When you ask what some of the exotic spice mixtures are that you are tasting, your host explains: "The principal one is BERBERE, where starting from a base of dried chili peppers , we add fresh garlic, onions, ginger root and ten different herbs and spices. It is the base of more than half of our traditional dishes, especially the hottest ones! Another important ingredient is a clarified, spiced, butter sauce called KIBBE."