Search Results for: Peru

How did Peru get its name?

Garcilaso de la Vega, was the first one to shed light of how Peru got its name.  Vega was born, the son of a Spanish conquistador and an Incan princess, in 1539.  He was one of the first to write detailed accounts of the Incas and Spanish conquests in Peru.  His book was published in 1609, was called, The Royal Commentaries of the Incas.

The story goes that in 1513, Spaniard Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered the South Sea.  He spotted a native Indian who was quietly fishing at the mouth of an estuary.  His crew captured the native and hauled him aboard the boat.  After finally calming him down, the Spanish attempted to ask him questions about the unknown land.  Scared and confused but wanting to please his captors, he blurted out the word Beru, which was actually his name.  He then blurted out a second word, Pelu, which means, “river” in the Inca language.  The Spanish combined the two words to create what we know the country to be called today; Peru.  (The Incas and natives knew their country as Ttahuatin-Suya, meaning, “the four-quarters of the world.”)

Where is Peru Located?

Peru is located on the western border of South America.  Her neighbors are Ecuador and Columbia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west.  It is the third largest country on the continent, behind Argentina and Brazil.  Lima is the capital city and its main economic hub.

Peru has enormous biodiversity, with ninety distinct microclimates.  It is listed among the ten most biodiverse countries in the world.  The coastal plain, (costa) is a narrow strip of desert land that runs the length of the country.  There is an upland region, (sierra) the highland, which includes the very high mountain ranges of the Andes, as well as gorges and deep valleys.  There are many rivers that are born in the Andes and descend to the Pacific, allowing for irrigation to serve a very arid region.  The east is home to the tropical Amazon basin’s rain forest, jungle (selva), and the Amazon River.  Lake Titicaca, lies between Peru and Bolivia and is the largest lake in all of South America.  It is also the highest in altitude, navigable lake in all the world.  In Andean belief, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun.  Its waters are renowned for stillness and bright reflections.  Jacques Cousteau discovered ruins of an ancient city under the lake’s surface, He also discovered the descendants of the Quechua people, who still live on the islands today.

A Brief History of Peru

Peru has an ancient history, stemming from various tribal groups that lived there.  In the 12^th century, the small city state of Cuzco was formed by the Killkes tribe.  This began the formidable era of the Incan Empire.  Over the next several hundred years, the Incas managed to conquer not only Peru but also parts of Ecuador, Bolivia and northern Chile.  They had a highly developed civilization when the Spanish arrived there in 1531.  Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, conquered and captured Cuzco in 1533.  Peru was a great source of wealth and power for the Spanish, mostly from the gold and silver discovered in the Andes Mountains.  In 1535, Pizarro established Lima as the capital of Peru, which remains so today.  With the help of others, from Bolivia and Venezuela, Peru was able to defeat the Spanish and become a free country in 1821, when they declared their independence.

Like many newly independent countries, Peru went through a difficult time with coups, dictatorships, military rule and wars with guerilla groups fighting against the government.  In recent history, Alberto Fujimori, won three consecutive terms, despite being accused of fraud.  He then stunned the nation when he resigned during a trip to Japan.  Revelations that Fujimori secretly held Japanese citizenship outraged the populace, since he could not be extradited to face corruption charges.  Eventually he ended up in Chile to pursue his political ambitions.  There he was arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison.  He was recently pardoned, after serving only 12 years, as he is suffering from cancer.  The pardon caused outrage, once again.  Despite Fujimori’s crimes against humanity, he did some good things for the economy, which continues to thrive.  Their economy is dependent on its many commodities, but prices do fluctuate with the world markets.  They are the world’s second largest producer of silver and copper. They are the sixth largest producer of gold; mining 162 tons of gold a year.  Peru’s coastal waters provide for excellent fishing grounds.  Fish and agriculture are very important to their growing economy, as are minerals and natural resources.  Tourism continues to contribute more than ever to this nation’s economic growth.

Peruvian Culture

With more than 10,000 years of history, Peru is filled with a great wealth of culture and tradition.  As the oldest civilization in South America, Peru is home to many riches.  Peruvians fully recognize the importance today of their heritage and the value the Andes and the Amazon offer in natural resources and ancient traditions.

Spanish is the official language, along with Quechua and Aymara.  There are 45 other native languages that are spoken as well.  Catholicism is the predominant religion in Peru and is very important in the lives of Peruvians.  Yet they exist peacefully alongside other belief systems including indigenous beliefs, with shamans and medicine men playing important roles.

The coca plant (the same one used to make cocaine) has been used for thousands of years in the Andean world.  It is used for its medicinal properties and religious significance.  Coca leaves, which are brewed in tea, are particularly effective against altitude sickness, which is helpful at high elevations.

Since pre-Hispanic times, music and dance have played vital roles in Peruvian society.  Ancient Peruvians used seashells and reeds, along with animal bones, to produce sounds.  Weaving is another prominent art form in Peru.  It is believed that every form of weaving known today, was invented by the Peruvians.  It is estimated it takes somewhere between 500 to 600 hours to spin, dye and weave a traditional poncho.  They are typically given as gifts to one who enters adulthood and it is expected to last them a lifetime.

In Cuzco, Peruvian history is displayed in the architecture.  Here you will find Spanish, colonial style churches and dwellings built directly on top of their old Incan stone temples.

Why Visit Peru?

Peru, being home to amazing biodiversity, is one of the most unique and colorful places to visit on the planet.  Peru has 25,000 plant species, it ranks first in the world in distinct fish species, second for species of birds and third for amphibians and mammals.  It is home to 12 UNESCO world heritage sites, including the famous Machu Picchu that was recently deemed one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.  It was uncovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham and today displays the pride and complexity of the ancient Inca civilization as one of the most popular tourist destinations. The stone work, masterfully constructed to be seismically stable, is one of the mysteries of this ancient site.

Peru is also home to numerous natural wonders, including Rainbow Mountain and the Painted Hills, where mineral deposits color the landscape like a rainbow. The Cerro Blanco sand dune, located in the south of Peru, is the highest in the world.  Peru’s Nazca Lines, are a collection of more than 70, giant, human and animal geoglyphs.  There are 10,000 lines, some of them are up to 30 miles long and it remains one of the world’s biggest, archeological mysteries that was never even discovered until man took flight.  The Andes, the beautiful coastlines, deserts, the Amazon basin and rivers, and Lake Titicaca are all great reasons to visit Peru.  However, it may just be worth a visit there for the gastronomy alone; it is one of the best cuisines in all the world.

Peruvian Cuisine

The diversity of Peru’s agricultural production comes from its microclimates and varied geography.  Peru’s multiple cultures along with the brilliance of her chefs, have enriched the cuisine to the point of it being recognized as one of the best in the world.  Gastronomy has become such an important element in the lives of Peruvians, it is part of the national identity.  The cuisine of Peru is both ancient and modern.  It is a fusion of the indigenous population along with contributions of immigrants from Europe, (mainly Spain, Italy and Germany), Asia (China and Japan) and West Africa.   Imagine a cuisine where there are the over 3800 varieties of potatoes.  Corn is available in every color, shape and size, along with rich grains, like quinoa.  We certainly can’t forget the abundant seafood, especially their amazing ceviche, available all along the coast.  High in the Andean region, cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca, are popular sources of meat.  It is, however, the native aji chilies, pureed into amazing sauces, that just might be their most delicious contribution.  The flavors of Peruvian cuisine are bold, rich, and spicy.  Yet they can be subtle and complex, as well.  You will certainly want to enjoy the amazing flavors of this cuisine with their famous pisco sour; Peru’s national drink.

So let’s enjoy a Peruvian Meal:

The Menu

Starter

Peruvian Ceviche (Peru’s National Dish)

Main Dish

Split Roasted Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa)

Served with

Two Peruvian Sauces ( Aji Verde & Aji de Huacatay)

Dessert

Caramel Meringue Parfait (Suspiro de Limena)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red and white.  We placed dolls, hand crafted by natives, to represent the Incan empire, a photo of the magnificent Machu Picchu, a yellow aji pepper, silver and gold coins to represent their wealth, potatoes, a rope, with knots, representing the ancient system of record keeping, called quipus, a penguin statue (yes they have penguins in Peru), and palm fronds to represent the Amazon rain forest.  Finally, a soccer ball was added, as it is their national sport.

Our first course was ceviche; the national dish of Peru.  Ceviche is so loved and is part of its national heritage.  It actually has its own holiday on June 28^th of each year.  This ceviche was one of the best we have ever had.  It was unique in that, besides the delectable seabass, it had sweet potatoes and giant kernels of toasted corn.  It was flavored with aji peppers, red onion and a citrusy flavored marinade, made with fresh lemon and lime.  The ceviche was served with the marinade, in the tradition of cevicherias and is called, leche de tigre or “tigers milk.”

For the main course we had their famous, pollo a la brasa.  This dish is loved in Peru but may be more famous in the USA.  It just may be the best chicken ever.  It was a split, roasted chicken, lightly seasoned with vinegar, cumin and pepper.  It was tender and succulent.  But it’s the sauces, for which the Peruvians are so famous, and into which you dip the bites of chicken, that make the dish.  The two sauces we had were, aji verde and aji de huacatay,  (which was my favorite.)  Both sauces are phenomenal and the dishes you can use them on are endless.  The aji verde is very common and flavored with aji paste, chilies, cilantro, lime, garlic, oil, cheese and mayo, all blended together.  The aji de huacatay is also made with cilantro, aji paste, garlic, and oil but has the addition of huacatay paste, which can be found in your Latin market.  Huacatay is a fresh herb, that tastes somewhere between basil and mint.  It is sometimes called black mint and is related to the marigold and tarragon families.  These sauces were off the charts, amazing.  We actually did not have a side dish, but potatoes, cooked anyway you like, would be a great accompaniment  and totally authentic.

For dessert we enjoyed suspiro de limena, which is a caramel meringue, parfait that is exceptionally sweet and delicious.  The name of the dessert, literally translated means, “the sigh of a Lima lady.”  I think that pretty much sums it up.

After our feast, we took our pisco sours, (made with Peruvian pisco, as the base liquor and lime, which makes up the sour, along with bitters, egg whites and a simple syrup,) to enjoy, as we watched Wild Peru, by National Geographic.  This film highlights the amazing biodiversity of the land and sea of Peru.  Did you know you can swim with pink dolphins there?  By the way, Peru also has a national holiday, in honor of the cocktail, pisco sour, which happens the first Saturday of every February.

I leave you with my favorite Peruvian Proverb:

“It is better to prevent than cure.”

Until next time

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

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New Year's Eve traditions around the world

It is always fascinating to learn a little something about how other places and cultures celebrate special days.  New Year’s Eve, (or Old Year’s Day) is celebrated in many parts of the world, although it has many different names.  Countries in Europe call it St. Sylvester’s Day.  Malam Tahun Baru is what it is called in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.  It is called Hogmanay in Scotland and Reveillon or Wallonia in Brazil, and Portugal.  This special evening is held on the last day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, which is December 31^st, and rings in the New Year at midnight.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate the New Year in many countries around the world.  Festivals and celebrations also include song, dance and of course, great food.

Here are some fun and quirky things people do around the world to say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new:

In Australia, people run out into the streets and bang on pots and pans.

In Denmark, they shatter dishes and plates against the front doors of friends and family.

In hope for good fortune, in Ecuador, giant scarecrows are made of paper and burned, along with photographs of the past year.

Speaking of South American countries, many believe that, your fate in the New Year is determined by the color of the underwear you wear that night.  If they are red, they will bring you love, wealth if they are yellow, and peace if they are white.

In Peru, there is a festival in a small village called the Takanakuy Festival, where at the end of the year people settle their differences with a fist fight, so they can start off the year without holding any grudges.

An easier way to ring in the New Year is practiced in Argentina, where at the stroke of midnight they take their first step with their right foot, thereby, “Starting the year off on the right foot.”

In Romania, people toss spare coins into the river for good luck.

Dropping ice cream on the floor is what they do in Switzerland.  (We are not sure how this tradition emerged.)

In Puerto Rico, people throw buckets of water out of their window to drive away evil spirits.

In Turkey, they smash pomegranates. The more pieces it breaks in to, the more good luck will come.

In Belgium, even the livestock get in the spirit as they are decorated and paraded around town with bells ringing.

Columbia believes that if you carry around an empty suitcase, travel will come your way in the New Year.

Many places including Bolivia, like to bake a coin into their sweets.  Whoever finds it in the treat will have good luck for the next year (and hopefully not a broken tooth.)

In Spain, they eat grapes, one for each chime of the church bell at midnight.  It is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.  The grapes enjoyed along with some Cava of course.

In Finland, they cast molten tin into a bucket of water and then predict what’s in store for the coming year by the interpretation of the resulting shape.

In the Philippines, they turn on all the lights to ward off evil spirits.  They also wear polka dots, as anything round is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In Japan, the Buddhist temples strike the gong 108 times to expel 108 human weaknesses. The Japanese also have a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve, the long noodles represent longevity.

In Brazil, everyone wears white to scare away bad spirits and in Chile they sleep beside their loved ones in the cemetery.

Lentils and black-eyed peas are popular in many places to welcome in a full year of work and money.  In fact in Texas, black eyed peas are called Texas caviar.

Pork in many forms is another way the New year is celebrated, pigs root their food in a forward motion, so pork represents looking forward in the New Year.  My sister makes pork and sauerkraut every New Year's day. 

Also in the United States, watching the giant crystal ball drop in Times Square (formerly called, Longacre Square) in New York City is a favorite at midnight, along with a toast of champagne, a kiss, and singing the Scottish classic called Auld Lang Syne which means, “old long ago.” According to Scotland.org, “The song is about love and kindness of days gone by, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take with us into the future.”

However you and your loved ones celebrate this New Year’s Eve, be safe, and why not do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity.

I would love to hear how you celebrate the New Year, Please do let me know in the comments below.

Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

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How did Spain get its Name?

Spain is known as the “Land of Rabbits.”  It was named by the Carthaginians somewhere around 300 B.C.  They called it Ispania (sphan, meaning “rabbit.”)  Evidently, there was an abundance of rabbits that roamed the land back then. 

The Romans, when they arrived, decided to keep the name, calling it Hispania.  Eventually, the name was changed officially to Reino de España, in Spanish or the “Kingdom of Spain,” in English. 

Spain did go by a few different names over time.  Its earliest name was Iberia, named for by the Moorish inhabitants from North Africa.  Iber was the Iberian word for “river.”  The Greeks called the entire peninsula Hesperia, meaning “Land of the Setting Sun.”   (Interestingly, I currently live in a town called Hesperia, California.  Now I know the meaning of the name.) 

Where is Spain Located?

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest part of Europe.  It shares land borders with Portugal to the west, France and Andorra in the north and northeast, and a small border with Gibraltar to the south.  It also has water borders, such as: the Mediterranean Sea to the east, the Strait of Gibraltar to the south and the Bay of Biscay to the north. 

Aside from the mainland, the territory also includes many islands on the Atlantic, the Balearic and Mediterranean Sea.  If you were to combine all the Spanish beaches into one stretch it would be almost 5000 miles long.  It is no surprise that the country and its islands are very popular beach destinations.  Its capital city is Madrid and is located in the heart of the country.

A Brief History of Spain

There is very early evidence that most of the Iberian Peninsula has been inhabited since prehistoric times.  Sometime around 4000 BCE much of Spain was settled by Iberians.  Then the Celts, the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Carthaginians all had settlements. 

It was the Romans that had the largest influence on Spain’s culture, as they ruled for nearly six centuries, until the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century CE.

Sometime, around 500 CE, the Visigoths arrived and drove out the Romans.  Then it was the Muslim Moors of North Africa, in 711 CE, that came across the Mediterranean Sea and conquered Spain, ruling for several hundred years. 

Meanwhile, Christian kingdoms in the north were gaining power and the Reconquista, the Christian re-conquest of Christian territory, began to retake Spain from the Muslims. 

Eventually, the Reconquista ended with the conquest of Grenada.  The Alhambra Decree expelled all the Jews from Spain that did not convert to Christianity, in 1492 CE.

In 1469, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon were married.  The Kingdom of Spain was formed and they were named the king and queen of Spain.  In 1492, Queen Isabella sponsored the expedition of explorer Christopher Columbus who then discovered the “New World.”

In the 1500s, during the Age of Exploration, Spain became the most powerful country in Europe, if not the world.  Spanish conquistadors, such as Herman Cortes, conquered the Aztec’s Empire in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro,  conquered the Incan Empire in Peru, along with others who conquered much of the Americas and made them into Spanish colonies.  This brought great wealth to the Kingdom of Spain, especially from gold, but from countless other treasures as well.

In 1588 in a battle of the world’s great navies, the British defeated the Spanish Armada, which began the decline of the Spanish Empire.  In the 1800s, many of Spain’s colonies started to revolt and wanted to separate from Spain. 

Spain continued to be in many wars but was losing most of them.  In 1898, Spain lost the Spanish-American War and with it, many of their primary colonies.

Generally, Spain stayed neutral during both World Wars, but did side somewhat with Germany, which made things difficult after the Second World War.  In 1936, there was a civil war in Spain.  The nationalist forces won the war and General Francisco Franco became Spain’s ruler and dictator until his death in 1975.  Since that time, the country has experienced rapid and remarkable, cultural, political and social changes.

 A new constitution was adopted in 1978, which has served as a means to democracy.  The country is now run as a constitutional monarchy in which executive decisions are made by the government.  The Spanish monarch is currently represented by King Felipe VI. 

Spanish Culture

Spanish culture is a true reflection of its crossroad’s location and influences from the different inhabitants over the centuries.  The country comprises 17 autonomous regions.  Each region of Spain has its own unique culture and even has some of their own official languages, such as: Catalan, Galician, Valencian and Basque.  Spanish (Castilian) is the official language of the whole country.  Spanish is a Romance language that is closely related to Latin.  It is the second most widely spoken “first” language in the world, with more than 400 million speakers.  (The most popular “first” language spoken is Mandarin.)

Spain has a population of about 47 million and is known for its relaxed way of life.  La siesta (the afternoon nap) was born in Spain.  Nothing happens in a hurry; life is slow and treasured.  Spaniards have an uncanny ability to be in the present and not plan every minute of the day.  Perhaps this is why Spaniards have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at an impressive 83 years of age.  One statistic from the OECD, reported that the average Spaniard devotes 16 of the 24 hours of every day to leisure; including eating, drinking and sleeping.

Spain is home to 47 UNESCO world heritage sites, listed for their cultural significance or natural beauty; some are even entire towns.  These sites, along with hundreds of beaches, make Spain one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Spain also has many popular festivals throughout the year; from the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, to La Tomatina, where you participate in a giant tomato fight.  Las Fallas in Valencia is where giant paper sculptures are turned into bonfires and Carnival, is their Mardi Gras festival, plus there are so many others. 

I had the privilege of being in Spain for Semana Santa (Holy Week,) which was an experience I will forever treasure.  About 70 percent of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholics (although only about 13 percent of the population goes to church each Sunday.)  Despite that, religion has huge importance in Spanish culture.

Music and dance is at the heart of Spanish tradition.  Spain is world famous for its flamboyant flamenco and Spanish guitar. Flamenco dance is often associated with the passionate dancing and the colorful dresses worn by the performers but it is important to note that flamenco can also be performed without dance.  It does, however, always feature the cante jondo (deep song) of the gitanos (gypsies) of Andalusia.  It is of no surprise that Spanish guitar is also at the heart of Spanish culture.  It was actually invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute.  It gained its modern shape in the 1870s.

Spain has a remarkable artistic heritage dating back for centuries. However, it was in the early 20^th century that the art world was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists, such as: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali, to name just a few.  The architecture throughout Spain, includes its massive Gothic cathedrals built in nearly every town square, as well as incredible castles and plazas. This includes the famous Alhambra palace and fortress and of course Gaudi’s, La Sagrada Familia, to name just a couple of the amazing sites in Spain.

Bullfighting is considered to be the national sport of Spain and is the most controversial of all Spanish traditions.  Some places in Spain have banned its practice due to the cruelty to animals. However, there is a long history of the bullfighting sport.  Matadors (those who fight the bull) are very highly respected.  The largest bullring in Madrid called Las Ventas  has a historical museum dedicated to the sport.  Actually, some would argue that soccer is truly the national sport of the 21^st century.   Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010.  Fútbol, as it is called there, is a beloved sport throughout the country.

Spanish Cuisine

Each and every region in Spain has its own history and cuisine. Generally speaking, the cuisine is considered to be Mediterranean.  Spain is the world’s largest olive oil producer.  You will find delicious green olives on every table in Spain.

They also have a very old viticulture.  Archeologists believe that some grapes were cultivated between 4000 and 3000 BC, long before the Phoenicians showed up.  Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world and has 2.9 million acres of vines planted.  Just like their cuisine, the wine differs from location to location.  Rioja and Ribera de Duero are known for their Tempranillo production.  Whereas, Jerez de la Frontera is home of the fortified wine; sherry.  Cava, a delicious sparkling wine, comes mostly from the Catalonia region.

There are many sumptuous foods for which Spain is famous but the one that stands out to me is what comes from the black-hoofed pig, known for its acorn diet.  These Iberian pigs are raised in the southwest.  Pork is loved in many forms and made into sausages, roasted, stewed etc.  However, jamon iberico, is a cured ham that is simply unbelievable.  You will see legs of pork hanging in nearly every market throughout Spain. One bite of this ham will simply melt in your mouth.  It goes perfectly with Spain’s cheeses, from the castile-La Mancha region, called Manchego.  Together, they are a perfect combination of flavor.

Interestingly, some of Spain’s most famous dishes would not have been possible without the discovery of the New World.  Tomatoes, potatoes, maize, peppers of all kinds, paprika, vanilla and cocoa are some of what was brought back to Spain.  Another famous dish is the tortilla Espanola or Spanish tortilla, which in Spain is a potato and egg casserole, not what you would likely think of as a tortilla.  Some believe that this should be the national dish of Spain.  

Often when we think of Spain, we think of paella being a representative dish.  However it is quite regional, coming from Valencia.  The original paella was made with chicken and rabbit, but seafood is now very common.  It is of no surprise that seafood (mariscos) is also very important to Spanish cuisine.  Fried fish is very common in the south and all around the coast.  Octopus is on nearly every menu.  I had the best seafood salad of my life at the La Boqueria market in Barcelona. 

Literally, books can be written about the different regional offerings in Spain.  One food that is popular throughout Spain and for what Spain is most famous, are tapas.  Tapas actually means “cover” and originally it was a little plate of small bites to cover the top of a drink at a bar.  In Spain tapas (little appetizers) are served everywhere and there are more bars in Spain per capita than just about anywhere else in the world.  (They rank 2^nd .)  Often times, when you pay for the drink, you get the tapas for free. 

Spain keeps some unusual hours and tapas are also used to tide one over as dinner is usually not eaten until around 9:00 or 10:00 pm.  After work, one would go enjoy a drink and have some tapas.  Today many people will make tapas their meal. 

So let’s enjoy a Spanish meal:

The Meal

On the table,

Olives and Bread

Tapas

Jamon Iberico (Cured ham) with Manchego Cheese

Gazpacho (Cold Tomato Soup)

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

Championes al Ajillo (Garlic Mushrooms)

Tortilla Espanola (Potato and Egg Casserole)

Pulpo a la Gallega con Cachelos (Octopus with Potatoes)

Main Course

Paella (Rice and Seafood)

 Dessert

Crema Catalan (Creamy Custard)

We set the scene with fresh, red carnations, their national flower.  We placed ships, representing Spain’s exploration era, a fan, called a pericon and castanets, to represent flamenco, a pitcher of  sangria, for their wine regions and added food as well, so it was part of the scene.  We added, olives and pan (bread) typically called barra or pistolas, which is similar to the French baguette but a little shorter and wider.  We decorated in the colors of the Spanish flag; red and yellow, and put on some classic Spanish guitar music to color the mood.

We began with a toast, Salud, which means “Cheers” in Spanish and we clinked our glasses of sparkling cava.  Our first course was the famous jamon iberico and manchego cheese.  If you ever get the chance to try this, I hope you do.  It is simply heaven!

We then slowly went into the different tapas.

The first was a cold soup, called gazpacho.  It is a made with raw, blended, vegetables such as: tomato, cucumbers and peppers.  It is perfectly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.

Next were the little garlic shrimps.  This is such a quick and easy tapa to make.  It is made in a terracotta dish called a cazuela, which goes from stove to table top while the shrimp are still sizzling.  Equally as good as eating the little shrimps, is sopping up the garlic sauce with the bread.

Since we just had a nice dose of garlic we continued the theme with the garlic mushrooms.  These have a different sauce, where Spanish sherry is the star.  These mushrooms were just another wonderful, simple tapa that you will also choose to soak up every last drop of the sauce with the bread. (Mushroom foraging is a popular past time in Spain, especially in the wooded and mountainous regions).

Our next tapa was the octopus on potatoes.  This dish comes from the Galicia region.  I absolutely love octopus and this dish highlighted the octopus beautifully.  Little pieces of tender octopus were placed on a slice of potato that was drizzled with Spanish olive oil. Perfect!

I simply had to include the Spanish tortilla.  This egg and potato casserole is considered by some to be the national dish of Spain.  It is a true comfort food and offers a very savory bite.  (This would be wonderful served for breakfast as well.)  When we finished the tapas, we took a siesta.  We were perfectly satisfied.

Several hours later, when we were once again hungry, we continued with a glorious dish of paella.  It is a true, one-pot meal.  Many places in Spain have paella pits set up in parks and on beaches, so you can just bring your paella pan and cook it right there.  Paella is a truly decadent dish, filled with seafood, meat and sausages.  Hidden in the paella is saffron seasoned rice.  Magnifico.

For dessert, we had citrusy flavored, creamy custard, often referred to as Crème Brulee’s cousin; Crema de Catalan. It was wonderful.

The Spaniards have a saying: Barriga Ilena, Corazon content, which translates to “A full belly and a happy heart”. 

Until next time,

Estar segura, “Be safe.”

Darlene Longacre

How did Panama get its name?

Theories abound about how Panama got its name.  Some believe that it was named after a tree known as the Panama tree (Sterculia apetala).  Another theory is that the first settlers arrived in August, when butterflies are abundant and that the name means “many butterflies” in an indigenous language.  The most believed version is that a fishing village and beach were called Panama, which meant “an abundance of fish,”  It was discovered by the Spanish, while they explored the area in 1515, and stopped in this small fishing village.  The official definition, approved by the Ministry of Education, is that Panama means “abundance of fish, trees and butterflies.”  However, there are some that believe the name means “distant or far away” which stems from the word “bannaba” in the Kuna Language.  Today it is officially known as the Republic of Panama.

Where is Panama located?

Panama is located in Central America.  It is an “S” shaped isthmus that connects north and south America and separates the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) from the Pacific Ocean (Gulf of Panama).  Its unique coastlines run east and west, rather than north and south.  Panama is the only place on earth where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.  It is also a place where, if you hike up to the highest peak, you can see both coasts on a clear day.  Panama is also blessed with no hurricanes or earthquakes, a rarity in this area.  Panama lies in between Costa Rica and Colombia.  It has a year round tropical climate, with high humidity.  This tropical environment supports an abundance of plants and jungles.  About 40 percent of Panama is wooded.  Subsistence farming is the way of life of Panamanians, from the northeastern jungles to the southwestern grasslands.   They grow mainly corn, beans, sugarcane, coffee and tubers.  There are also large banana plantations, in the swamp areas near Costa Rica.

A Brief History of Panama

The first humans that lived in Panama are believed to have arrived there around 11,000 B.C. By 2,500 B.C., the indigenous people were making pottery, and trading with others as far north as Mexico, and as far south as Peru.  The original native American tribes were, the Cocle and Cuevas people.  The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive, in 1501.  As is typical after colonization, most of the native people died from diseases brought in by the Europeans, for which they had no immunity.  The Spanish also enslaved the native people and when they did not have enough people left, they started importing slaves from Africa.

In 1513, Vasca de Balboa made his famous trek from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, across the isthmus of Panama.  This trip was a critical turning point for Panama, in becoming a major trading center.  This was a short cut, saving ships from having to travel all the way around the cape.  For years, goods brought to the shores of Panama, trekked across the land and were put on ships bound for Spain.  It was, however, a dangerous road, nicknamed the “Camino de Cruces” or “Road of the Crosses”, due to all the people who died along the way.  Spain ruled over Panama for nearly 300 years, until Panama left the Spanish Empire and became part of Columbia.

In 1903 Colombia and Panama had a disagreement about the United States building a canal across Panama.  With the support of the USA, Panama broke away from Columbia and declared their independence on Nov 3, 1903.  There are three days celebrated each year in Panama:  November 3-5.  It begins with Separation Day, then Flag Day and ending with Colon’ Day, celebrated for when the citizens of Colon’ averted a march on Panama City by the Colombian Army.  They also celebrate their independence from Spain on November 28, each year.

The famous Panama Canal was completed in 1914 and Panama remained a US territory until 1979, when they took total control over the canal on December 31, 1999.  The canal is an artificial waterway that connects two oceans.  It was widened to allow the larger ships to pass.  The widening project was completed in June of 2016.  The canal accounts for 1/3^rd of Panamas GDP, as tolls are paid for the ships to cross.  The lowest toll was $.36  and was paid by Richard Halliburton who swam through the canal in 1928.  Today, the average fee is $54,000 for shipping vessels.  The canal has been named one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Panama has suffered, like many countries, with dictators that did not have the people’s best interest at heart.  One such dictator was Manuel Noriega, who spent many years in US custody on drug trafficking charges.  He was then extradited to France where he spent a seven year imprisonment for money laundering.  In 2011, France extradited him back to Panama where he was incarcerated for crimes committed during his rule and where he ultimately died.  Panama has since had fair elections and even elected their first woman president in 1999.

Today Panama is on a great path of prosperity with tourism, and banking. They have excellent tax incentives for foreign investment and for Americans who want to call Panama their home.

Panama Culture

The population of Panama is a mix of creoles, mestizos, European immigrants, Africans and indigenous Indians.  It is a popular place for Americans to retire. There is also a small Chinese population.  The total population is nearly 4,000,000.  About 85 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, while traditional beliefs have been maintained among the native Americans.  The most important ritual celebrated is Carnaval, for which the capital closes down for five days, before Ash Wednesday.

The currency is the US dollar and the official language is Spanish, although many speak English and indigenous languages as well.  Panama is also famous for its traditional dress. Women wear the pollera, which is a blouse and long skirt.  It is formed by multicolored cloth and intricate embroidery.  Panama celebrates Pollera Day each July 22.   The men wear a white long sleeved shirt called a camisilla, black long pants and a straw hat with black lines.  A small bag hangs on the left side of the body and black and white shoes are worn to complete the outfit.  These costumes are worn during Carnaval, folklore events and town festivities.  Their costumes have received international praise, mainly due to the pollera’s complex design.

Why Visit Panama

Panama City is the capital city and where most of the population resides.  It is famous for its ultra-modern skyline.  Panama has become important for banking and insurance.  It is known as the financial hub of Latin America.  Aside from the tall modern buildings, Panama City also has a historic old quarter that is four avenues wide and completely filled with charm.   It is called Casca Veijo and is protected by UNESCO.  The old Quarter has narrow brick roads and grand old colonial houses with stunning pastel facades.  It is a wonderful place to enjoy dinner and drinks.  Panama City is also the only metropolis that boasts a tropical rainforest within the city limits.  The Natural Metropolitan Park is a draw for nature lovers.

Panama, having two coasts and 500 rivers, along with jungles and rain forests, makes the country an adventure traveler’s dream.  Water sports of every imaginable type are found here.  Turquoise water and golden beaches are also a huge draw, as is the canal  itself.  Home to all sorts of wildlife, there are 125 animal species found there that are found nowhere else in the world.  Panama is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 900 species.  One of the most sought after birds, the harpy eagle, can weigh up to 20 lbs. and is the national bird of Panama.

Panamanian Cuisine

Panamanian cuisine is as diverse as its population.  Each ethnic group brings its own blend of spices, recipes, ingredients and cooking methods.  The cuisine is generally a fusion of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, Asian and indigenous cultures.  Along both coasts, the diet consists mainly of coconut, seafood, root vegetables and tropical fruits.  Inland, the communities are based on agriculture, so they enjoy mainly root vegetables, plus, beans and rice and fruits.  Livestock, such as cows, chickens and pigs are also commonly eaten.  Corn is a staple ingredient but not too many greens are consumed.  However, they do use a cousin to cilantro, in their national dish called, sancocho.  Beer is popular all over the country.  Generally speaking, the cuisine is somewhat mild, except for a few spicy dishes on the Caribbean side.

So let’s enjoy a Panamanian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Ceviche de Corvina (White Sea Bass Ceviche)

Main Dish

Sancocho (Traditional Chicken Soup)

Dessert

Cocadas (Coconut Cookies)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red white and blue.  We placed orchids of purple and white, as that is the national flower of Panama, with over 1200 varieties.  A ship was added to represent the very important Panama Canal and a piggy bank to represent the financial haven Panama has become.  A butterfly represented the land of butterflies.  We included a cart of coffee, as it is an important crop and also a Panama hat (that are actually made in Ecuador) but made famous in Panama.

We began our meal with buen provencho, which means bon-appetit in Spanish.  Our starter course was an amazing white sea bass ceviche.  The dish was made with fresh white sea bass and shrimp. It also had celery, which added a wonderful texture. The fish was “cooked” in lemon juice.  It was served with chips and saltine crackers and was an immediate hit.

The main course was sancocho which in Spanish means, “to parboil.”  It is a popular dish in many Latin countries, although each country adds its own interpretation.  This sancocho is made with chicken and root vegetables, such as yam or yucca.  It is the flavoring of culantro that makes this Panamanian dish unique.  Culantro,tastes similar to cilantro, but is a bit stronger.  Ultimately, this is a hearty chicken soup that is known to cure whatever ails you, (especially a hangover.)  We loved it!

For dessert, we had delicious coconut cookies, called cocades.  They are similar to a macaroon, except they are made with sweetened, condensed milk, instead of eggs.  They were perfect with a cup of Panamanian coffee, for which they are now famous.  They grow a particular type, called Geisha that originally came from Ethiopia but has been growing very well in Panama.  This coffee lacks the bitter or sour notes and sells for about $40/lb.  You can pick some up here if you would like to try it.

After dinner, we decided to go for a dance lesson.  Panamanians love to gather together and dance.  Punto panmeño is considered to be the most elegant and beautiful of dances.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Finland gets its name from early Roman references to the people there known as “Fenni” who occupied lands north of the Baltic Sea back in the early first century. Finns refer to themselves as “Soumalaiset” and their country as “Soumi.” This probably comes from the word “suo”, a Finnish expression for a bog or swamp. Finland is often called the land of a thousand lakes. There are nearly 200,000 lakes in Finland. The largest, Saimaa, is the fourth largest lake in Europe. Eighty six percent of the land is covered with forests including pine, spruce and birch trees, making it the largest forested area and biggest producer of wood in all of Europe. Most of the people live in the south, in the capital city of Helsinki, which is also the largest city in Finland.

Finland‘s neighbors are Russia to the east, the Gulf of Finland and Estonia to the south, the Gulf of Bothnia and Sweden to the west, and Norway to the northwest. The Arctic Circle makes up a quarter of her territory.

Finland became an independent nation in 1917. Prior to that Finland had been governed by Sweden and Russia. The people are primarily Finns, with a small, Swedish speaking minority along the coast and a tiny Lapp (Sami) group in the north as well as a few Roms (or Gypsies). The population is small with only 5.4 million people and it has one of the lowest population densities in the world; only 16 people per square km. It is, however, considered to be a welfare state with possibly the highest quality of life in the world. The country consistently ranks highest for best, small country, best, high-income country and best, educated country. In an attempt to encourage risk taking and entrepreneurship, Finland has a National Failure Day. October 13th is the day to free yourself from your failures…. What a concept! Interestingly, most of the Nordic countries rank high, perhaps the quality of life is better when one must get close to stay warm, enjoy a hot bowl of hearty stew and a cozy fire.

The temperature in Finland varies greatly between seasons yet they do have four distinct ones. Finland is long from north to south, which means the weather can vary drastically in different parts of the country. The amount of sunlight changes with the seasons and the latitude. In summer, the daylight hours are long, lasting almost 20 hours a day in the south. In the northernmost part of Finland, the sun does not set at all in the early summer. For this reason, Finland is sometimes referred to as the land of the midnight sun. The Finnish winter is cold and usually the entire country is under a permanent snow cover. The winters are also much darker; the south gets only about six hours of daylight and in the far north, the sun will not rise at all for several weeks. This is known as the polar night.

Near a small town called Rovaniemi, in Lapland, is where you can find Santa Claus and his village. The main post office there receives more than a half a million cards, letters and packages each year. If you would like to send a letter to Santa, the address is:
Santa Claus Main post Office Fl-96930 Artic Circle, FINLAND

The Lapp people, also known as Sami people, are indigenous to Lapland, in the northern part of Finland. They can trace their roots in Finland back more than 2000 years. The government has gone to great lengths to keep their cultural identity alive. The Lapp’s were a nomadic people, known for their hunting and fishing skills, but mostly as reindeer herders. Today, many make their living in the tourism industry, as well as in farming. Five percent still make their living as reindeer herders. The area of Lapland, although very cold in winter, is a tourist destination. It is one of the best places on earth to witness one of the seven natural wonders of the world; the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This phenomenon is most visible between August and April, when charged particles from the sun are blown towards the earth by the solar winds. Since the earth's magnetic field is weaker at either pole, some particles enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light that we perceive as the dancing lights of the north (and the south.) Magnificent colors; turquoise, orange, crimson reds, yellows, greens and purples, light up the sky in incredible brilliance. The colors shift and morph in wavy curtains like a lava lamp. Peak season for the lights is in the winter months, where you can stay in a glass, thermal igloo or an ice igloo to experience this amazing marvel. Seeing the Northern Lights is on many people’s bucket list and Finland is one of the most spectacular places to behold them.

Sports are very important to the Finns and per capita they hold the record for the most Olympic medals won in both the winter and summer games. They also produce some amazing race car drivers in both rally racing (on closed off roads) and the ultimate series of Formula One. Three Finns have won the World Championship in Formula One. They are Mika Hakkinen, Keke Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen. Perhaps their success can be partially attributed to their cold winters. Ice car racing is a passion and obviously learning car control on ice and snow could be an advantage. By the way when driving in Finland it is mandatory that you turn your headlights on, day or night. Also if you get a ticket, you will be fined based on your income, along with the severity of the offense. One very wealthy Finn was fined 170,000 Euros for driving 80 km in a 40 km zone, OUCH! The Finns also get the record for hosting world championships. They have all kinds of contests, some of which are quite amusing, for instance: wife carrying, mobile phone throwing (this is likely due to Nokia being a Finnish company), mosquito catching, swamp soccer, boot throwing and air guitar, to name a few. Speaking of music, they also have the largest number of heavy metal, rock bands per capita, more than anywhere else.

Kids do not start school in Finland until they are seven years old and it is not mandatory to give a student a grade until they are in the eighth grade. Teachers are paid to spend at least two hours a week building lesson plans and assessing student progress. They are taught Finnish, the official language in school but many learn English, Swedish, Estonian and Russian as well. Finland has freedom of religion but the majority of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Parents decide on the religion for their children and when they turn 18 they are free to choose for themselves. If there is a disagreement between the parents regarding religion, the mother gets to decide how the child will be raised before the age of one.

Finland’s growing season is short and the cuisine is influenced by available local ingredients. In summer, berries are plentiful in the forest and it is a favorite past time to pick them and make jams to freeze for winter. Blueberries, loganberries and the most exquisite, cloudberries, are some of the favorites. Fish is also abundant with herring and salmon being very popular. Normally fish is served with potatoes, beets and of course, rye bread. They eat hearty in Finland, especially in winter, enjoying all sorts of stews and pies made with beef, pork or fish and filled with root vegetables and cabbage. Reindeer, served with mashed potatoes and topped with loganberries, is one of their most wholesome meals. Reindeer meat is high in B-12, Omega-3, Omega-6 and is very lean and healthy.

The Finns have come a long way in changing the poor reputation of their cuisine. The prime minister of Italy, named Bescolini, made a remark that Finland had the worst cuisine in the world, even worse than England! In 2008, New York held an International pizza contest in which Finland’s Kotipizza chain, won first place. Kotipizza's motto is "Pizza, Love & Understanding." Koti, in Finnish, translates to "home." The prize went to their smoked reindeer pizza, which they proudly named the Bescolini, to mock his disparaging remark.

So let’s eat a delicious Finnish meal:

The Menu
Starter
Karjalanpiirakat with Munovoi (Karelian pasties & Egg Butter)

Main
Yrttijuustolla taytetty lohi (Cheese and herb stuffed salmon)

Served with
Keitetyt Perunat (New Potatoes with Smoked Herring)

and Maustekrukku (Finnish pickles)

Dessert
Rikkaat Ritarit AKA Rich Knights (French toast with berry topping and whipped cream)

We decorated the table in the colors of the Finnish flag; blue and white. The blue color on the flag denotes the lakes and skies of Finland and the white color represents the snowy winters of this Nordic country. We used a checkered flag and a small race car to honor their car racing heroes. We, of course, had to include Santa Claus in our decor, since that is where he lives and added a brown bear, the national animal that makes the forests their home. Mushroom salt and pepper shakers completed the table setting as mushroom foraging is another loved pastime there.

We began the meal with a toast of vodka, a beloved drink in Finland. We said,”Kippis,” which means “Cheers” in Finnish. The first course is considered the national dish and called Karjalanpiirakat (Karelian Pasties.) It was named after a poet from the fifteenth century. The dough is made from rye flour and stuffed with a delicious creamy rice (or it could also be stuffed with a potato mixture) and baked. It is then served with egg butter on top. Egg butter is a mixture of butter and chopped, hard boiled eggs. It is one of the most popular innovations in Finnish cuisine. Yum!

The main course, was an amazing cheese and herb stuffed salmon. It was delicious. We served it with perfectly tender, baby, new potatoes and smoked herring, instead of pickled. To be honest, I am not a big fan of pickled herring but I love this smoked herring preparation! We toasted with another shot of Vodka and this time we said “Terveydeksi,” which means “To your health.” On the side we served Finnish pickled cucumbers; the taste both sweet and sour with dill; an herb used often in their cuisine.

For dessert, we served rich knights. This is basically a French toast, smothered with whipped cream and fresh berries. (If you just have the toast without the berries and cream they are called poor knights.) We savored them with a robust cup of coffee. The Finns are number one in many categories including consumption of coffee, so it was the perfect ending to our delicious, Finnish meal. Who knows maybe even Bescolini will give it another try!

After diner, we were off to the sauna; by far the number one thing to do in Finland! Statistically, every household has one. A little switch of birch branches is used to splash cool water on yourself as you steam. Another toast waited for us and this time we said “Pohjanmaan Kautta” or “Bottoms Up.” After the sauna, we jumped into a cool lake and alas declared we were Finnish.

Until next time,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Ecuador, in Spanish means “equator” and the name was given because it runs straight across the northern part of the country. Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America and one of only two that does not border Brazil. Her neighbors are Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and south. Her western border is on the Pacific Ocean and she holds the amazing treasure of the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast. Ecuador gained independence from Spain in 1822 and became part of Gran Colombia, then gained full independence in 1830. The capital city of Quito is the oldest in all of South America and is renowned for its well preserved 17th century, colonial architecture. Ecuador’s Quito became the very first UNESCO world Heritage site because of this.

The country is beautiful, with breathtaking topography and has two mountain ranges that split the nation into three basic regions; Coastal, Andean and Amazonian. The official language is Spanish but Quichua, an Incan language, is spoken by the indigenous population along with 13 other native languages. Ecuador’s largest ethnic group (65 percent) is mestizo, a mix of Andalusian and Castilian Spaniards. Twenty five percent of the population are Amerindian and the balance are Caucasians of Spanish or other European descents and Afro-Ecuadorians. Ninety five percent of the people are Roman Catholic, which is the official religion of Ecuador. However, freedom of religion is part of the country’s constitution. Speaking of the constitution, Ecuador was the first country (in 2008) to declare that “nature” has constitutional rights.

Ecuador has many active volcanos, one of the greatest densities in the world. She is home to incredible mountain peaks, with 10 that are over 16,000 feet in altitude. Mount Chibrorazo is the highest in Ecuador, at 20,565 feet. This peak, because the earth is not a perfect sphere and bulges at the equator, gets the prize for the furthest point from the center of the earth and the closest to the sun. Another interesting statistic is that at the equator, there are twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of night, every single day of the year. No daylight savings time is necessary in Ecuador. Her rich, volcanic soil makes for wonderful plant life. There are 25,000 species of plants present in the country, which represents about 10 percent of all known plant species in the world. They estimate 4100 species of orchids grow there, including the world’s smallest, measuring only 2.1 mm wide. The bark of the cinchona tree was used to develop the first drug to prevent and treat malaria, called Quinine. Of course, with all this wonderful plant life, comes all sorts of species of birds; over 1600 species call Ecuador home. They also have the world’s highest diversity of hummingbirds.

Ecuador’s main exports are bananas, coffee, cocoa, flowers (especially beautiful roses, which is also their national flower), fish (tuna), shrimp, balsa wood and petroleum. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s high grade “fine cocoa,” is produced around the coastal city of Guayaquil, making it the world’s capital of this sweet goodness. Guayaquil is a port city, considered to be the economic center of Ecuador and the launching point for those destined to the Galapagos Islands. Here you will find people in the parks, feeding, not pigeons but iguanas. You will see iguanas everywhere; on the grass, in the trees, on the curbs, on the walls, literally everywhere. It takes a little getting used to as they are so prehistoric looking and some can be quite large. It is said, the sea iguana’s head was the model for the movie “Godzilla.”

The currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. Previously it was the Sucre. In 1999 the country went through a massive devaluation of their currency paired with hyper-inflation. The move to the dollar was swift and has worked well so far for the Ecuadorian economy. The government has made massive investments in education and infrastructure which has improved life, especially for the poor. Ecuador is always at the top of the list as a retirement destination. It is inexpensive to live there, they have a pretty good health care system (ranking number 20 in the world) and they respect Ancestral medicine, which is very important to the indigenous population. They honor the elderly with nice discounts. They are also known as one of the friendliest countries, as anyone, from any country can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

One place that I must mention is called Vilcabamba, also known as the “Valley of Longevity” or the “Lost Garden of Eden.” It is a valley that lies about 5000 feet above sea level, with rich volcanic soil and crystal clear water from the Andeans. This valley is known to be one of four places in the world with the highest number of citizens who have lived past the century mark, some living even as long as 135 years. The secret, they claim, aside from the beauty that simply penetrates the soul, is the water. Other factors may be that they use no pesticides or chemicals and have only have one electro-magnetic field, which is a cell tower. The valley has become a destination for tourists looking for the fountain of youth.

When it comes to tourist destinations, the Galapagos Islands are on many a bucket list. Famous for its unique wildlife, like the blue-footed boobies, with their famous mating dance, frigates, with their crimson, red ballooning chest, giant tortoises, resembling ET, land and sea iguanas, and sea lions that frolic with divers. The Galapagos is also where Charles Darwin studied the origin of species and formed his theory of evolution. There is a Charles Darwin Research Center on the island of Santa Cruz, home to many species of tortoises, which included Lonesome George, the last of his subspecies, who died in 2012 at over 100 years old, with no offspring.

To see all that the Galapagos has to offer, you can either stay at a hotel on one of the four inhabited islands and take day trips to other islands or lodge on a ship and travel the islands that way. Even our beloved author, Zane Grey, made it a point to visit the Galapagos on his yacht called Fisherman One. His travels there in 1924, were to be a scientific expedition, along with fishing but inspired his book called “Tales of Fishing Virgin Seas.” Here is a beautiful, colorized picture of his yacht, just off Eden Island in the Galapagos that is part of our Zane Grey collection.

As we look into the cuisine of this beautiful country Ecuador, we see it is shaped by the various regions, which all have the influence of Spain and the indigenous people. Potatoes, maize, plantains and yucca or cassava are staples. Seafood is obviously abundant in the coastal regions and meat is more prevalent in the mountain and highland regions. One interesting thing they eat there is guinea pig. They call it cuy and it’s considered a delicacy. I understand it is quite good but for me, I had a pet guinea pig named Ginger and don’t think I could do it. Then again, I have chickens and yes, I eat chicken, so ….. maybe?

Let’s eat Ecuadorian:

Menu
Starter
Ceviche de Camarones (Shrimp ceviche)

Soup
Encebollado de Pescado (Fish soup with onion and tomato curtido)

Main
Llapingachos (Ecuadorian stuffed potato patties)
Served with Salsa de Mani and Aji Criollo (Peanut sauce and a salsa)

Dessert
Come Y Bebe (Drinkable tropical fruit salad)

We set the table in the colors of Ecuador’s flag; yellow, red and blue. We decorated with pictures of their wondrous creatures, like iguanas and blue footed boobies. We put on our Panama hats. Yes, Panama hats originated in Ecuador. The finest are made in a town called Montecristo. We then put on some Marimba music that the Afro-Ecuadorians made famous. In fact, music played an important role in the ancient Andean peoples’ lives. Archeologists have discovered all sorts of musical instruments in ancient tombs. Music is still very important in the lives of the people today. They say Ecuadorians also learn to dance when they learn to walk.

We began our meal with a toast, “salud” (cheers) and “buen provecho” (enjoy your meal). Our first course was an unbelievable shrimp ceviche, which we ate continental style. Ceviche is popular all over but especially in the coastal region. It is made with ketchup in it, sometimes mustard too. It was awesome and we paired it with a nice, cold “cerveza” (beer). The ceviche was served with a very thinly sliced, fried green banana which provided a lovely crunch to the ceviche.

Next was a fish soup, topped with pickled onion and tomato salsa and garnished with avocado and lime wedges. This is a very popular dish and for good reason, it has wonderful flavors, great broth and is even considered a hangover cure, if need be. It is served with toasted corn nuts, another popular snack in Ecuador. It was stupendous.

For the main course we enjoyed Llapingachos. These are potato patties, stuffed with cheese then topped with a peanut sauce and more of that delicious pickled onion and tomato salsa. Plus, we added aji criollo; a wonderful salsa made with chili, cilantro and onion; a must have condiment, found on all Ecuadorian tables. The patties were served with avocado slices, a fried egg and grilled chorizo. This could be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. By the way, in Ecuador, lunch is the big meal of the day, eaten around 2:00 pm and followed by a siesta (nap).

For dessert we served a drinkable, tropical fruit salad. Fruit drinks are ubiquitous in Ecuador and this easy and light fruit drink was the perfect ending to our outstanding meal.

As we leave this beautiful, diverse country called Ecuador, I leave you with a few Ecuadorian proverbs:
Anger of the mind is poison to the soul.
Hands that give, also receive.
The strong forgive, the weak remember.

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

“The land where the earth ends” is the meaning of a native Aymará word, “chilli” and believed to be how Chile got her name. She is a long, sleek and slender country located in southwest South America. Chile is only one of two countries in South America that does not border Brazil (the other is Ecuador). Sometimes referred to as the “Shoestring Republic” her neighbors are Peru and Bolivia to the north, Argentina to the East, the Pacific Ocean to the west and Antarctica to the south. She has one of the longest coastlines in the world, at 2650 miles and is only 220 miles across at the widest point.

The great Atacama Desert, located in the northern portion of Chile, is a very dry and desolate place with some areas never recording even a drop of rainfall! The southern portion of Chile is cold and rainy with glaciers at the southernmost tip (this is where the penguins live). Both the north and south are sparsely populated in comparison to the rich, central valley of Chile where the fertile basin is fed by a Mediterranean climate and home to Chile’s capital city, Santiago. The majestic Andes mountain range provides a natural boundary all along the eastern border.

They call their language Castellano; it’s a Spanish dialect and considered the official language. Chileans are known for speaking very fast and having their own melodic speech that is quite distinctive from other Spanish speaking countries. Anymará and Mapudungu are native languages spoken by the five percent of the indigenous population. The majority of natives are from European and Indian descent.

Chile has made great strides in developing a middle class. The country is known to be an economic powerhouse in South America, attracting large number of immigrants due to its political stability and economic prosperity. Roman Catholic is the national religion and many festivals throughout the year are focused around their religion. Huasos are what the Chilean cowboys are called and rodeo is a much loved sport, second only to soccer, which is their national sport. The Andes provide wonderful skiing and snowboarding and the Pacific Ocean offers all kinds of beach activities including surfing, kayaking and of course fishing. Chile is considered an adventure rich country.

National Day is celebrated in a big way on September 18, the date in 1810 when Chile gained independence from Spain. You will find Chileans in colorful costumes dancing the Cuenca, their national dance, in the streets. The ladies wave their white handkerchiefs in the air while a giant festival ensues with traditional food and drink to celebrate.

Chile has taken a leading role in the export of salmon and is now the largest exporter behind Norway. With over 100 wineries in the country, Chile now ranks fifth in the world as a wine exporter and their wine is becoming world renown. Nearly everything imaginable can grow in its fertile central valley. It is common to find Chilean fruits and vegetables in grocery stores in the United States. Chile is also rich in minerals. She has the largest reserve of copper in the world, (one quarter of the world’s supply) along with lithium, iron, silver, salt, zinc, manganese, gold, coal and iodine. You may remember the dramatic rescue which unfolded in Chile a few years ago, when a mine collapsed trapping 33 miners some 2300 ft. underground. They emerged 69 days later as the whole country (and much of the world) erupted in euphoria. They became known as “Los 33”.

Chile has many islands in the Pacific but its most famous and most remote island, lies 2800 miles off the coast. It is called Easter Island or Isla de Pascua. Easter Island was named by Admiral Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutchman, who discovered it on Easter Day in 1772. The island is home to 867 Moais, which are large monolithic human figures carved from volcanic rock by the early natives. They are believed to represent deceased chiefs and deified ancestors, with very large heads. The largest was 33 ft. high and weighed 82 tons and one, unfinished Moai, was 69 ft. high and weighed 270 tons.

Chile is part of what is called the ring of fire; a very active earthquake zone. Chile gets the prize for the largest quake in recorded history, coming in at 9.5 on the Richter scale back in 1960. Large quakes are common there and something to which the citizens have grown accustomed. They even enjoy a drink called earthquake. Speaking of fire, Tierra del Fuego or “Land of Fire” is an archipelago off the southern tip of South America. Back in 1520, Magellan named these islands “Land of Smoke,” because of all the smoke rising from Indian campfires on the islands’ shores. The King of Spain however, thought “Land of Fire” was far more poetic and changed the name. Tierra del Fuego is divided between Chile and Argentina, with Chile claiming the majority, at 70 percent.

The cuisine of Chile is rich in flavors and tradition and definitely has regional differences from the north to the south. The many immigrants (especially the Spanish) have influenced the cuisine along with the customs of the indigenous people. Of course empanadas are cherished, as every South American country lays claim to their own version. One of their favorite foods includes a sandwich of German origin, called El Lomito. It is made with pork, sauerkraut, avocado, tomato and mayonnaise and is a “must have” when visiting Chile. Seafood is abundant and loved all over the country. Razor clams with cheese is another Chilean favorite. Potatoes and corn are used in many dishes and a salsa made of cilantro and onion, called Pebre, is found on nearly every Chilean table. There were so many wonderful choices it was hard to decide what to make for our meal. I finally picked what I felt was considered the most authentic dishes of Chile. And yes Chileans love to eat, they eat four meals a day. Dinner is served very late, typically after 9:00 p.m.
So let’s dig in:

The Menu
Starter
Humitas (Corn Tamale)

with Pebre (A Chilean salsa)

 Mote Con Huesillos (A wheat and Peach Drink)

Main Dish
Chilean Curanto (Seafood and meat traditionally cooked over hot stones in the ground)

Served with
Corn on the cob, Chilean Style

Dessert
Sopaipillas
(Chilean doughnut)

We set the table in the colors of the Chilean flag (Red, White and Blue). Their flag is very similar to the state flag of Texas in the United States and came into being from a suggestion to its designer by the U.S. Envoy, Poinsett in 1817. We decorated with many unusual varieties of potatoes and some candles adorned with penguins. We put on a little Reggaeton, which is popular music in Chile. (Any of you who have ever taken a Zumba class will recognize this infectious beat.) We began the meal with a popular non-alcoholic drink called “mote con huesillo”. This is a slightly sweet drink made with hulled wheat and rehydrated peaches. It is served cold and sold at street stands throughout Chile. In fact there is a saying in Chile “es mas chileno a que el mote con huesillo?” Which means “is it more Chilean than mote con huesillo?” Needless to say this is a yummy drink and classically Chilean.

For our starter, we enjoyed the humitas with pebre sauce. These corn tamales were a lot of work to make. I had the pleasure of making them with some neighbors of mine who are actually from Mexico but really knew how to make these the old fashioned way using a molino (a grinder used just for the corn kernels to get the proper consistency). Served with the Pebre salsa, which is made mostly of cilantro and onion, with a hint of chili and tomato, was the perfect accompaniment to the corn tamale, called Humita. I can see how this salsa is loved on many dishes, from meat to bread, in soups and casseroles… you get the idea.

Next up was the main dish and oh my, it was a boatload of heaven. Curanto basically means, cooked on hot stones. On the island of Chiloé, where this dish originated, it was made in a pit in the ground on hot stones. It is still made that way there on special occasions but stovetop and BBQ versions are also very popular. The dish has all sorts of seafood, pork, chicken, chorizo, potatoes covered with a type of cabbage leaf and cooked in wine. The result was outstanding. We loved it, although fair warning, it is a feast, a ton of food, so be very hungry! The main course was served with a Chilean corn on the cob that was also cooked on the BBQ. To be honest, although delicious, it was too much; the Curanto was more than enough food on its own.

For dessert (we waited awhile) and enjoyed what is called Sopaipillas. We made the sweet type. (There is also a savory type that is typically served as bread and topped with butter or pebre.) What we made was basically a fried doughnut dipped in a sugary sauce, seasoned with cinnamon and oranges. It was scrumptious!

The Chileans love a drink called Pisco, which is similar to a brandy and made in the Elqui Valley. It is commonly mixed with soft drinks, in particular Coca Cola, and is called Piscola. However, the most common version is what is called a Pisco sour, where it is blended with lemon juice, sugar, ice and beaten egg whites, served in a champagne flute and considered their national drink.

Chileans are a people with much national pride. It is more important to be Chilean than whatever your ancestry happens to be. When Chileans get married they each keep their maiden names, so married couples will have different last names. If you are invited to a meal, it would be appropriate to be about 20 minutes late and be sure to bring a small gift like flowers or a dessert wine. Salud is the most common toast in Chile and it means “Cheers”. If you happen to pour wine, don’t use your left hand, it is considered taboo.

As we leave this beautiful country I give you a few Chilean proverbs:
“Al que habla, Dios lo Oye” God hears the person who speaks. (Ask and you shall receive.)
“Perro que no camina, no encuentra hueso.” The dog that doesn’t walk, doesn’t find a bone. (You can’t succeed, if you don’t try.)
“Dime con quien andas y te dire quin eres” Tell me who is by your side and I’ll tell you who you are. (Birds of a feather flock together.)

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene
P.S. A little bonus!
My brother and sister-in-law are hosting a foreign exchange student this winter who just so happens to be from Chile. His name is Rodrigo, a junior in high school. I had the privilege of meeting him and of course, I had to make a nice Chilean lunch to help him feel right at home. He was really fun to talk to and anxious to share his culture with me. For his lunch, I prepared what is called Pastel De Choclo; sort of a shepherd’s pie but with a corn topping. The best part; Rodrigo ate the whole thing and exclaimed three times during the meal that it was just like home! I could not have asked for a better compliment. He took a look at the menu for the Chilean meal I had prepared earlier and said he was sorry he missed it. He felt Curanto was a perfect reflection of his country.
Gracias Rodrigo!
And for an added bonus I present:

Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Pie)

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Bolivia gets her name, thanks to Simón Bolivar, the man credited for leading the War of Independence against Spain in the 19th century. Bolivia is a land-locked country located in central South America. Her neighbors are Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. She is one of the poorer countries in Latin America, mainly due to her geography. Her topography is home to the great central plateau with an altitude of over 12,000 feet and stretching 500 miles in length. This plateau is home to Lake Titicaca, one of the highest and deepest lakes in the world. She also has three of the tallest peaks in all of South America. Other highs: two of the top five, highest altitude cities in the South America are in Bolivia. One is appropriately named, “El Alto,” meaning “High.” It is said that clouds drift through the living rooms of the citizens that live there. They also have a long history of coca growers. The coca leaves are made into a tea which can help prevent altitude sickness. The coca leaves, are the same ones from which alkaloids can be chemically extracted and exported illegally as the popular drug, cocaine. The tea, however, has only a slight stimulating effect, more like a cup of coffee.

Her people are a mix of Spanish, Quechua and Aymara, (each of these ethnic groups brought with them their own language and all three are official languages of Bolivia.) There are also a few dozen Amazonian ethnic groups, which is why today, her official name is the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Some of these ethnic groups live in complete isolation from mainstream Bolivia.

Rich in history, Bolivia is home to one of the world’s most ancient and advanced civilizations; the Aymara, dating back some 2000 years (about 950 AD.) Today, all that is left as evidence of this civilization is the ancient ruins of the city of Tiwanaku. Bolivia was also controlled for a time by the Inca Empire, which was then overthrown by the Spanish. Bolivia finally gained her independence in 1825. You would think independence would be a good thing. However since then, there has been war, turmoil and a constant fight for freedom over dictatorship. Even today Bolivia is torn between nationalization and privatization with constant pressures from the world’s superpowers, as Bolivia is a country rich in resources. She is home to the largest salt deposit in the world. A vast patch of white that can be seen from space, is southern Bolivia's Salar De Uyuni. It is an expansive desert of over ten billion tons of salt covering nearly 5,000 square miles. The salt however covers up the world’s largest lithium deposit. Lithium, which is used in batteries, is a metal the government believes will bring great wealth to Bolivia. The dilemma is how to obtain the lithium without destroying the salt and still keep the profits in Bolivia.

Bolivia gets a ton of rainfall, from 5 to 8 meters annually. All rivers that cross through Beni (an area in northern Bolivia) are tributaries of the Amazon River. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that fresh water is found over 100 miles out to sea! She has many different ecosystems, which the government has been diligently trying to protect with new environmental laws. The biodiversity of the tropical rainforests to the Pantanal wetlands are among some of the most biologically abundant in the world, with incredible varieties of plant, animal and bird species. Bolivia is also home to the largest butterfly sanctuary in the world, holding over 3000 species. Bolivia gets first prize in the world for her number of certified, tropical forests.

Bolivia is self-sufficient in almost all food staples. In the highlands they grow tubers, maize, and legumes, Guinea pig is a well-loved food in most of Bolivia. She is home to huge cattle ranches in the northeastern grasslands. There, many of the wealthy ranchers don’t even know how many head of cattle they have since the grasslands and lakes make caring for them effortless. In the eastern portion of the country, they grow rice, sugar, and make various cooking oils. Bolivia is rated in the top twelve nations in the world for organic agricultural land. She also has bountiful wine regions, (some started in colonial times by the Spanish) which are now integrating modern wine making techniques and creating a hugely popular export.

The cuisine in Bolivia is regional, based on what is locally grown and also influenced by her heritage and neighbors. Typically, breakfast is a light meal with the main meal of the day eaten at lunch, called “Almuerzo.” This is usually a four course meal that is followed by a welcomed siesta (nap). A light meal is usually served there around seven in the evening.

So here we go, off to Bolivia:

The Menu
Appetizer
Salteñas (Beef and Onion Pastry)

Served with Llajau or LLajwa (Spicy Bolivian Salsa)

Soup
Sopa de Mani (Peanut soup)

Main Course
Silpancho (A meat patty served over potatoes, rice and topped with a fried egg and fresh salad)

Dessert
Helado de Canela (Cinnamon Sorbet)

The table was set with butterflies as our centerpiece and of course the colors of the national flag; red yellow and green. As the host, I filled our glasses from a bottle of red wine that came from Bolivia. We raised our glasses and toasted, “Salud,” which simply means “Cheers,” in Spanish. Then I said, “Provencho,” which literally means “Benefit” or “Profit,” and is considered a light-hearted invitation to the guests to begin eating. The guests’ proper response is “Gracias!” meaning “Thank you!” We used our utensils in the continental style, as would be typical there. Utensils are always used in Bolivia, even for hard to cut items, like some fruits.

The appetizer served was Salteñas. They are very similar to empanadas, like we had with our Journey to Argentina. This time they were stuffed with minced beef, onions and potatoes. The salsa, called Llajwa or llajua, was the perfect complement. A spicy salsa is found on every table in Bolivia. It is typically made from a pepper called locoto and instead of cilantro, they use a plant that is similar but different, called quillquiña. The salsa ingredients are normally ground on a large flat stone with a pestle, called a batan. We loved the spicy salsa and it was excellent in the soup and on the main dish as well.

Next was the soup course. Sopa de Mani, is an absolutely amazing peanut soup that can be made with beef, chicken or vegetables. What I had left over of the soup, I decided to freeze and simply labeled it, “Thank you Bolivia…. EXCELLENT!”

The main course was really a meal all by itself. A dish called Silpancho, is a true comfort food that could be served for any meal of the day. The lean meat, rolled in bread crumbs, then pan seared, is reminiscent of a chicken fried steak. It is served over fried potato slices and rice. On top of the meat, a fried egg is placed sunny side up surrounded by fresh tomatoes, peppers and onion and drizzled with a light vinaigrette. This was another keeper from Bolivia; beautiful and delicious.

For our dessert, we savored the simplicity of a cinnamon sorbet. It was light, refreshing and the perfect end to our Bolivian feast.

If you ever have the good fortune to be invited to a Bolivian meal, there are a few things you should know. Arrive about 15 to 30 minutes late. Take a small gift of flowers, chocolates or wine. Wait to be seated until the host tells you where to sit and everyone is present. Always keep your napkin on your lap; never lay it on the table. Always keep both of your hands visible and elbows off the table. If someone asks for something to be passed to them, like a salt shaker for instance, do not hand it directly to them. Instead, place it on the table near them. Never fill your own glass of wine; there are all kinds of taboos and rituals for properly pouring wine. Also, don’t comment on how much you love the food until the end of the meal or the host will keep giving you more. Never take the last piece of anything, as that is considered greedy. Always stay seated until everyone has finished eating at the table. When leaving, thank your host for the delicious meal and give three kisses, alternating cheeks. This is done as a greeting and as a goodbye.

As we end our journey to Bolivia, I leave you with a New Year’s Eve ritual. The dinner table should be decorated with your best tablecloth and dishes. At least one red candle needs to be on the table to signify that love will always be present in the family. Make sure there is something gold on the table and everyone must eat one teaspoon of cooked lentils before the meal to ensure prosperity in the New Year. The most important ritual is to eat twelve grapes, just before midnight for good luck, making a wish upon each one prior to the countdown.

Salud!

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene