Khalid brings new flavor to Afghanistan
Posted on 15. Nov, 2010 by Toni Maloney in 1. Afghanistan, Bpeace Blog
Khalid’s father founded the Haji Abdul Rahimi Ice Cream Shop in 1954. Today, the 81-year old patriarch works for Khalid as his cashier. With a broad smile, Khalid says they offer one flavor–”plain.” It’s really cardamom with rosewater–a flavor so exquisite, that when Khalid demonstrated the recipe to one of his host companies–Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream–they immediately wanted to add the flavor to their menu.
Flavor was a recurring theme for Khalid’s visit in the U.S. He was excited to learn how to mix fruit into yogurt (again, the only yogurt flavor in Afghanistan is “plain”) and to make fruit flavored ice cream like the kind he tasted in the U.S. Strawberry, blueberry and mango are just three of the flavors that he plans. He also hopes to offer those flavors as milkshakes, a new and favorite treat of all the Afghan Fast Runners while in the U.S. during the Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip (BART).
Most importantly, Khalid wants to extend his business beyond the spring and summer when ice cream is in demand. Since he already has a pipeline to 14 dairy farmers, he wants to extend into year-round products–cheese and yogurt production. To read more about Khalid’s time learning to make cheese at Mecox Bay Dairy, here is the Newsday article: bit.ly/aMSJkx
If Khalid wasn’t already the most famous ice-cream shop owner in Mazar, Afghanistan, he might be Afghanistan’s first comic with perfect timing. Here is Khalid at the Bpeace annual meeting describing the “machines” he uses in his business. http://ustre.am/_IBV2:vJg
Thank you to Khalid’s host companies:
Blue Marble Ice Cream
Candy Kitchen
Cold Stone Creamery
Dan Francis Organic Farms
Dwight Martin Farms
Maple Hill Creamery
Mecox Bay Dairy
Organic nymilk
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
BART is partially funded by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
6 Comments
MJ
15. Nov, 2010
Hi Khalid,
Just thinking of cheddar cheese! Have you perfected your recipe yet? I am so glad to have met you and supported your internships in NYC. I hope you learned all you wanted and will grow your business for your sweet daughter. She will be proud to work in her Daddy’s business I am sure. All the best to you dear Khalid! MJ
Mojdeh B.
15. Nov, 2010
Khalid, You are so funny! I think you should try to get a grant from Al Gore’s organization as you have the most environmental friendly machineries for making ice cream
I can’t wait to hear back from you on the success of your Maple flavor ice cream. Keep up your good work. I know, soon, you will be a famous ice cream shop in Afghanistan.
Michele
16. Nov, 2010
Hi Khalid, We really enjoyed meeting you and having you to dinner. I still laugh when I remember how funny you are! It has been an honor to spend time with you and Jake and I wish you all the best. Warm regards to your family.
Michele
Jamie Banks
16. Nov, 2010
Dear Khalid, I am so very privileged to be your advocate, everyone that has met you has wonderful things to say about you! I am so glad you were able to experience so many diverse learning opportunities at your host companies, and I do hope you can use what you learned to make cheese and yogourt this winter. When your ice cream shop reopens in the spring I hope you can successfully implement everything in your Forward Plan. “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.‚Äù William Arthur Ward. And with that quote, I hope you can do everything you set out to do!
Robin Kramer
17. Nov, 2010
Khalid, it was an honor to meet you. I have no doubt that you will succeed in all your endeavors. Your father raised a talented son. You bring invaluable traits to your efforts – intelligence, attention to detail, open-mindedness, poise, humor and the ability to capture an audience. Clearly, you were a “hit” with everyone you met, including the young professionals at MTV. I look forward to your next visit and tasting your fabulous products. All the best, Robin
Khristine Q.
17. Nov, 2010
Go Khalid! You have so many exciting ideas and I foresee a great future for your business. Best of luck to you and your family!!
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