Attack Follow-up

Linda arrived home yesterday, and confirmed what I had begun to suspect - my winged invaders were flying termites - one of the indigenous food sources!

Apparently my Red Alert manoevres were overkill - they only live for a short time. "If it happens again, just turn off the light, shut the door, and sweep them into the garbage in the morning."

In Kenya, where Linda and Larry lived for 15 years, winged termite mounds are so precious that families own and guard their supply of the winged snacks.

Should you have reason to stumble upon some, here's a recipe:

Fried White Ants

This is usually served as an ndiwo, but can be eaten as a snack. Many volunteers compare it to popcorn.

1 cup day-old white ants (these are large termites, in the winged stage)
½ cup water
2 Tbs. margarine
salt to taste

• Clean ants by removing wings and any foreign matter.
• Place insects in salted water and boil over high heat until water has evaporated.
• Reduce heat and add margarine.
• Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately.

If you're in a hurry, you can eat them raw - according to Linda, they taste like Crisco.