Search Results for: Spain

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 Trinidad and Tobago get its name?

Christopher Columbus gets the credit for naming Trinidad, calling it, "La Isla de la Trinidad" ("The Island of the Trinity "). Previously, it was believed to be called “Lere,” meaning, “Land of the Hummingbird” named by the Arawaks, an Amerindian people who inhabited the islands long ago.  They are home to 17 different varieties of hummingbirds.

Tobago, on the other hand, was named after “tobacco” either for its shape or because they grow it there.  

Where are Trinidad and Tobago islands located?

Trinidad is located just 6.8 miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela and is the largest of the two-island nation.  Tobago lies about 35 miles off the northeast of Trinidad.  They are the furthest, southeastern islands in the Caribbean Sea.  They share maritime borders with Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and Venezuela.

The capital city is Port of Spain, on Trinidad, however, the largest city is San Fernando.

Trinidad has three, large mountain ranges, which is why Columbus most likely named it, “The island of Trinity.”  The islands have several small rivers, streams, waterfalls and beautiful coastlines replete with bays, and beaches.

Trinidad and Tobago are an eco-tourism dream.  On the south of little Tobago there is a popular dive spot called the Kelleston Drain, that houses the largest brain coral colony in the world.

It is also home to the second largest number of leatherback turtles (about 10,000) who arrive each year on Trinidad beaches to lay and hatch their eggs. 

They have the world’s oldest protected rain forest, dating back to 1776.  It is also home to one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, with over 400 varieties.  

They have an unusual, natural deposit of asphalt called the La Brea Pitch Lake that holds and replenishes around ten million tons of the asphalt that paves roads all over the world.

They are also home to a sand bar that is right in the middle of the ocean, where you can literally stand on top of it.  It is called Nylon Pool after Princess Margaret said the water was as clear as her stockings.  It is a popular tourist destination.  

A Brief History of Trinidad and Tobago

The Islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were sadly killed off by early European settlers.  Columbus discovered the islands on his third voyage, in 1498 and they were later colonized by the Spanish in 1592.  This lasted for the next 200 years on the Island of Trinidad, until the British captured it and it was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in 1802.

Tobago, however, changed hands 33 times over that same period, between the Spanish, Dutch, English, French, Jamaicans, Swedes, and Great British.  Ultimately, it was joined with Trinidad in 1889 as one colony.  They gained their full independence in 1962.

The government is run as a parliamentary democracy, modelled after that of the United Kingdom.  The monarch was replaced as head of state by a president, chosen by an electoral college.  The country has remained a member of the commonwealth.  Tobago was given a measure of self-government in 1980. 

Culture of Trinidad and Tobago

The two-island nation has a large, diverse mix of cultures that have influenced its evolution.  They are Indian, African, Portuguese, Amerindian, Spanish, Chinese and others.  The country’s history with the United Kingdom has left a major impact on its culture as well.  English is the official language, although Creole languages are spoken as well.

There is also a distinct difference between the two islands, because of their unique histories.

Africans were brought in to work on the plantation economy, as were Indians, Portuguese and the Chinese, after slavery was abolished.  Today, Africans and East Indians make up the largest ethnic groups on the Islands.  Africans are the largest group on the smaller island of Tobago.

Sugarcane and cacao were the Islands’ main crops.  However, petroleum was discovered in 1857 and eventually became the most important export for the nation’s economy, making it the richest and most developed in the Caribbean.  It also has the third largest GDP in the Americas, after the USA and Canada.

Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam are their three main religions. 

Festivals are many and celebrated on both islands, with Carnival being the biggest celebration in the nation. They call Carnival the greatest street party in the world.  It originated during slavery when the slaves were banned from attending their masters’ fancy balls and parties.  The slaves would improvise by staging their own costumed event in their quarters.  After emancipation, the slaves challenged the plantation owners to attend their parties.  Carnival is now is week-long event that brings in over one billion dollars in revenue each year.

Christian, as well as Hindu and Muslim holidays, are all celebrated and are official holidays.  It is special that everyone takes part in each other’s celebrations.  It makes for a harmonious and more understanding society.  It may also be why they have been ranked as the happiest Caribbean nation.

The two-island nation is responsible for many unique and important styles of music.  Afro-Caribbean music spread from the country to other parts of the Caribbean and Venezuela.  Its origins stem from the arrival of the African slaves with the French plantation planters in the 18^thcentury. 

Soca is another style of music that is a blend of Indian music, with the rhythms of calypso.  Parang and Picharkaree are other forms of music that originated on the Islands. 

Steelpans, also referred to as “pans,” are steel drums acoustically tuned, percussion instruments, made from oil drums, lids, frying pans and trash can lids. These instruments were made after percussion music and stick fighting were banned following a riot in the 1880s.  The musicians that play them are called “pannists.”  Steelpans are the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidadian and Tobagonian Cuisine

It is no surprise that the cuisine of these Caribbean islands is as diverse as its history.  It has many influences, with the most prominent being West African and Indian, with some Caribbean, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese in the mix.  This creates a wonderful fusion of flavor.

One popular dish is callaloo, which has African roots and is made with dasheen or taro leaves, okra, crab, pumpkin, onions and coconut milk and a green sauce made from culantro, which is locally known chadon beni.  It is typically served with a cornbread called coo coo.  Curried Duck is beloved and made from Muscovy ducks that are bred on the islands.  There are curried duck competitions held throughout the year.

Pelau is another popular dish, that is rice based.  Stewed chicken, macaroni pie, oxtails, and dahl are the more staple dishes.  Typically, the dishes are curried, stewed or barbecued. 

Being an islands’ nation, fish and seafood play an important role in the cuisine.  Flying fish, king fish, red fish, bonito, tilapia, as well as shrimp, lobster, crab and conch, are loved.  There is a delicacy called cascade which is made from a seasonal freshwater fish, which is curried and served with lagoon rice.

Soups and stews, known as blue food, are made from taro roots, sweet potato, cassava and yams. Fish broth made into a bouillabaisse, is also popular.

Trinidad is home to the second hottest pepper on the planet called the Moruna scorpion.  It measures over two million on the Scoville Scale for heat. This along with other peppers and herbs like culantro and lime, are made into pepper sauces that are ubiquitous there. 

Chutneys, made from mango, cucumber, tomato, coconut and tamarind, are a condiment that comes in an array of flavors and seasonings. Green seasoning is the most popular.

Achar is also a popular condiment, which is made from a variety of pickled goods.

There is also a huge array of street foods like doubles, bake and shark, aloo pie, pholourie, roti wraps, kebabs, wontons, and souse, to name a few.

Roast corn and boiled corn on the cob can be found day and night, when in season.

For desserts, they like them sweet and made from coconut, guava, nuts and of course chocolate, as they claim to grow the best cacao on the planet.

So let’s enjoy a Trinidadian and Tobagonian meal:

The Meal

Starter

Doubles (Flat bread with curried chickpeas)

Served with

Chadon Beni Sauce  (Cucumber & Culantro chutney)

Main Course

Macaroni Pie

Dessert

Coconut Roll

We set the scene with the colors of Trinidad and Tobago; red, black and white.  We placed Spanish ships to represent the colonial presence of Spain.  A little, black drummer boy was added, for the creation of the steel pan, plus a photo of the national bird; the stunningly beautiful scarlet Ibis. Finally we added seashells, as it is an Islands’ nation.

For our first course, we devoured the very popular street food called doubles.  They get the name because they are served on two pieces of soft baras (little flat, fried bread.)  These are topped with channa or curried chickpeas and then topped with an amazing cucumber chutney called Chadon Beni Sauce that added spicy heat, coolness and an amazing flavor of culantro to this dish. These are served for breakfast and also as snacks, throughout the day. 

For the main course, we loved the macaroni pie.  It is basically a firm mac and cheese, mixed with creole flavors that is baked in a casserole dish and served with  ketchup. 

Dessert was a delicious coconut roll, made with fresh grated coconut, brown sugar with a hint of nutmeg, rolled up in a buttery crust.  It was divine!

After dinner we decided to put on a little Calypso music and try the limbo.  Did I mention the limbo dance was created in Trinidad and Tobago?  You know the dance, it is where the stick keeps getting lowered as you pass under it leaning backwards, without touching it.  How low can you go?

As we say goodbye to these intriguing islands, I leave you with a few popular sayings:

“Better belly buss than good food waste” - which means, it is better to eat and stuff yourself than to let good food go to waste.

“Every bread has a cheese” - Everyone, even someone unattractive, is bound to find a soul mate.

“Any time is Trinidad time”- a common saying, used as an excuse for being late.

Until Next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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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Darlene

UPDATE: we are heading to Cuba on January 10th for a month of exploration in support of the Cuban people.   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.  I thought a repost of  Cuba was in order, enjoy and watch for new exciting recipes to follow!

Cuba gets her name from the Taino people, an abbreviation of the word Cubanacán, which means “where fertile land is.” She is a long and narrow island nation, affectionately called El Caiman or El Cocodrilo, as the aerial view resembles an alligator or crocodile. The republic of Cuba is made up of the Island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and more than 400 small islands and cays. Cuba is located about 90 miles south of the Florida Keys and 125 miles east of Cancun and Jamaica. The Cayman Islands lie to the south and Haiti to the east. Cuba is the largest and most populated Caribbean island.

“Juana” is the name given the Island by Christopher Columbus in 1492, in honor of Queen Isabella’s son, but that name never stuck. The Taino people came to the island from Venezuela about one thousand years ago. The original inhabitants were Native America tribes, the Ciboney and Guanahatebey. In 1511 Spanish forces took over the islands and declared them a Spanish Territory. The Taino people were forced into slave labor and most died from overwork and diseases brought by the Europeans.

The Spanish then brought hundreds of thousands of slaves from West Africa to plant and harvest sugarcane and tobacco. (Cuban cigars are still world renown.) The population today is mostly mulatto (a mix of European and African descent) the balance is 37 percent white, 11 percent Black and one percent Chinese. The official language is Spanish and the dialect is similar to other Hispanic Caribbean Islands but the highly expressive use of hand gestures are distinctly Cuban.

Cuba was under the control of Spain until 1898 when the treaty of Paris was signed. The United States claimed ownership of the remaining Spanish Colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. By 1902, the Cubans were not happy with another colonial power taking control and after many protests, the United States agreed to withdraw militarily from Cuba. One of the conditions included a 99 year lease to a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. The lease was extended into perpetuity in 1934. After several dictators and coup attempts, Fidel Castro’s Revolution toppled the previous dictator on January 8, 1959, who fled the country. Castro spoke to the masses and claimed true independence for Cuba, the first time since 1511.

Cuba became a communist state, which caused some of the elite to flee. Having a communist country so close to United States (U.S.) shores became a major issue. This led to the failed Bay of Pigs and then the Cuban missile crisis, which then turned into a 50 year long embargo. (Rumor has it, U.S. President Kennedy purchased 1200 Cuban cigars before the trade embargo was enforced).

Cuba was trading with the Soviet Union and Venezuela as its major trading partners. In 1989 when the cold war ended and the Soviet Union broke up, Cuba entered a very difficult period known as the “Special Period.” The country lost 80 percent of its imports and exports. They lost their oil connection, which caused severe hardship in the ability to operate transportation, industrial and agricultural systems. This period was especially hard on the Cuban people. They were hungry and had to drastically change their way of life.

One good thing that came out of the “Special Period”, was organic agriculture. Cuban producers turned the declining availability of pesticides and fertilizers into an opportunity to shift toward organic production, which ended up having numerous environmental, social and economic gains. The government allowed 80 percent of their farmland to be turned over to workers. Once they met the government quotas for their crop, they were allowed to sell the excess to the local farmers’ market. Havanans transformed their vacant lots, backyards and even roof tops into small farms and grazing areas for animals. This change had huge positive impacts on the peoples’ livelihood as well as on their health, as chemicals and pesticides used in farming are often linked to increased cancer risks.

Like many communist countries, Cuba is officially atheist. However, many Cubans are Catholics and in 1997 the government allowed Christmas to become an official holiday, in preparation for Pope John Paul II’s visit. Cuba holds one of the highest literacy rates in all of Latin America and they have the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. Cuba is known for sending doctors abroad when the need arises. A couple of perks to a communist society is free healthcare and education.

Baseball is the national sport of Cuba and loved there! They have special squares set up just so credentialed citizens can discuss baseball and discuss they do. They are so proud of their national team. One problem that Cuba faces is defection by their best players. They are typically paid around $2000 annually there compared to six figures and more in the U.S. Even Castro admits, that makes it hard for Cuba to compete. By the way, Fidel Castro led the country since the revolution in the late 1950s until 2008, when he passed the baton to his younger brother Raul, due to illness.

The country of Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban peso and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). The Cuban peso (CUP) is known as the national currency. This is what the population uses for necessities. Luxury Items and most tourist destinations use the CUC. One CUC buys about 25 CUPs which often confuses tourists, by seeing government controlled item prices that they perceive as too cheap.

There is a system set up in Cuba where tourists can stay in what are called casas particulares (private houses licensed to offer lodging to foreigners.) All the restaurants had been government owned and run by employees until the economic crisis of the Special Period. Now, in Cuba the best food will be found in your casa paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes and made legal in the 1990s.) Seating is limited and there are many restrictions for the homeowner regarding staff and such, however this is where you will savor the delicious, homemade Cuban cuisine. Eating or staying in state owned hotels and restaurants is significantly more expensive. Visitors can choose casas particulares and paldares as alternatives and a great way to benefit the people and get a true cultural experience. Just make sure they have the proper licensing, as Cubans are forbidden to host a foreigner without a license and the punishment is severe for both parties, if caught.

The Cuisine of Cuba is a fusion of the Taino; the Spanish, West African and Caribbean. The tropical climate and fertile land produces fruits and root vegetables used in many Cuban dishes. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat. There are restrictions on seafood and beef, which are reserved mainly for the tourist industry.

So let’s eat Cuban style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Salad
Ensalada Cubano (Typical Green Salad)

Main
Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

Served with
Moros y Cristianos (Rice and Beans)

Sofrito (Base for Moros Y Cristianos)

Dessert
Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Fried Dough with Hot Chocolate)

We began our meal with a Mojito, a popular lime and rum drink served with mint and a Cuban toast, “Salud.” The Mojito was known to be the author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite and he enjoyed them while writing two of his most famous books there: “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The rum maker, Bacardi, had its headquarters in Cuba until the Revolution when they moved it to Puerto Rico. Needless to say, rum is very popular in Cuba.

For ambiance, we put on “the Buena Vista Social Club”, a wonderful showcase of Cuban music performed by elderly men who have played music all their lives. Son Cubano is a type of Cuban music, as important to Cuba as the Tango is to Argentina and the Samba is to Brazil. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential regional music genres of the world. (Here is a link, you can check it out for yourself: http://youtu.be/HaerapRPS64 )

We decorated the table with colors of the Cuban flag; red, white and blue and with pictures of old American cars. Cubans are only allowed to own pre-1959 cars. It is an amazing site to see how they have maintained and restored these vintage treasures. If the day ever comes when the Cubans can sell them, I hope they won’t, as they add such charm and uniqueness to their country.

For our first course we enjoyed hot fried plantains, always a delicious treat and best eaten right out of the fryer, a popular snack in Cuba.
Next we had the main course served family style. Lechon Asado was served with white rice and black beans in a sofrito base. Together it’s called Moros y Cristianos. Honestly, I think it is the best combination of rice and beans I have ever had and I will include this recipe in my favorites. We added a simple but delicious organic Cuban salad. The salad, light and refreshing, with a citrus and garlic dressing, complemented the flavor of the pork.

The main dish, Lechon Asado, is usually reserved for special occasions where the whole pig would be roasted in the ground, covered in banana leaves. They also sell hog roasting boxes that many Cubans own and have become a popular alternative to roasting the pig in the ground. What makes the pork so wonderful however, is the marinade called Mojo. This is a blend of citrus and garlic that is unforgettable. I roasted a whole pork shoulder that I found with the skin on. It was superb!

For dessert we had hot chocolate and churros. The churros are basically fried dough rolled in sugar and served with a nice big cup of hot chocolate to dunk them in. I know we shouldn’t but, YUM!

You will notice on my cover shot is a pamphlet called “Nassau Cuba & Mexico.” This pamphlet was written by the author Zane Grey for the New York Cuba Mail Steamship Company. It is very rare and one of the prized possessions of our Zane Grey collection. We also have his diary of that trip he took. I would like to quote from the pamphlet, what he said about Havana back in 1909. “Havana is a magnificent city of white-walled avenues, of green-foliaged plazas, of gray-towered cathedrals and monasteries; and its wonderful coloring runs sheer into the blue waters of the harbor. It is bright, attractive, full of life. Tourists of all nations are there giving the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere. A walk or drive down the Prado from Central Plaza to the Malecon is one of the most enjoyable that can be imagined. Streams of carriages and automobiles, going and coming, giving an air of New York or Paris.”

As we leave this country Cuba, we do so with hope, as the U.S. Embargo has just been lifted. Recognizing that the decision to lift the embargo is controversial, as things in Cuba have not changed in decades, I see both sides of the argument. With that said, we can only hope that things get better for the Cuban people. Selfishly, I am hoping to get a chance to visit and stay with a Cuban family in a casa particular and dine with them on the incredible cuisine!

Until next week,
Warmest Regards,
Darlene
P.s. What do with all those pork leftovers? A Cuban sandwich of course. Here’s a delicious bonus recipe!

Cuban Sandwich

How did Portugal get its name?

Where is Portugal located?

Portugal is located in the western most point of Europe and lies on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula.  It shares its northern and eastern borders with Spain, the only bordering country.  The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and south, providing a stunning coastline loved by locals and tourists alike.  Portugal is divided by the Tagus River, which separates the rugged north from the rolling plains of the south.  The landscape in the north contains the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula.  The country of Portugal also includes the nine islands of the Azores, and two islands, well off its coast, named Madeira and Porto Santo that was once a home of Columbus.

A Brief History of Portugal

It is said that Lisbon is one of the oldest European capitals, founded 400 years before the Roman era.  It was inhabited by Celtic and other tribes as well as Phoenicians-Carthaginians, along the coast.  The Romans took over the area, known as Lusitania which is why speakers of Portuguese today are known as Lusophones.

The Romans began to occupy the area in 140 BC and made it famous for mining and agriculture, especially for the production of sweet wine.  The name Lusitania comes from the Roman god, Lusus, son of Bacchus, who was the god of wine.  After the fall of the Roman Empire, a Germanic tribe took over the Iberian Peninsula and established the church in their kingdom.  The church remains an important part of Portuguese culture.  The peninsula was later invaded and occupied by the  Arab Moors for more than 800 years.  After the partial Reconquista, Portugal finally became a kingdom, independent of Spain, in 1279.  The borders that were established then still remain the same today.

During the Imperial Era from 1279 until 1578, Portugal made many discoveries through its strong naval power and established colonies all over the world.  Brazil was one but also Mozambique and Angola in Africa, along with many others on several different continents.  Portugal became a world power and one of the most important empires of the time, with Spain being one of Portugal’s biggest rivals.

After the death of King Sebastian I, the empire went into decline.  Portugal then engaged in numerous European wars, including the Restoration war which resulted in fending off of the Spanish King who was trying to take over Portugal.  In 1755, Portugal lost much of its wealth with the destruction of Lisbon by a powerful earthquake.

Portugal had a good relationship with the British Empire and when Portugal refused to give in to Napoleon, which resulted in military attacks, the British helped Portugal restore their independence in 1812.  There were many problems that arose until 1910, when the First Portuguese Republic was established which brought about the King's resignation. The republic was ended in 1926 in a coup d’etat that resulted in a military dictatorship.

In 1933, there was a second revolution called the New State, established by Salazar.  His motto was, “Proudly Alone.”  His belief in nationalism and isolation saved Portugal from taking part in both World Wars.  Salazar always tried to maintain Portugal’s colonies under his rule and many Portuguese had to fight in those colonial wars.  This eventually led to the end of his dictatorship on April 25, 1974, when a peaceful military coup d’etat took place.

Portugal was then led into democracy (which remains in effect today) when elections took place, in 1975.  They became part of the EU with the guidance of Portugal’s most popular politician who became Prime Minister of Portugal. His name was Jose Barroso. Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the EU.  Its last colonial hold was Macau, which was given back to China in 1999.

Portuguese Culture

There was a strong influence from the country’s geography, its history and its culture.  The cultural heritage stems from the people, having been part of its colonies in Africa, South America and Asia, and its tribal history.  Many more cultural influences come from being a global empire in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Portugal is famous for their exquisite, hand painted tiles.  They are used to adorn interiors and exteriors of houses, churches, palaces and other buildings. Originally of Muslim origin, the production of tiles began in the 15^th century but reached its peak in the 18^th century, with their famous blue and white tiles.  The train station in Porto tells the story of the city in grand style, with the use of these tiles.

Portugal is also known for the introduction of Manueline Architecture, a style that featured elements inspired by the sea and by symbols of Royal power, such as armillary spheres, which is the national symbol featured on their flag.  The Jeronimos Monastery and The Belem Tower are good examples of this architectural style but Manueline style buildings and features can be found all over the country.  Baroque and Romanesque styles also abound.

Fado is a type of music that has was named by the World Heritage as part of Intangibles. The history of Fado dates back to the 1820’s and 30’s however some believe it may have much earlier origins.  It is a form of song that is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics.  The Portuguese word saudade which means longing, symbolizing a feeling of loss.  Fado performers were typically sailors, bohemians and courtesans who not only sang but also danced.  Today, it is performed as just song, without the dance.  In recent years, Amalia Rodrigues, known as the “Queen of Fado,” is credited with making Fado popular throughout the world.  Taking in Fado is very popular with tourists, especially in Lisbon, and why not?  It is an important part of Portugal’s culture.

Portugal has no official religion, as the church and state were formally separated during the Portuguese First Republic in 1910.  However nearly 81% of the population is Catholic and important traditions have a significant bearing in Portuguese society and culture. The official language is Portuguese, considered a Romance Language. A direct descendant of Latin, however many speak English, French and Spanish as well.

Why Visit Portugal?

The country itself, with its long coastline and most of the cities and population living along it, make Portugal one of the prettiest countries in the world.  Each city and village has immense history as it is considered to be the oldest in all of Europe. Lisbon. the capital, has become a vibrant modern city, and to deal with its extremely hilly street levels, has installed elevators downtown to transport people up and down some 45 meters.  The lifts are disguised inside buildings on the low end of the city, so it is good to learn where to find them.

The architecture and signature black and white tiles and cobble stones, that line the streets make it picture perfect.  It is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites.  One of them is the oldest, continuously operated, University in the world, established in 1290.  In Lisbon, you can find the oldest operating bookstore in the world.  Bertrand Bookshop, was established in 1732.  It was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755 but has been in its current location since 1773.

Portugal is also known for exceptional surfing with 364 days of surfing each year.  Home to the largest wave ever surfed, it was an incredible 80 feet high.  Portugal is also the largest cork producer in the world, supplying nearly 70% of the world’s cork.  Needless to say, they are not happy with the screw on caps that have recently become popular for wine.  They are innovative however, making cork into belts, purses, shoes and the like.  There is a beautiful monastery near the town of Sintra that is made from cork.  The whole town of Sintra is a UNESCO site and simply like a fairytale that should not be missed on a trip to Portugal. It is filled with castles, palaces, churches and parks that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Did I mention the wine, famous for Port and Madeira, as well as Vinho Verde, my personal favorite?  You will also find bottles of ginja, a liqueur that people make themselves from ginja berries (sour cherries) and store in bottles.  The country is a wine-lover's paradise.  A trip down the Douro River Valley, where most of the wine is made, is popular with tourists.  Of course, the Portuguese people are friendly and welcoming and are probably the biggest reason to visit, although the food is a close second.

Portuguese Cuisine

The cuisine get its roots from ingredients obtained through trade routes established centuries ago.  Bread, rice, spices, pastries, sausages and seafood, especially cod, remain the staples of many Portuguese meals.  It is often referred to as peasant food, although it is now becoming a gourmand’s destination.  The Portuguese get the credit for introducing tempura to Japan, tea to the British and hot chilies to Asia.

Many of their pastries are made with sugar, which started arriving in the 15^th century, originally from the island of Madeira and later from Brazil.  A visit to a Pasteleria is a must.  Interestingly, the pastries are made with lots of egg yolks, to include their most famous pastry, Pais de nata.  It is said that the nuns used the egg whites to starch their habits and preserve wine, so they had an abundance of egg yolks, with which they masterfully crafted into pastries.

The sausages are also famous and butcher shops all over are stuffed with cases filled with an array of sausages, along with legs of cured ham.  Chourico is a spicy sausage, used in many soups and stews, like their famous caldo verde.  Morcela, a blood sausage, is also extremely popular.  You will also find assortments of delicious cheeses, many made from sheep’s milk that are prepared using an ancient method of coagulating the milk with thistle flower.  Olives and olive oil are also exceptional products coming from Portugal.

Spices from all over the world are also used in their cuisine but it is probably the abundant use of seafood, that is most renown. The Portuguese are one of the top countries in the world when it comes to seafood consumption.  It is said that there are over 1000 Portuguese recipes that use salt cod as the main ingredient.  Sardines are also loved.  They even have a month long sardine festival that is held each year when they are the most abundant.  A couple of other dishes that should be mentioned is bifana, a pork sandwich that is a specialty, as is francesinha, a sandwich covered in a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.  Oh and their beer is highly regarded too.  They will tell you Super Bock is the best beer in the world.

So let’s enjoy a Portuguese meal:

The Menu

Starter

Peixinhos da horta (Fried Green Beans)

Soup Course

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)

Salad Course

Salada de Polvo (Octopus Salad)

Main Course

Bacalhau a Bras (Salted Cod with Eggs)

Dessert 

Pasteis de Nata (Egg Custard Tart)

We set the scene in the classic blue and white dishes for which they are famous.  We placed several ships to represent there impressive naval exploration. They have a history of great explorers, like Ferdinand Magellan, the first person to circumvent the globe and Vasco de Gama, who discovered the sea route to India.  Bartholomew Diaz, was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa and others who discovered new lands like Brazil, parts of Africa and the Far-East, claiming them for the Portuguese Empire.  A can of sardines was set in place, as was an olive branch, a cork, a cross and a good bottle of port wine.  We put on some soft Fado music to complete the mood.

We said Saude which means Cheers, and toasted with a taste of port.  We began our meal with fried green beans, that were battered.  This is the original tempura that was introduced to the Japanese, which the Japanese later embellished.  The name Peixinhos da horta, literally translated means, little fish from the garden.  The name comes from the end result of the fried beans resembling slender, fried fish.  We loved them as our first course.

Next, was the famous caldo verde or Portuguese kale soup.  It is literally my husband's favorite soup and therefore had to be included in the meal.  It is hearty and the flavor superb, especially with the chucks of chourico and linguisa sausages.

Next we enjoyed the main course, Bacalhau a Bras, a salted cod with eggs and potatoes.  This recipe was given to me by our guide in Sintra named Lidia.  After many inquiries during our trip to Portugal, this was the dish that nearly everyone told me to make as the main course for the Portuguese meal.  It  is lovely and the combination of flavors; comforting and delicious.

It was served alongside a octopus salad, as octopus is another much loved seafood.  This Portuguese version was excellent with red onion, sun dried tomatoes, coriander and lime.  I could eat this everyday!

Lastly, we just had to indulge in the famous pasteis de nata, the famous egg custard tart, that was sublime, and went perfectly with a shot of espresso called um bica, literally a shot of only 2-3 ozs.

As we say goodbye to this beautiful and intriguing county, I leave you with some Fado lyrics, which cannot be explained but must be felt and experienced.

Is both mine and yours this Fado

Destiny that tides us (together)

No matter how much it is denied

By the stings of a guitar

Whenever one hears a lament

of a guitar singing

one is instanly lost

with a desire to weep

Oh people of my land

Now I understand

This sadness which I carry on

Was from you that I received

And it would seem tenderness

If l let myself be soothed

My anguish would be greater

My singing would be less sadder

Oh people of my land

Lyrics by Mariza, an international Fado star

Until next time,

Abrigada (thank you, in Portuguese)

Darlene

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How the Philippines Got Their Name?

In 1543,  the Spanish explorer Rudy Lopez de Villalobos, gave the islands the name “Felipinas,” in honor of the Crown Prince Felipe (Phillip), who later became King Phillip II of Spain.  Prior to this, Magellan named them “Archipelagoof St. Lazarus” but that name never caught on.  The Chinese called them “Ma-yi”, which meant, “Land of Gold” because they bought gold in Mindoro.  A Greek map maker called the islands, “Minolos”, on an ancient map.  The Americans called them the “Philippine Islands” and then, upon independence in 1946, they became officially known as “The Republic of the Philippines.”

Where are the Philippines Located?

The Philippines is an archipelago of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean.  She sits on the eastern Asian border between the Philippine Sea and South China Sea.  Her neighbors are Taiwan and China to the north, Vietnam to the west and Indonesia to the south.  It is made up of 7,641 islands that have three main geographical divisions, from north to south, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The capital city is Manila but the most populous city is Quezon City.  Both cities are part of Metro Manila.  Metro Manila is the considered to be the most densely populated area of the world, with 55,446 people per square mile.  Every ten years the Philippines experiences a large magnitude earthquake and in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, creating the largest mushroom cloud the world has seen.  Its eruption ejected ten billion metric tons of magma and 20 million tons of sulfur dioxides into the stratosphere.

A Brief History of the Philippines

Today the Philippines is an archipelago but it is believed that during the Ice Age, they were connected to mainland Asia by a land bridge, allowing humans to walk from there to Asia. The earliest people were hunter-gatherers.  Somewhere between 3000 and 2000 BC, people learned to farm.  They grew rice and had domesticated animals.  They traded with China from the 10^th century on, and by the 12^th century, Arab merchants arrived and introduced Islam.  In 1521 Magellan discovered the Philippines and claimed them for Spain.  The conquistadors and friars converted the Filipinos to Catholicism.  They built schools and universities and created a feudal system.  In 1762 the British captured the Philippines for a brief two year period.

In the 19^th century a nationalist feeling was starting to grow, influenced by a writer named Jose Rizal (a national hero).  In 1898 a war broke out between the USA and Spain.  The Americans defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.  Despite trying to become independent, the Philippines were handed over to the Americans as part of a peace treaty.  Another war broke out between the Filipinos and American forces in 1899 and lasted until 1902 when the Filipino leader Aguinaldo was captured. The USA wanted to Americanize the Philippines but never quite succeeded.  The USA promised the Philippines their full independence by 1945.

In 1941 Japanese troops invaded the islands and by May of 1942, the Philippines were entirely in the hands of the Japanese.  In October 1944 American troops returned to the Philippines and recaptured Manila in February 1945.  The Philippines became independent on July 4, 1946.  Manual Roxas was the first President. In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos was elected president and was reelected in 1969 however, extreme poverty and inequality created a Communist insurgency in the countryside.  Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and his dictatorship was exceedingly corrupt.  He was forced into exile in the late 1980s.  You may recall the discovery of thousands of pairs of shoes that his wife Imelda, left behind when they fled to Hawaii. Today there is museum housing over 800 pairs of her shoes.  After Ferdinand’s death, Imelda returned to make two unsuccessful bids for the presidency.

Today the Philippines is still poor but things are getting much better. They have a population of 103 million people and a growing economy.

Filipino Culture

There are an estimated 175 languages spoken in the Philippines.  Most of them are classified as Malayo-Polynesian.  Among them there are 13 indigenous languages, spoken by nearly one million people.  Today the official languages are Filipino, (also known as Tagalog) and English.  Spanish was spoken by 60% of the population in the early 20^th century.  The Philippines has a fusion culture where east meets west.  Despite the western influences, the old Asian culture of Filipinos has been retained and is clearly displayed in their daily lives.  It unfolds in their music, dance and literature.  Their culture embodies what is known as “bahala na”, a general sense of “whatever will be, will be.”  Christianity is very important and practiced by about 80 percent of the population, while Islam is the religion of about 11 percent.  Christmas is one the most loved celebrations of the Filipinos.  Families and friends gather on the 24^th of December for “Noche Buena”, a Spanish term which means “Midnight Meal” to welcome in Christmas Day.  New Years is another much loved holiday when they wear dotted clothes and prepare round fruits on the table to symbolize prosperity.  Their annual calendar is filled with festivals, many of which include costumes and rituals from the nation’s pre-colonial past.

Filipinos love sports and enjoy watching and playing games like basketball and American football, as well as boxing.  There national sport is called arnis, a form of marital arts.  The basic social unit of the country is family.  The family unit includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and other outside relations, such as god parents and close friends.  This results in massive gatherings, filled with music, singing, food and laughter.  The Filipinos are known throughout the world to be a friendly, happy and a fun group of people.  They are also amazing caretakers.  Many have trained to become nurses and have moved to the USA to send money home to their families.  They are known as “Overseas Filipinos”, with over three million in the USA and over a million in Saudi Arabia.

They love to shop and the Philippines is home to three of the world’s largest malls.  The mall is also a good place to escape the heat and humidity of their tropical climate.  The Philippines has a diverse climate but suffers from torrential rains during the Monsoon Season, which can also bring about deadly typhoons.

Why Visit the Philippines?

The first reason to visit the Philippines would be to enjoy the Filipino people, known to be some of the friendliest in the world.  Second, would be the stunning beauty of their over 7000 islands; immaculate white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters.  Every conceivable water sport is practiced in the Philippines.  The Tubbataha Reefs are a UNESCO world heritage site and some say it is the best diving site in the world.  There is an underground river in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where you can take an hour long paddleboat tour through the cave and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  On the island of Bohol you will find the 1260 hills that look like chocolates and may also see tarsiers, one of the cutest and smallest monkeys in the world.  Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines.  In Sagada, a mountain province, you can find hanging coffins in Echo Valley, where the locals believe the dead should be placed in steep crevices so they can be closer to the gods as they journey to the afterlife.  The Batad Rice Terraces are a site to behold but getting to them is not all that easy.  The rice terraces are also a UNESCO site.  Vigan, on Llocos Sur, is a whole town (and another UNESCO site) known for an exceptionally well-preserved 16^th century trading town.  The list of incredible destinations goes on and on, but I did I mention the food?

Filipino Cuisine

Filipino food is often referred to as the original fusion cuisine.  Hints of Spanish, Western, Chinese, Japanese and Pacific Islander flavors, are all a testament to its rich cultural heritage.  But it should be noted that they have flavors all of their own, that are quickly becoming world renown.  They are specifically known for the acids and sweetness that many of their dishes impart.  Adobo, for example, means “marinade” and whether it is for chicken or pork, it is considered the national dish.  The meat is drenched in a mixture of soy and vinegar and just might be the best you have ever tasted.  Pork is the meat of choice in the Philippines, with dishes like the famous lechon that is famous for the crunchy exterior of a whole, spit roasted pig, dipped in lechon sauce which consists of vinegar, sugar and a touch of liver.  Even the late, cuisine adventurer, Anthony Bourdain, considered it the best he had ever tasted.  Also the delicious pork longganisa, is a sausage made with ground pork.  Lumpia is a spring roll and ubiquitous there as an appetizer or snack.  They are served fried or fresh and stuffed with vegetables and sometimes minced meats that will make your palate sing.

Fresh seafood is abundant there, as are tropical fruits of every variety. The Philippines are the largest exporters of coconuts, papayas and mangosteen.  Bangus is considered to be the national fish, also known as milkfish.   Mango salads are topped with tart calamansi juice, similar to a lime or lemon.  Mangoes are the national fruit and are known to be the sweetest, most delicious, mangoes in the world.  Bagoong is a fermented fish sauce that imparts its umami flavor to many dishes and is native to the Philippines.  Sinigang is a delicate soup that is made with fish, seafood or meats, cooked in a sour tamarind broth, with fresh greens.   Ube is a purple yam and is officially a craze on social media platforms with its health benefits and beautiful lavender color.  Ube is often used to make ice cream and for their beloved halo-halo dessert but is also enjoyed boiled and baked.  One of the most interesting and traditional dishes is balut, which is a boiled, fertilized duck egg with a half-formed chick inside.  It is believed to be an aphrodisiac.  Needless to say there are so many delicious and unique choices to try and enjoy in the beautiful Philippines.

So let’s enjoy a Filipino meal:

The Meal

Starter

Lumpiang Ubod  ( Fresh Spring Roll)

Main Course

Adobong Manok (Chicken Adobo)

Pancit Bihon (Rice Noodle with Pork)

Dessert

Ube Ice Cream (Purple Yam Ice Cream)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag: red, white and blue.  We placed mangoes on our table and a picture of a Philippine, an eagle with the same name (Their national symbol and the largest eagle in the world.)  A string of pearls was added, as it is the national gem and where the largest pearl ever was discovered, weighing a whopping 14 lbs.   Palm fronds were used, as Anahaw leaves are used as a roofing material on the humble abodes called, bahay kubo or nipa huts, that still dot the rural country sides.  A yo-yo was included because it was invented by a Filipino and means “comeback” in the Llocono language.  Lastly, white flowers topped off the décor, representing the national flower, called Sampaguita, also known as the Arabian Jasmine. Its aroma is simply intoxicating.

We began with the famous lumpia (spring roll) and I chose the fresh variety.  We absolutely adored this appetizer.  It was made with a light egg crepe and then filled with shrimp, pork and ubod (hearts of palm.)  It was topped with a peanut sauce and the result was delicious.

For the main course, which was served family style, we had the famous adobo.  It was truly the best chicken I have ever had.  It was served with rice, which is typically served with every meal in the Philippines.  We also enjoyed another beloved dish called pancit bihon.  Pancit means “noodle” and was introduced by the Chinese.  This rice noodle dish was stir fried with pork and vegetables.  It was flavored with soy and fermented fish sauce.  This is a quick and easy dish that I plan to make often.

For dessert, I just had to make something with that purple yam, called ube.  I made a scrumptious ice cream that was as tasty as it was beautiful.

After dinner we set up our karaoke machine and sang while enjoying a San Miguel beer which began their operations in the Philippines in 1890.  Karaoke is considered the national pastime of Filipinos.

I am blessed to have Filipinos as extended family and relish every opportunity to indulge in their exquisite cuisine and family gatherings.

Until next time,

Paalam (Goodbye or Farewell in Tagalog)

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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

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.

How did Paraguay get its name?

There are many theories as to how Paraguay got its name, but the most compelling one comes from the Guarani language and the river that shares the same name.  In the Guarani language, para (ocean) and gua (to or from) y (water/river).  Put all those together and it means the “river that goes to the ocean” or “river that gives birth to the sea.”

Where is Paraguay located?

Paraguay’s nickname is “Corazon de Sudamerica,”  “The heart of South America.“  Its nickname is due to its location in the center of the South American continent.  It is a landlocked country that borders Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia.  It lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the country from north to south.  The capital city of Asuncion is located on the banks of the river, in the southwestern part of the country.  It is also part of the Triple Frontier, which has a tri-border area where the Igauzu and the Ptarana rivers converge.  In Paraguay, the city is called Cuidad Del Este, which is the closest city from which to see the magnificent Iguazu Falls, that makes up the largest waterfall system in the world.  Iguazu Falls is one of the new, natural Seven Wonders of the World.  The western region, known as Chaco, has 60 percent of the country’s land but only two percent of the population lives there.  The majority of the population lives within 100 miles of the capital city.

A Brief History of Paraguay

The original inhabitants of Paraguay were the Guarani people.  They were farmers.  The Spanish arrived in the 16^th century and founded the capital city of Asuncion in 1537.  Paraguay was one of the first to gain independence from Spain in 1811.  This was due mainly to its lack of precious ores.  Jose Gaspar Rodriguez Francis became the first of a long line of dictators that ruled the country.  In 1865, the war of the Triple Alliance began and was a total disaster for Paraguay.  The war was with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and lasted until 1870.  Nearly 2/3^rd’s of the male population were killed during this war and Paraguay lost much of its territory, including Iguazu Falls.

Another war broke out, called the Chaco War, from 1932-1935, in which Paraguay won against Bolivia, winning back some of its western territory.  Dictators ruled the land until 1989, when General Andres Rodriguez overthrew Stoessner, who was accused of torturing and murdering thousands of political opponents.  Rodriguez went on to win Paraguay’s first multi-candidate elections.  In 1992, Paraguay’s constitutional reforms finally gave equal rights to women. They were one of the last South American countries to give women the right to vote, in 1961.

Today, Paraguay is experiencing excellent economic growth and is considered to be much more stable, both politically and economically.  Unfortunately, however, the distribution of wealth is tragically unequal.  80% of the land is held by only 2.5% of the people, with 161 people controlling 90% of the country’s wealth.  It is estimated that half the population lives below the poverty line.

Paraguay, along with Brazil, built the largest dam in the world in 1984 (that is until China surpassed it in 2008.) Named the Itaipu Dam, it is used for hydro-electric power, which is a major export for the country.  The dam supplies 75% of Paraguay’s electricity.  Paraguay also exports sugarcane, soybeans, stevia, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava, fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, eggs, milk and timber.  Over half of Paraguayans work in agriculture and forestry.

Paraguayan Culture

As the Guarani were the primary occupants of Paraguay when the Spanish arrived, many of them took Guarani wives creating a mestizo culture, which is 95 percent of the population today.  Paraguay is one of the few countries in the world that kept their indigenous language as an official language, also called Guarani, along with Spanish.  Some speak Jopara which is a mix of the two.  The Guarani language is an onomatopoeic language, whereby many of its words, like its music, imitate the natural sounds of animals and the natural environment.

Jesuit missionaries established missions in Paraguay.  There are well preserved Jesuit ruins that date back to 1706, which have been named a UNESCO world heritage site and is the only site named in Paraguay.  The Spanish expelled the Jesuits from Paraguay in the mid 18^th century, for which Pope Francis recently issued an apology for the colonial era crimes committed. Today 88% of the population is Catholic, 8% protestant and the balance, indigenous beliefs.

The art of lace making called nanduti, is a prized craft.  It is a wheel based, lace form that originated in Portugal and Spain.  In fact, nanduti actually means “spider web.”  The Paraguayans have put their unique spin on the craft, adding palm leaf shapes to the design.  A festival is held in the town of Itaugua each July, where visitors can watch the lovely lace being made.

Music and dance are other examples of fusion between the Spanish and Guarani cultures.  In rural areas, people play instruments of the indigenous people, including flutes made from sugarcane and rattles made from gourds.  The early conquistadors brought the Spanish guitar and Spanish harp to Paraguay.  These two instruments remain prominent in the music of Paraguay.

The Paraguayans are known for a specific dance, in which they move with an impressive stack of bottles on top of their heads.  There is a vase dance as well, both of which are performed by women. A couple’s dance, known as the Paraguayan Polka, is danced in ballrooms, and on village dance floors, it was created in the 19^th century.

Why Visit Paraguay?

Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America, which is precisely why you should want to go.  The fact that it has never built up its tourist infrastructure, is its greatest charm.  This is truly a place where you can get off the beaten track and experience local life.  It is considered safe and the real joy is, the Paraguayan people, who are known to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming.  You will, however, want to have a Spanish/Guarani dictionary handy, as English is not widely spoken.  Buses are the main form of transportation for both locals and tourists alike.  Whether you go to visit the falls, the chaotic, but shopping friendly, city of Cuidad del Este, or to explore the unique flora and fauna that make up the country, there is plenty to see and do in this little known and often misunderstood country of Paraguay.

Paraguayan Food

As Paraguay is not a wealthy country, much of the culture revolves around family and simple pleasures.  You will see groups of people sitting around under the shade of a tree, drinking the traditional tea, such as a drink, called terere.  What yerba mate is to Argentina, terere is to Paraguay.  It is mate but with herbs and enjoyed cold, instead of hot.  You will see everyone carrying a thermos and a gourd with a straw, called a bombilla.

Sopa Paraguaya is considered to be the national dish and is often eaten daily.  Despite its name, it is more similar to a cornbread than a soup.  Chipas are found on nearly every street corner.  This is a cheese bread, made with cassava flour and is similar in texture to a bagel.  Empanadas, milanesa and asados, are also popular and enjoyed in Paraguay, just like with her neighbors.  Generally speaking, Paraguayan cuisine is typically South American.  Fish and meat stews and soups are the norm.  Probably the ingredient that is most used, is mandioca, also known as yucca or cassava, which is somewhat similar to potatoes. They are a native crop and served with nearly every meal.  In fact , it is so common there is a local saying, “Mas Paraguayo que al mandioca” (More Paraguayan than the mandioca). You can also find sushi, schnitzel and shrimp on the barbie, as a result of the Japanese, German and Australian settlements there.

So let’s enjoy a Paraguayan meal:

The Menu

Starter

Payagua Mescada (Paraguayan Tortilla)

Main Course

Bife Koygua (Paraguayan Beef Stew)

Dessert

Crema (A Paraguayan Custard)

Bonus (The National Dish)

Sopa Paraguaya (Cornbread with Egg and Cheese)

We set the scene with the colors of the Paraguayan flag; red white and blue.  We added a gourd, a bombilla, mate, as well as a mandioca/yuca, root.  A soccer ball and fishing net were added, as they are both important sports in the country. We included a photo of the beautiful national tree called the Pink Lapacho, whose inner bark lining is made into a tea, and is also well known for its medicinal value.

We began by saying, Pekaruporante,  which means Bon Appetit, in Guarani.  Our first course was called Payagua Mescada, which means, Paraguayan tortilla.  It is not, however, what you would typically think of as a tortilla.  It is made with their staple ingredient, the yuca or cassava root.  It is more like a fritter than a tortilla.  It is served with beef and yuca root and deep fried, until golden brown.  It was a perfect start to our Paraguayan feast.

The main course was called Bife Koygua and is a typical Paraguayan beef stew.  We completely understood why this is a cherished dish; tender steak, with veggies and a perfectly cooked egg on top.  Bife Koygua is a true comfort food that I will make again and again.

For dessert, we enjoyed a super easy and delectable custard dessert, simply called crema.  This creamy custard is made with eggs, milk and sugar. It had a hint of lemon and was sprinkled with cinnamon.  We enjoyed it with their traditional tea, called terere, which is ubiquitous there.

As a bonus, I included the recipe for their national dish called, Sopa Paraguaya.  It is not a soup at all, but a delicious cornbread that also goes great with terere.

As we say goodbye to this little known country of Paraguay, I leave you with a few Paraguayan proverbs:

“Be grateful with what you have rather than what you think might be out there.”

“If you think the worst, you won’t be far wrong.”

Until next time,

Jajotopata,  which means, “goodbye”, in Guarani.

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

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 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

Laos can trace its name back to the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which means, “Kingdom of a Million Elephants.”  This successful kingdom was one of the largest in Southeast Asia from the 14^th century until 1893, when it became a French Protectorate.  The official name of the country is Lao People’s Democratic Republic or commonly referred to by its people as, Muang Lao.   The rest of the world continues to call the country Laos, which is technically not correct, yet remains to be the norm. The reason why Laos is incorrect is because there is no "s" in their  alphabet.   Laos’ enchanted history can be traced much farther back than the 14^th century.  An ancient human skull was recovered in northern Laos, dating back 46,000 years.

Laos is a landlocked country, located in the center of the Indochinese peninsula of mainland Southeast Asia.  Her neighbors are:  Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west.  The country is covered by dense forests and rugged mountains, with some plains and plateaus as well.  The climate is tropical and influenced by the monsoon pattern.  The rainy season is May to November, followed by a dry season, December to April.  Its rivers, most notably the Mekong River, which means “Mother of Water”, is the lifeblood of the country.  Most of the villages in Laos are scattered along its banks or tributaries.  The river marks the border with Thailand, where recent bridges have been built to allow access to each other’s border crossing.  They are called the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges.

Laos gained independence from France on July 19, 1949, after a brief occupation by Japan during World War II.  It is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and is one of the few remaining communist run regimes.  Nearly 85 percent of the population works in agriculture, mostly subsistence rice farming that produces 51 percent of the country’s GDP.  New private enterprises are enjoying some success as the country tries to establish a more market based economy.  These enterprises include handicrafts, beer, coffee and especially tourism.  Tourism is the fastest growing sector of the economy.  However, new dam proposals along the Mekong River, which are quite controversial, are expected to make hydro-electric power its number one export.

Laos’ biggest challenge is a terrible crisis the country has faced since the Vietnam War.  There were more than 580,000 bombing missions in Laos, (mostly by the United States of America) from 1964-1973.  This is sometimes referred to as the “Secret War”, as many Americans were unaware of what was happening during that time in Laos.  The aerial bombardment in Laos was an attempt to destroy North Vietnamese sanctuaries and stop the supply line, known as the Ho Chi Minh trail.  CIA agents were placed in Laos to call in coordinates where they saw activity, during the war.  This resulted in a bomb drop every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day, for nine years.

Aside from the devastation of war, the additional problem stemmed from the 270 million cluster munitions dropped, where up to 80 million failed to detonate.  They remain live, in the ground, since the war.  More than one-third of Laos’ territory suffers from UXO (unexploded ordinance) contamination.  More than 20,000 people have been killed or maimed as a result of UXO accidents since the war ended.  Forty percent of those casualties have been children.  It is estimated that it will take two millennia to clear Laos of UXOs at its current pace.  Although the United States has recently increased its funding for this effort, it is simply a drop in the bucket for what is needed to see progress.  The removal of UXOs is a painstakingly slow and a very dangerous task.  They literally search a patch of dirt with a detector, finding them one at a time, then carefully digging them up and exploding them.  There are more than 87,000 square kilometers to cover.

The Laotians are known to be simple people.  Most are Buddhist with a minimalist belief and lifestyle.  They are master craftsmen, from wood carvers to weavers.  They can carve the most amazing structures and weave just about anything from bamboo.  They are also known for their highly sought after, Lao silk, weaving it into the finest cloth.  Another handicraft is turning all that shrapnel and metal from bombs into art and even into dinner utensils.  These artifacts and crafts are found all over the country.

Music plays an important role in Laotian life.  The khene is the instrument most associated with Laotian music.  It is made from a special kind of bamboo.  Sets of bamboo and reed pipes of various lengths are strapped together and then blown into by the player.  Singing accompanies the khene, when used to play the traditional folk music, known as Lam.  It is popular in both Laos and Thailand.  Dance is also prevalent, known especially for the beauty and meaning of the graceful hand gestures, choreographed throughout their traditional dance.

As we look into the cuisine of Laos there are three things that define it.  The first is sticky rice.  Sticky rice is believed to have originated in Laos.  It is glutinous rice that, despite its name, actually contains no gluten.  It is the starch content in sticky rice that makes it sticky.  It is traditionally steamed, not boiled, to give it a light, sticky texture.   Sticky rice requires less water to grow than regular white rice and it can be grown on hillsides and uplands as well as in lowland paddies.  Sticky rice takes longer to digest than regular rice.  It is believed to give you more energy for a longer period of time.  Buddhist monks in Laos typically eat just one meal a day and the people give sticky rice to the monks as donations called alms, to keep them fuller longer.  You can watch this tradition of the sticky rice being given to the monks in the town of Luang Prabang, where they reside in Buddhist temples.  Each morning the orange robed monks walk barefoot down the main street.  This is where they encounter the generosity of the people as they kneel on the ground, in front of the temples.  Donors quietly rise and place a ball of sticky rice in the monks’ pouches as they pass by.  What the monks receive as donations will be what they eat for the day.  Sticky rice is the center of every Lao meal and served in a cute little bamboo basket with a lid called, “Lao Aep Khao.”  A piece of rice is always first taken, then rolled into a small ball and dipped into a tomato chili sauce or eggplant chili sauce, to begin the meal.  The sticky rice is also used as a scoop, to enjoy with any of the number of Lao dishes served alongside the rice.  Usually the first bite is reserved for honored guests or the elders.

The second staple ingredient in Lao cuisine is padaek; a strong, fermented fish sauce, unique to Laos and northern Thailand and Cambodia. It is simply what makes a Lao dish, Lao.  It often has little chunks of the fermented fish in the sauce, which has been fermenting anywhere from one to five years.  It is a strong and pungent sauce, yet strangely, not at all fishy.  Something miraculous happens in the fermentation process when it is made properly.  The use of padaek in the cuisine is what is known as the fifth taste, or umami.  It is common to see jars of padaek fermenting away in villages across the country.

The third component of Laotian cuisine is known as the balance of flavors.  Usually the ingredients are ground together using a heavy mortar and pestle.  The flavors are: spicy, salty, sweet, sour and umami.  A delight for the palate!

Of course there are other influences on the cuisine as well.  The Chinese brought numerous dishes, but most notably, noodles and soy sauce, both of which are widely used in the cuisine.  Noodles are the only food in Laos eaten with chop sticks.  Otherwise, you would use a spoon as the main utensil in your right hand, and a fork to push the food onto the spoon, in your left.  (That is if you are not simply eating with your right hand, which is probably the most common way to enjoy your Lao meal.)  Vietnam introduced pho, a noodle soup, to Laos.  Thailand contributed a variety new spices and ingredients to blend.  Many people around the world love Thai food, which very well, may actually be Laotian food.  Some of the dishes, especially in northern Thailand, are indistinguishable from its Lao neighbor.  The French also brought many new food staples to Laos such as: potatoes, corn and sweet peppers and it is the French baguettes and pastries that are most loved.

This week I was thrilled to have a couple of new friends over for this Lao International Cuisine meal.  A couple months ago, I attended a weekend seminar for travel bloggers called, “The Women in Travel” summit.  The seminar was fantastic and I met several exceptional women.  I was thrilled when Megan, from HelloMeganO.com and Jennifer, from Worldonawhim.com, suggested that it would be fun to get together for a meal.  They would get a chance to understand more about what I do with International Cuisine, as they are always looking for new blog material.  I was honored to have them over, I hope you will check out their websites as well.  Megan writes about fun and unique things to do in and around Los Angeles and also has a unique sort of bucket list with a time frame that gives 101 things to do in 1001 days.  One of Megan’s 101 things to do is to learn about a new cuisine.  I hope I helped her mark that off her list with Laos.  Jennifer gives all kinds of tips and tricks for spontaneous travel.  Her specialty is cultural festivals, mainly in Europe.  She may have just convinced my husband and me to go do just that, and get traveling.  We are thinking maybe Spain and a few other countries in the area, perhaps in September and October, Thanks Jen!

So let’s eat a Lao meal

The Menu

Sin Savanh (Lao Beef Jerky)

Jaew Mak Keus (Eggplant Dip)

Khao Niew (Sticky Rice)

Laab (Minced Beef Salad)

Tam Mak Houng (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

Ping Gai (Grilled Chicken)

Oa si khai (Lemongrass Chicken)

Khao Poon (Coconut Noodle soup)

Dessert

Kanom Krok (Coconut Cakes)

We set the scene with a terracotta jar, serving double duty.  It was placed to represent the Plain of Jars in Laos and also the famous jars they make their beloved rice whisky in, called Laolao.  The Plain of Jars will be an UNESCO world heritage site once the area is cleared of UXOs.  The area consists of thousands of giant, stone jars scattered around the plain of the Xiangkhoang Plateau.  The majority of the jars are made of sandstone.  Why the jars are there is shrouded in mystery and there are many different theories.  The most believed theory is that they were used for burial purposes, where the jars may have been used to distil the bodies before cremation.  However, Lao legends tell a story of giants who were ruled by a king, that created the jars to brew and store huge amount of lau hai. (Lau means alcohol and hai means jar.) Another theory is that they were used to collect monsoon, rainwater water for caravan travelers.  Once the area is safe from UXOs, archeologists will have a chance to examine the giant jars much closer and perhaps solve the mystery.

The table was also set with elephant shaped oil burners, as elephants are the national animal and the scent from the burning oil was plumeria, representing the national flower.  We placed a few little boats to signify the main mode of transportation along the Mekong River and its tributaries.  The table was square and low and we sat on the floor, as would be customary there.  Typically in Laos the tables would be round, small tables are added and placed next to each other, depending on the number of people.  Sticky rice is available on each one.  They serve the meal all at once, family style, as opposed to in courses.

We began with a ball of sticky rice and a dip into the spicy eggplant dip called, jeow mak keua.  The dip had a lovely smokiness to it and was a little spicy having been made with a Thai chili.  In general Lao like their food spicy, yet balanced.

Another dish served was beef jerky.  Drying fish and meats is common place in Laos, especially in areas where they lack  refrigeration.  The marinade used for the jerky comprises all the flavors of Laos: hot chili, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, a little sugar and fish sauce.

Laab was another dish on our table and it may have been my favorite.  It is a minced beef and herb salad.  They eat laab, often times raw, made with different meats and fish.  This was a grilled version and it was awesome; bursting with flavors from the various herbs and spices.  Laab, aside from sticky rice, is considered to be the national dish of Laos.

Another salad  on the menu was a refreshing and addicting, spicy, green papaya salad.  It also contained  the flavors of Laos and provided a tantalizing burst of flavors.  I learned that green papaya is not an unripe papaya, it is in fact its own species, called green papaya.

Grilled chicken, called Ping Gai, was another dish we had.  It was just little chicken legs that had been marinated in the balanced flavors of Laos.  They were cooked on the grill until tender and were so delicious.

Of course a soup was also served, as would be customary, with nearly every meal in Laos.  This was called Khao Poon.  The broth was made from chicken, lemongrass, coconut milk, tomatoes, and other spices.  The noodles were vermicelli.  The noodles were served in a bowl with the broth and the fresh greens and meats were served in a large basket, allowing you to choose what you wanted to include in your soup.

Another one of my favorite Laos dishes is the lemongrass chicken.  I actually forgot to cook this dish for the main meal.  We decided to enjoy it as dessert (since my original attempt at the coconut cakes was not successful.)  Lemongrass stalks were made into little baskets to hold the ground chicken mixture.  Once deep fried, it was served with a peanut sauce and worked out to be a lovely dessert.

As I mentioned, my original attempt at the coconut cakes for dessert was not successful, but my second attempt, after the fact was, (Sorry girls!)  They were crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside and delicious.  It turns out, I just did not have enough flour in my first mixture so they never cooked properly in the middle.  I added a bit more flour and the problem was solved.

It was so much fun having Megan and Jen over for our Laos meal.  I hope to do it again on another journey.  We sent them on their way with a bamboo plant for good luck and of course, leftovers.  As we say goodbye to Laos, we do so with the hope that they get more support to safely remove the UXOs.  It remains one of the few places in the world to visit that has had little influence from the west.  It is said to be enchanting and beautiful with a special mist that only lies at the base of the mountains, along the Mekong River.  I would love to experience a mystical float down the Mekong one day.

Had you ever heard about the “Secret War” in Laos?

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Nicaragua’s nickname, “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” is a good description of this beautiful Central American nation.  The actual name of Nicaragua is believed to stem from Nicarao, the name of the people who inhabited the area on the shores of Lake Cocibolca, (now called Lake Nicaragua) when the Spanish conquest first arrived.  This name, Nicarao, combined with the Spanish name for water, agua, is how the country got its name.

The country has two land neighbors; Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south.  Its eastern border lies along the Caribbean Sea and its western border along the Pacific Ocean.  Lago de’ Nicaragua or Lake Nicaragua is located in the southwestern area of the country.  Aside from this massive lake there is another large lake called Lake Managua.  Additionally, the area has over 400 volcanoes.  Nicaraguans use steam from their many volcanoes as geothermal energy.  They also are home to the “Dual Volcano.” It is the only volcano in the world that is fed by two different magma flows. The area also has many lagoons and rivers in the region.  Additionally, there are small islands, called cays, located in the Caribbean Sea.

The country is made up of three geographical regions: the pacific lowlands, in the west, the Caribbean lowlands, in the east (also known as the Mosquito Coast) and the central highlands, located between the two.  When the Spanish arrived in the early 1500s, there were three main tribes residing in these areas, each, its own monarchy, headed by a chief.  Many of these indigenous people later died from diseases the Spanish brought over, as well as from tribal wars.  Today the population of Nicaragua is mostly mestizo, about 17 % white, 5% Amerindian and 9% black. The black population lives mostly on the east coast where the community primarily speaks English and Creole.  For a time, from 1633 until 1860, the British controlled this area on the east coast.

Managua, the most populous city and also the capital, is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua.  The total population of Nicaragua is just over six million. The population is young and has one of the healthiest growth rates in the region.  Most Nica’s, as they are called, live in urban areas.  This is a good thing since they do not have addresses in Nicaragua.  People get their mail based on their proximity to a known landmark.  Spanish is the official language, although English, Creole and indigenous languages are also spoken. The literacy rate is 82 percent and education is compulsory for only six years.

Nicaragua gained independence from Spain in September of 1821, however they then became part of the Mexican Empire.  Eventually Nicaragua gained complete independence on April 30, 1838.   Independence, however, brought years of conflict between the conservatives and liberals.  There was even a brief time an American, named William Walker, decided to take control of the country and declared himself president/dictator, with the idea of annexing the region to the United States as a slave state.  This occurred from 1856 to 1857.  He was forced out a few years later.

The Somoza regime was Nicaragua’s longest lasting hereditary, military, dictatorship and ruled there for 43 years.  After a few other leaders, it was the Sandinistas who took charge, which eventually led to the counter, revolutionary forces (who were financed and trained by the U.S. CIA.)  They were called the Contras, which led to the “Iran-Contra” scandal during President Reagan’s administration in the USA.  The U.S. had concerns with the country’s ties to Cuba, Venezuela and Russia.  Over the years, millions of dollars in aid were given to the government, especially after Hurricane Mitch in 1988, which was one of the worst hurricanes in their history.  There has been massive corruption over the years, leaving nearly half of Nicaragua’s people living in poverty, on only $2 a day.  Despite strong opposition from the U.S. and stifling embargos, Daniel Ortega (a known Sandinista), won reelection.  Today, the country maintains relations with the U.S. and its rivals, such as Iran, and Venezuela.  Despite apprehension concerning Ortega’s leadership, he has taken Nicaragua to new heights.  Nicaragua was recently listed on the happiness index, as the top country on the rise for happiness in the last decade.  The people in the county believe things are getting better.

Tourism is an important piece of Nicaragua’s growing economy.  Each year, for the past decade, it has grown some ten percent.  Nicaragua’s west coast is known worldwide for its spectacular surfing beaches.  Lake Nicaragua is also a huge tourist attraction.  Kayaking through spectacular islets and hiking volcanoes are also tourist attractions.  Coffee tours are trendy, as Nicaragua is a big exporter of coffee.  Other exports include: beef, shrimp, lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold and peanuts and textiles and apparel are on the rise.  Nicaragua is part of the CAFTA-DR, a free trade agreement that has been a major contributor to their growth.

Nicaragua is filled with natural beauty and extremely, warm and hospitable people.  The city of Granada was the first city to be settled by the Spanish and has some of the most well-preserved Spanish, colonial style architecture.  Leon is another popular, city destination.  It used to be the capital city, up until 1857, and is home to the National University.  It is also home to the Ruins of Leon Viejo, dating back to the 16^th century.  This site is Nicaragua’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.  Nicaragua is a laid back country and one that is among the safest to visit in the Central America. While it is replete with volcanoes, rainforests, mangrove forests, beautiful islands and spectacular beaches, it is, nonetheless, the friendly locals that will leave you with the fondest memories.

As we look into the cuisine of Nicaragua, or “La Comida Nica” (as they call it), is a Latin creole mix of indigenous and Spanish dishes.  Corn, rice, beans, plantains, yucca and pork are all common ingredients, as is seafood, along the coast.  They have an extensive variety of tropical fruits, which they incorporate into their diet.  Nacatamales are their national treasure.  They fill their tamales with meat, vegetables, olives and prunes and wrap them in banana leaves.

So let’s enjoy a Nicaraguan meal:

The Menu

Starter

Quesillo (Corn Tortilla with Melted Cheese)

Salad

Vigoron (Yuca, Pork Rind and Cabbage Salad)

Main Course

Nacatamales (Nicaraguan Tamale)

Served with

Gallo Pinto ( Red Beans and Rice)

Dessert

Buneulos de Yuca (Cassava Donuts)

We set the scene with the colors of the Nicaraguan flag; blue and white.  The blue represents the two coasts and the white symbolizes peace.  We placed a Saint candle on the table, as nearly every village in Nicaragua has a named, village Saint and all the festivities to go along with it.  We also included a cross, as most of the population is Roman Catholic.  Also a baseball bat was added, since it is the national sport (even beating out soccer, another very popular sport there.)  Also we included an ear of corn, as it is such an important staple ingredient.  Many drinks are made from corn as well as their tamales and tortillas.  Lastly we placed a banana leaf along with some coffee beans.

We began our meal with a toast, “Salud”, which means, “Cheers” in Spanish followed by, “Buen Provencho”, which means,”Bon Appetit.”  The appetizer was called quesillo, which means “little cheese. “ The tortilla surrounded a soft, white cheese that goes by the same name.  It is somewhat similar to mozzarella cheese and it is then topped with picked onions, and sour cream and vinegar.  They are usually served at a roadside stands in a thin, plastic sleeve; warm cheese in a tortilla, simply magnifico!

We then savored another very popular dish called Vigoron.  It is believed that this dish was developed in Granada, Nicaragua by a woman who went by “La Loca” or “Crazy Woman.”  She named the dish Vigoron, after seeing a poster advertising an early medicinal tonic, back  in 1914.  This dish consistis of a salad, known as curtido, that has cabbage, tomatoes, onion, chili pepper and lime, then boiled yuca root and fried pork belly or pork rinds are added. We loved it!

For the main course we had the famous nacatamales.  The masa is somewhat similar to a regular, mexican style, tamale masa however, they use a bitter orange in it.  The filling is typically pork with rice, onion, pepper, potato, green olives and prunes.  The meat  is seasoned with anchiote.  The biggest difference in this dish and a traditional tamale is that this tamale is wrapped in a banana leaf instead of a corn husk.  This imparts a wonderful flavor to the tamale.  The banana leaf is secured with twine and then the tamale is steamed to perfection.  (You do not eat the banana leaf).  This nacatamale was very filling but we managed to enjoy it with the gallo pinto; another staple dish of rice and beans mixed together.  It is typically made with day old rice and small, red kidney beans.  It is flavored with garlic, onion and  chicken stock and fried together for a delicious side dish.  Often in Nicaragua, gallo pinto would be a main dish, as opposed to a side, offering the balance of protein with carbohydrates, for an inexpensive, yet robust, meal.

For dessert we took the hot and syrupy, cassava donuts, called Buneulos de yuca along with a nice, strong cup of coffee outside, into the night air.  We wanted to see what constellations we could find.  In Nicaragua, you can see 86 of the 88 constellations.  It was a beautiful, clear summer night and a perfect ending to our Nicaraguan meal.

Until next time,

Muchas Gracias! (Thank you, very much)

Darlene Longacre

Netherlands, in the Dutch language, literally means, “Lowlands.”   Its name is fitting, as much of the land is actually below sea level.  Centuries ago, the people from the Kingdom of the Netherlands began building strong sea walls, called dykes.   You may remember the story from Hans Brinker, of The Silver Skates, about the little Dutch boy who plugged a dyke with his finger, saving the countryside below from flooding.  Statues of the fictional boy have been erected in various locations throughout the country, mainly for tourists to enjoy.  The Dutch used windmill powered pumps to drain the North Sea waters from behind the dykes.  The pumps are used to pump the sea water out, leaving low lying land behind, called polders.  Using this technique, they have actually been able to increase the size of their small nation.  Their constant battle against the sea has given the Dutch a strong sense of national pride.

The Netherlands is often mistakenly referred to as Holland.  This is because back in the 1800s, the area called Holland made the biggest contributions to the nation as a whole.  Holland is actually just two of twelve provinces within the nation.  Noord-and Zuid-Holland are what make up Holland.

The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe.  Its land borders with Germany to the east and Belgium to the south.  It also has a large maritime border with the North Sea.  It shares this border with its two land neighbors and also the United Kingdom.

The Dutch have a long and fascinating history dating back some 37,000 years.  In 2009 a fragment of a Neanderthal skull was found partially buried in the sand on the floor of the North Sea.  Anthropologists estimate this fragment to be from the earliest years of inhabitants in the area.

The Dutch war, in which they were fighting for independence, is often referred to as “The Eighty Years War” (1568-1648.)  The first fifty years were between Spain and the Netherlands but in the last thirty years, much of Europe was involved and this segment is called “The Thirty Years War.”  During “The Eighty Years War”, the Dutch provinces became the most important trading centers of northern Europe.  In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the Dutch were the most economically wealthy and scientifically advanced of all European nations. This time in history is referred to as “The Golden Era.”

The invention of the saw mill, allowed the Dutch to construct massive fleets of ships used for both trading and defense.  Known as a seafaring people, they were also keen mapmakers.  These undertakings allowed them to obtain an increasing position in world trade.  In 1602 the Dutch East India Company was founded, and was the first ever multinational corporation.  It was financed by shares creating the first modern stock exchange.  You may have heard of tulip fever which also occurred during this decade.  It was a bubble in the market when the price of tulip bulbs reached extraordinarily high levels and then crashed.  During this time, the Bank of Amsterdam was also established, and is considered to be the first ever, central bank.

The Dutch shipping fleet hunted whales, traded spices in India and Indonesia, and even founded colonies. These colonies include New Amsterdam, which today is called New York in the USA, South Africa and the West Indies.  The fleets conquered Portuguese colonies like northeastern Brazil, Angola, Indonesia and Ceylon.  They even began a trade monopoly with Japan.  They also dominated trade with European countries.  By the 1680s, nearly a thousand Dutch ships each year were sailing in the Baltic Sea.

After the Golden Era, there were many ups and downs.  In 1940, Germany took over the Netherlands, during World War II.  The Netherlands was known for diversity and acceptance of people, so the Holocaust hit them hard.  Approximately 107,000 Dutch Jews were deported to concentration camps and most perished there.  In the capital city of Amsterdam, remains the House of Anne Frank, where she and her family hid behind the walls of the main residence in a tiny cell, during the Second World War.  On August 4, 1944, the hiding place was discovered and all inhabitants were sent to concentration camps.  Her diary and papers were given to the sole survivor of the family, Otto Frank, Anne’s father.  Otto compiled her work and created “Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl.”  This museum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions.

Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world.  It is known for its beautiful canal ring and the impressive architecture.  There is a Museum Square which includes: the Van Gogh Museum, an art museum dedicated to his works and his contemporaries, the Rijksmuseum, home to many of the Dutch masters’ work, including Rembrandt and the Dutch National Art and History Museum, which ranks number one.  Amsterdam has the highest density of museums in the world.  Aside from art and history, one can enjoy a canal ride or shop at the authentic Nine Streets, visit the Red Light District or experience “coffee shops” where marijuana and hashish are sold, (Although it is technically not legal, it is unofficially tolerated).  There is a cheese museum, as Holland is famous for cheese.  The Dutch have been making cheese since 400 AD.  Also one of the most famous beers in the world, Heineken, is brewed there and offers tours.  In the flower market, they are famous for growing tulips and the tulip fields are always a big draw in springtime when the tulips are at their peak.  It should be noted that the first tulip bulb was actually imported from Turkey although today the Netherlands supplies 75% of the world’s bulbs.

There are three other big cities in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, which is the second largest port in the world, Utrecht, and Hague.  The Netherlands has the highest population density in all of Europe, with 487 people per square kilometer.  Hague is the seat of the Dutch government, Parliament and the Supreme Court.  It is also one of the select cities to host the United Nations. King Willem-Alexander became king on January 28, 2013.  He represents the kingdom both at home and abroad and is the second youngest monarch in the world. The Royal Family will move to the Palace of Hus ten Bosch in Hague, when renovations are complete.

The Netherlands is the bicycle capital of the world.  There are more bicycles than people.  The land is flat as a pancake and thousands of kilometers of bike paths, called fietspadens, have been built.  Pedestrians are not allowed to walk on them.  The average person rides their bike 2.5 km per day.  The Netherlands is also the windmill capital of the world.  The 19 polder, draining windmills of the Kinderdijk are an UNESCO world heritage site.  The Netherlands have used windmills for over 30 different uses; the most common use was for grinding grain and spices. Windmills are a national symbol of the country.

The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, although nearly ninety percent also speak English.  As far as religion, the Netherlands is mostly Roman Catholic and Protestant, of those who practice religion, however 2/3 of the people claim no religious faith.  The Netherlands is known for their social acceptance and was the first country to legalize “same sex marriage” in 2001.

As we look into the cuisine of this nation, well let’s just say, aside from cheese, beer and gin, they are not especially known for their cuisine.  Herring, with chopped raw onions and pickles is considered to be the national dish.  Many people eat raw herring, straight down the hatch, with head and tail attached.  The Dutch consume some 12 million kilograms of herring every year.  Although seafood plays an important part in the Dutch diet, they are big vegetable eaters, with little meat consumed.  Potatoes play a large role in the traditional cuisine.  Grains, such as rye, are used for breads, as well as pumpkin and sunflower seeds.  Often sausages, called rookworst, accompany mashed potatoes and vegetables such as curly kale, in a dish called Boerenkool Stamppot.   Indonesian food is also very popular in their cuisine, as they had colonized Indonesia back in the day. Often times curry powder, and slices of pineapple or bananas are added to the stamppot, giving the oldest Dutch dish an exotic flair.

Dairy also plays a large role in the diet and only one percent of the population is believed to have lactose intolerance, the lowest in the world.  It may also account for why the Dutch are the tallest in the world. Most believe it the combination of good DNA and dairy.

International cuisines can be found throughout the cosmopolitan country.  Other favorite foods are: pancakes that are made both sweet and savory, called Pottertjes, snert a very popular pea soup especially in the winter (when made, the spoon should stand upright in the soup), mustard, pickles and sauerkraut are popular accompaniments, as is applesauce.  Children are served applesauce with nearly every meal and they mix it in with the potatoes and vegetables for sweetness.  For desserts, there are many: oliebollen is a famous dough that is fried and served on New Year’s Eve, stroopwafel is a thin waffle cookie with caramel in the middle, which is a national favorite.  They also love “the Dutch drop” which is a black licorice that can be found everywhere. They make them soft sweet, soft salt, hard sweet and hard salt.

So let us enjoy a Dutch meal:

The Menu

Starter

Bitterballen (A Deepfried, Meatball Served with Mustard)

Main Course

Boerenkool stamppot (Sausage with Mashed Potatoes and Kale)

Served with

Huzarensalade (Hussars Salad)

Dessert

Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie)

We set the scene with the color orange, as that is considered to be the color of the Netherlands.  The flag is now red, white and blue but it used to be orange white and blue, as that was the livery colors of the Dutch prince, William of Orange.  They even created a carrot, that was orange in color, to honor of their prince.  We added to our decor, an anchor, representing the seafaring nation, a picture of a windmill and little wooden shoes, known as clogs, called Klompen.  They are still worn by farmers, and gardeners are a popular tourist souvenir.

We began our meal with a pub fare, called bitterballen.  These are deep fried, meatballs but inside they contain a mixture of bechamel and minced seasoned beef.  Sometimes they are made as long sausages, instead of balls and are then called kroket.  They are both served with spicy mustard and enjoyed with an icy cold, Heineken beer.  These were so yummy and went especially well with soft gouda cheese, making for a lovely appetizer.  The Dutch are actually the largest exporter of cheese in the world.

We said, “Eet samkelijk” which means, “Bon appetit” in Dutch.  For the main course, we served their most famous dish, Boerenkool stamppot.  This dish is made with sausage, alongside a mashed potato and curly kale.  It was hard for me to make this dish as it was 105 degrees outside at my house and it seemed way too hardy to enjoy in this kind of heat.  The truth is, we thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. It was a simple and delicious combination of flavors.

We served the main course with a Hussars salad, which is a potato salad that contains several other ingredients.  Typically it is made with beef, however I eliminated the meat and kept it vegetarian.  This is probably the best potato salad I have ever tasted.  It was dressed with mayonnaise, toned down with white wine vinegar, making it much lighter than what I am used to.  It was the apple that added the tart, lovely, bite in the mix.  This salad would make a perfect lunch or light summer dinner.  We loved it!

For dessert, it was appeltaart.  This was probably the best apple dessert ever.  Saying this statement is almost sacrilege.  My grandmother, Agnes, made a mean apple pie and I often channel her spirit whenever I have to make a dough.  She was beyond amazing in how she could just whip up  a meal for eight or more people and bake three or four pies, after 18 holes on the golf course. I believe I got my passion for food from her.  I thought of her often making this dessert.  She was able to peel an entire apple with a paring knife, keeping the skin in one long, curling piece.  I like to try this because it reminds me of her.  This apple tart is similar to a pie but the crust is much softer than a pie, almost melting in your mouth.  The flavor was divine.  This dessert will be a staple in my home for years to come.  We enjoyed it with a cup of coffee, as the Dutch are the world’s biggest coffee drinkers.  They drink an average of 3.2 cups a day.  They also were the first to import coffee to Europe on a large scale, way back in 1600s.

As we say goodbye to most fascinating country, I leave you with a lovely Dutch proverb:

“Gezelligheid kent geen tijd” which means literally ”Coziness knows no time” or an English translation is:  “Time spent together is time well spent”.

Until next time,

“Vaarwel” which means, “Farewell.”

Darlene Longacre

The name “Morocco” comes from the Spanish word, Marruecos.  The full Arabic name, Al-mamlakah-al-magribyyah, means, “Kingdom of the West.”  Up until the 20^th century, many different countries called Morocco by different names.  For example, the Turks called it Fas, a name that stems from its ancient capital city of Fes.  Egyptians and Middle Eastern countries called it Marrakes, and some still do.  Marrakesh, the capital city during the Almoravid Dynasty, is the basis for the English name which likely came from the Berbers’, Amur Akush or “Land of God,” however, the origin is still disputed.

Morocco is the only African country with a coast on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  It is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa.  It contains numerous types of topography; there are rugged mountain ranges in the interior and large tracts of desert land, contrasted by miles of beautiful coastline.  Its African neighbors are Algeria and Western Sahara.  Spain, to the north, is just a short ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar, making Morocco an easy tourist destination from Europe.

Morocco has a rich history and one of independence, not shared by its neighbors.  The first Moroccan state was founded in 789 AD and has been ruled by a number of independent dynasties.  Morocco was the only North African country to avoid Ottoman occupation.  Back in 1912 Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates, with an international zone in the port city of Tangier.  Morocco regained independence in 1956, although there are still areas of dispute between Western Sahara and its Southern Provinces, as well as a few Spanish islands.  Today Morocco is the only African state that is not a member of the African Union.  It withdrew after the Union accepted Western Sahara as a state, a conflict that today remains unresolved.

Morocco is run as a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.  The current ruling dynasty, the Alouite Dynasty, seized power back in 1666.  The king holds vast executive and legislative powers.  Way back in the middle of the seventh century, during the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb, both Islam and the Arabic language were brought to Morocco.  The indigenous Berbers adopted Islam.  Today Arabs and Berbers make up the largest percentage of the population and 99 percent of the country is Sunni Muslim.  The official languages are Arabic and Tamazight (a Berber language.)  French is also widely spoken and taught in school.  The current King Mohammed VI is known to be a cautious modernizer who has introduced ideas of economic and social liberalization.  In 2004 women’s rights achieved a major step forward with the reform of the country’s personal status code, the Moudawana.  A few things that were manifested were: Women can now retain custody of their children, the unilateral repudiation of a wife is abolished, a man’s taking of a second wife is subject to approval from the first wife, and the minimum, legal age of marriage was raised to 18.

Rabat is the capital city in Morocco and was chosen as such by the French back in 1913.  The largest city is Casablanca, made famous in 1942 by the Academy award winning film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.  Although the film was not actually made in Morocco (it was filmed in Los Angeles) it is considered to be one of the best films of all time.  Today you can find recreated places from the movie, such as Rick’s café, which brings in many tourists.  Casablanca is the economic center of Morocco but is not known for the charm of many of its other well-known cities.  It is the port city for the Royal Moroccan Navy.  It is home to the world’s seventh largest mosque.  Completed in 1993, this mosque has the world’s tallest minaret, at 689 feet high and has the largest covered area, providing space for 80,000 worshippers.  The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s most significant landmark.

Marrakesh is known as the red city, due to the red walls and sandstone buildings that were built back in the 12^th century.  There is a vast market square in Marrakesh called, Jemaa el Fna, which translated means, “Assembly of the Dead.”  It likely got its name because up until the 19^th century, it was a place where the heads of criminals were publically displayed.  Today the square is bustling with vendors, snake charmers and all sorts of amazing Moroccan food.

The beautiful and magical, little city of Chefchaouen is found nestled in the Rif Mountains.  It is known as the Blue City.  You can read about my recent visit there in last week’s journey.

Tangier is the oldest city in Morocco.  It was inhabited by the Phoenicians back in 1600 BC.  Between 1922 and 1956 it was an international city, having representatives from eight European countries.  Fez is another popular city in Morocco and is considered the most complete, medieval city in the Arab world.

Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as a nation, back in 1777.  The Sultan Mohammed III, protected American ships, allowing them safe passage in the Atlantic.  Morocco also has the longest standing friendship agreement with the United States, dating back to 1786, when the Moroccan-American Friendship Treaty was signed.   The Tangiers American Legation building was a gift to the USA back in 1821 and was used as a consulate until 1961.  It is the first building outside the USA to be registered as a National Historic Landmark.

Morocco was second behind Egypt in the Arab world to improve relations with Israel.  In 1993 the king opened up direct air travel, telephone and mail services.

The economy of Morocco is diverse and they are working on tourism becoming its number one revenue source.  As of now, tourism is second after phosphate production.  Morocco is also the largest processor and exporter of sardines in the world.  Morocco does have some controversial exports, as it is also known as one of the world’s largest producers of hashish.  Also a major source of income in the Rif mountainous region, comes from cannabis.  It is believed the term “reefer” stems from the Rif region.

As we look into the cuisine of this exotic and beautiful country, we find they have a lot to offer.  Seksou or (couscous) is considered to be the national dish of Morocco.  It is an ancient dish of the Berbers, comprising granules of semolina that are steamed, typically over a pot filled with vegetables and often meats.  The steaming vessel is known as a couscousier.  The Berbers used local ingredients like, olives, figs, and dates to prepare lamb and chicken stews.  The strongest influence came from the Arabs around the seventh century.  They introduced many spices such as:  saffron, cumin, cinnamon, ginger and caraway.  They also introduced a sweet-sour style of flavors, learned from the Persians.  Morocco’s proximity to Spain led to Moorish and Andalusian inspiration as well.  French and British facets can also be found there.

Morocco produces all the food it needs to feed its people.  They are blessed with many home grown fruits and vegetables.  Some native foods that are very important in Moroccan cooking are lemons, (preserved lemons are a real treat), olives, figs, dates and almonds.  Located on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, seafood is abundant.  Lamb, beef and chicken are all popular meats but it is the distinctive flavoring that comes from their blends of spices that make these dishes unique.  One of the most recognized dishes in Moroccan cuisine is the tagine or tajine.  Its name comes from the conical shaped earthenware that is designed to let steam escape while cooking, making a tender and delicious meal.  Desserts made from almonds and honey are found in every household and enjoyed with the famous mint tea, which is served with every meal.

So let’s enjoy a Moroccan meal.

The Menu

Salad

Sultat Alburtuqal (Orange, Red Onion and Olive Salad)

Second Course

Pastilla (Savory Chicken Pastry with Nuts)

Main Course

Lamb Tagine  (Lamb with Apricots, Prunes and Honey)

Served with

Couscous

Dessert

Sfenj and Atai (Doughnuts with Mint Tea)

To set the mood we placed the blanket that I purchased in Chefchaouen on the floor and arranged cushions around it.  We put on Gnawa music, which is a fusion of Arab, Berber and African rhythms.  We began with a hand washing ritual.  It is customary to only eat with your right hand as the left is considered unclean.  Spoons are often used for couscous and soups.  It is important to note that if you are ever offered meat to eat, you should accept.  It is considered extremely rude to refuse meat.  Adding to the décor, we placed several large roses around, as they have a very important area in Morocco called Vallee des Roses.  In 1912, French perfumers determined the valley would be an ideal place to grow and cultivate roses.  Today the area is full of bushy roses and two large factories in the valley distill rose essence.  With a few candles lit,  we began with a toast of wine.  Although Morocco is a Muslim country, they do export wine through a French company.  It was Romans who began making wine in Morocco some 2000 years ago.  The Gris de Boulaouane is a rose’ with an orange tint and is one of the best selling Moroccan wines.

Our first course was a delicious orange, onion and olive salad.  This light and refreshing salad was outstanding.  The dressing was excellent, made with olive oil, lime  and seasoned with cumin and paprika.  Often times a citrus salad is served alongside grilled meats and spicy dishes.

The second course was a traditional dish called pastilla, sometimes spelled b’stilla or bastilla. This was originally made with pigeon but now is usually made with chicken or is served as a vegetarian dish.  It is somewhat like a pie, however the crust is super light, made from delicate pastry sheets.  The chicken is flavored with an assortment of spices and mixed with eggs and nuts.  The top is sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and the result is a sweet and savory delight.

For the main course we enjoyed a lamb tagine, made with apricots, prunes and almonds.  It was the honey that rendered an amazing sweet sauce that was perfectly soaked up by the hand rolled couscous.  Couscous is always served on Fridays and they call Friday “Couscous Day” in Morocco.  It is considered a holy day much like Sunday is observed in the US.  I decided to make the couscous from scratch.  It was totally worth it.  I would equate the effort similar to that of making homemade pasta.  It really was not too difficult and if you have the time, it is all the more satisfying.

For dessert we enjoyed sfenj; those amazing doughnuts we discovered on the streets of Chefchaouen.  Of course mint tea was the perfect accompaniment.  Mint tea it is the national drink in Morocco.  It was introduced to Morocco in 1854 when blockaded British merchants unloaded large quantities of tea at Moroccan ports.  Made from Chinese green tea, it is brewed with mint leaves and lots of sugar.  It is also called Moroccan or Berber whiskey.  The tea or atai as it called, is served with much pride and ritual.

As we say goodbye to this unique and hospitable country,  I leave you with a one word; “Shuukran.”  This simply means, “Thank you” in Arabic and when said with a couple of pats over your heart, gives it a sign of sincerity.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Chefchaouen means two horns in the Berber language, named for the topography of the mountains just above this quaint city, nestled in the Rif Mountains.  Known also as, the Blue City, the name is often shortened to simply Chaouen pronounced like shower with an “n” instead of an “r” at the end.

We took a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from Tarifa, Spain.  We arrived at the port city of Tangier where Mustafa, our driver, was there to greet us.  He was to transport us to the Blue City.  It was four of us traveling: my two sisters, my niece and me.  My niece Casey, has spent the last few years living in Spain.  She had made the trek several times to the port city with other visitors and had also spent time in Marrakesh.  She forewarned us about the hustle and bustle of the port city of Tangier.  She likened it to most border towns, teeming with unrelenting merchants, trying every trick in the book to lure the tourists to their wares.  From such an experience, you get the totally wrong impression of the country and the people.  We had made arrangements to simply bypass it altogether and head straight to the Blue City.

The drive to Chefchaouen took about an hour and a half and was simply spectacular.  Verdant pastures dotted the land, filled with cows, sheep, goats, donkeys and horses and lush green mountains were the back drop for the scenic drive. I am not sure how I expected the topography in Morocco to look, I guess it would have been more desert like, in my mind’s eye.  It was a bucolic and beautiful surprise.

When we arrived that Thursday afternoon, we discovered is was market day.  The town square was bustling with men and women who had come down from the mountains to sell their fresh fruits, spices, vegetables and beautiful bouquets of flowers to the locals.  We saw large vats of olive oil for sale and could smell the wonderful aroma of roasting sunflower seeds.

One thing to know about this city, is the people do not like to have their photos taken.  You must ask permission first however it is often refused.

The market square was as far a vehicle could go, so the rest of the journey would be on foot to reach our hotel.  In fact, most of the narrow streets of Chefchaouen are not meant for vehicles.  The square is part of the fortress that was designed to stop the Portuguese invasion.  It was built back in 1471, created by Mulay Ali Ben Rachid, (considered to be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad).  It also served as a refuge during the Spanish Inquisition and Reconquista for thousands of Sephardic Jews and Morisco Muslims who were expelled during that time.  Up until the Spanish occupation in the 1920’s, the town’s mighty walls were closed to visitors and other religious groups.

It is thought that the reason the city is painted with every conceivable shade of blue, was influenced by the Jewish religion.  It is also believed that the color blue, is a mosquito repellent. To the Jews, it is a holy reminder of God’s power.  The same blue painting was done to the homes in the ancient Israeli, City of Safed.  Although the Jews are now a minority, with only a small area known as the Jewish Quarter remaining, in the mostly Muslim city of Chefchaouen, the painting continues.  Every spring the women get out their favorite shade of blue and give their homes, outside doors and walls, a touch up.

The name “The Blue City” is an understatement at best.  To walk along the narrow cobble stone streets with walls and doors drenched in blue and then to come upon a winding staircase that seems to climb to the heavens, you feel as if on the threshold of a spectacular mountain vista shrouded in shadows or perhaps surrounded by a hypnotic, aquatic paradise.  It has calmness about it, a sense of serenity and spirituality.  The people and shop keepers are kind, warm and generous.  As they pass you on the street, they place one hand over their heart and whisper, “Shalom.”

The hotel manager met us at the square and helped us with our luggage through the serpentine pathways, when we finally arrived at the Riad Cherifa.  The hotel is small, with only a dozen rooms.  When we walked in and were struck with the beautiful, authentic décor that is so purely Moroccan.  The details and colors are stunning and little vignettes fill every corner.

There were receded lounges with pillowy sofas; places to simply relax and take it all in.  As the clerk checked us in, we were escorted to a comfortable couch and a low table where we were served mint tea and three different types of cookies.

As we only had 24 hours in this amazing city, we didn’t want to waste a moment.  We dropped off our bags and within minutes our local tour guide, Ali, appeared.  He gave us a brief history lesson as we toured the many amazing sites. There were walkways that had stunning artwork and murals painted on the walls. There were water fountains with blue hoses. We saw blue light posts and even the rare graffiti scribbling was blue!

Ali even took us to the local baker after we saw people walking around with loaves of bread.  He told us that the dough is made by the locals and they take it to the baker where his oven is used to bake it.  The smell of fresh bread wafted through the air.  There is a simplicity here, as though life stands still.  The city has a population of about 42,000 people, who all seem to know one another.

On our tour, one thing that was noticeable everywhere, were cats.  There are many in this small city as they are considered the pet of choice, since they are considered “clean” animals.  They often pose for a lovely picture, as they sit aloof and confident, in front of the blue backdrops.

After our tour, we had a wonderful lunch of kebabs and fries in an upstairs, restaurant terrace.  After our meal, we headed back to our hotel for a scheduled hammam, a kind of steam/exfoliation bath. (more about the hammam experience in another post.) All I will say is that it was a hammam to remember.  We enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant and slept soundly in our comfortable rooms.

We awoke early the next morning to walk to the top of the city walls and take in the view.  The city takes on a magical element in the quiet of the morning.

The merchants would not open until 11:00 am, as it was Friday and Couscous Day, as they call it; similar to a Sunday in the United States.  While we were wandering along the meandering paths, we encountered a man trying to feed a cat part of his doughnut that he had on a ring with other doughnuts he had just purchased.  The cat did not seem interested so the man stood up and offered the rest of the doughnut for us to try.  We each took a piece and fell in love.  This doughnut was hot, crunchy on the outside, doughy on the inside and we had to have more.  The nice man directed us to shop where we could obtain them and we bought a ring of them for next to nothing.  I think they were about 20 cents each. The makers of the doughnuts allowed me to take pictures of them cooking.

I have since found a recipe that is pretty darn close, so you can try them at home, until you have the opportunity to go to this amazing, little Blue City yourself.

Moroccan Doughnuts (Sfenj)

We went back to the hotel for breakfast, where they thankfully, had more of those delicious doughnuts.  We had an egg, with bread, served with olives, honey, orange marmalade, and goat cheese.  The yogurt with rosewater, was topped with raisins and honey; delicious.  Fresh tangerines were also served.  My sister, Dawn, fell in love with the honey and the waiter upon hearing this and without provocation, took off down the street to buy her a jar to take home.  I later needed to get some spices for an authentic tagine dish I was to make for our Morocco International Cuisine meal.  The manager upon learning this, insisted we follow him to the nearby spice store.  Never had we encountered people so genuinely willing to make sure we were happy and satisfied without wanting a thing in return.  They were simply gracious and kind.  It was so wonderful to experience true Moroccan hospitality.

The same driver, Mustafa, arrived to take us back to the ferry.  He was wearing his Jalaba; the traditional dress of Morocco and worn by most of the men in town.  It is a long, woolen dress-like robe with a cone-shaped hoodie.

He safely returned us to the ferry and we said goodbye to our new friend.  To say thank you, you say Shukraan, however in the Blue city they say it with a couple pats of their hand to their hearts as a sign of sincerity.  I think we all left a piece of our heart in Chefchaouen and we hope to one day to return.

Until next week when we will enjoy a Moroccan feast,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

As we welcome 2017 I am filled with great anticipation.  This week I will be in transit as I embark on a trip of a lifetime.  Here’s what is in store:

My upcoming trip takes me to Mauritius, (an island nation in the Indian Ocean) a place I call “Delicious Mauritius.”  There I will be guided by a renowned chef, who will personally take me and my husband Dan around the island to explore the full cultural experience, from a local perspective.  Of course staying with a chef has its perks, and as we cook together I will share our culinary creations as well.  I have not forgotten that I owe you a great dessert recipe for Mauritius.

Next I will be in Zanzibar, another island that belongs to Tanzania, where I will be cooking with Swahili women in a small village called Jambiani.  I will explore the main city of Stone Town, with its rich history dating back to antiquity.  I will also be visiting the luxurious north end of the island, known as a honeymoon destination and famous for its pristine beauty and deep sea fishing.

I then make my way to Nairobi, Kenya where I will fulfill a lifelong dream of feeding a baby elephant with a giant bottle of milk at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Refuge.  My husband and I are foster parents to two elephants; their named Esampu and Komak.  I also will bring highlights of our stay at the Giraffe Manor. This is where the giraffes dine with the guests of the manor by sticking their long necks through the dining room windows for treats.  This is also the place where Karen Von Blixen wrote her famed novel, Out of Africa.

After that, I head to the great Serengeti in Tanzania where I will meet with the local Masai tribe.  My travels will include a week long photographic safari of the great wildebeest migration and all that an African Safari has to offer.  I have been invited to cook at several local lodges along the way and will be preparing customary Tanzanian cuisine.

My next adventure will be in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. This is a place where the old and new collide in fascinating ways and where nearly every country in the world is represented by their cuisine.  There I will trek through the desert on a camel and have an authentic Bedouin experience with food and dancing.  I will of course explore the old souks, (markets) that still operate in the old city and where spices, textiles and gold have been traded for centuries.

Lastly I head to France, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, England and soon after, Cuba.

I can’t wait to share this adventure with you. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to sign up to join the journey, it’s free and that way you won’t miss a thing!

Warmest Regards,

Darlene

Mextzlixcictlico, is believed to be what Mexico was first called.  The word combines three sounds in the old Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, also known as Mexicas.  Mextzli means ‘moon”, Xictlii means “center” or “umbilical” and co means “place.”  Mextzlixcictlico translated means, “place in the center of the moon” or “belly button of the moon.”  Mexicas were warrior tribes who came from a place thought to be in the north-western region of Mexico, called Aztlan.  They arrived in the Valley of Mexico at the beginning of the 13^th century.  They settled on a small island in the Texcoco Lake.  They called this lake, “the lake of the moon” and in the center was Tenochtitlan, their capital city (now Mexico City.)

Legend says that the Aztecs left their home to look for a place to start anew.  Their god had told them to find a lake where an eagle with a serpent in its beak would stand on a nopal cactus, growing from a rock.  After much traveling they found exactly what their god described and were sure it was the sign they had been seeking.  Tenochtitlan translated means, “place where a cactus grows from a stone.”  This symbol of the eagle with the snake on the cactus is the national emblem of Mexico and is proudly displayed on their flag.  When the Spanish arrived in 1519, they could not pronounce Mextzlixcictlico, and so it was shortened to Mexico.  In Spanish it is pronounced Mejico, with the j pronounced like an h.  The country was ultimately named Estado Unidos Mexicanos or the United Mexican States.  There are 31 States in Mexico, plus Mexico City, known as the Federal District.

Mexico is located in the southern part of North America.  It is bordered to the north by the United States of America (the second largest border in the Americas after Canada) and to the southeast by Belize and Guatemala.  Baja California is a peninsula of arid land that extends between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.  It is where the desert meets the sea.  The mainland, as it is called, is surrounded by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean to the west and Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Campeche (formed by Mexico’s other peninsula, the Yucatan) to the east, as well as the Caribbean Sea.  Mexico is the 14^th largest country in the world by size.

Mexico has something for everyone; it has a variety of geographical regions and climate variations, from high deserts and scrubland, to lush tropical jungles and 6000 miles of spectacular coastline.  Central Mexico is mostly a volcanic plateau, surrounded by vast mountain ranges, running north to south.  Mexico is located on the “Ring of Fire” and has suffered from several major earthquakes.  Mexico City was built on top of the old Aztec capital and is actually sinking.  The city is home to some 24 million people and is the second most populated city in the world.  They consume about 287 billion gallons of water each year.  However, because 70 percent of their water comes from the aquifer below the city, it has actually sunk, more than 32 feet in just the last 60 years.

Mexico has an amazing history of notable ancient civilizations.  This period is referred to as the Pre-Columbian period.  There are at least five major civilizations that existed in Mexico: the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec and Aztec.  First populated some 13,000+ years ago, the country had complex indigenous civilizations long before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.  What these civilizations left behind, is why Mexico is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  There are places like the Pre-Hispanic towns of Chichen-Itza, Tulum, Teotihuacan and Uxmal, to the ancient rock paintings of the Serra de San Francisco and historic centers such as Zacatacas, Puebla, Morelia, Oaxaca, Monte Alban and San Miguel de Allende, to name just a few.

Mexico was under Spanish rule for nearly 300 years.  The Mexican people, led by a priest named Father Hidalgo, rose up against the Spanish on September 16, 1810.  Hidalgo is considered to be the Father of modern Mexico and Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th each year.  This date actually marked the beginning of the war.  It was not until a decade later that Mexico declared independence from Spain, on September 28, 1821.  Since her independence and through many civil wars and revolutions, Mexico’s borders are what they are today.  It used to be a much larger country, incorporating a vast swath of the USA’s western states.

The Spanish left an indelible mark on the culture of Mexico.  Spanish is the language they speak and Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking nation in the world.  They also adopted the Catholic faith and 88 percent of the population are Catholics.  Many of their cities were built in colonial times with beautiful churches and town squares, called Zocalas, which make up the hub of activity in the center of the city.  They have incorporated local religious practices and customs from the pre-Christian era into their celebrations and festivals.  For example, the very popular “Day of the Dead” represents a fusion of All Souls Day, with rituals from earlier Aztec and Meso-American tribal customs.

The largest ethnic group in Mexico is Mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Indian ancestry. The next largest group is the indigenous population, mostly Amerindian, who keep their unique customs alive and well.  The constitution recognizes 62 indigenous groups living in Mexican territory and grants them autonomy and protects their culture and languages.  Americans, Europeans, Africans and other immigrants from Asia and the Middle-East, make up the balance.

As we look into the cuisine of Mexico, it is extremely varied by region.  The north is famous for its ranch culture, where the most popular dishes are based on beef and goat.  Dishes like machaca, arrachera (fajitas) and cabrito (baby goat) are famous.  Cheese, in many varieties, comes from this region; including queso fresco, that is loved all over the world.  Corn tortillas are ubiquitous throughout Mexico.  However, the north has created at least forty different types of flour tortillas and created the burrito in Sonora, which has also become world renowned.  Baja California is home to Mexico’s oldest wine region with a reputation for delicious wines.

The north Pacific coast supplies much of the country’s grains, fruits and vegetables. The area is famous for pozole (an hominy soup), birria (a stew made of beef, lamb or pork with chili peppers and spices), menudo (made from cow intestines) and many pork dishes.  Jalisco is famous for its tequila.  Of course, seafood is abundant along the coast.  It is generally cooked with chili peppers and European spices.

The Bajio area is famous for its carnitas, (deep fried pork) originating from Michoacan.  The area is also famous for its sweet desserts, like arroz con leche, (a rice pudding) and cajeta (goat’s milk caramel).

The south Pacific coast, incorporating the area of Oaxaca, is famous for their indigenous cuisine.  Chicken and pork are staple ingredients, along with seven different moles (pronounced mo- lays.)  Chocolate is also used frequently, hand ground and combined with nuts and cinnamon for a delicious beverage.  Corn is another staple food of the region and used in tortillas and there is a cheese similar to a string cheese, simply called Oaxaca cheese, made from this region as well.

The food from the Yucatan region is based on Mayan food, with Caribbean influences.  One of the main spices is achiote, which gives the food a reddish color.  Recados, are pastes made with achiote and used on chicken and pork.  Pibil is a cooking method used in this area where meat and vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a pit.  This area also loves habaneros, a fiery chili that is typically served on the side.  Tropical fruits are plentiful and used to make delicious salsas.

The Gulf region of Tabasco and Veracruz, is a fusion of Afro-Cuban and Spanish cuisines.  The Europeans introduced herbs to the region which are used to make dishes like, Huachinango a la veracruzana, red snapper, prepared in a tomato sauce, seasoned with bay leaf, onions, capers, olives and sweet yellow peppers.  Yes, the beloved hot sauce, called Tabasco, comes from Tabasco.  Dishes made with peanuts along with plantains, yucca and sweet potatoes are the Africans’ contribution to their cuisine.  The whole area is teeming with seafood, used often in the dishes from this region.

Central Mexico is where every type of Mexican cuisine can be found.  Mexico City’s street foods are very popular, with taco stands and tortas (sandwiches) found on nearly every corner.  You can find restaurants featuring pre-Hispanic food, to the latest haute, Mexican cuisine and every style of cooking in between.

Corn, chocolate and chilies are just a few of the gifts from Mexico, to the world.

So let’s enjoy a Mexican meal:

The Menu

Starter

Campanchana (Seafood Cocktail)

Soup

Pozole Roja (Chicken and Hominy Soup with Red Sauce)

Main Course

 Chiles en Nogada (Stuffed Chiles with Walnut Sauce)

 Dessert   

Flan (Caramel Custard)

We set the mood with Mariachi music, for which Mexico is famous.  We wore sombreros (big, mexican hats) and decorated the table with a tortilla press, terracotta pottery, molinas (wooden chocolate whisks) and a Dahlia pinnata, (Mexico’s national flower.)

We began our meal with one of my favorite things, typically found on a street cart, it is called, campachana.  It is a seafood cocktail that is served with the broth in which the seafood is cooked.  It usually has octopus, shimp, squid, scallops and sometimes oysters.  This is served in a cup and topped with cilantro, jalapeno, onions and lime.  It is heaven in a cup.

Next we had pozole, pronounced “po-so-lay”, a chicken (or often times made with pork) and hominy soup in a red sauce, that is popular all over Mexico.  It is not always made with a red sauce, but this is my favorite style.  The red comes from a combination of pureed dried chilis which impart a delicous flavor.  Hominy is a giant, white corn kernel.  When it cooks it almost appears as though it is blooming.  It also gives wonderful flavor to the soup.  Pozole, whether white, green, or red, is always served with accompaniments:  limes, radishes, chopped cabbage or lettuce, white onion and tostadas.  Spices such as dried oregano, ground chili or a mexican mix, like tajin, are also on the table.

For the main course, I chose to make a very old recipe, that was created for the a general and his men who were to fight for Mexican independence.  The recipe comes from the nuns in Puebla.  It is a complex recipe and I can not even imagine making this without a blender.  Back then they would have ground the walnuts for the sauce using a metate.  It must have taken them days to prepare.  This dish features the colors of the Mexican flag; the walnut sauce being white, pomegranate seeds for the red and parsley for the green.  It is therefore a favorite for Independence Day celebrations, when pomegranates come into season.  Basically, this dish is a poblano chili stuffed with meat, fruit, nuts and an array of spices, all mixed together called picadillo.  It is then fried in an egg batter and topped with the walnut sauce and garnishes.  Honestly, this recipe was so different from any chili relleno we have ever had, I was not sure what to expect.  All I can say is that those nuns had divine inspiration.  The complexity of flavors and textures in this dish can be summed up in one word,  Sublime!

For dessert we served one of the most widespread delights, flan; a delicious egg custard with caramel sauce.  It is extremely popular all over Mexico, and the world, and was a wonderful ending to our most amazing Mexican meal.

Growing up and living in Southern California, Mexico was a place  that along with my husband  I often visited.  We had many interesting adventures there.  In fact, we were even married at the Twin Dolphin Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, 28 years ago.

Please tune in next time for some first hand stories of our journeys to Mexico, where we experienced their warm hospitality, local traditions and shared in their amazing cuisine.  I’ll also bring you more delicious Mexican recipes, like:

Mole Poblano (Mexican Sauce)

Corn Tortillas (Handmade)

Enmoladas (Chicken Enchiladas in Mole Sauce)

Until then, I leave you with a famous Mexican saying, “Mi casa es su casa”,  which means, “My house is your house.”

Hasta la juego (See you later)

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Malta is sometimes called “The Land of Honey” and may have received its name from the Greeks, who called it melite, which means, honey or sweet.  It is believed, it was given this name because of the honey bees that are endemic on Malta.  Another theory is, the name came from the Phoenician word maleth, meaning haven or port.  The origin of Malta’s name still remains a mystery.

Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.  Only three, of the eighteen islands, are inhabited.  The largest island is Malta and home to the capital city of Valletta.  Gozo is also inhabited but is much more rural than Malta.  Comino is a tiny island that is mostly a nature preserve.  Malta lies about 50 miles south of the Italian island of Sicily and 176 miles east of Tunisia and 207 miles north of Libya.  The whole area combined is only 121 square miles.  It is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet has a population of 450,000.  This makes Malta the eighth, most densely populated, country in the world and the fourth in Europe.

The spectacular, rugged, uninhabited islands, lie on the Malta plateau, which used to be part of a land bridge between Sicily and North Africa.  They became separated when the sea rose, after the last Ice Age.  Malta has significant history dating back to the 5200 BC.   It is home to some of the oldest free standing buildings in the world, dating back to 3500 BC; all of which are UNESCO World heritage sites.  Its location, in the Mediterranean Sea, has made it a strategic port, naval base and has been a target for takeovers by foreign powers for millennia.  The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, have all ruled the islands.  Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and is a current member state of the Commonwealth of Nations.  It is a member of the UN and the EU and became part of the Eurozone in 2008.

In 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta, in recognition of the country’s support and bravery during World War II.  The George Cross is proudly displayed on the nation’s flag.   Malta has a rich history as one of the oldest, Christian communities in the world.  Malta is claimed to be an Apostolic see, according to the Acts of the Apostles.  Paul, the Apostle, was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD, and spread Christianity.  Saint Paul is memorialized throughout the island. The spot where most believe Paul’s ship ran aground some 2000 years ago, is a popular tourist spot.  Catholicism is the official religion of Malta and a significant part of everyday life and holidays.  If you visit Malta in the summer, every town and village has at least one feast (or festa’) dedicated to a Saint.  The feast lasts for one week, and each village is decorated with ornaments, works of art, statues and painted tapestries.  The festa’, typically culminates in a celebratory, fireworks display on a Saturday night.  There are 75 of these feasts between June and September.  The Maltese people also have many unique customs to celebrate Christmas on the islands.  One of them is to serve a popular dessert called, Qughaq ta’ l-ghasel, which are pastry rings, filled with their special Malta honey.

Malta is home to more than 360 churches.  The parish church is the architectural and geographical focal point of every Maltese town or village.  The Mosta Dome is one of Malta’s largest churches, known for its dome shaped roof, which is the third largest, unsupported church dome in all of Europe.  On April 9^th, 1942, during World War II, the Germans dropped a bomb weighing 500 kg, which broke through the ceiling while some 300 parishioners were awaiting mass.  Miraculously, the bomb did not detonate when it hit the floor, sparing the church and all the worshipers.  A replica bomb is on display in the back of the church.

There are two official languages of Malta, Maltese and English, which was imposed by the British after 1800.  Maltese is a Semitic language that is a combination of Arabic, Sicilian, and Italian, with a little French and English mixed in.  The alphabet consists of 30 letters and is based on the Latin alphabet.  One hundred percent of the population speaks Maltese, 88 percent speak English, 66 percent speak Italian and 17 percent speak French, making Malta one of the most multilingual countries in the European Union.  Malta is home to only one university, the Maltese Cross, which was founded in 1592, making it the oldest university in the Commonwealth, outside of Britain.

In 1530, Charles V of Spain, gave control over Malta to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Malta.  They are most remembered for successfully defending the island against the Ottomans during the Great Siege of 1565.  The eight point Crusade cross, often associated with the Knights of Malta, later became known as the Maltese cross and is one of the nation’s most important symbols.  The Grand Master of the Order of Saint John Jean Parisot de Valette, was the Order’s hero, commanding the resistance during the Great Siege.  He laid the foundation for Malta’s capital city, Valletta.

The economy of Malta is growing and has changed dramatically over the centuries.  Today Malta’s major resources are limestone, its desirable geographic location and their productive labor force.  The economy is dependent on foreign trade, mostly serving as a freight trans-shipment point, manufacturing of both electronics and textiles and tourism.   The country has been successful in attracting film production, the gaming business, aircraft and ship registration, as well as credit-card bank licenses. They are also looking at petroleum exploration of the continental shelf, between Malta, Libya and Tunisia.  The country is listed as an advanced economy according to the IMF.  It does face issues, as it only produces about 20 percent of its food needs.  It also has very limited freshwater supplies, due to drought in the summertime. Additionally, there are no rivers or lakes, so they have to rely more and more on the expensive alternative of desalinization plants.

As we look into the cuisine of Malta, it clearly reflects its rich history.  Some of the most prevalent influences are Sicilian and English, with Spanish, French, Maghrebin and Mediterranean cuisines, thrown in the mix.  The result is uniquely Maltese.  Their national dish is called stuffat tal-fenek, a rabbit, stewed in wine and spices.  They often utilize the flavorful broth from the stew to serve as a first course with pasta. They are famous for their Gozitan cheeselet, called gbejna, which is used in multiple dishes, as well as their crusty bread called hobz biz-zejt.  They make a dip called bigilla, which is made from dried, broad beans that are cooked and mashed with anchovies, garlic and hot pepper.  Another treasure from Malta is a sweet tasting, tomato paste called Kunserva, which is also used in many dishes and often times spread on crusty bread, topped with capers, tuna, anchovies, olives and then drizzled with olive oil.  They may be most famous for their golden filled pastries found on every street corner, called pastizzi.

So let’s enjoy a Maltese meal:

The Menu

Starter

Zebbug Mimli (Stuffed Olives)

Served with

Pastizzi (Curried Pea and Ricotta Stuffed Pastries)

Salad

Maltese Insalata (Garden Salad)

Main Course

 Bragioli (Beef Olives)

Served with

Froga-Tat-Tarja (Cheesy Pasta Omelette)

 Dessert   

Maltese Gelat (Ice Cream)

We decorated with the county’s flag colors, of red and white.  We adorned candles with the Malta cross, added ships to represent their port industry and a tennis ball, as some may consider it to be their national sport.  Pictures of Mdina, a fortified city of antiquity, were placed, as well as Comino’s famous blue lagoon.   We sat back and imagined the beautiful rugged beaches, spectacular churches, fortresses and especially the strong character of the Maltese people, as we enjoyed our first course.  We ate continental style, which is customary there.

We began with two snack foods; the first was colossal olives stuffed with a mixture of anchovies, tuna, and garlic.  They did not last long!  We also enjoyed the extra stuffing mixture on crackers.  These little treats are often served with cheese, salami and wine and would be outstanding for any occasion.  We served ours alongside the national treasure snack, called pastizzi.  These are golden puff pastries: stuffed with cheese in one and stuffed with curried mashed peas in the other.  We loved them both.

Next was a simple inslata, or garden salad, made with fresh ingredients right from our International Cuisine garden.  It consisted of romaine lettuce, cucumber, sweet peppers, red onion, carrots, tomatoes then garnished with fresh basil and thyme.  It was lightly dressed with olive oil  a few drops of white vinegar, minced garlic and a touch of ground pepper.  A lovely salad indeed.

For the main course, we had Bragioli, or beef olives, as they are often called.  But don’t let the name fool you; there are no olives in the dish.  This is a very popular dish in all of Malta.  It is made with thinly sliced beef, rolled and stuffed with bread crumbs, bacon, garlic, parsley and hard-boiled egg.  The beef olives are garnished with sauteed onions, carrots and a bay leaf,  then slowly, braised in a red wine.  The broth is often times used with pasta, as a first course and although we did not do that, I am sure it would be delicious.  We did enjoy it alongside an outstanding, cheesy, pasta omelette.  It is a wonderful way to use left over pasta and is definitely a keeper.  The cooked pasta noodles are lightly coated with cheese, egg, parsley and garlic, along with a little salt and pepper and fried until golden brown, just like an omelette.  Ingenious!

For dessert,  we served a simple gelat, or vanilla ice cream, made with a bit of cream, evaporated milk and gently flavored with a hint of lemon and cinnamon.  This , topped with a sprinkle of roasted almonds, was a lovely end,to our most satisfying Maltese meal.

As we say goodbye to the beautiful treasure of Malta, I leave you simply with a few words from the letter that King George wrote. “ To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta, to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.”

And a quote widely used by the Maltese people.

“Tuna I-pastizzi ha mmutu zghar!” this simply means, “For the Maltese, food is a way of life.”

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Christopher Columbus, on his fourth voyage to the New World, named this country “Honduras”, which is Spanish for “Depths”, referring to the deep waters off the northern coast. Honduras gained independence from Spain, along with her neighbors, in 1821. Located in the middle of Central America, her neighbors are Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. She also has a small border on the Pacific Ocean and a long border on the Caribbean Sea. This area, also known as the “mosquito coast”, is a long series of white, sandy beaches and freshwater lagoons. The Mosquitia (as it is called there) has one of the greatest tropical rain forests remaining in the world, along with pine woods (their national tree) and grasslands.

The Bay Islands lie off the northern coast, with the largest island being Roatan. These Islands were fought over by the English and the Spanish and a large number of English settled there. It is not uncommon to see blond hair, blue-eyed, locals on the islands. It was also an area home to the Garifuna people, Afro-Caribbean, “Bay Islanders,” who were brought from West Africa to work on the plantations and now reside mainly along the north coast.

It was the Mayans who inhabited the area before Columbus arrived and established large communities there. They later moved on to Mexico for reasons not completely understood. One prominent theory suggests a prolonged drought caused famine and unrest and eventually led to the dispersal of the Mayans. Copán is considered to be an important Mayan archaeological site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Honduras.

Honduras, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, is subjected to occasional hurricanes. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch, a category five hurricane, devastated Honduras, killing over 5000 people and causing more than two billion dollars in damages.

The main ethnicity of the Hondurans is mestizo, a mix of Indian and European, along with other native Indians and the Garifuna. Spanish is the official language, although English is often spoken, as well as indigenous languages. The main religion is Roman Catholic.

Bananas, the main crop in Honduras, drew in large companies from North America. These corporations remain the largest land holders in the country. Unfortunately, they never took care of the people and infrastructure, as promised, in return for the land. This set up a kind of aristocracy for the wealthy few, while the majority of people in Honduras remain poor, with 65% living in poverty. Today the primary exports are bananas, coffee, pineapple, palm oil, timber, clothing and seafood. The United States is their main trading partner.

Honduras, with its beautiful islands, azure blue seas and rain forests could be a real draw for tourism. Diving and snorkeling are said to be among the best in the world, as the islands are surrounded by the world’s second largest, barrier reef. However, the crime rate is excessively high and Honduras is, unfortunately, referred to as the murder capital of the world. Drug smuggling and kidnappings are also big problems. Although they have made some strides to improve their reputation in the last few years, the country remains on nearly every country’s travel warning list. Tourism suffers tremendously due to this threat. It is not uncommon to see police and military soldiers with assault rifles walking the streets. They are there as protection but leave a very uneasy feeling for the average tourist. The current president, Hernandez, is working with the International Monetary Fund to ease their poor fiscal situation. He announced “The Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle”, a plan to work with Guatemala and El Salvador to reduce violence, stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure and promote education over the next several years. All three countries suffer from the same ills and all should benefit from this alliance.

As we look into the cuisine of this nation, we see a fusion of indigenous Indian cuisine with Spanish, Caribbean and African influences. The Garifuna have a distinct, cuisine style with lots of fish stews and soups, many of which use coconut milk. The cuisine varies by region, with seafood being a prominent ingredient on the Bay Islands. Beef is a more popular choice on the mainland. The dishes are not spicy-hot, however they do use quite a few aromatic seasonings such as: cumin, anchiote, allspice and paprika, along with fresh herbs, like coriander and oregano. Rice and beans along with corn tortillas are by far the main, staple foods. Beans there are either black or red and used extensively. Sometimes corn tortillas and beans may be all that is consumed in a day.

An extremely popular breakfast food is called balaedas; a flour tortilla stuffed with beans, cheese, eggs and sometimes meat. Chimol or “pico de gallo” is found on nearly every Honduran table and is a condiment put on just about everything but especially on tamales, enchiladas and carne asada. It is also used like a salsa, to enjoy on a tortilla chips. Like their neighbor Guatemala, they make their tamales wrapped in banana leaves, as opposed to corn husks. Mondongo soup, made of tripe and other beef parts, is considered a legendary hangover cure.

So let’s eat Honduran style:

The Menu
Main
Plato Tipico (Typical Plate)

Consisting of
Carne Asada (Marinated Beef)

Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

Chicharones (Pork Crackling)

Platanos Fritos (Fried Banana)

Served with Chimol (a Fresh Salsa Topping)

Served with
Horchata (a Rice Drink)

We set the table in a tropics motif. Our tropical fruit included bananas, plantains, pineapple and coconuts. A colorful parrot, representing their national bird, (which is actually a scarlet macaw) along with orchids, (their national flower), palm fronds and banana leaves added to our theme. Blue and white were the colors of choice, to represent the flag of Honduras. We put on some Punta music, created by the Garifuna people. It is a unique type of music, with the lyrics sung in Spanish, by only women. Punta music is thick with percussion, created by a drum beat made from hallowed out, native woods. The marimba is their most distinctive, percussion instrument. It is made of wooden bars attached to resonators, to amplify the sound, as they are struck with mallets.

We began our meal with “Salud”, that is “Cheers” in Spanish, as we toasted with our non-alcoholic beverage, called horchata. It is a drink made from rice and spices and was perfectly refreshing. Beer or rum would be a common, adult beverage choice in Honduras.

“Buen Provencho”, (enjoy your meal) invites guests to begin eating. The meal was served family style; all dishes provided at the same time. Considered to be the national dish, plato tipico (or typical plate) is found on almost every menu in the country. This is an extremely large plate of food that is both filling and delicious. The meat, called carneada, is beef that has been marinated in sour orange and spices and then barbecued. It is served with refried red beans. Fried plantains, made from ripe bananas, were a sweet and delicious accompaniment. The chicharones, or pork crackling (well what can I say), is pork belly, braised for a few hours and then fried in its own rendered pork fat. Chimol, a tomato, onion and pepper mixture was wonderful on the meat. This was also served with rice, a simple side salad of lettuce, tomato and onion along with some sour cream and of course, homemade, corn tortillas. This meal would also often be served with chorizo, a spicy sausage but I thought the chicharones were enough pork for the day.

There was no dessert with this meal; absolutely no room left for it. So instead we decided to crank up the Punta, get out the maracas and dance the night away.

As we say goodbye, I leave you with a few Honduran proverbs:
For great ills, great remedies.
Hunger has no law, it’s just hungry.
The truth is bitter and lies are sweet.
Every time one laughs a nail is removed from one’s coffin.

Until next time,
Hasta luego, (see you later)
Darlene

It was the peaceful, Taino Indians who inhabited the island of Haiti before the arrival of the Europeans. The name, Haiti, is derived from their native language and means “mountainous country”. Haiti is part of the island of Hispaniola, which is the second largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba. Haiti resides in the western third of the island and shares its border with the Dominican Republic.

Hispaniola was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus and was the first island settled by the Spanish in the New World. The Taino Indians initially assisted the Spaniards but soon 90% of them died of European diseases, from which they had no immunity. The area became desolate. This made the island an ideal home for castaways and predominantly French colonist, fortune seekers, who became pirates and buccaneers. The French used these people in an unofficial war against the Spanish. In a treaty in 1697, Spain ceded the western third of the island to France to become Haiti. Slaves were brought in from Africa to work the many plantations.

In the late 1700s, this area was known as “The Jewel of the Antilles” and became the wealthiest colony in the world. In 1791, an uprising occurred as the African slaves, outnumbered the French by ten to one. This turned into a 13 year battle, fighting off the Spanish, French and English, who were also fighting one another for control of this rich colony. In 1804 the last European troops were defeated and driven from the island, making Haiti the first, independent, sovereign “black” country in the world. They declared independence on January 1, 1804 and it is celebrated in grand fashion each year.

Today the population of Haiti is 95 percent African descent and five percent mulatto or white. The official languages are French and Creole but few speak French today. Haiti is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and is now among the poorest in the western hemisphere. Voodoo ceremonial traditions are common, as Voodoo is practiced as a religion in Haiti, along with Catholicism and Protestantism.

The nation is made up of small farmers. Although only 30 percent of the mountainous land is arable, more than 40 percent is worked. Slash and burn agriculture, along with deforestation, has left the land susceptible to erosion, causing landslides and mudslides. The primary crops grown today are sugarcane, cocoa, coffee and mangoes. Imports come mainly from the United States and include many staple ingredients, like rice, beans and flour. Food is energy but energy is required to make food, which in Haiti, has historically come from coal and firewood. This too has contributed to the deforestation problem. However, there has been a recent push to get clean energy to the people, in the form of natural gas.

A tectonic fault line runs right through the heart of this island causing frequent and sometimes devastating earthquakes. The most recent major earthquake was in 2010, where in one day, 300,000 people died and over two million people were displaced. It additionally caused catastrophic damage to the already poor infrastructure. This tropical island also lies in the direct path of hurricanes. Despite these conditions and obstacles, the Haitians are a strong and resilient people.

The people are still waiting and hoping for an all important, non-corrupt, governmental leadership to emerge. The politics of this country were dominated for decades by the initially popular, but subsequently brutal, dictator known as, “Papa Doc” and then succeeded by his son, known as, “Baby Doc.” This family ruled the country from 1957 until 1991 with no regard for the people. Even though there have been elections and new leaders have come and gone, the Haitian people are tired of government corruption. A tell-tale sign of the frustration of the Haitian people was exhibited during the earthquake, when the people cheered as the Presidential palace collapsed. Now they just hope whoever comes next will look after their tourism, education, infrastructure and most importantly, the hard working people of Haiti.

Haiti received massive aid after the devastating earthquake in 2010. Unfortunately, it is believed that most of the funds were misused and there still remains much work left undone. Even the United Nations, who brought in relief workers to help, ended up causing more problems for Haiti by introducing the cholera outbreak. That said, there are reputable charity organizations still working diligently to help the Haitians. The actor, Sean Penn, has one such organization, called JPHRO, which appears to be doing excellent work in the country. He is committed to be there for the long haul. This is what he said about the people of Haiti, “You can feel the potential for growth and change, it is palpable. They simply need a chance.”

One of the buildings that has survived many challenges and is a testament to the people of Haiti is what is known as the Citadel Laferrière. This fortress that sits atop a hill, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built to keep the people safe from Napoleon’s army. The site was built by the Haitians; it has no foundation and they had no training to know how to construct it. The mortar was made from sand, lime, animal blood, sugar and molasses. Many workers died in the process of building the fortress, but they believed if they perished, they would go back to their homeland of Africa. The building is straight and strong and has survived all disasters since its completion in 1813. Getting to the Citadel is an adventure in itself. You board a colorfully painted tap-tap. (That’s what they call a bus in Haiti, which is the sound people make when they want to get off the bus.) But the bus can only make it so far up the steep hill and then a donkey takes you the rest of the way to the top. It is one of Haiti’s most important tourist attractions.

Haitians are known for their colorful artwork. They make it out of, just about anything. Children gather garbage on the streets and create art from it. Many will never make a dime from their masterpieces, however it is an escape and a way to express their feelings. Some of the art is made with doll parts, showing limbs missing, perhaps representing the horrors of the earthquake but more likely from living their life in poverty and feeling torn apart. Their art is most telling in what these people have endured.

The Haitians will use just about any reason to take to the streets and make music. Way back when, slaves used anything they could find to design musical instruments. Today is no different. They love many types of music and a hotel called the Grand Hotel Oloffson, is a place that highlights popular bands. Many of the bands became famous for their protest music against the many corrupt regimes. Compas, Hip hop, jazz, Haitian rock, twoubadou and meringue, are all popular genres. Rara, is a type of music that is festive and uplifting and unique to Haiti.

The Grand Hotel Oloffson, was the real-life inspiration for the fictional hotel, “Trianon” in Graham Greene’s famous novel, “The Comedians”. The hotel features an architectural style that has been fading away in their capital city of Port-au-Prince. It showcases large, wooden verandas and intricate, Gothic, gingerbread wood work. Somehow, it managed to survive the 2010 quake with very little damage, even though multiple structures surrounding it, were destroyed.

As we look into the cuisine of the island nation, it is clear that the main influence is Afro-Caribbean. There is also a Spanish influence, from her neighbor, the Dominican Republic, along with French influence, combined with a distinctive, Haitian flair. They like their food bold and spicy. It is believed that barbecue originated in Haiti, as the first mention of it comes from the word “barabicu”, from the native tongue of the Taino people.

A typical meal in Haiti would simply be rice and beans, sometimes topped with fish or meat. Sometimes it would be a bean puree poured over the rice. Stews and soups are also popular, made with cassava, yam or sweet potato. Pumpkin has a deep significance to the Haitians, since they were forbidden to eat pumpkin soup by the French. Now they call it Sunday soup and it is on every Haitian table on Independence Day. Cassava bread is a staple and a drink called akasan, made with cornmeal and spices, is beloved.

Rum is the most popular alcohol in Haiti and they make a mean, rum sour. There is a very old distillery that’s been in business since 1862, called Barbencourt. The rhum (spelled with an “h” to distinguish it from regular rum), is made with sugarcane juice, as opposed to a sugar byproduct. Nearly half of the all the barrels of rhum in Haiti were destroyed during the 2010 earthquake. As a sign of their resilience, they combined all they had left and bottled it all together to commemorate their 150th anniversary in a grand celebration. Considered to be one of the best rhums in the world, Barbencourt Rhum is a symbol of national pride for Haitians.

So let’s eat “Manje Ayisien” (which means “Haitian food” in Creole)

The Menu
Starter
Soupe Joumou (Pumpkin Soup)

Main
Griot (Fried Pork)

Served with
Riz et Pois Rouges (Red Beans and Rice)

Pikliz (Spicy Cabbage Slaw)

Dessert
Blancmange (Coconut Gelatin Dessert)

We set the table with colors of the Haitian flag; blue and red and surrounded it with gourds. Gourds were used as currency and are responsible for the name of their money in Haiti, called gourdes. We included several of their important crops, like coffee and sugarcane and for a little fun added the ‘Day of the Dead’ décor and a voodoo doll. Festive, Rara music played in the background. Before we began this meal, we bowed in thanks for our food, knowing that today, many Haitians are hungry and live in extreme poverty. This country is one of the reasons I started International Cuisine. This is a place where much work needs to be done but there’s a hope that good things will come to her people if given the chance.

We began the meal with pumpkin soup or Sunday soup, as it is called there. I chose this as a starter and made a lighter, vegetarian version (as normally the soup is made with meat.) The pumpkin, combined with coconut milk and vegetables, was both sweet and savory. Spaghetti noodles added some heartiness to this vegetarian soup. We respected the importance of this soup to the Haitians, since it had been denied to them, and rejoiced in their independence.

For the main course, we had a very popular dish, called griot, which could be considered the national dish. Griot is a marinated, pork dish that is braised until tender and finished by frying; a twice cooked pork that is spicy and amazing. It was served with another staple dish; red beans and rice. Red beans are consumed most every day in Haiti and this dish is a spicy one, tamed with coconut milk. Often times, this may be the only dish a Haitian would eat in an entire day.

Pikliz is a very spicy, cabbage slaw that is on every table; a condiment of sorts. It is simply always around. We loved the spicy slaw and can see why it is so popular.

For dessert, Blancmange was served, a beautiful, white coconut, flavored gelatin surrounded by fruit. This lovely cool and refreshing dessert was a great counterbalance to our very spicy meal.

As we say goodbye, we can only hope that more people will visit Haiti and get involved. If you can’t visit, donate to a charity that is really serving the needs of the people. Haitians desperately wait for a good leader; one that will take care of infrastructure, education and basic human needs. People who do come visit, sometimes never want to leave, as the people of Haiti are friendly and fun, despite their many hardships. Who knows, one may find a sunken ship or buried treasure, as it was the home of many buccaneers and pirates. What is certain is, you will eat delicious food and drink, enjoy delightful music and be treated with great hospitality.

I leave you with a few Haitian proverbs:
Bay piti pa chich (To give little is not being cheap)
Wont pi lou pase sake sel (Shame is heavier than a bag of salt)
Padon pa geri maleng (Sorry doesn’t heal the scars)
Malere pa bwode (The poor is not picky)

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Guatemala, in a dialect of the Mayan language, means “The place of many trees”. It is aptly named, as over one third of the country is forested. Shades of every color of green imaginable, exist there; containing nearly 300 metric tons of carbon-absorbing, living, forest biomass. Guatemala’s forests are home to over 1200 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. Breathtakingly beautiful, Guatemala is a nature lover’s paradise.

Located in Central America, her neighbors are Mexico to the north and west, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the south. Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, along with the Caribbean Sea, lie to the east. There are three principle regions; the northern lowland plains, the volcanic highlands and the Pacific lowlands. The majority of the population lives in the temperate highlands, which is where the capital, Guatemala City, is located.

Modern day Guatemala was built on the foundation of the Mayan civilization. Mayan history, known as the Classic Period, can be uncovered in multiple sites around the country. The biggest and most famous is the Tikal temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In fact, there are four important UNESCO sites, the most in any Central American country. The Mayan civilization collapsed around 900 AD and the reason for their downfall is still debated by scientists. The “Drought Theory” is the now the most widely accepted, as the Mayans were an agricultural society that relied on rainfall. It is believed they had to abandon their homeland or die from a drought induced famine. Recent discoveries, such as obsidian arrowheads, suggest human presence existed there as early as 18,000 BC. There is an overwhelming sense that many precious artifacts and treasures are still left to be discovered in this land.

Guatemala was conquered by the conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado, in 1524. They gained independence from Spain, along with several other countries, on September 15, 1821. The official language is Spanish, along with 23 recognized, indigenous languages. Guatemala was, at one point, part of Mexico and then part of the federation known as the United Provinces of Central America, until its collapse in 1839. It was in 1945 that a constitution was adopted, after decades of dictator-type leadership. The constitution was supposed to give equal rights for all people, including the Indians. However, Indians continued to be exploited and disparaged until only recently. The Ladino elites (Persons of mixed or non-indigenous race and heritage) were compelled to change their attitudes, after Rigoberta Menchu, a young, Maya woman, was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.

The time leading up to the 21st century, unleashed a horrific civil war that lasted from 1954-1996. This was a tragic time when over a million Guatemalans had to flee the country, over 450 Mayan villages were destroyed and over 200,000 people were murdered. The United Nations based, Historical Clarification Commission, attributed more than 93% of the human rights violations to the military government, and determined that 83% of the victims were Maya Indians. The Commission concluded that State’s actions constituted genocide. Thankfully, a peace accord was signed in 1996 between the guerillas and the government. The country has since experienced healthy, economic growth and gives their people the right to vote in democratic elections.

Guatemala produces many exports, coffee being the most important, but also significant, are exports of raw sugar, bananas, gold and precious metal ore and they produce most of the jade in the world. The Maya get the credit for making the first chocolate bar. Guatemala has a thriving textile industry, which employs many of its citizens. Its eco-tourism industry has been gaining momentum and has a huge upward potential for their economy.

Ironically, in a very recent development, corruption charges were brought against the current president, Otto Perez Molina and vice president, Roxana Baldetti. It brings into question whether this country will ever be led by someone with the people’s best interests at heart. Interestingly, the front runner, to replace the president (who now is serving jail time), is a comedian, with a slogan that goes “Not corrupt, not a thief”. Whoever wins this critical election, will have an opportunity to create a fresh start that the people of Guatemala so desperately deserve.

This country has a lot to offer, but it is the people that make this country so special. They are a proud, hard-working people, who are friendly and love to eat, drink and socialize at the many festive occasions, most of which revolve around religious holidays. Guatemalans are mostly Roman Catholic, and Protestant, along with indigenous, Mayan religious believers. Guatemala’s national sport is soccer, which is celebrated throughout the country.

One of the most revered celebrations is All Saints Day, or Dia de Todos Santos, which occurs on November 1st. This is a day to commemorate and pay respect to the deceased. A unique part of this tradition is the Kite Festival. Giant kites, that can span up to 20 meters (about 60 feet), are displayed and then these brightly colored kites, fill up the sky. Each kite has a unique design, similar to the designs on clothing, which signifies their village. It is believed that the soul of the deceased is able to identify their family members by the colors and design of the kite. There is also a competition for who can keep their kite in the air the longest. At the end of the festival, the kites are burned near the cemeteries, allowing the dead to return to their resting place. It is considered a curse, if for some reason, the kite does not burn. It is as though the soul does not want to leave. The meal that commemorates this holiday is called “El Fiambre”. This is a cold dish made with more than 50 ingredients including vegetables, sausages, meats, fish, eggs and cheeses. The preparation takes at least two days to make and is often served with the family gathered around the grave of a loved one.

As we look into their cuisine, the Maya and Spanish clearly have provided the most influence. Rice and black beans with corn tortillas are found at nearly every meal. It is amazing to watch a Guatemalan woman make a corn tortilla from scratch, using only her hands to shape the tortilla. It truly is an art form! Chicken, pork and beef are the most consumed meats, with fish being a local specialty along the coast. Meats are often served grilled or in stews called “caldos” and cooked in a chili sauce. Guacamole (mashed avocado, with onions and spices) is ubiquitous. Chile rellenos and especially tamales, are favorites all over the nation. The Guatemalan’s typically wrap their tamale in a banana leaf, as opposed to a corn husk, which imparts a unique flavor to the tamale as it cooks. Fresh fruits and vegetables are widely available and enjoyed as part of the everyday diet.

So let’s eat Guatemalan style:

The Menu
Starter
Salpicon (Shredded Beef and Mint Salad)

Served with Homemade Corn Tortillas

&
Picado De Rabano (Radish Salad)

Main
Pepian De Pollo (Chicken Stew)

Served with
Arroz Guatamalteco (Guatemalan Rice)

Dessert
Rellenitos de Platano (Stuffed Plantians)

We set the table with treasures from our trip to Guatemala some years ago. A handmade doll and the colorful fabrics, for which they are famous, decorated the table. Alongside them we placed a candle, with a picture of a quetzal, an absolutely beautiful bird, (it is the national bird) and almost as colorful as their textiles. It also bears the same name as their currency. It is said, the tail-feathers of this bird were in fact used as currency in the Mayan Empire. In the background, we put on some classical, Latin guitar music that we fell in love with on our trip there.

For the first course, we started with a shredded beef salad, called Salpicon. This dish is popular all over the region, however they make it with mint in Guatemala, which gives it a unique and tasty flair. This was served with a fresh, radish salad and of course some homemade corn tortillas. I must admit, I used a tortilla press to make them, as I have not been able to master the art of forming them by hand. (One day!) But whether made by hand or with a press, nothing can beat homemade tortillas, YUM!

For the main course we enjoyed a dish that should be considered their national dish, although they haven’t officially declared one yet; it is distinctively Guatemalan. It consists of a complex sauce, made with roasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, along with cinnamon and numerous chilies and vegetables. The result, served over chicken, was awesome. Some may say it is an acquired taste, but for us it took no acquiring at all; we simply loved it. Sometimes “Pepian” is referred to as Guatemalan mole’. We put this next to the rice, which was flavored with the broth from the chicken and vegetables. Very delicious.

For dessert, we delighted on mashed plantains, stuffed with sweet black beans, then fried and topped with sugar and cream. These sweet treats, called “Rellenitos de Platano”, along with a cup of Guatemalan coffee, was the ideal ending to our Guatemalan meal.

When we traveled to Guatemala, we stayed with dear friends who had grown up there. They took us all around their beautiful country, to both coasts and everywhere in between. What I remember most was their incredible hospitality; they served up delicious food, cervezas, and some very late nights, filled with music, dancing and laughter. But isn’t that what life is all about, enjoying good food, good friends and a good time? This, is essential Guatemala.

Until next week, Hasta Luego, (that means “see you later”, in Spanish)
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Bon Jour! France gets her name from the people, the “Franks” that occupied the area known as lower Rhineland. The name “Francia” was used to identify several territorial areas until it became the Kingdom of the French Sovereign. The official name today is the French Republic (Republique Francaise.) It became a republic in 1792 after centuries of royal rule. This occurred as a result of the French Revolution. (The subject of the classic movie, Les Miserables.) The revolution began with the storming of the Bastille fortress (prison) on July 14, 1789. This is an event celebrated all over France every year known as, Bastille Day.

The French often refer to their country as “L’hexagone,” due to her six-sided, hexagonal shape. With over 200,000 square miles, France is the largest, western European nation, covering five percent of the entire European continent. Due to her shape, she has many neighbors; Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain and Switzerland. She is also surrounded by water; the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the English Channel to the north. The country has a diverse topography, with large mountain ranges like the Alps and the Pyrenees forming natural borders. Mont Blanc in the Alps is the tallest mountain in all of Europe. There are also four main rivers, called “fleuves,” in the country: the Loire, the Rhone, the Garonne and most famously in the Paris area, the Seine. France is generally considered to have a temperate climate, with the Mediterranean portion considered sub-tropical. The country is made up of 22 regions, each playing an important role in the nation’s rich history.

France has the second largest economy in the Euro zone, behind Germany. They are the largest exporter of luxury goods in the world with Cartier, Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton, being some of the top brands. Their other exports are not so glamorous but still very important to the economy: exports include aircraft, food, chemicals, machinery, iron, steel, motor vehicles and pharmaceuticals, to name a few. And then of course they are known for fine wines and they make the only real “champagne.” All other imitations must be labeled, sparkling wine. The climate and topography allows France to be self-sufficient with regard to food and wine production and fishing and farming are very important, especially in the rural areas. Open air markets can be found throughout the country and are a big part of their cuisine, which relies on the freshness and availability of the local ingredients.

The population in France is diverse and the country still retains 15 territories overseas. The country’s colonial past is one reason there are more than five million people of Arab and African descent that call France home. France has the second largest population in all of Europe, again behind Germany. Eighty percent of the population is Roman Catholic and 10 percent are Muslim. The balance is a mixture of Christians, Jews and other. The official language is French with several dialects spoken in the different regions of the country. French is the second most widespread language worldwide, after English. It is the official language of 29 countries and is known as a Romance language. Even if you don’t understand a word, it is a beautiful language to listen to; full of passion and emotion.

Paris is the capital city and known as the “City of Lights.” The previous name was “La Ville- Lumiere,” accredited to Paris as being the intellectual center during the Age of Enlightenment. But it also was literally illuminated, back in 1860, by 56,000 gas lamps. Today all the city’s famous landmarks are illuminated. Paris is home to the Eiffel tower, which was built as the entrance arch to the World’s Fair in 1889 and in honor of the French Revolution centennial. It has become one of the most recognized monuments in the world. Paris is also home to the Louvre, the largest and most visited art museum in the entire world. The Louvre, built originally as a fortress in 1190, was turned into a royal palace where Napoleon himself hung the prized Mona Lisa in his private bedroom. The Louvre was turned into a public museum in 1793 with just 537 paintings. Today it holds over 380,000 pieces in total, 35,000 of which are considered priceless masterpieces and antiques. Art is everywhere, with museums holding special works from renowned artists, like Monet, Degas and Pisarro, that gave rise to the Impressionism movement. One of the first Gothic cathedrals ever built was Notre Dame de Paris. Another treasure, the Basilica Sacre-Coeur, was built in a Roman Byzantine style and overlooks all of Paris. Then of course there is Champs Elysees, the most prestigious and famous boulevard in all of Paris with its iconic arch. This is the ceremonial finish line for the world famous Tour de France bicycle race. These are just a few examples of the Gothic, Romanesque, Rococo and neo classical influences found in buildings and churches throughout the city. One can walk down the streets of Paris and be surprised by one architectural marvel after another. Often seeing a magnificent building from down the street, upon arrival you would learn, it was just another department store.

It is not a surprise that France is the most popular tourist destination in the world. Last year, in 2014, she hosted 84.7 million visitors. There is a certain charm there, perhaps it is due to the over 9000 different open terrace cafes in Paris alone. One could actually go to a different one every day and not hit them all for 25 years! Or sit down and have a croissant with cafe au lait or a famous baguette at one of the French bakeries, or enjoy a special meal at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants (the highest of ratings.) There is no doubt that French cuisine is known throughout the world. In fact, UNESCO lists French Gastronomy as the one of the world’s “intangible cultural heritage.” Needless to say, I was a bit intimidated to choose a meal to represent this country. Nearly every region in France has unbelievable specialties from which to choose. Add in wine, champagne, or even cognac to the mix and how could one properly make a meal to represent the country? The truth is you can’t. Every town and region deserves recognition of their specialties, in their own right.

I decided to take my cues from Chef Julia Child. She was the one that made French cooking accessible to the masses. I can still hear her distinctive voice proclaiming, “Bon Appétit” when finishing any one of the delicious recipes she shared with the world. She was probably the first chef to do a cooking show on television and I still enjoy watching them. There was a movie made called Julie and Julia, about a girl who decided to cook every recipe from Julia Child’s cookbook called “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her role as Julia Child. It is funny that when I tell people that I am cooking a meal from every nation on earth, I often get the response “Oh like that movie Julie and Julia.”

So let’s eat some French cuisine:

The Menu
Starter
Escargot Bourguignon (Snails from Burgundy)

Soupe à l'oignon (French Onion Soup)

Main
Sole Meuniére (Pan Fried Dover Sole)

Served with Carottes Glacées (Glazed Carrots)

Salade Nicoise (Nicoise Salad)

Pre-Dessert
Plateau de Fromage (Cheese Plate)

Dessert
Crème Brûlée (Vanilla Bean Custard with Caramel Top)

We set the table with symbols of France; the Eiffel tower and a rooster, their national animal, (even though Napoleon had concern that it was not a strong enough symbol for France.) It is the main ingredient in one of France’s famous dishes made using an aged rooster, called Coq au Vin. For additional décor, we placed the national flower, the Iris and used a café chalkboard sign to represent the quaintness of the many open air cafés. Then we put on some French music, Edith Piaf, “La Vie en Rose,” to set the mood.

We began with a glass of champagne and toasted “Sante A la Votre” pronounced sahn-tay/ ah la vo-tre which means, Bottoms up or Cheers in French. We then served the amazing escargot (aka, snails.) I know many may be squeamish about eating a snail but really you have no idea what you are missing. If you just imagine you are eating a mushroom, you can get past the thought of it and then, it is pure heaven. It was served in the traditional way with just a garlic and herb, butter sauce and a French baguette, impossible to beat!

Next was the famous, French onion soup. This can be served along with a baguette as a meal by itself. We enjoyed small portions of this rich, cheesy, onion soup. The top has “croutes” which are toasted baguette covered with a combination of melted cheeses. It was superb. The rich, beef based broth pairs beautifully with any good French red wine.

For the main course I chose Sole Meuniere, a pan fried, Dover sole that was served with glazed carrots, fresh from the garden. The sole meuniere was the first true French meal Julia Child had when she arrived in Rouen France, and while eating it, she had an epiphany. This was the meal that changed Julia and the whole world for that matter. This is what she had to say about that meal:
“Rouen is famous for its duck dishes, but after consulting the waiter, Paul, had decided to order sole meuniere. It arrived whole: a large, flat Dover sole that was perfectly browned in a sputtering butter sauce with a sprinkling of chopped parsley on top. The waiter carefully placed the platter in front of us, stepped back and said, “Bon Appétit!”
“I closed my eyes and inhaled the rising perfume. Then I lifted a forkful of fish to my mouth, took a bite, and chewed slowly. The flesh of the sole was delicate, with a light but distinct taste of the ocean that blended marvelously with the browned butter. I chewed slowly and swallowed. It was a morsel of perfection.”
She later said “That lunch in Rouen….. It was the most exciting meal of my life.”

We concur Julia, the fish was out of this world. It is a testament to simple recipes and oh yes, sputtering, browned butter! The carrots were sweet and savory and added the perfect visual contrast on the plate, next to the sole.

A Salade Nicoise was also served. The salad gets its name from the olives, a small black olive that comes from the region of Nice. This salad is beautiful to behold with its colorful blend of ingredients: tuna, eggs, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, potato and green beans along with the simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon and shallots. It was lovely.

Plateau de fromage was up next. It is a cheese plate served on an artist’s palate to represent the French Impressionism era. Over 1000 different types of cheese are made in France, the most traditional being the blue/green veined, Roquefort. Ripening takes place in natural caves dating all the way back to the 17th Century. I was thrilled to find some real, imported French cheeses to enjoy. I picked out four; a Roquefort, camembert, brie and a triple cream brie made with wild mushrooms. These were served with a French baguette of course, some honey and a variety of jams. Cheese plates are often times served as a dessert or as an appetizer and are also wonderfully complemented with fresh fruit, such as apple, pear and grapes.

Last but certainly not least, was dessert. There were many choices for this course; crepes, croissants, e’clairs, macarons, soufflés, tarts and the list goes on and on. But this choice was an easy one for me, Crème Brulee, my all-time favorite dessert. The top of the brulee was gently caramelized to a sweet and crunchy crust using a cooking torch. Not a bite was left uneaten. Paired with dessert was a fine, French cognac, with which my guests raised their glasses and said, “Merci beaucoup” meaning, thank you very much.

After dinner we headed outside to work off some calories with a friendly game of Petanque, the sport that perhaps is closest to French hearts. Similar to lawn bowling or bocce ball, the French version is played on a dirt surface, with metallic balls. As an aside, one wonders how the French stay so thin eating this rich and delicious cuisine of theirs. Well, besides playing Petanque, you will see people in France walking at a very quick pace, almost everywhere they go. So “Bon Appétit” indeed!

To be honest I am a little sad to leave this country. Part of me wants to further explore every region and specialty France has to offer, perhaps a new project when I am finished with the rest of the world.

Until then,
Au Revoir France!
Warmest regards,
Darlene

This week, I chose to combine two countries that are neighbors and have many things in common, including their cuisine. Equatorial Guinea is a small country on the west coast of Africa. Her territory includes a mainland area called Rio Muni and five islands including Bioko, where the capital, Malabo, is located. Her neighbors are Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east. It is a mystery why she is named Equatorial Guinea, as the equator does not go through the country at all. Guinea is the geographical name of the gulf that surrounds her coastline and islands. Gabon, on the other hand, is home to the equator. Gabon’s eastern border lies on the Atlantic. Her neighbors are, of course. Equatorial Guinea but also Cameroon to the north and the Congo to the west and east. Gabon was named “Gabao’ which means “hooded cloak,” because that is what Portuguese explorers thought the River Como Estuary resembled. The capital city in Gabon is Libreville, “Freetown,” founded in 1849 by freed slaves, which became the capital city in 1993.

Both countries were first inhabited by the Pygmies, then by the Bantu tribes, followed by the Portuguese, who settled there in the 15th century. The Fang tribes arrived later and today make up the largest ethnic group in both countries. The coast grew into a major center for the slave trade, bringing Dutch, English, French and Spanish traders to the region. In the 1800s, it was the French that occupied Gabon and she was one of four territories that made up French Equatorial Africa. The Spanish occupied Equatorial Guinea and it was part of what was known as Spanish Guinea. The island Bioko, was one of Spain’s most profitable territories in Africa, thanks to the cocoa plantations there. Today the Bubi, descendants of the Bantu, the other main ethnic group in Equatorial Guinea, live on the island. Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 and Rio Muni and Bioki were officially united as Equatorial Guinea. Gabon gained independence from France in 1960.

The official languages of Equatorial Guinea are both French and Spanish, although neither are spoken by most of the population. Instead, they speak their tribal languages of Fang or Bubi, although some Pidgin English and Creole are spoken, especially on the islands. In Gabon, the official language is French and it is widely spoken there, along with several different tribal languages.

In Equatorial Guinea, the Ministry of Justice and Religion must approve a religious organization before they are allowed to practice. Despite the fact that the government is wary of the Catholic Church, (for its history of criticizing human rights violations,) 80 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, which is also part of public education system. The indigenous beliefs are animist; the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls. There is also a small minority of Muslims.

The government declares itself a multiparty democracy, although it really is run as a dictatorship, for all practical purposes. The current president, Teodoro Obiag Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979 when he ousted his uncle in a bloody, military coup. The country has emerged as one of Africa’s largest oil producers and is currently listed as the wealthiest per capita country in Africa. Unfortunately, the wealth has remained in the hands of a privileged few, who surround the president and the majority of people live in poverty. The president is said to lead by instilling fear in the people. In October of 2014, the son of President Mbasogo, settled a corruption case in the United States. He agreed to sell 30 million dollars’ worth of property, mansions, artwork, Ferraris, etc., which was half the amount sought in the case. He did not, however, have to relinquish the white, crystal glove that belonged to Michael Jackson, as it was not considered “in country.” Evidently the USA kept 10.3 million and gave the rest to a charity to benefit the people of Equatorial Guinea. This country remains on the human rights watch list for corruption, poverty and repression; it is considered the worst of the worst for human rights.

Gabon has a similar situation, having just two presidents since her independence. The current president is Ali Bongo Ondimba. He is the son of Omar Bongo who was president of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009. Gabon also has emerged as an oil producer; fourth largest in all of Africa. Again, the wealth has been limited to the elite. In 2010 the president sparked outrage when he bought a 48,000 square foot townhouse on an acre of land in the heart of Paris. The price tag was 85 million euro (92.7 million US dollars). The average citizen of Gabon lives on less than $12 a day.

So let’s take a look at the cuisine of these two countries. They mostly live on bush meat, (this is usually crocodile, snake, rats, bats and even monkey), fish and subsistence farming. This is the food they have been eating for centuries. It is life-sustaining protein, where nutrition is scarce. Their staples are palm oil, palm nuts, cassava greens and root, ground nuts, yams, plantains and fufu. Tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, coconuts, and avocadoes are also available from the dense tropical forests that both countries contain. In Gabon, they cover over 80 percent of the country and house over 70 percent of the world’s gorilla population. The government has set aside areas in the forests as national parks, to preserve wildlife and protect the land.

So let’s eat Equatorial Guinea and Gabon:

Please note that all these dishes and sauces are enjoyed in both countries.

The Menu
Main Dish (Equatorial Guinea)
Pescado con tres salsas (Fish with three sauces)

Spinach Sauce

Avocado Sauce

Peanut Sauce

Served with
Boiled yams

Main Dish (Gabon) The National dish
Nyembwe (Chicken Stew Served with plantains & Fufu)

Dessert
Akwadu (Baked bananas)

We set up our mats with the colors of both countries’ flags; green, yellow, red, blue and white. We decorated with palm fronds, to represent their lush tropical rainforest and a cute monkey that sees no evil. We added a ship, to acknowledge the woeful days of the slave trade that they put behind them and of course added some of their everyday foods; yam, cassava and bananas.

On the stereo, we played tribal, African music. (This is, after all, where rhythm got its roots.) We began our meal with a prayer that somehow the people there can find a way out of poverty and that the corruption and human rights violations would cease.

As is their tradition, we would eat with our hands, after a cleansing ritual. We then began with the main course, after saying thanks for the food before us. The fish, to be served with three sauces, was exceptional in its own right, just marinated and grilled. It really did not need any sauce at all. However, I loved all three sauces, as did my husband. If we had to choose a favorite, mine was the avocado and his was the peanut sauce. Each one had a unique flavor, with a nice kick from the peppers.

For the Gabonese main course, called nyembwe, the smoked shredded chicken cooked with onions and the palm butter was very different from anything we had experienced before. The palm nut butter, we found bitter, but it blended well with the onions that were caramelized for sweetness. This dish was enjoyed with fried plantains (yum) and some fu-fu. (Remember, from our previous journeys, the round, starchy balls made from cassava?)

For dessert and a lovely ending to our Equatorial Guinea and Gabonese meal, we fell in love with Akwadu. This recipe, found in both countries, consists of bananas, cooked in citrus, butter, coconut and sugar; excellent!

As we say goodbye to these two African countries, we do so remembering that this journey we are on is designed to gain a better appreciation of the people based on their struggles and traditions. I leave you with proverbs from both countries.

From Gabon:
To one who does not know, a small garden is a forest.
Rain does not fall on one roof alone.
He who asks questions, cannot avoid answers.

And from Equatorial Guinea:
A wise man never knows all, only fools know everything.
A good wind is no use to a sailor who doesn’t know his direction.
and
If you dream of moving mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting small stones today.

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

El Salvador, which means “the Savior,” got her name from the Spanish conquistadores. The people there, Salvadorians, are also called Guanacos, which to some is an endearing term and to others, is considered derogatory. El Salvador is located in Central America between Guatemala and Honduras. She is the only country in Central America that does not have a coastline on the Caribbean side. El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean and is considered to be a fantastic surfing location, with international contests held there each year.

El Salvador is the smallest country in all of Central America, yet the most densely populated. She gained independence from Spain in 1821 and then from the Central American Federation in 1839. Life has not been easy since independence nor throughout the colonization period. Before the Spanish arrived, the area was made up of two large Indian states. The main tribe was the Pipil. The Pipil managed to defeat the Spanish troops in their first invasion but then fell to them in 1525. The Spanish made the Indians work, give up their land and pay large taxes. Hundreds of years later there was a horrific event called “la matanza” or “the massacre”, when in 1932 the peasants (mostly Pipil) were summoned to the town square under the guise of reform, instead 40,000 of them were slaughtered. After that event, the surviving Pipil population hid their Indian identities, changed their dress and spoke Spanish instead of their native language. The current population is 97 percent mestizo (a combination of Spanish and Indian) and there is only one percent of the indigenous population left. Only a few remnants of the Pipil language remain as the official language of El Salvador today is Spanish.

Coup attempts and guerilla warfare finally ended in El Salvador, after the terrible civil war that lasted from 1979 to 1992. At least 80,000 perished during the war and many fled the country. In fact, nearly 20 percent of the population migrated to other nations out of fear, mainly to the United States, and have never since returned. Thankfully, El Salvador is now on the mend with democratic elections widely held. The population is mostly Catholic by a large majority and protestant. Although they still face significant challenges with gangs, drugs and poverty, they are headed in a better direction. Just recently the late Archbishop Oscar Romero became the first ever native son to reach beautification (the final stage to sainthood in the Catholic Church) He was shot to death during a mass in 1980 and was a devoted advocate for the poor. To date no one has been prosecuted for his murder. Many celebrated Romero’s beautification in the streets of El Salvador along with expats around the globe.

Hit with natural disasters shortly after the peace agreement was signed in 1992, an attempt was made, on an environmental front, to expand the tropical forest cover, which was mostly decimated throughout their troubled history. It is one of the few countries in the last two decades to work towards reforestation. Nature and preservation is important to Salvadorians and Lake Llopango, surrounded by volcanos and mountains, is one of their most beautiful sightseeing spots. Another popular tourist spot is called the City of Witches or “Sihuatehuacan” that was founded in 1708 and now called Santa Ana. It said to hold El Salvador’s most important architectural and cultural treasures. The historic, capital city, San Salvador, is located in the interior of the country.

Known as “the land of volcanoes”, its youngest volcano, born in 1770, is called Izalco and was once known as “the lighthouse of the Pacific” due to its fiery activity. In 1976, a worker in a bulldozer doing some land clearing to build a new grain silo, hit a wall, which led to the discovery or a pre-Colombian settlement that had been buried by volcanic ash some 1400 years ago. Joya de Ceren a.k.a. “Pompeii of the Americas” became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993. One can only wonder what other treasures lay beneath the volcanic soil. The volcanoes provide the country with extremely fertile farm land. Coffee is their largest crop, mainly grown in the mountain regions and sugarcane is the most common crop along the coast. While their export of agricultural products is robust, the country brings in even more funds from the loyal expats living abroad. In 2001 El Salvador adopted the US dollar as its official currency, prior to that it was the colón.

Soccer is the national sport in El Salvador and they are truly passionate about it. In 1969, a war broke out called the Soccer War or the 100 Hour War, between Honduras and El Salvador. The war precipitated from earlier border conflicts but culminated during the World Cup Qualifying event when fans got out of control and escalated into riotous violence, including setting the stadium on fire and bombings by the military. The rivalry between the two countries continues today, yet one famous player emerged, Jorge Magico Gonzales (the Magician,) who is considered to be one of the best El Salvadorian soccer players of all time. Some believe that had he been born Brazilian or Argentinian, he would be ranked amongst the best in the world, alongside Maradona and Pele.

Salvadorian traditional cuisine consists of food from the indigenous Pipil, which of course bears a Spanish influence. Pupusa, considered the national dish, is a thick, handmade, corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, beans or chicharron. The oldest pupusa preparations in the world were found at the 1400 year old UNESCO site, Joya de Ceren. The dish is always served with a slaw, called curtido and a Salvadorian red salsa that is very flavorful, however not spicy. Other popular dishes are empanadas (stuffed pastries), tamales, sopa de pata (a soup made with tripe and cows feet), fried yucca, chicharon and of course casamiento (a combination of rice and beans). Seafood is a regular ingredient in the cuisine as well, especially along the coast. Beer is the most popular beverage and Pilsener is the most well-liked brand. Coffee, tamarind juice and horchata (a sweet herb and spice based drink,) are common non-alcoholic beverages. For dessert, fresh fruit and Tres Leches is loved along with semita, a coffee cake with guava or pineapple jam.

So let’s eat El Salvadorian style:

The Menu
Starter
Pupusas (masa cakes)

with Curtido (cabbage slaw)

Served with Salsa Roja (red sauce)

Main
Izote con Huevos (yucca flowers with eggs)

Served with Salvadorian frijoles refritos (refried beans)

Dessert
Mango con Chili y Lemon (fresh mango slices with chili and lime)

We set the table with the colors of El Salvador’s flag; blue and white. We decorated with the beautiful izote flower (their national flower) which here we call the “Lord’s candle” or “Spanish bayonet.” (I was so excited to finally get to cook these delicate petals.) We added some coffee beans and sugarcane to the décor to represent the importance of the country’s agriculture and of course we could not forget, a soccer ball.

As we began the first course, we said “salud”, which means “cheers” in Spanish and then “buen provecho,” translated as “enjoy your meal.” We clinked our Pilsener beer bottles and dug into the national dish, called papusas. The corn tortillas were stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and others were stuffed with cheese and locro, another edible flower. We served them with a delicious vinegar, type slaw made of cabbage and flavored with oregano. The flavor and texture of the slaw was the perfect accompaniment to the papusa and was embellished with an excellent mild, tomato salsa.

For the main course, we cooked the izote flower with egg dish. The delicate petals of the izote blossom are very similar to the leaves of an artichoke that lay close to the heart. Making this dish was a bit labor intensive. First, you first need to locate the izote, which for me, living in the high desert was easy, however elsewhere, they may be tough to find. I learned about cooking these petals from a local woman who taught me some native foraging skills. Her ancestry is Spanish/Indian and it was awesome to be able to cook this dish in honor of her homeland, El Salvador. Once you find the flower, you’ll need to remove the stamen from each blossom. (This is the labor intensive part.) Once the petals are cleaned and boiled, they are added to the egg dish. The flavor of the dish was superb and with it we had the best, Salvadorian refried beans ever! Often beans and rice are served together in El Salvador but the izote dish is served with refried beans alone and all I can say is that these beans will definitely go on the favorites list. Yum!

For dessert, we enjoyed a popular street food; mango on a stick. The street vendors in El Salvador must clearly be more talented than I am to cut the mango in the shape of a flower. However, the taste was delicious with a light dusting of chili powder, salt and a squeeze of lime juice. Mango on a stick, is a perfect treat for a hot summer day or anytime!

As we say goodbye to El Salvador we do so with a few El Salvadoran proverbs and with a prayer that they continue on their path to healing.

He who takes on too much, squeeze little.
Say nothing about another that you wouldn’t want to hear about yourself
and
It’s fair that he who tried to steal yours, loses his.

Until next week,
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 “DR”, as it is lovingly referred to by its people, is located on the island of Hispaniola. It shares the island with the country of Haiti and is the second largest island in the Caribbean. The capital city of Santo Domingo, is the oldest European City in the Americas. It was the seat of Spanish power in the new world, discovered by Christopher Columbus, in 1492. Santo Domingo was home to the first hospital, castle, and cathedral in the New World. The location was perfect as the gateway to the Caribbean, thanks to the trade winds.

The original inhabitants were the Taino, a peaceful subgroup of the Arawaks, who called the island Quisqueya, meaning “mother of all lands.” When Columbus first arrived, the island was home to around 500,000 Taino, who were living in permanent villages and subsisting on agriculture. Even more important was their gold work; nuggets that were made into small plates or inlayed in wooden objects. Columbus wanted the gold to repay his debt to the King and Queen of Spain. Nearly all the Taino people died in just three short decades after Columbus’ arrival, mainly from harsh labor practices and diseases that the Spanish carried with them. The Spanish then brought in African slaves to work the mines and plantations.

The Spanish left the island for more profitable horizons but the Spanish heritage remained. For nearly 200 years the island was left in a state of depression. In 1697 Spain gave up the western third of the island to the French. This is the area of the island that is Haiti today. After invasions and conflicts between the two, Juan Pablo Duarte, the leader of the Dominican independence movement, entered Santo Domingo on Feb 27, 1844. He declared the eastern two-thirds of the island an independent nation. He then named it the Dominican Republic.

The country went through many struggles and at one point was invaded and occupied by the United States. After that, it was governed for many years by a dictator named Rafael Trujillo, until his assassination in 1961. Today the country is run as a democracy with frequent elections. There were some periods of turmoil after the assassination of Trujillo when many Dominicans fled the country. New York is home today to more Dominicans than the island itself. The second largest population of emigrants now live in the city of Santiago.

The ethnicity today is primarily Creole; a mix of African and European descents. In addition to the Creole, there is a small number of descendants from Africa and from Europe, however Haitians form the largest minority group. The official language in the DR is Spanish and the main religion is Roman Catholic.

Dominicans are known to be laid back; people that enjoy a simple life. Family is extremely important and Sundays are a priceless time spent together, often on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Today, tourism is the number one industry in the country, followed by agriculture. They harvest many crops including: sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn and bananas. The island is blessed with rich soils and a diverse topography. The tropical climate varies little in temperature, but rainfall varies seasonally.

The national sport is baseball and more than 500 Dominicans have made it into the major leagues of the United States. Sammy Sosa is just one of the famous players. As the World Series in the United States winds down, it starts up in the DR. Another favorite pastime is playing dominoes, a game that originated in China but was brought to the islands by way of the Europeans. Friends gather to play in parks and alleyways for conversation and camaraderie, over an ice-cold Dominican beer. Seriously, they have the coldest beer. The beer, called Presidente, evidently has some sort of antifreeze that does not allow it to freeze in a freezer, but gets it ice-cold. The Dominicans like to say it’s like a frosty wedding dress and is a welcome refreshment in the warm tropical climate. Speaking of refreshments, the DR is also famous for rum. They like it straight as well as in many mixed, tropical drinks. They also have an unusual national drink called Mamajuana. You will either love it or hate it. It is a brew of twigs, bark and herbs, with rum, red wine and honey and said to be an aphrodisiac.

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is made up of indigenous dishes, Taino flavors, plus Spanish and African influences. Of course being an island nation, seafood is abundant and they are also big consumers of pork. It is not uncommon to see whole pigs on spits over an open flame. There is one area called Via Vega, where they are known to make the best chicharron. This is pork rind, but uses part of the flesh as well as the skin. It is scored and marinated in bitter orange, garlic, lemons and a bit of oregano and then deep fried in manteca (lard), to perfection. Another interesting area of cuisine is breakfast. You will find stands where they sell fried salami, tostones (fried banana) and spaghetti. This is the trio that is typically served with eggs and loved by all Dominicans for breakfast. On the beaches, you can find the popular fried, whole fish, served with tostones, avocado and a green salad. And one thing you will always find there, is the Johnny cake or yaniqueque, as it is called in Spanish. This fried, dough disc is another DR treasure.

So let’s eat Dominican Republic style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Bolitos de Yuca (Cassava filled cheese balls)

Main
Sancocho (A stew with seven meats and vegetables)

Served with
Arroz con Aguacate (Rice and avocado)

Dessert
Morir Soñando (“Die Dreaming”, an orange creamsicle drink)

Served with Dulce de Leche en tabla (Milk fudge squares)

We decorated our table in the colors of the Dominican Republic flag; red white and blue. They are the only country in the world with a bible on the flag. It is opened to the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verse 32, which reads, “and the truth will set you free.” They also have a small cross on the flag. I choose one to decorate that had an amber hue to it, as the national stone of the Dominican Republic is amber. Amber is a fossilized resin and the DR is home to some of the finest colors. As an aside, George Poinar, an entomologist, extracted DNA from a 30 million year old tropical, stingless bee that was preserved in DR amber. His research was the inspiration for the book, “Jurassic Park”, by Michael Crichton and Spielberg’s movie, of the same name. Portions of the movie were filmed at the Chavon River in the Dominican Repulic and the amber sample can be viewed at the Amber Museum, in Puerto Plata.

We put on some Romeo Santos. He is a hot new musical sensation taking the world by storm with his romantic, bochata music from his homeland, the DR. Music is an integral part of Dominican life and it is said that children learn to dance before they can walk. Dominicans also get credit for developing merengue in the mid-19th century. Its beat is unique, at 2/2, instead of 2/4 rhythm.

We began the meal with a delicious appetizer made from cassava, or yucca root. It was light and very tasty, filled with just the right amount of gooey cheese. We enjoyed it with a very cold Presidente beer.

Next was the main course, Sancocho. If you ask any Dominican what they miss most about their country, most will say Sancocho. It is a stew, traditionally made with seven types of meat and several vegetables. The meat is cooked separately, after marinating in bitter orange. It is cooked with a sofrito base (a traditional puree’ of onion, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro) and then everything else is added to the pot. The pumpkin or squash is what gives it that beautiful yellowish hue. Sancocho is made for every special occasion and any occasion deserving of a party, which often happens in the DR. It is a collaborative effort; everyone will contribute something to the dish, whether it be plantains or meat or sausage or squash or taro or whatever is on hand. It is always served with rice and avocado and is quite filling. The best part is the crusty, almost burnt part, at the bottom of the rice dish. It is scrumptious. This festive dish is usually accompanied by a rum drink.

For dessert, we enjoyed another popular drink of theirs called, Morir Sonando, which translates to “Die Dreaming.” It is a non-alcoholic beverage made of orange juice, milk, sugar and ice. It tastes like one of those creamsicle popsicles I used to love to get from the ice cream truck, back in the day.
We enjoyed our drink with small, bite size pieces of dulce de leche candy, topped with quince paste (made from quince; a misshapen relative of the apple and pear) and shredded coconut. This was a wonderful, sweet ending to our fabulous DR meal.
Now we are off to a dance lesson; the Merengue of course. (That 2/2 beat that sweeps you off your feet.)
Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

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Dominica gets her name from Christopher Columbus’ second voyage to the new world. He sighted the island on November 3, 1493, on a Sunday or “The Lord’s Day” and so she was named the Latin word for that day, Dominica. The original name for the island was Wai’tukubuli, meaning “tall in her body.” The original inhabitants were the Arawaks, however they were annihilated by the more aggressive Caribs. The small island located in the eastern Caribbean is part of the Lesser Antilles. Dominica is located between two French controlled islands, Martinique, 27 miles to the south and Guadeloupe, 30 miles to the north. The Caribbean Sea is to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. She is only 29 miles long and 16 miles wide. The British ended up colonizing the Island of Dominica, however it changed hands between the French and the British many times. Dominica finally claimed Independence on November 3, 1978.

The island is volcanic, one of the newest and the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, with peaks over 4500 feet high. Dominica was also the last island in the region to be colonized. Legend has it that when Christopher Columbus returned to Spain and was asked about the island called Dominica, he crumbled up a piece of parchment paper and threw it on the table and he said, “That’s what she looks like.” The topography did not make the island an ideal location for sugar plantations and she ended up being a hideaway for indigenous Carib natives and later for escaped slaves. Lush, tropical rainforests cover about two-thirds of the small island and although she does not have all the white sandy beaches most Caribbean Islands are known for, she is rich in waterfalls and rivers. Actually she has a whopping 365 waterfalls; the Dominicans like to say they have one for each day of the year! She gets plenty of rainfall, from 50 inches on the coast to 300 inches in the mountains. Today the island is popular as a secluded honeymoon destination and also known for fantastic hiking.

The population is mainly of African descent, however there are still 3000 Caribs living on a 3700 acre reservation that the Queen of England set aside for them back in 1903. It is believed that this is the only Island that has original Carib inhabitants still living. The official language of the island is English however due to its proximity to the French controlled islands surrounding them, they commonly speak a French-influenced style of Creole. The main religion on the island is Roman Catholic with some Protestants and some who follow West African beliefs in spirts and witchcraft. There is also a small percentage of the people who are Rastafarians; a relatively new religion based on a black messiah being the savior. Dominicans enjoy religious freedom on the island. Their national motto is “After God, it is the land”.

Bananas are at the heart of the economy and their primary export item. However they are striving to diversify. Price fluctuations can be devastating to the economy and natural disasters are not uncommon. They have suffered horrendous hurricanes which have nearly destroyed their crops completely. Tourism is one of their diversification strategies, now a stop on many cruise ship tours, she is known as “the Nature Island of the Caribbean.” One of the attractions on the island is Morne Trois Pitons national park. It is a UNESCO world heritage site that has freshwater lakes, hot springs, a boiling lake, along with five volcanoes and said to have the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles.

Dominicans love to celebrate and have many occasions to do so. Many are around religious holidays and Saints’ Days, but several revolve around her independence. There are celebrations beginning in August which include Heritage Day, Creole Day and a very well- known, three day celebration called the World Creole Music Festival. This festival grows each year with major talent from the surrounding islands and provides a way to promote Creole music as a major musical art form.

As we look into the cuisine of this small island country, it clearly has a diverse and healthy one; with influences from the African descendants and also from the English and French. Of course bananas, or figs as they are called there, are a mainstay in the diet as well as the vast local edibles found on and around the island. Their previous national dish was a delicacy called mountain chicken, made from the second largest species of frog, called the Crapaud. This species of frog was only found on Dominica and is now an endangered species, thanks to an outbreak of Chytrid fungus disease. Today efforts are being made to keep the frog on the planet. If you are ever visiting Dominica and you are offered this delicacy, decline! There are plenty of farm raised frog legs available without contributing to the extinction of the Crapaud. Today, the national dish is a favorite of the Africans, called callaloo, a soup made of dasheen leaves (taro root leaves,) mixed with seasonings, vegetables, meat and coconut milk.

So let’s eat Dominican style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Seasoned Fig Flats (Spiced Banana Fritters)

Salad
Paw-Paw and Pineapple Salad(Green Papaya and Pineapple Salad)

Main
Mountain Chicken with Provisions (Farm-raised Frog Legs with Vegetables)

Dessert
Fresh Local Fruit, served with Mango Sorbet

We decorated the table in the colors of Dominica’s flag; green, white, black and yellow. In the center of their flag is a parrot, the Sisserou parrot, a rare species found on Dominica. So we decorated with parrot, yard art, (in honor of their national bird), along with some tropical flowers. We also decorated with bananas and citrus fruits, representing the significance of their agriculture. To set the mood, we put on Creole music that came from their famous World Creole Festival.

We would eat the meal Continental style, as would be customary there. We began our meal with an appetizer, called seasoned fig flats. They call these green plantains, figs, which we first boiled and then seasoned with hot peppers and onions and then lightly fried them. They were light and delicious and served with a refreshing, fresh fruit drink made from watermelon.

For our salad course we enjoyed a tropical paw-paw and pineapple salad. Paw-paw is a green papaya which we cooked until tender. It had a slightly bitter flavor but when lightly dressed and added to sweet pineapple, red peppers and onions, it made for a wonderful combination of flavors.

For the main course, I had to make their Mountain Chicken, to bring attention and awareness to the issue of the endangered Crapaud. Of course I used farm-raised frog legs and the dish had a very distinct French influence and a delicious one. We loved these frog legs, which were served with steamed local produce, plantains, taro and cassava. We also served a white gravy as the perfect dipping sauce for the frog legs. As rumored, frog legs do taste similar to chicken (although I would argue better) but hence the name, Mountain Chicken.

Lastly was dessert; a lovely mango sorbet served with fresh watermelon, pear and soursop. As it turns out, soursop, a prehistoric looking fruit that packs an incredibly healthy punch, may even be a cure for cancer. Once opened it has a delicious but sour, white fleshly pulp that can be scooped out with a spoon (just make sure not to eat the big black seeds.)

We sat back and wondered if soursop was the reason Dominica has such a large percentage of centennials on the island. Certainly the terrain has something to do with it as well. Walking is the norm there. Although they do have cars and drive on the left, the roads can be very dangerous, with steep drop-offs. If visiting there it is not recommended to rent a car. We did, however, rent a couple movies; the 2nd and 3rd, Pirates of the Caribbean, “Dead Man’s Chest” and “At World’s End.” Many beautiful scenes in the movies were filmed in Dominica.

As we say goodbye to this tiny little island nation called Dominica we do so with a few creole proverbs highlighting the importance of the Crapaud; a national icon.

“Kwapo di se mannye I asiz ki fe tout fanm enmen’y” which translates to “Crapaud says that it’s because of the way he sits, that’s why all women love him.”
And another:
“Se’lanng kwapo ki twayi kwapo” meaning, “It’s Crapaud’s tongue (croaking) that sold him out.”

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene