. Breanne and her partner, Drew Eidt, at the Grand Opening of the 2025/26 season. Photo credit: Mallory Brown With the dream of performing firmly set, Breanne studied theatre and arts education at York University. She learned about all aspects of production and added a minor in children’s literature, blending her passion for performance with a growing interest in education. Weekend jobs at drama schools like Young People’s Theatre (YPT) opened her eyes to a new magic: teaching. “Introducing young people to theatre, helping them find their voice and develop their skills, was as thrilling as performing,” Breanne explains. “I realized that supporting youth-related theatre programs administratively was something I wanted to do.” After working in theatre throughout Toronto and with the Stratford Festival, Breanne found her way to the Grand Theatre, where she is the Director of Education and Community Engagement. In this role, Breanne runs the Grand’s High School Project, works with educators to connect theatre with curriculum, and collaborates deeply with the community to make theatre more welcoming and accessible. Watching the leaves tumble into her yard, Breanne revels in the welcoming community she’s finding in Byron and reflects on the future. “I believe in the power of creative expression and arts experiences in our everyday lives. Theatre makes us more empathetic, aware, expanded, and joyful! I will continue introducing as many people to its magic as possible.” Building your financial future – together Rebecca Behar ,CFP Financial Planner 519-663-2542
Page 14 Wortley Villager • December 2019 To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London www.accpets.ca • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare
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