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Guyana means, “The land of many waters”. It’s an Amerindian word, named by the indigenous people, who lived there, at the time it was discovered by the Spanish, in 1498. Home to the Warrou, Arawaks and Caribs, the land was not easily accessible, as it lies below sea level on the coast. The Dutch arrived in 1580 and began to set up trading posts. They made the land inhabitable using African, slave labor to build a unique system of canals, ditches and high-level waterways. Every square mile of cultivated land has 49 miles of these drainage canals and waterways. Today 90 percent of the population lives on this coastal belt.

Located on the northeastern side of South America, her border to the north is the Atlantic Ocean. Her neighbors are Suriname, to the east, Venezuela, to the northwest and Brazil, to the south and southwest. Guyana achieved independence from the British in 1966, after the British took the region from the Dutch in 1796. The British brought in more African slaves to work the sugar plantations, until slavery was finally abolished in 1834. This created a shortage of workers and resulted in thousands of indentured laborers coming into Guyana from India, Portugal and China. Due to its diverse population, British Guiana (as it was known) was referred to as “The land of six peoples.” Today the population is a majority of Indians and Africans, with the minority being of mixed race and only seven percent, the indigenous Amerindians. The people associate more with the Caribbean lifestyle than to South American. The official language is English and they are the only English speaking nation in South America. Of course, the Guyanese speak English with a bit of a creole flair.

Guyana is home to pristine, Amazonian rainforests, covering 70 percent of the land, providing immense waterfalls and amazing wildlife. One of Guyana’s biggest tourist attractions lies in the interior. Kaieteur Falls, along the Potaro River, is said to be the largest, single drop waterfall in the world. With a massive 741 foot drop (compared to Niagara Falls at 167 feet) and a width of 370 feet (during rainy season), it is one of the most awe inspiring waterfalls in the world. Aside from the size and force of the falls, it is the surrounding, untouched, pristine forest that makes the experience unlike any other on earth. The government is really taking strides to keep their amazing rainforests intact, while enticing tourists to the region with the slogan, “Guyana Undiscovered.”

Georgetown is Guyana’s capital and most populous city. Located at the mouth of the Demerara River, facing the Atlantic Ocean, it was an ideal location for the Europeans to access the Caribbean. The city is described as a fairy tale like setting, with tree-lined streets and quaint, Dutch and Victorian architecture. Although in need of repair, these old, wooden structures, with their large verandas, are a testament to their colonial past. The people of Guyana have a rich heritage and are said to be some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. If you take a bus, you will likely find yourself singing along to familiar, American pop songs, as it is a way the Guyanese like to pass their time while traveling.

Another interesting site to behold there is the men carrying bird cages. Inside the cage, is a bird called a towa towa bird, which is trained to whistle on cue. On Sunday mornings, men gather and have a bird whistling contests. The first bird to whistle 50 times, in the proper pitch and speed, wins the wager. These birds go up in value with every game won and can be worth thousands of dollars. They are a most prized possession, which is why you see them being carried all over town by their owners.

Guyana, like most nations after gaining independence, has faced challenges. Ethnic tensions, along with government corruption, have plagued the country. It is ostensibly, a parliamentary-style democracy. However, despite its democratic institutions, independent Guyana has seen several decades of a one-party rule and strongman politics. This is hopefully changing, as a new president, David Granger, was sworn in on May 26th, 2015. With the largest, voter turnout in history, he defeated President Donald Ramotar, who was vying for his sixth consecutive term. This election victory has prompted a multi-ethnic movement in the country and given new hope to the Guyanese people. A recent discovery of oil, just off the coast of Guyana, brings promise to the economy but also revives a century old, border dispute with Venezuela (who just ousted the ambassador of Guyana, over the issue, this past July.) The new President Granger is seeking intervention from the International Court of Justice to resolve the issue.

Aside from the recent oil discovery, Guyana has mineral wealth, with gold and bauxite leading the way. The Omai goldmine is one of the largest, open pit mines in all of South America. Rice, sugar, shrimp and timber are also very important exports for the country and account for a majority of the jobs in this poor nation. The new president promises growth and more job opportunities for the people of Guyana.

As we look into the cuisine of this nation, it is clearly a fusion of all of her inhabitants, both past and present. Chinese cuisine is loved all over (but with a Guyanese slant) as well as Indian food, with all types of curries and roti, being extremely popular. The national dish is called Pepperpot and made with a condiment called “cassareep.” This is a concoction developed by the indigenous people of Guyana to flavor and preserve food. Cassareep is a thick, black liquid made from the bitter cassava root and flavored with additional spices. You can get some by clicking here Pepperpot, which is made with meats and vegetables, is flavored with cassareep and typically prepared for Christmas. It can sit on the stove through New Year’s Day, to be enjoyed throughout the holiday season, still perfectly preserved. It is also said to be a hangover cure for those who celebrated with a bit too much rum during the festivities. Another extremely popular dish is called Cookup Rice. This is a one pot dish that is a local variation on the Caribbean rice and peas, and is one of the most often cooked dishes in the nation.

Local (ground) provisions are also staples of the diet, including cassava and sweet potatoes. Fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood are abundant along the coast. They like their dishes spicy and use a pepper, called a wiri-wiri pepper, in many of them. The wiri-wiri is different from the well-known African, piri-piri pepper and comes in at 350,000 on the Scoville Scale. It ranks right up there with a habanero or scotch bonnet, either of which can be used as a substitute and both of which, are incredibly spicy.

So let’s eat Guyanese style:

The Menu
Starter
Pholourie (Split Pea Fritter)

Served with Mango Sour (A Mango Chutney)

Main
Chicken Chow Mein

Dessert
Baked Vanilla Custard

Meal Served with
Lime wash (A refreshing lime-ade)

We set the table with all the colors of the Guyana flag; green, red, yellow, black and white, all of which have significant meaning to the Guyanese. The green color signifies the forest and foliage. Yellow depicts their mineral resource and bright future. Red symbolizes the vitality of the people while white depicts the rivers and black the endurance of the Guyanese people.  We also placed a candle with their coat of arms which also harbors many important symbols of the people. A Victoria Amazonica, more commonly known as a water lily, is the national flower. A waterfall fountain, to represent the “Land of many waters”, completed our setting and provided the soothing, sound of trickling water.

We ate continental style; fork in the left hand and knife in the right, as is customary there. Our first course was in honor of the Indian influence. Pholourie, is a delicious spice and curry flavored, split pea, fritter. Light and delicate, it’s an amazing treat, especially when dipped in the spicy mango sour; a big hit! The mango sour is made from green mango and counter balanced with lime, chili peppers, garlic and cilantro. This chutney would be awesome on so many things, provided you like it hot. It actually mellows a bit over time, so it can easily be made in advance. The Pholourie, however, is best right out of the fryer.

For our main course, we served the Guyanese-style, chicken chow mein. This Chinese, influenced, dish was awesome. Lots of wonderful flavors were created with the vegetables, tender chicken, spices and chow mein noodles. This will be a keeper in my repertoire.

We enjoyed our meal with a non-alcoholic, beverage called Lime Wash. Basically, this is a lime-ade, made from lime juice, sugar and a touch of vanilla; a delicious, refreshing drink that would be perfect on any hot summer day.

For our final course, we included a little of the British influence, with a wonderful, light and not so sweet, baked, vanilla egg custard. It was topped with nutmeg and was a lovely ending to our Guyanese meal.

After our delicious meal, we relaxed watching a television program, put out by the BBC, which reflects the biodiversity of Guyana, called, “Lost Land of the Jaguar”. Speaking of the lost land, Tepui, an amazing rock area in Guyana, is believed to be the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous work, “The Lost World”.

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

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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

Camahogne, was what the Carib Indians called their island. The Caribs took over the island from the original inhabitants, the Arawaks. It was Christopher Columbus’s third voyage to the New World, in 1498, when he discovered and named the islands “Concepcion”. The sailors of his fleet changed the name to Granada, as it was a better reflection of the beauty they found there.

This island nation is made up of the main island, Grenada, and six other smaller islands, located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea. She is small, at only 133 square miles and a total population of less than 110,000. Grenada’s neighbors are Barbados to the east, St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the north and Trinidad and Tobago to the south, along with Venezuela.

Although Columbus discovered the islands, it was the French that first colonized them; arriving in 1650 and then changed the name from Granada to “Le Grenade”. In a long and bloody campaign, most of the Caribs were annihilated. The few that remained, planned an attack on Fort St. George, in the capital city. The Caribs were chased to a steep, seaside cliff and when they realized they had no escape, they jumped into the sea. All of those who jumped perished and the point was named “Le Morne des Sauteurs” or Jumpers Hill.

The rich, fertile, volcanic soil was in high demand and the British and French fought over the territory for ninety years. The French finally gave up control after signing the treaty of Versailles in 1793. The British named the island Grenada, (pronounced Gra-NAY-da) and the name remains today. The British wasted no time in maximizing their sugar plantations on the island. African slaves were brought over to work on the plantations. Britain finally abolished slavery in Grenada in 1834 and Grenada gained her independence on February 7, 1974. Today, Africans make up the largest ethnic group on the islands.

Today the country is run as a parliamentary democracy, with the Queen of England as the Head of State. Back in 1983, Grenada was seized by a Cuban trained, Marxist, military council, who executed the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, along with other members of his cabinet. This, together with evidence that they were building a runway equipped for large military equipment, prompted President Ronald Reagan of the United States to take immediate action. He deployed troops and almost overnight, toppled the Marxist Regime. Democracy was restored. October 25th is celebrated each year in Grenada as Thanksgiving Day; as they have remained a peaceful society ever since.

The main religion on the island is Christianity; mostly Roman Catholics and Protestants. Many holidays and festivals revolve around the Christian holidays. English is the official language of Grenada, although it is spoken with a creole twist. They also celebrate Carnival, in August. This is a huge, street festival with masqueraders dancing to the sounds of steel bands and DJ’s playing that Calypso rhythm, so popular in all of the Caribbean.

Grenada is referred to as “The Spice Island”. They are the second largest exporter of nutmeg in the world, behind Indonesia. They also export cinnamon, mace, allspice and cloves. The intoxicating aroma of spices is said to linger in the air. Organic chocolate has become a new valuable commodity. They grow the cocoa and process the chocolate on the island. It is in high demand, from some of the best chocolatiers in the world.

Grenada has had very few hurricanes in her history. However, one that hit the island, causing nearly total destruction of the crops and infrastructure, was Hurricane Ivan in 2004. After losing ninety percent of the crops, Grenada focused heavily on tourism to diversify their economy and it appears that they are doing quite well. Beautiful beaches with pristine snorkeling and diving, amazing hiking trails, with countless waterfalls, are all popular attractions in Grenada. After losing most of their coral reef in the hurricane, an artist by the name Jason De Caires Taylor, designed an underwater sculpture gallery. It lies 24 feet below the surface and houses 79 sculptures in all. It is a man-made reef, in essence, that has become part of the underwater plant and animal refuge, serving as a safe haven for wildlife. Another attraction there is the oldest rum distillery in all the Caribbean, still in existence. And oh how the Grenadians love their rum punch, with a light sprinkling of their sacred nutmeg.

As we look into the cuisine of the small island nation, it is clear that the main culinary influence comes from what is grown on the island, combined with the traditions of her people. All types of tropical fruits are found there and they are part of the everyday diet, in juices and fruit salads. They are also the basis for the many flavors of rum punch. Their staple produce includes: corn, beans, avocado, sweet potato, breadfruit, taro and plantains. Meat is available, mostly chicken and pork, along with an abundance of seafood. The national dish is called “oil down”, a stew, consisting of pork parts and salt cod, along with breadfruit, carrots and dumplings all of which are slowly simmered in an array of spices and coconut milk. This process usually happens over the course of the day and best enjoyed with family and friends, especially when made on an open fire at the beach.

So let’s enjoy a Grenadian meal!

The Menu
Starter
Fruit Salad

Main
Calypso Pork
Served with Black Bean and Corn Salad

&
Sweet Potato Mash

Dessert
Nutmeg Ice Cream

What better way to begin a festivity than with calypso music, playing that tantalizing, rhythmic beat in the background? We lit scented, spice candles to emulate that enchanting fragrance of “The Spice Island.” We decorated with a variety of tropical fruits and spices. Bougainvillea is their national flower and made for an exquisite décor, along with a few palm fronds. We also placed a small box holding two white doves in honor of their national bird, the Pea also known as Well’s dove, which, sadly, is endangered.

We sat down at the table and lifted our glasses of rum punch with “Cheers”. Our first course was a simple fruit salad, made with orange, papaya and banana, topped with a little grated nutmeg. I so love the fresh citrusy essence of freshly, grated nutmeg and it was perfect on the fruit.

Next was the main course; a real treat. The combination of flavors of the roast pork, with a distinct orange and spice flavored sauce, served over spinach, was sublime. This was accompanied by a black bean and corn salad, accented with a light lime dressing. This colorful, cold, salad was amazing and one I will make often. It was simple and delicious.
Another incredible, side dish was the sweet potato mash, flavored with all the tantalizing Grenadian spices.

For dessert, we savored homemade, nutmeg, ice cream. This ice cream can be found all over the island. Nutmeg is the pure essence of Grenada and even their flag proudly displays it.
As we say goodbye to the tiny Island nation, I leave you with a few, fun, local words and sayings. We are off to learn how to play cricket; a much loved bat and ball game in Grenada and where the 2007 Cricket World cup was held.

When flour comes to water= when push comes to shove
Vrooping =Jumping from here to there.
Sweetie = any confectionery
Swallow a breadfruit = become pregnant and
Study your head = watch out what you’re doing.

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

The Hellenic Republic is the official name of Greece and she has been known as Hellas or Ellada, since ancient times. The name Greece is derived from the Latin term “Graecia,” which literally means “Land of the Greeks.” Greece is strategically located in southeastern Europe at the crossroads of Asia and Africa. Her land neighbors are Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. The Aegean Sea lies to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Greece is 11th in the world for having the most coastline and features over 2000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited. The largest island is Crete, this and several other Greek islands are listed by top travel sites as the most beautiful islands in the world. Greece has a population of around 11 million people and almost all of them, (98 percent) are ethnically Greek. They are one of the few places that get more annual tourists then the number of Greeks living there; a whopping 16.5 million visitors per year.

Eighty percent of Greece is mountainous, the tallest of which is Mount Olympus, standing at 9,570 feet and known in Greek mythology, as home of the Greek Gods. In Greek mythology, the guardian of Greece was to be chosen between Poseidon and Athena. Whoever gave the city of Athens the greatest gift would be selected as the guardian. Poseidon gave the gift of water, which might seem to be a gift hard to beat, but the olive tree, offered by Athena, was considered more valuable by the gods. Greece is the third largest producer of olives, with some olive trees dating back to the 13th century and still producing. It is the olive oil in the diet of Greeks that gets the credit for their longevity, ranking 26th in the world. On the island of Crete they have one of the largest populations of people over the age of ninety.

Greece has an intriguing and vast history. She gained independence from the Turks in 1830 after 400 years of Ottoman rule. Prior to that period, Greece was part of the Byzantine Empire, and the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire (which was the time of their most iconic national hero, Alexander the Great, who invaded the Persian Empire in Asia, all the way to India.) After gaining independence, there were still many difficult periods ahead such as the Greco-Turkish war, 1919-1922, and especially World War II, when the Germans and Italians invaded most of Greece. They have had nearly every type of government known to exist throughout their history, until finally the restoration of democracy came in 1974. Today the country is run as a Parliamentary Republic. Voting is mandatory in Greece; a requirement of every citizen 18 years of age and older. Since 2009 Greece has implemented mandatory, military service known as “conscription” which lasts for nine months, and affects all men, ages 18 to 45.

Greece is home to 17 UNESCO heritage sites, among the most in the world. Athens, the capital city of Greece, has been continuously inhabited for the past 7000 years and is one of the oldest cities in all of Europe. One of Greece’s most iconic symbols is the Parthenon, built almost 2500 years ago. It sits on the Acropolis above the city of Athens. It featured colorful sculptures and a large gold and ivory statue of Athena, as the Parthenon was built in her honor. It took 15 years to build this spectacular structure. Its columns are built with marble, of which Greece provides nine percent to the world’s market.

Religion in Greece is dominated by the Greek Orthodox Church. It represents the majority of the population. Most students attend Christian Orthodox instruction for primary and secondary schooling. One can get an exemption to attend elsewhere, provided both parents agree. The clergy’s salaries and pensions are paid for by the State at rates comparable to teachers. The status of the church, as the prevailing religion, is based on the role the church played through the years of the Ottoman Empire, as well as in the War for Independence. Most festivals are held around the significant, religious holidays of the church, Easter being one of the most important. Days honoring saints are celebrated even more than birthdays. The national flag of Greece has a cross in the canton, representing the Greek Orthodox Church, as the country’s religion.

Greece is considered to be the birthplace of western civilization. It is the origin of democracy, thanks to Cleisthenes, who turned Athens from an oligarchy (government of a few) to a democracy (government of the people.) Greece is considered the home of western philosophy with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle leading the way as the country’s most famous philosophers. Greece held the first ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC. Homer’s, The Iliad, and The Odyssey, believed to have been written before the eighth century BC, are considered to be the foundation of western literature. Greece also spawned political science, advanced scientific and mathematical principles (thanks to Archimedes, the mathematician), and set the course for medical science (thanks to Hippocrates, the physician–hence the Hippocratic Oath taken by today’s doctors). The Greeks can even claim theatrical drama as theirs, with the dawning of comedy and tragedy.

Folk dance is very much alive and well in Greece with over 4000 traditional dances passed on from generation to generation. The dance and music is an expression of human feelings and life’s struggles. Greek dancing is often done in a circle, starting with the right foot and moving in a counter clockwise motion. Dancers are linked together by handkerchiefs or by holding hands, wrists or shoulders. The music is an unforgettable, rhythmic sound that simply makes you want to get up and dance.

The climate of Greece is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and cold rainy winters. A maritime nation by tradition, shipping is arguably the oldest form of occupation in Greece and a key element of their economy. Today shipping is the country’s most important industry, employing seven percent of the workforce. Tourism is right up there with shipping as another leading industry. Greece also exports food, tobacco, textiles, leather goods and petroleum. They are the largest producers of sea sponges in the world. Major cash crops include: sugar beets, grains, vegetables, fruits, olives and grapes. Herders produce meat, milk products, wool and hides. It was just reported that Greece has decided against allowing genetically modified seeds or food in their country, joining several other countries in Europe.

Today Greece is still suffering from the Great Recession that hit in 2009. The country is basically bankrupt and has caused chaos in the world’s financial markets. It is part of the European Union and has been bailed out three different times when it could not pay its debts. It is still uncertain whether they will have to leave the euro and go back to their old currency. It has been a difficult time with widespread unemployment and austerity measures which have been very hard on the citizens of Greece. On top of all this, there is an influx of thousands Syrian refugees that are making their way to Greece to escape the horrors of war in their own homeland. We can only hope that Greece will find their way out of their financial problems and once again find the prosperity they have enjoyed in their past to share with those who come to them in need.

As we look into the cuisine of Greece, it is synonymous with a Mediterranean diet and considered to be a very healthy one. Olive oil, lemon juice, vegetables, herbs, bread and grains are staples. Also important are wine, fish and various meats, mostly lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork. Of course Greek cuisine is known for the use of cheeses, with the most famous being feta. It should be noted that it was a Greek named Archestratos, in 320 B.C., who wrote the first cookbook in history. Many Greek dishes were clearly influenced by the Ottoman era. The use of herbs is abundant in Greek cuisine, incorporating oregano, mint, garlic, dill, thyme and bay leaves to flavor their dishes. Eggplant, zucchini, potato and tomatoes are the vegetables of choice. Mezes is what they call a collection of small dishes. They are typically served with wine or ouzo, (Greece’s famous, anise-flavored liquor.) A Mezedes feast can last for hours and is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends.

So let’s eat a Greek Mezedes:

Menu
Mezedes
Htapothi sti Skhara (Grilled octopus)

Domatokeftedes (Tomato fritters)

Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini fritters)

Main
Souvlaki (Lamb kebab)

with Pita (Bread)

Tzatziki (Cucumber, garlic and dill sauce)

Horiatiki (Greek salad)

Dessert

Frappe & Loukoumades (Iced coffee with doughnuts)

We set the table with the colors of the Greek flag; blue and white. Greek sailor figurines and a lighthouse set the maritime scene, with salt and pepper shakers, shaped like owls. The owl is an important Greek symbol, representing knowledge and wisdom. I also think the eyes of the owl look like the Nazars, (another important symbol in Greece) which is a charm used to ward off the evil eye. The Greeks believe that a malevolent glare will cause misfortune.

We put on some Greek music to get us in the mood. The sound of plucked, stringed instruments like the lyra, and the santouri, a harp-like instrument, along with various wind instruments, provide an instant transformation to the sounds of Greece.

We began with a toast “Yamas” which is how you say “cheers” in Greek with a sip of ouzo. With this we served the succulent and flavorful grilled octopus. It was first braised for a couple of hours before it was grilled and then served simply, with Greek olive oil, a little balsamic vinegar and Greek oregano, add in a squeeze of lemon and you will have heaven on a plate.

The next two dishes were “keftedes” or fritters. The first was made with tomato and the second with zucchini, feta and dill. Both were amazing; crispy and delicious. This is a wonderful way to use the abundance of tomatoes and zucchini from the summer garden.

The next dish called “souvlaki” was made with lamb. This dish is also a well-known street food called, gyros. The meat was first marinated in olive oil, garlic and oregano. The lamb was grilled on a kebab with fresh tomatoes. The kebab is then served with fresh pita bread; a warm, chewy and delicious bread to sandwich the meat. You then add in a delicious sauce, called Tzatziki, which is made of grated cucumber, garlic and dill. Finally, place some grilled onions on top and you have yourself a wonderful lamb sandwich.

A lovely Greek salad was also enjoyed, made with tomato, cucumber, onion, peppers and feta. The Greeks always have a “Greek” with their meal, as that is what they call this salad. It is dressed simply, with a little olive oil and lemon, perfect!

For dessert, we served a frappe, (basically a foamy, iced-coffee) along with loukoumades, a crispy, fried dough smothered in a sweet honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. What a great finale! The Greeks, especially the men, love their coffee houses which are a gathering place to catch up with friends, enjoy a frappe and a friendly game of backgammon.

As we say goodbye to Greece, be sure to also check out Our Journey to Cyprus, for more Greek recipes that can be added to your mezedes. We are off to break a plate in celebration of the delicious meal we just enjoyed and watch one of my favorite comedies, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

Until next week,
Warmest Regards,
Darlene

The Republic of Fiji, as it is officially called, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, with just over 100 inhabited. Located in the heart of the South Pacific, her neighbors are Vanuatu, to the west, New Caledonia, to the southwest, Samoa, to the northeast, Tuvalu, to the north, and Tonga, to the east. Interestingly, it was their neighbor Tonga that informed the James Cook expedition of the islands. It was a mispronunciation of the name Viti, which is why today the islands are called Fiji. The indigenous population has always referred to their islands as Viti, which means “east” or “sunrise” and they call themselves Kai Viti, (“the people of Viti.”) The two largest islands, called Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are where nearly 90 percent of the population live. The International Date Line passes through Fiji, which makes it a popular destination to ring in the New Year. There is a place on Taveuni, the fourth largest island, where you can stand with one foot in the current date, and the other in a previous date.

Early explorers knew Fiji to be dangerous, with her perilous reefs but even more treacherous, were the cannibals. Fijian society had several cannibalistic tribes and within the tribes several clans. A missionary, by the name of Thomas Baker, was one of the victims of cannibalism. Fijians believe that the head is sacred and touching it considered to be an act of war. This was the cause of what happened to poor Mr. Baker, after he touched the village chief’s head. Today, one of his shoes remains on display in the Fiji museum. Thankfully now there is no cannibalism in Fiji, however the head is still considered sacred. In the villages, only the chief can wear a hat and sunglasses and you should never tap anyone on the head; it is considered to be extremely disrespectful.

It was the British that colonized Fiji in 1874. Looking for ways to economically grow the colony, the British decided to set up large scale, sugar plantations. Labor forces were scare so they brought in an Indian work force from Calcutta to mind the fields. This would forever change the face of Fijian history. Today the population is 51 percent Fijian and 44 percent Indian. The official language is English, with Fijian and Hindustani also spoken. The chief religions are Christian, Hindu and Muslim. Fiji became Independent from England in 1970.

Village life is still very much alive in Fijian culture. The ritual of offering Kava, or (yaqona) to the chief when visiting a village is still practiced today. Kava is considered to be the national drink. It is made from the dried roots of a pepper plant, called piper methysticum and it is common among Polynesian cultures. Once the roots are pounded and mixed with water it transforms into a drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. I had the opportunity to try this drink while in Fiji and well, I would say the taste is like a bitter, peppery, muddy, water. It will, however, help you sleep and may make your tongue and face a bit numb. If you are offered Kava or yaqona in Fiji, it will likely be done in a ceremonial fashion. You should dress conservatively for this event and you will be offered a seat on a mat that is placed on the ground. The chief will prepare the communal bowl of Kava. The chief, or highest ranking person, will drink first before it is shared with everyone else. Once presented, the chief will clap once before you drink and then three claps as you finish, so no sipping, drink it right down. The drinking of Kava is likely an acquired taste but the unity it brings to the community is clear; a true cultural gathering.

The Fijian islands are a true, tropical paradise. The water is so crystal clear, that it changes in color from emerald green to azure blue. It has white sand beaches and is famous for its soft, coral diving. Fiji is known as the “home to happiness” and the people are incredibly friendly. “Bula,” is how you say hello in Fiji and you will hear it everywhere you go. Today, Fiji is a tourist destination with numerous resorts for every budget. My husband and I were lucky enough to visit for our 16th wedding anniversary. We stayed on Turtle Island in a beautiful “bure” (that is what they call a house) right on the beach. The thatched roof bure was spectacular. If you ever saw the movie the “Blue Lagoon,” know it was filmed there. Honestly, it is hard to come up with proper words to describe the natural beauty of this place but despite its magnificence, what we were most impressed with were the Fijian people. Their amazing hospitality made us feel a real part of their community and family. We visited their village and dined with them in incredible Fijian flair. When it was time to leave, tears filled my eyes. It was so bitter sweet to say goodbye to our new, Fijian friends and one could stay here an eternity.

The cuisine in Fiji is awe-inspiring. Fresh fish and lobster are everywhere. Fiji is unique in the South Pacific with its many dishes cooked with a fusion of Indian influence, incorporating many curries and spices. Coconut milk and cream are also used often. The markets are packed with tropical fruits, citrus and tubers. Taro root, cassava, sweet potatoes and plantains are the main staples of their cuisine. Many villages have their own community gardens to provide fresh ingredients for their people.

One traditional way of preparing Fijian cuisine is called Lovo. This is a feast cooked in the earth. A makeshift oven is fashioned by digging a hole into the ground and lining it with coconut husks. They are then lit on fire and covered by stones. Meat, fish and vegetables wrapped in banana or taro leaves are placed on the hot stones. This is all covered back up with dirt and left to cook for a few hours. This method of cooking imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the food. A Lovo is usually reserved for special occasions like weddings or other important celebrations.

So let’s eat Fijian Style:

The Menu
Starter
Kokoda (Ceviche)

Served with Fried Taro Root

Main
Lobster Curry in Coconut Milk

Served with

Raita (Cucumber and Carrot Salad)

Dessert

Banana Cake

We decorated the mat with colors of the flag; a light blue representing the relationship of the Pacific Ocean to the islands. We used palm fronds and tropical fruits and flowers to set the scene. It is customary to eat on a mat on the floor in Fiji.

We started by saying “Da Kana!” (Bon appetite, in Fijian.) The first course was Kokoda, pronounced (ko-konda). Fijians always use an “n” sound in front of “d.” This dish is considered to be the national dish of Fiji and can be found all over the islands. Kokoda is an outstanding fresh fish ceviche (I used mahi-mahi )made with citrus and coconut milk and served with a side of fried taro root to scoop up that wonderful fresh goodness. A perfect way to begin our Fijian feast.

For the main course we had a lobster curry in coconut milk. This is an ideal way to experience the fusion of Indian and Fijian cuisine. The curry was perfectly spiced and the lobster was rich and succulent. We served it with plain white rice and an amazing creamy, cucumber and carrot salad called raita. It was wonderfully soothing to the palate to contrast the spicy, lobster curry.

For dessert, banana cake; this was the traditional way to end our meal. It is said there is never a Fijian party that does not have banana cake! We enjoyed our Fijian meal with what else but Fiji water. Yes it really does come from Fiji and yes, it really is delicious water.

Now we are off to play a round of golf in honor of their golf hero, Vijay Singh and then we will go canoeing. For centuries the Fijians have been famous for making incredible sea-worthy canoes used to visit the many islands of Fiji. It was fun to revisit this beautiful country, called by mistake, Fiji. Vanaka vaka levu (thank you!)

As we say goodbye, enjoy a couple Fijian proverbs:
Each bay, its own wind
and,
Life is like this: sometimes sun, sometimes rain

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

Egyptians, along with the rest of the Arab world, call their country Masr. The full name in Arabic is JuMhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah, which means, the Arab Republic of Egypt. Egypt is a transcontinental country. Most of the country lies in North Africa but it also spans to the southwest corner of Asia via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west. The location puts Egypt at a strategic crossroads between Africa, Asia and Europe.

Egypt has a rich history and is home to thousands of years of recorded civilization. There have been numerous invasions, battles and victories, dating back to the Pharoranic Era, from 3100 B.C. to 332 B.C. That era was followed by the Greek Era, the Roman Era, the Coptic Era, and the Islamic Era. Then Ottoman rule came, invasions by the French, and ultimately she was colonization by the British, until a revolution in 1952. After that, Egypt became somewhat independent in 1954 when the last British soldiers left, although there were several other times of significant warfare. One in particular happened in 1967 and was called the Six-Day War. This was when Egypt was defeated by Israel, leaving the Sinai Peninsula occupied. Unlike most other countries, there is not a clear moment when Egypt became “Independent.” Some argue the process continues to this day.

Most recently in 2011, after 30 years of rule, there was another revolution in Egypt prompting Hosni Mubarak to step down as president. Unfortunately since the ousting of Mubarak, the country faces new obstacles and many would say that life is far worse and more oppressive than during the Mubarak years. Today the current leader is Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former army chief. Protesters are being prosecuted and there are serious questions about basic human rights, especially freedom of speech. Others claim an iron fist is necessary to keep out the extremists, as the country is surrounded by other countries in conflict.

The vast majority of the people are ethnically Egyptian, Bedouins and Berbers. The minorities are Greek, Nubian, Armenian and other European nationalities. The official religion is Islam (mostly Sunni) with a small Christian population, at around six percent. Christians are referred to as Coptic, although other forms of Christianity are also practiced. For the past 13 centuries, Arabic has been the official language of Egypt. Prior to that, Coptic was the language spoken, which descended from Ancient Egyptian. Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and Cairo is the largest city in all of Africa and all of the Arab nations.

With hardly any rainfall to speak of, the Egyptians are blessed with the longest river on the planet. Egypt’s gift is the river Nile, alongside of which, 94 percent of the population reside. Egypt is mostly desert, except for the fertile valleys surrounding the Nile, as the river delivers rich, dark, Ethiopian soils to nourish her valleys. The Nile runs north, flowing over 4000 miles and ends in the Mediterranean Sea. Wooden sail boats, called feluccas, are the mode of transportation along the Nile, as it has been for centuries. Diversion of the river and controlled flooding have been done secretly since the days of Pharaohs. The fertile soil bestows an abundance of fresh produce. In fact, food production is the number one industrial output in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is the number two export. It is famous for its long fiber that softens and strengthens over time. It is commonly used in luxury bedding and if you have never slept on a set of high thread count, Egyptian cotton sheets, well, you should!

Egypt’s greatest treasures have to be the antiquity and well preserved buildings and temples from ancient Egypt. The most well-known symbol of Egypt is the Great Pyramids of Giza. The largest pyramid, called Khufu, is the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one to remain largely intact. Egyptologists believe that is was built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh named Khufu and was built over a 10 to 20 year period of time, concluding around 2560 BC. Initially built to a height of 481 feet, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3800 years. The structure is constructed of 5.5 million tons of limestone blocks, 8000 tons of granite and 500,000 tons of mortar. There is also the Valley of Kings which was a great burial ground for the Pharaohs. With over 60 tombs and 100 chambers, it is where the Tomb of Tutankhamun, a.k.a., King Tut, was discovered in 1922 and it was found untouched by thieves and vandals. The tomb was packed with amazing artifacts including King Tut’s mummy, a gold mask and a solid gold inner coffin, just to name a few.

We owe a lot to the ancient Egyptians, especially for their inventions and technology which helped to shape many civilizations to come. One of the most important inventions was writing. They wrote in hieroglyphics, which allowed them to keep accurate records and control their empire. The English language has only 26 letters but the ancient Egyptians had over 700. Thanks to the discovery of the Rosetta stone, we found the key to unlock our modern understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Egypt also gets the credit for the invention of paper; basically durable sheets of parchment made from the papyrus plant. They kept the production process a secret so that they could sell their parchment to other countries. Clearly the Egyptian understanding of geometry, structural engineering and architecture allowed them to build the impressive pyramids. They also created make-up and even the men wore it. The substance was called kohl and it was made from soot and other minerals. Aside from creating a fashion statement, it helped to protect their skin from the hot desert sun. Oh and they invented the toothbrush and toothpaste out of necessity, due to the bread having so much grit and sand in it. (Could that be how the sandwich got its name?)

Speaking of bread, today it is subsidized by the government. For generations the government has fed the public by distributing flour to bakeries, which in turn sells bread for as little as five piasters a loaf; less than one U.S. cent. The system turned Egypt into the largest consumer of wheat, draining the government’s foreign reserves. Cairo spends $3 billion a year on this subsidy. Reform has been difficult since the nearly 90 million Egyptians that rely on the bread are living in poverty. They call their bread aish, which also means life and it is used like a spoon to scoop up food.

As we look into the cuisine of this ancient land, it is as diverse and fascinating as its past. Cairo has the oldest spice market in the Middle East, dating back to 2000 BC. Giant burlap sacks filled with every spice imaginable from India, Asia, Africa and Europe are all traded through Cairo.Originally spices were a necessity to preserve food but now spices offer a world of culinary possibilities and they use them generously in their cuisine. Cardamom, coriander, cumin and cinnamon are just a few of the favorites.

There are a couple of dishes that I did not choose to make but must mention as part of our journey, due to their huge popularity. One is called “Koshari.” It has been served for over one thousand years however, it actually originated in India. It is a dish with pasta, lentils, chickpeas, rice and seasoned with a tomato garlic and cumin sauce and served with fried onions. It is said that every woman should know how to make a great Koshari to be worthy as a wife. Another is a breakfast food called “ful medames”, which is a dish of mashed fava beans. Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of legumes and vegetables as they are so plentiful from the rich Nile valleys. Garlic and onions are also essentials in their everyday dishes. Lamb is a much loved meat for kebabs, along with chicken and beef. Pork is not eaten for religious reasons nor is alcohol consumed.

So let’s eat Egyptian style:

The Menu
Starter
Ta’amiyas (Fava bean falafel)

Served with
Baladi Aish (pita bread) with Tahina (Sesame seed sauce)

and
Egypt Arabic salad (Tomato and cucumber salad)

Soup
Molokhia (Jute leaf soup)

Main
Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed squab)

Dessert
Basbousa (Semolina cake)

We found some lovely and provocative Arabic music to play in the background as we decorated the table in the colors of the Egyptian flag: red, white and black. We placed lotus flowers (water lilies) all around, as they are the national flower. We also decorated with renderings of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and of course a picture of the famous pyramids. For this meal we invited our two cats to join us, since feline ancestry (through DNA) has been traced back to the cats of ancient Egypt that were called “mau.” Cats were treasured and worshiped by Egyptians for they kept the vermin and snakes at bay.

To begin our meal we said “Sahtain”, which is basically the equivalent of “bon-appetit.” Our first course was the famous falafel, called Ta’amiyas. This much loved appetizer or snack, is made of fava beans, versus others varieties, which are made from chick peas. They were served with fresh pita bread and garnished with cucumber and tomatoes and topped with the lovely tahini sauce, which is delicious on everything. These dishes, (cucumber and tomato salad, tahini and fresh bread), are left out on the table for enjoyment throughout the meal.

The next course was an ancient dish made from jute leaves, called Molokhia. It is a soup that is served with rice and chicken or rabbit. I made ours with chicken and the flavor was awesome. However, the jute leaf has a gelatinous texture when cooked, similar to okra and it takes a bit of getting used to. I served it as a soup portion, for a starter, although it is usually served as the main course. The jute leaf is packed with all sorts of wonderful nutritional value.

For the main course, I just had to make stuffed pigeon, called hamam mahshi. Egyptians have kept pigeons or squab since ancient times. Today their mud brick lofts dot the skyline all along the countryside. The pigeons were stuffed with cracked green wheat, called freekeh (but bulgur or rice is also commonly served) and seasoned with all the classic spices. These birds are small and usually served in pairs. They were simply out of this world; crispy skin and the incredible flavor of the rich dark meat combined with the spicy, wheat stuffing, delicious. Pigeons are commonly served on wedding nights, as they are thought to be an aphrodisiac.

For dessert, we made room for the scrumptious basbousa. This is a semolina, cake-like desert that has the signature sugar coating and is flavored with lemon and rosewater. It was cut into diamond shapes and topped with a single, whole almond. This was the perfect complement to our Egyptian meal, served with a hot cup of mint tea. It is customary to say “Daimah” at the end of the meal, which means “may there always be plenty at your table.”

I leave you with a few proverbs found in the temples of Luxor:

If you search for the laws of harmony, you will find knowledge.
True teaching is not an accumulation of knowledge; it is an awaking of consciousness which goes through successive stages.
and
Seek peacefully, you will find.

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 East Timorese call their country Timor Lorosa’e which means, “Rising sun”. East Timor or Timor-Leste, as it is also known, is located on the island of Timor. The island is part of the Indonesian archipelago and lies between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean about 400 miles northwest of Darwin Australia. East Timor is the first sovereign state of the 21st century. She shares the island with the country of Indonesia.

The first arrivals to the island were the Vedo-Australoid people, related to the Sri-Lankans, sometime between 40,000 and 20,000 B.C. The Melanasian people migrated to Timor around 3000 B.C., and remain the largest ethnic group there today (Malay and Pacific Islanders). In Ancient Timor, they exported beeswax, spices and the highly sought after; fragrant sandalwood. The island was colonized by the Portuguese from 1600 to 1975. In 1613 the Dutch took control of the western portion of the island and fought for control of the whole island, until 1860, when a treaty was signed separating the two countries. In 1949, the Dutch recognized the western portion of the island as Indonesia.

Just nine, short days after East Timor gained independence from Portugal, she was invaded by Indonesia, which began the next twenty five years of hell. It is estimated that 200,000 East Timorese lost their lives (nearly one-third of the entire population) due to war related starvation, disease and unspeakable massacres and atrocities. In 1999, the United Nation forces finally stepped in and allowed for an election. Eighty percent of the East Timorese people voted to secede from Indonesia and demanded their independence. They finally gained it May 20, 2002.

During those twenty five years, seventy percent of all infrastructure was wiped out. Ninety percent of the schools and healthcare facilities were demolished. Even the fishing villages and boats were destroyed and so was their ability to fish, which provided the main source of food for the East Timorese people. Today the forests make up only one percent of the territory, thanks to slash and burn agriculture and deforestation. Much of the vegetation was eradicated during the Indonesian invasion, from the use of poisonous chemicals like Agent Orange.

Needless to say, the East Timorese are still recovering from all this, albeit slowly. The country is now run as Parliamentary Republic and the “Head of State” is the president. East Timor is considered to be the poorest country in Asia. However, oil and gas recently discovered off shore, is the new hope of prosperity for this land and her people. Dili is the capital city and the main industries are printing and soap manufacturing. They grow coffee, rice, maize and cassava to export and they also export marble and their coveted, sandalwood.

East Timor has a tropical climate with two seasons; a wet season, from December to April and a dry season, from May to November. The land is a rugged terrain, with Mt. Ramelau being the highest peak, at nearly 10,000 feet. They also have plenty of challenges from Mother Nature such as floods, earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis. Timor is located in what is called a tectonic subduction zone, where tectonic plates slide under one another creating instability and massive earthquakes. Since 1900, 212 earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or more have occurred in the region (most beneath the sea) and with them tsunamis, on average, one tsunami every 14 months.

The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese, however there are at least 12 local languages and many speak Bahasa Indonesia and some, English. Interestingly, their currency is the United States (US) dollar. They use US coins but also have the Portuguese minted centavos in the same denominations as US coins. As for religion, the majority of the people are Roman Catholic followed by Protestants, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. Their festivals and celebrations happen around Christmas and Easter and of course Independence Day.

As we look into the cuisine of East Timor, the influences are clear. The Portuguese introduced their cuisine, as they were part of the culture there for almost 400 years. For example, feijoada is very well-liked. (Remember the bean stew, with beef and pork, from our journey to Brazil?) Indonesian cuisine is also popular, with influences from India and China. They like their food spicy and of course, the local ingredients found on and around the island are used as the main stays of the cuisine. Interestingly, rice is popular, however corn is considered the staple.

So let’s eat East Timorese

The Menu
Appetizer

Bolado with Ai-manas
Hard-boiled eggs with chili paste

Main
Ikan Pepes (fish in curry sauce)

Served with
Rice & Batar Da’an (a pumpkin and corn dish)

Dessert
Rujak (fruit salad with cream and nuts)

We set the stage for our East Timorese meal with the colors of their flag; red, yellow, black and white. The color white, represents peace and the star is considered to be “the light that guides.” We placed a small bowl of water on the low table, as it would be customary to wash your hands with it before eating. The East Timorese either eat with only their right hand or with a spoon and fork. The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork is used to push the food onto the spoon.

We began with an appetizer, which is a common street food found all over East Timor and usually sold by kids. It is a deep fried, hard-boiled egg which sells for 25 cents. The egg is served with a very spicy, chili paste. We never had a fried, hard-boiled egg before and the result was a nice, crispy touch to the outside of the egg. No batter was necessary, it does it all on its own. We loved them.

The remainder of the meal was served family style. The whole, red snapper was seasoned with a curry made of spices and tamarind. The fish was first steamed in a banana leaf and then grilled. It was tender and perfect, served with rice, lemon wedges and another popular dish called, batar da’an. It consisted of corn, mung beans and pumpkin. This is a wonderful vegetarian dish that could easily be a main course all by itself.

For dessert, we delighted in fresh fruit, served with cream and nuts. Drinks are not normally served before or during the main meal. However, we enjoyed a strong coffee with our dessert. When being offered a drink in East Timor, it should be received with both hands. All food that is offered should be accepted as a gift and when you are finished you should leave a small amount of food on the plate, except that all the rice should be eaten. Then, place your fork and spoon face down on the plate, with the spoon crossed over the top of the fork.

Ancient legend says that Timor was created after an aging crocodile transformed itself into the island to compensate a boy that helped it when it was ailing. The boy’s descendants are believed to be the natives of Timor. Poetry is an integral part of tradition on the island to tell such stories. Here are a couple of poems I found enjoyable:

“Grandfather Crocodile” written by the President Poet, Xanana Gusmao
From the depths of the ocean
a crocodile in search of a destiny
spied the pool of light, and there he surfaced
Then wearily, he stretched himself out
in time
and his lumpy hide was transformed
into a mountain range
where people were born
and where people died
Grandfather crocodile
- the legend says
and who am I to disbelieve
that he is Timor!

And another one, by AVCAT
"I Have a Country..."
“I have a country, it is an island
But no one knows it is an island,
because no one knows I have a country
It is not in the Caribeans, where the sun dances
Atlantic waves its seas, breezes on happy faces
But my island is pacific, near the Indic
No one knows where it is, because no one knows.
Where it is.
I have a country! it is Pacific
But no one knows it is Pacific,
because no one knows I have a country
It is not Indic, where great men once sailed
in search of a route, to the orient
But my island is Pacific, not the Orient.
No one knows where it is, because no one knows.
Where it is.
I have a country! it is mountainous
But no one knows it is mountainous,
because no one knows I have a country
The mountain ranges, peak to peak.
Yet not so great, like the Himalayas,
where one marvels, and be inspired.
My mountains are just plain mountains.
When you look, you look at mountains because they are mountains....

I have a country, it is Timor Loro Sa'e
But no one knows it is Timor Loro Sa'e,
because no one knows where it is.
Do you know where it is?”

As we say goodbye, I am happy to say, yes, we now know of this country, East Timor!

Warmest regards,
Darlene

“Rich Coast” is what Costa Rica means in Spanish and the name given by early explorers looking for gold. As it turns out, Costa Rica was not rich in gold but rich in many other ways. She is a tropical country located in Central America. Having borders on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, her neighbors are Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1821 as part of the Mexican Empire. The majority of the population is mestizo, a mix of European, mainly Spanish and other descents. The balance are native Indians, indigenous to the area. Spanish is the official language, although English is commonly spoken. Roman Catholic is the official religion with many others practiced as well, as they endorse an open tolerance policy in the country. Costa Rica abolished their military in 1949, after a brief civil war, becoming the first, of only a few sovereign nations, without a standing army.

“My country is your country”, was the first thing our taxi driver said to us upon our arrival. We flew into the capital city of San Jose for a fishing expedition on the Caribbean side. The people of Costa Rica are called Ticos or Ticas, depending upon their gender. While we waited for our plane we enjoyed some bocas (appetizers) and a cerveza (Imperial, the local brew.) We then boarded a small prop plane and flew to our lodge, located in the jungle near the small village of Barra del Parismina. This is where our adventure would begin.

The lodge was nestled amongst every type of palm variety imaginable. Bougainvillea’s, hibiscus and orchids (their national flower) in all the colors of the rainbow, abounded. The sound of the jungle was amazing; birds chirping and humming, cicadas singing us their welcoming tune. This small country, at only 20,000 square miles, has five percent of the world’s bio-diversity; the most, based on size, of any other country in the world.

Howler monkeys were our five a.m. wakeup call to start off our day. Soon a potful of aromatic (and robust) Costa Rican coffee was delivered to our door. Coffee is a major export of Costa Rica and there are many different, gourmet brews of coffee produced there. From the mid 19th century, decorated ox carts called “carretas”, were used to haul the coffee beans from the central valley over the mountains to the Pacific coast. This journey would take 10 to 15 days. The carreta was ornately decorated as a matter of regional pride. Each cart would create a unique song, produced from the metal ring hitting the wheel’s hubnut, as it bounced along the muddy trails. The decorated carreta, although a fading art form today, is considered Costa Rica’s national symbol.

We came to Costa Rica for the fishing, known to be a phenomenal exploration. On our first outing, we glided down the jungle rivers and then headed out into the Caribbean Sea. We fished for snook and tarpon, however the waters were ripe with bull sharks. Our guide’s keen navigational skills, while heading in and out through the mouth of the river to the Caribbean, were duly noted. He told us stories along the way of the many fatalities befalling those that did not respect just how treacherous the river can be. This certainly added an interesting level of excitement to our adventure which was well worth it, we caught behemoth tarpon, many snook and some very interesting river fish.

The sun rises and sets at the same time in Costa Rica, 365 days a year, due to its proximity to the equator. The lodge provided these beautifully crafted rocking chairs, made locally, of wood and leather that were set out on the veranda for enjoying the sunset. (We loved them so much we had to ship a couple home.) After fishing, we relaxed on the veranda and shared stories with the other guests. All at once, an awesome thunderstorm developed and ripped across the grounds. The staff seemed to take this in stride, as trade winds and heavy rainfall are common on the Caribbean side of the country. In fact, the mountains receive almost 200 inches of rain per year.

On our last night at the lodge, we feasted on grilled snook, that we had caught that day while surf casting. The snook was served with their famous black beans and rice, along with a delightful hearts of palm salad. Our meal was superb.

The trip so far, was everything we imagined it to be and more. We had such an incredible time, we decided to change our plans and extend our stay. To complete the journey, we wanted to fish and explore the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The lodge graciously made our arrangements to stay at a beautiful resort and for the prop plane that would take us there.

The plane ride over the country was something to behold. There is always a unique perspective gained while seeing a country from the air. The land is so lush and breathtakingly beautiful. Flying over the middle of the country we saw many volcanoes, some of which are still active, producing earthquakes in the regions. We also noticed plantations of bananas, coffee and sugarcane. (Costa Rica is the second largest exporter of bananas after Ecuador.) Each of the villages had a cleared, green patch for soccer, or futbol, as it is called in Spanish. It is their national sport. Of course, the cities have many soccer fields as well and we were told that even if you are not watching the game, you know if the national team has scored based on the honking of horns and shouts heard in the streets.

The plane landed on a dirt strip, no airport or building or anything of the sort was there. The pilot unloaded our luggage and said someone would come to pick us up. We wandered around a bit, and then sat on our luggage for a good 45 minutes, as we started to get a little concerned. We could see a small road in the distance and decided to head that way and see if we could find a phone somewhere. We came upon a very small village of about a dozen houses. Chickens and pigs lined the roads looking for grub and happy children played among them. Thankfully we found someone who informed us, that the only phone in town was at the blue house down the road. Just about the time we arrived at the blue house, a jeep came honking its horn looking for us. It was our ride to the resort.

After about a 45 minute jeep ride through the verdant jungle on dirt roads, we arrived at the most beautiful resort, located right on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Our room was not quite ready, so we enjoyed a lunch of arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) with potato chips. This dish is commonly served throughout the country. It is full of all sorts of vegetables as well, so it’s a well-rounded dish that is sometimes served with French fries instead of potato chips. On the tables everywhere in Costa Rica you will find a bottle of Linzano salsa. It is interesting salsa and not easy to describe. It’s not spicy but has a unique flavor that grows on you and you find yourself putting it on everything and missing it dearly when you return home. It is not easily found outside of Costa Rica, so be sure to stock up while you are there!

During lunch, my husband inquired about a fishing boat for the next day. Much to our dismay, we learned there was a fishing tournament going on and there were no boats to be found locally. They told us there is one small, 18 foot, Boston Whaler, located in a town called Tamarindo, about a three hour cab ride away. I would have been more than happy to chill at this beautiful oasis for a few days, but that was not to be. Off we went in the cab to Tamarindo.

The hotel was small and nothing like the resort we left behind, but it would do. We planned to explore the town in the afternoon and my husband would be able to fish in the Pacific the next day. There are many expats living in Costa Rica from the United States and elsewhere. We met several while we were out exploring and it is easy to see their attraction to this place. The country is stunningly beautiful and the people are so friendly. Everywhere we went, we encountered a greeting. They would say “Pura Vida”, meaning “pure life”, a way to express how they felt about this country.

My husband left early the next morning for his fishing expedition and the boat picked him up right on the beach in front of our hotel. He could write a book just on the fishing trip that day, but suffice it to say in just three short hours he hooked up 26 and caught 13 billfish: mostly sailfish but some marlin, with double, triple and even quadruple hook ups. Of course he didn’t get them all to the boat. (It is the ones that get away that make the best fishing stories.) Costa Rica has a catch and release policy to ensure that sport fishing remains one of its best tourist attractions. It was one of his best fishing days ever; a memory for a lifetime!

Tourism has taken over as the number one source of economic wealth for Costa Rica. It is easy to see why. Eco-tourism was pioneered there, with many ways to experience the flourishing, tropical country, ripe with adventure and wonderful, welcoming people. What’s not to love?

We headed back to the capital city of San Jose and we ended our trip with lunch at a local restaurant. We ordered a popular meal called “casado”, which means “marriage” in Spanish. The meal was served on a banana leaf. It was rice, black beans, roast pork, a salad of cabbage, tomatoes and onions, with a light citrus dressing and a fried plantain.

The cuisine in Costa Rica is well balanced and hearty. It is not spicy, as one might think, but very tasty. Rice and beans are part of every meal. For breakfast, the rice and beans are mixed together in a dish called “gallo pinto” or “spotted rooster.” Often the dish is made with leftovers from the night before and served with eggs, fresh cheese and a fried plantain.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are found everywhere, as well as freshly baked pastries to enjoy with your coffee. You will also see the locals with a machete whacking off the top of a green coconut and inserting a straw into it for a refreshing drink. Ceviche is another one of the country’s most popular dishes, usually made with fresh sea bass or tilapia. On both coasts you will find a wide variety of seafood, such as calamari, crab and lobster. Seafood is sometimes substituted for pork or chicken in casado.

So let’s eat Tico Style:

The Menu
Starter
Ceviche

Soup
Sopa Negra (Black Bean Soup)

Main Course
Arroz Con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

Served with

Ensalada de Palmita  Hearts of Palm Salad

Dessert
Tres Leches (Cake made of three types of milk)

We set the table using the colors of the Costa Rican flag, which are red white and blue. We had a few souvenirs from our trip, which we added to our table as well. One decoration was a rose made from tarpon scales and another, a beautiful, hand crafted wooden bowl and of course coffee beans. In Costa Rica, time is known as Tico time, or “la hora tica”, as Costa Ricans are habitually late by about 30 minutes. This is customary and never considered rude. It sets the tone for their easy-going ways.

We began the meal with a delicious ceviche, made with fresh tilapia and served in avocado bowls. It was scrumptious. They use a secret ingredient in their ceviche, ginger-ale, for just the right balance of sweet and sour. An Imperal cerveza was the perfect complement.

Next, we had a black bean soup, called sopa negra. The garnishes of sour cream, avocado, radish and hard-boiled egg, made this soup exceptional.

The main course, arroz con pollo, was prepared in the manner it came to us in Costa Rica, with potato chips, mixed in for a little added crunch. We accompanied it with an outstanding, hearts of palm, salad.

For dessert, we chose the national dessert, called tres leches. It is a delicious cake that is served wet, as it is made with three types of milk and covered with whipped cream. A hot cup of Costa Rican coffee added a soothing warmth as we reminisced about our fantastic trip to this beautiful, tropical paradise, called Costa Rica.

We sat back in our rocking chairs and toasted to “Pura Vida.” Muchas gracias Costa Rica!

Until next week,
Warmest regards
Darlene

Comoros is a group of three volcanic islands which are located between East Africa and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Nzwani (Anjouan), Mwali ( Moheli) and Ngazidga (Grand Comore) are their names. There is a fourth Island named Mahore (Mayotte) but it still belongs to the French, although the people of Comoros claim it as their own. The name Comoro comes from the Arabic word qumr meaning “moon” however the residents call their country Masiwa, simply, “the Islands”.

The Islands are blessed with beautiful beaches and with quaint villages that dot the countryside. Each island is unique in its natural characteristics and attractions. The nation’s capital, Moroni, located on Grand Comore, is said have intoxicating Arabian charm. Moroni translates as "in the heart of the fire." She sits at the foot of Mount Karthala, an active volcano that erupts about every 11 years. There you will also find the grandiose, Vendredi Mosque. Only males are allowed to go inside this holy mosque. The men must be dressed in full length trousers and must have washed their feet before entering the mosque.

The Islands were colonized by Africans in the eighth century. Islam was introduced back in the 11th century. Today Sunni Islam is the national religion and practiced by 98 percent of the population. The Comoros Islands for centuries were a major stopover of mercantile routes and played a major role in the world’s economy. The French colonized the islands in 1886 and they remained under French rule until 1975. The Islands have been victim to many coup attempts since her independence from France. With the aid of other countries and the African Union, the government in 2001 signed a new constitution where the Islands were granted greater autonomy and are now considered to be somewhat stable.

The most common language is Shikomoro, a Swahili dialect, however French and Arabic are widely spoken. All three are considered official languages. Comorians receive a Koranic education and learn to write their language in Arabic characters. Formal education is given in French and the literacy rate has improved in recent years and is now up to 75 percent.

These Islands are poor, with 60 percent of the population living below the poverty line and they rank 184th in Gross Domestic Product, making them one of the poorest nations on earth. They import rice and other food stuff, consumer goods, petroleum, cement and transport equipment. They export vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves and copra. Agriculture is 80 percent of the Islands’ work force. Fishing and tourism are becoming growth sectors of their economy.

Comoros is the second largest exporter of vanilla beans in the world, behind Madagascar. It is also the second most expensive export behind saffron, (I just bought two beans for $13.00, at my local grocery store.) They are the largest exporter of ylang-ylang, which is an essential oil produced from the flower of the Cananga Odorata tree. It offers a wide assortment of benefits. It is used as an antidepressant, a skin and hair remedy, it kills bacteria, lowers blood pressure, and also is used as an aphrodisiac. In fact, in Indonesia, it is customary to scatter the petals of this flower across a honeymoon bed. But mainly, ylang-ylang’s sweet, soft, flowery, romantic fragrance is used in the making of perfume. The very early inhabitants referred to the Islands as the "Perfume Islands"

The staple ingredients in their cuisine are rice and cassava, seafood, fresh and dried plantains, and coconuts. Castrated goat is served for special celebrations on the Islands, which are mainly religious observances. They also celebrate two New Years in Comoros. The first is the traditional New Year on January 1st and the other follows the Islamic calendar. They celebrate their Independence Day on July 6. These festivals include music, dancing and cultural performances, which recreate popular and important literary texts, including war epics and tales from the villages. Of course the festivals showcase their very best food.

As I looked into the cuisine of this archipelago nation, I decided cooking something from the sea would be most fitting. (Besides, I didn’t want to think about castrating a goat.) The influences on their cuisine are French, African and Arabian. The religious influence is major as well. Although alcohol can be found in some European restaurants and tourist locations on the Islands, most Comorians do not partake.

So let’s eat Comorian style:

The Menu
Starter
Soupe faux pois (Sweet Pea Soup)

Main
Langouste a la vanilla (Lobster with Vanilla Bean Butter)

Dessert
Fruits frais a la cannelle (Fresh Fruit with Cinnamon )

We set the table with the many colors of the Comoros flag; green, yellow, white, red and blue. We lit a ylang-ylang candle which emitted a lovely floral scent. In Comoros, it is proper to say “bismillah” (thanks to Allah) before eating. We began the meal with a really special sweet pea soup. It had some spiciness from the cayenne and ginger and was made creamy with a light coconut milk. We loved it and I think I will have to add this to my favorites list.

For the main course, we savored the lobster with vanilla butter sauce. We were both surprised at how delicious the vanilla was in the butter. The lobster was served over some lightly wilted greens and clover sprouts, which were a lovely accompaniment. We found ourselves pleasantly satisfied, as the meal had a delightful richness to it.

Dessert is not too common in Comoros but they do enjoy fresh fruit, especially jackfruit. Jackfruit is a tropical fruit, known as the largest tree-borne fruit, weighing as much as 80 pounds (36 kg).  I couldn’t find any fresh jackfruit but we did find it in a jar. We mixed it with apples, bananas, oranges and melon. A light sauce was made from cinnamon and vanilla, which accentuated the fruity flavors.

All in all, we were very happy to have journeyed to Comoros.

I leave you this week with a few proverbs from Comoros:
You can win a woman with lies but you cannot feed her with lies.
If you live in the river you should make friends with the crocodile.
A chicken with beautiful plumage does not sit in a corner.
A fool and water will go the way they are diverted.

Until next week,
Warmest regard,
Darlene

The Chinese people call their country Zhoung Guo, which means the “Middle Kingdom”. Way back when, the Chinese believed the earth was flat and that their country was in the middle of it and so the name stuck. The name China however, came from the early days of Chinese trade, when Persia was the country that sold and traded silks, spices and goods to the rest of the world. It was the King of Qin that united six nations to become one and “Qin” in Chinese is pronounced “Chin.” “Na”, comes from the Persian word “nation.” When asked where the goods came from, the reply was “Nation of Qin”, which created the word China to Westerners.

China is huge in size, coming in second, third or fourth in the world depending on how it is measured. Located in Asia, she has many neighbors, fourteen to be exact. They are: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam. (Phew!) She is uncontested as number one in the world for being the most populated. The current 2014 estimate is 1,393,783,835, we will just call it 1.4 billion in round numbers and that does not include Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau. The population has been a hot political issue in China. After rapid growth in the middle of the 20th century, the Chinese government instituted the renowned, ‘one child policy’. They rewarded couples that agreed to have just one child, with cash and better access to housing. The policy has been so successful that the birthrate is down to 1.4 children per woman. Now the experts worry about the imbalances that policy may cause, especially regarding the much larger number of males over females and whether there will be enough young people to provide needed services to the elders.

China’s fascinating history is one of four ancient civilizations dating back more than six millennia, and one of the oldest in the world. Today China is run as a communist state. The Chinese celebrate their Independence Day on October 1st, which marks the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China is a unified, multinational country comprising 56 nationalities. The Han make up the majority, at 91 percent of the population. The national religion is officially atheist. They do not keep figures on religion, however, their constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The culture and people have been influenced by many religious movements over the past thousand years. Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are considered the country’s “Three Religions”. Islam and Christianity are also practiced by a smaller percentage of the population.

The national language is Putonghua or Mandarin. Many other dialects are spoken and the minority groups have their own cultures and language. The writing system however has not changed for thousands of years, having over six thousand characters. It is extremely complex and difficult to learn unless taught at an early age. The language is written in symbols that represent concepts instead of sounds. There is now a simplified writing system called pinyin, which is the writing of Chinese words in Roman characters.

China has an impressive list of inventions; the compass, paper, gun-powder and printing, to name a few. There are also many symbols of China, but one cannot talk about China without talking about the Great Wall. Like a giant dragon, it wanders up and down across desserts, grasslands and mountains from east to west. At a length of 5500 miles, it is the only man-made object visible from the moon. Work began on the wall in the third century B.C.E. and was continued into the 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty. Many died while building the wall and were buried in it. The Great Wall is a reminder of the suffering the Chinese have endured contrasted by the incredible accomplishments of their civilization. The Great Wall is also one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. It is fascinating to think of this and two other engineering projects that were built over 2000 years ago; the Grand Canal (the longest canal in the world at 1115 miles) and the Karez irrigation system, an ingenious series of wells and channels that capture snow melt and transport the water by gravity for irrigation. Aside from these ancient projects, China has numerous other wonders like the 8000 Terra Cotta Warriors that were discovered in 1974 who are said to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb and created around 221 B.C; or the Leshan Buddha which stands over 233 feet high and 90 feet wide; and how about the Forbidden City in Beijing the largest ancient palace in the world to name a few.

China’s topography and climate are quite diverse due to her sheer size, ranging from tropical and sub-tropical valleys in the south to the frigid mountains of the north. Their chief crops are rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, tea, millet, barley, cotton and tobacco. She is considered to be the world’s top supplier of teas and grains.
China has huge reserves of coal, iron ore, petroleum, tin and has harnessed hydroelectric power to provide electricity. China has become a major force in the world’s economy with electronics, machinery and apparel as important exports. As China has grown in economic wealth and power, so has her appetite for imports, having many trade partners around the globe. The Peoples currency is called the Renminbi and its unit, the Yuan.

The Panda is an epic, national symbol of China. The panda bear is native to central and southwestern China but is facing extinction due to its loss of habitat. To make things worse, pandas have only a two to three day fertility window, which makes it very difficult to add panda cubs to their sub-critical population. There are several pandas in captivity and on loan to other nations to help with this issue and scientific intervention is becoming increasingly successful in boosting procreation rates. You will find these bamboo eating, adorable creatures proudly displayed on Chinese currency. Gold and silver coins sport the panda’s importance as the national animal.

As I looked into the cuisine of this massive, diverse country, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of coming up with just one meal, I made a dish from each of the eight recognized cuisines in China. Please note that all of these dishes were excellent however, some of them took a few days to make, so be sure to read the directions carefully. With each recipe you will get a little background on that particular Chinese cuisine. The main cuisines reflect the area, local ingredients and distinct method of cooking. Of course, the wok is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Chinese cuisine. However, it was amazing to learn of all the different techniques that are used there. It was challenging and fun to experience these different cuisines. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!

Perhaps you might want to host a Chinese New Year party. Did you know it’s coming up on February 19, 2015? This massive celebration is also called the Spring Festival in China. Most Chinese have eight days off of work for the celebration. It is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and is associated with the Chinese zodiac which has twelve animal signs. Each animal represents a year in a 12 year cycle. This year will be the Year of the Goat. Red envelopes are the most popular gifts for children and seniors, as they always contain money. Red is a very significant color and is worn and used in decorations all over China. The Chinese New Year is a time for family and friends to be together and eat delicious food.

So here we go to the cuisines of China:

The Cuisines of China
Shandong Braised Abalone (原汁燜鮑魚)

Guangdong Black Pepper Beef (hēi hú jiāo niú liǔ) 黑胡椒牛柳

Sichuan Gong Bao Ji Ding (diced chicken, fried with peanuts/cashews) 宫保鸡丁

Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

Hunan Hot and Sour Soup 酸辣汤

Fujian Shrimp Fried Rice 福建炒飯

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (小笼包) Soup Dumplings

Peking Duck (China's National Dish)北京烤鸭

Dessert
Orange (A symbol of good luck) jú zi 橙

We enjoyed each of these dishes using chopsticks. It is fun to eat with them, even if it takes a little practice. Round tables are common in China and with a lazy Susan; a center, round large platter that turns to easily move the food around the table. Most courses are served all at once. Sometimes you will find communal chopsticks available for serving. Make certain that you do not keep them by mistake. Use them to take a small serving and return them to the dish. Many times there will be chopstick holders next to your place setting. If not, never place your chopsticks upright in the food, this is taboo and symbolizes death. Instead, simply lay them on the plate. Also don’t pick out certain things from the dishes. This is also taboo and considered “grave digging.”

The Chinese people are very friendly. Be polite and always greet elders first and with the utmost respect. Be on time, as punctuality is considered a virtue. A handshake or nod is the most common form of greeting. For a toast, make sure to raise your glass and clink glasses and then say干杯！ Gānbēi! This is the equivalent of “Cheers!” or “Bottoms up!” The words actually mean “Dry Glass”. It's pronounced like “Gun-Bay!” For dessert, you will notice it is not a fortune cookie. It turns out that fortune cookies are an American invention, not a Chinese one. An orange was picked for our dessert, as the Chinese believe they bring good luck.

The Chinese have superstitions regarding numbers. They generally like even numbers, except for the number four. If giving a gift of fruit or flowers, never give four of either. Give six or eight, these numbers are considered very lucky.

As we leave this rich and ancient culture, we do so with a better understanding that the country has seen incredible growth and prosperity. We can only hope that they continue to make strides for the good of their enormous population and the world and will be kind to the environment as they grow.

And you know how I love proverbs. I leave you with a few from the Chinese:
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

Until next week,
Warmest regards, Darlene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Menu
Starter
Humitas (Corn Tamale)

with Pebre (A Chilean salsa)

 Mote Con Huesillos (A wheat and Peach Drink)

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

Served with
Corn on the cob, Chilean Style

Dessert
Sopaipillas
(Chilean doughnut)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Pie)

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Bulgaria most likely got her name from a Turkic Verb meaning “to mix”. Ethnic Bulgarians attribute their ancestry to the melding of Bulgars, a central Asian Turkic people and Slavs, a central European group beginning in the seventh century. She gained independence from the Ottoman Empire March 3, 1878.

Located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is bordered by Romania and the Danube to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south, Macedonia and Serbia to the west and the Black Sea to the east. Having a temperate-continental climate, characteristic for Central Europe, with hot summers and long cold winters, Bulgaria has four distinct seasons.

Ethnic Bulgarians are the bulk of the population followed by Turks and Romas (Gypsies). The official language is Bulgarian which is closely related to Macedonian. Turks speak Turkish and the Gypsies speak Romany. Orthodoxy is the official religion of Bulgaria however the constitution guarantees the right to free exercise of religion. Eight-three percent are Orthodox Christians, twelve percent are Muslim and the balance is a mixture of Jews and others. The Bulgarian government (along with the backing of the Orthodox Church), was one of only two countries that saved their Jewish population from being sent to Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. (Denmark was the other).

Speaking of religion, one of the must see tourist attractions in Bulgaria is a UNESCO site, “The Rila Monastery”, founded in the tenth century by the hermit, St. Ivan Rita, is one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. Aside from the beautiful frescos, it also houses the famous “Rila Cross”; a wooden cross with 140 microscopic scenes from the Bible featuring more than 1500 figures. The largest of these figures is no bigger than a grain of rice.

Bulgarians have a unique and fun tradition of welcoming spring. Baba Marta “Grandmother March” is celebrated on the first day of March when friends and loved ones exchange red and white adornment bracelets called Martenits. They symbolize health and longevity. They wear them throughout the month until they see a stork or a blooming tree. They then tie these little red and white adornments to the tree (the storks prefer not be adorned). My sister was visiting Bulgaria on a Danube river boat cruise last March and got to see this incredible display of colorful, blooming trees during this special springtime event.

Another highlight of Bulgaria is their incredible folk dancing. The men and women don traditional Bulgarian outfits and strike up the music with a vast array of instruments such as: a goat skin bag pipe, end-blown flutes, bowed string instruments, a long-necked lute, large drums, hourglass drums and accordions. The tempo is lively and the dancers line up and hold the sash or belt of their neighbor cross handed and move to the compound meter of the music, kicking and clacking their heels. It is quite an amazing show of talent, stamina and tradition.

Bulgaria also brought the world the Cyrillic alphabet, which today is used in Russia and throughout the Balkans and other Slavic nations. The Alphabet was invented by two monks during the First Bulgarian Empire.

Bulgaria’s climate is ideal for growing grapes, roses and much of their own food. The country is listed 20th in the world for wine production, producing some 200,000 tons a year. The old tradition of wine making in this region dates back all the way to the Thracians (Old Stone Age, 100,000 to 40,000 BC). The roses grown in “Rose Valley” produce ¾ of the world’s rose oil, used in perfumes. The national flower of Bulgaria is in fact the rose. One-third of Bulgaria’s land is forested, ranking third in Europe for bio-diversity. It is home to brown bears, wolves, the golden jackal, wild cats, common otters and many species of reptiles.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a bacteria used to make their unique tasting yogurt. Bulgarians love their yogurt and consume it by itself and in many of their dishes. Found naturally in the air only in Bulgaria, they export the bacteria to many other countries around the world. This particular bacteria gets credit for the large number of people in Bulgaria who have lived past the age of 100.

Bulgarian food is delicious, fresh and hearty. They grow quality vegetables and have many organic dairy products. They use mild spices allowing the natural flavors of the organic ingredients to shine. Pork and chicken are the most common forms of meat, although fish, beef, veal and lamb are also eaten. They have a strong culinary culture where cooking traditions have been passed on from generation to generation.

The Bulgarian cuisine is diverse with influences from other Balkan cuisines as well as Middle Eastern cuisines; India and Persia. The mix of cuisines began way back during the First Bulgarian Empire, when trading was prevalent with herbs and spices from these other lands. Bulgarians are famous for their one pot meals, cooking the meat first, low and slow in water and later adding in fresh vegetables and spices. These one pot meals are cooked in a clay pot called a gyuvetche. They also love Lyutenitsa, considered to be a national relish. It is a spicy mixture of mashed and cooked eggplant, tomato, garlic, hot peppers and parsley. They use a special cheese called Sirene, which is added to their famous Shopska salad, served as a starter to most meals. The cheese is similar to a feta. The end result of their cuisine is a hearty and delicious combination of flavors. As I planned our meal for Bulgaria, it was difficult to narrow down, as there were so many wonderful and delicious options.

So let’s eat Bulgarian style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Lyuti Chusnki (Roasted and marinated chili peppers)

Salad
Shopska Salad (Bulgaria’s most famous salad)

Main Course
Kavarma (Bulgarian slow cooked pork and vegetable stew)

Served with
Au Gratin A-la Bulgaria (Potatoes Au Gratin)

Dessert
Pecheni yabalkis med I orehi (Honey walnut baked apples)

The table was set using the country’s national colors; red, green and white. We decorated with roses, their national flower. We enjoyed the meal continental style which would be customary there.

We began our meal with the unbelievable roasted and marinated chili peppers served with slices of Lukanka (Bulgarian salami) we also had some yogurt on the side to cool the palate.

Next was the most refreshing Shopska salad, topped with feta. (I could not find sirene cheese locally, the feta was a fine substitute.) We loved this salad that was simply dressed with oil and vinegar.

Next up was the main course, Kavarma. This slow cooked pork stew was awesome, tender and beautifully flavored with fresh vegetables; onion, leek, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes and pepper, then just lightly seasoned with cumin, oregano and bay leaves. This was served alongside Bulgarian potatoes au-gratin, which were also delicious and went great with the stew. A baguette was added to the table to sop up that amazingly flavored stew gravy.

For dessert, apples baked to perfection, stuffed with walnuts and raisins that had soaked in brandy, created a wonderful combination of flavors. In the middle of the cored apple, I placed a little note wrapped in foil which said” Leko nosht I sladki sanishta” which means “Good night and sweet dreams.” This is a tradition of many Bulgarian cooks, especially around the holidays, to add a coin, a lucky charm or a note of good fortune and hide it in their desserts.

We enjoyed the meal with a lovely Bulgarian red cabernet sauvignon called Sparticus. We ended the meal with a toast of Rakia, Bulgaria’s national drink; a fruit brandy popular all over the Balkans. We lifted our glasses and toasted “Nazdrave”, meaning cheers. When I asked my husband if he loved the meal, he shook his head from side to side. Come to find out, in Bulgaria, Yes means No and No means Yes, by the shake or nod of the head, (he is so smart!) His shaking of the head meant he absolutely loved the meal, as did I.
Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Brunei Darussalam is a tiny country located on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. She has two separate territories neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia and also borders the South China Sea. It is a common misconception to assume this country is in the Middle East, rather than Southeast Asia.

It is said that back in the the late 1300’s, a group of fourteen brothers, in search of a new place to live, landed at Burit on the Brunei River. The brothers found the place beautifully surrounded by lush vegetation, rolling hills and rivers, abundant with fish. When they realized what they had discovered, they shouted “Baru Nah”, meaning “That’s it” and thereafter this land was known as Brunei. It is also believed Darussalam known as the “Adobe of Peace”, was named by the third Sultan of Brunei.

An absolute monarchy (one of only seven in the world), is run by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khari Waddien, the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (His friends call him Hassanal.) He is also the first and incumbent Prime Minister of Brunei. He is the only Sultan that has reigned since gaining full independence from Britain in 1984, although the family has ruled here for 600 years. An absolute monarch has absolute power among the people. The current Sultan is considered to be one of the richest men in the world.

Brunei is rich in oil and liquid natural gas, having one of the highest GDP in the world and no debt. The citizens are rewarded with free healthcare, education and pensions. Even housing and cars are subsidized here.

The Sultan’s 300 acre palace, named Istana Nurrel Iman, meaning “Palace of the Light of Faith”; is a combination of Persian and Arabic. The Palace, built with Brunei and Malay influences, has golden domes and vaulted roofs and cost 1.4 billion US dollars to build. It has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall to accommodate up to 5000 guests, a mosque to serve 1500, a 110 car garage, and air-conditioned stable to house the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies and 5 swimming pools. With its 2,152,782 square feet of floor space, it is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest private palace in the world. He owns over 9000 cars, 17 planes including an airbus, a custom designed 747, as well as a private zoo and a golf course. The Sultan opens up the doors to his private residence for a three day period during the annual Islamic festival which marks the end of Ramadan. Guests receive gifts of food and green packets, containing money, are given to children who visit during this event.

The people of this small country are mostly Malay, with a small minority of Chinese, Indians and some Indigenous tribes. The official language is Malay, although English is also widely used especially in trade and business. The Chinese citizens there still speak Chinese. The country’s religion is Islam, and the country takes it very seriously. They recently enacted Sharia, an Islamic law. Sharia is a moral and religious law, largely identified with Islam. Sharia law is controversial to say the least, addressing topics such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet (pork and alcohol are forbidden), prayer, everyday etiquette and fasting. The countries that have enacted Sharia (including Brunei) use flogging, amputations and stoning as legal punishments, prescribing the death penalty by stoning for homosexual acts, adultery and rape. As Sharia differs from secular law, there is ongoing controversy as to whether Sharia is compatible with democracy, freedom of thought and women’s rights. It is also said that the Sultan and his family members do not abide by this law and it is rumored that flagrant sexual affairs, often with underage girls and orgies run rampant in their palaces. But to speak badly of the Sultan or to critique how they spend money, is a punishable crime.

Brunei is known for her raw, unspoiled nature. The government has acted to conserve huge parts of the country for national parks and is home to some of the finest in Asia. Pristine rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs are easily accessible from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Visitors take pleasure in a longboat ride down a winding jungle river, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife. A walk on the shores under the vast rainforest canopy will unfold an abundance of birds, plants and animals, such as the entertaining Bornean proboscis monkey. Brunei is known to be one the best places on the planet for macro photography.

Blessed with a tropical climate and shielded from natural disasters, Brunei has many exotic fruits, vegetables and spices. Game animals in rural areas, such as, sambar deer and barking deer, are commonly hunted as a food source. Wild birds are eaten there as well. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia, with additional influences from India, Thailand, China and Japan. Fish and rice are their staple foods and they like it spicy; usually adding hot chilies to their dishes. Flavors like shrimp paste, galangal, turmeric and lemongrass infuse a delightful richness to their cuisine. A dish peculiar to Brunei is called “ambuyat.” It is a sticky ball of sago starch which is wrapped around a bamboo fork and dipped into a sour fruit sauce.

As I started my search for the recipes to make our Bruneian meal, I was struck by the complexity and number of ingredients in them. It would likely be one of my biggest culinary challenges to date but I was ready. I couldn't wait for those exotic Asian flavors that as yet, we haven't experienced on our journey.
So let’s eat:

The Menu

Appetizer
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Main Course
Prawn and Petai Sambal (Shrimp and Green Beans) Served with Khao Man (Coconut Rice)

Hot, Sweet and Sour Pickles

Dessert

Sticky Rice with Mangoes

We set the table with the Bruneian colors; yellow, black, white and red. We used chopsticks for utensils, after all this is Southeast Asia. Since alcohol is forbidden in Brunei, the meal was served with a pineapple and mango tropical fruit juice.

We began with our appetizer, the chicken satay and peanut sauce. Although Brunei cannot claim satay as their own, it is loved all over the country. The chicken thighs were marinated in a complex mix of exotic ingredients overnight. The result, after grilling, was absolute heaven on earth. The warm and tender, moist chicken, dipped in peanut sauce, was beyond belief.

The hot, sweet and sour pickles were made of pineapple, cucumber and carrots. The dressing was an awesome combination of robust flavors. This dish is commonly found on tables as a condiment or side dish. We ate it with both the satay and the main dish and savored every bite.

The main dish was shrimp and green beans. In Brunei, it is made with a green bean called petai, which is a large bean and only the seed of the bean is used after the pod is removed. However, I could not find this exotic bean. So I made our dish with fresh, organic green beans from our garden and cut them on the diagonal. This dish was simple to make, cooked up quickly and was delectable. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and served over delicious coconut rice. The tamarind paste added an awesome sourness to the dish and the sugar and sesame oil provided a lovely rich and complex sweetness.

For dessert we laid fresh mango slices over coconut rice and smothered this with an amazing warm, coconut cream; a perfect ending to our amazing journey to Brunei.

As we say goodbye, here are a few points of etiquette to be aware of, should you visit this rich, little country. Public displays of affection are considered rude and if it is with someone of the opposite sex and they happen to be Muslim, it could land you in jail to be prosecuted by an Islamic court. If someone offers you food, be polite and always accept it with your right hand (the left is considered unclean.) Take small bites and never eat while walking. Do not sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, don’t lean on a table and don’t pat or touch anyone on the head that is a sign of disrespect. If you want to get someone’s attention, use all four fingers of the right hand, palm facing downward, never use your forefinger. People there are considered friendly however with rare exception, are not likely to invite you into their home. Dress conservatively, be discreet and polite.

Although I find the Sharia law that the Sultan recently enacted, to be a huge step backwards for this country (even creating protests in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel, owned by the Sultan), I must say their complex cuisine and rich flavors are a counterpoint to be commended. With that, I will say “Makan Makan!” in Malay, meaning “Eat Eat.” The food of Brunei is truly divine!

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

The name Brazil means “red ember” and originated from Pau brasil or Brazil wood. This tree grows abundantly along the coast line and is known for a deep red dye it produces. Brazil wood was highly cherished by European traders who came from Portugal in the 16th century and traded with the Tupa-Guarani Indians. Brazil gained her independence from Portugal in 1822 and has been self-sufficient ever since.

Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world, is located in South America. She borders every country in South America with the exception of Chile and Ecuador and is in fact the largest in South America; covering nearly half of the entire continent. Divided into regions, she is a land rich in natural resources. It is these resources that have carved out her history: timber in the 16th century, sugarcane in the 16th and 17th centuries, gold and gems in the 18th century and coffee in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Brazil grows about 40 percent of the world’s coffee.

A true melting pot of nationalities, Brazil is one of the most varied and diverse countries in the world. This is a result of centuries of European domination as well as the introduction of the slave trade. Millions of Africans were brought to Brazil to work the huge plantations, which directly impacted the local culture. The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. She is the only nation which speaks Portuguese in South America.

When thinking about Brazil, there are some distinct images that come to mind, such as the giant statue of “Christ the Redeemer”, which overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro. Currently listed as one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, the statue was built atop the Corcovado Mountain and was constructed between 1922 and 1931. It is made of 635 tons of reinforced concrete and sandstone and stands 130 feet tall. It is constantly undergoing restoration due to damage by frequent lightning strikes. What an experience it would be to see a flash of lightening illuminate such a formidable structure. This is a very fitting monument for Brazil, with her largely Catholic population.

Another image is “Carnival”, the four day festival held just before Lent. It takes place on the Friday thru Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Although this occasion is celebrated in many places, there is nowhere like Rio de Janeiro to experience Carnival. More than two million revelers come to drink in Carnival. Samba schools, which are huge neighborhood gatherings of sometimes 4000+ people, come to compete in the parade with their music, dance, singing and amazing colorful and flamboyant costumes. It is truly a four day party like none other in the world.

And then there is the Amazon. This river is the world’s largest by volume, with over half of it flowing through Brazil. It is considered the second longest (4,000 miles long), next to the Nile and the world's widest river (6 miles to 30 miles wide, depending on the season). The tropical forest and river basin comprise over 2 million square miles. Back in the 16th Century an explorer by the name of Francisco de Orellano, was the first European to travel the entire Amazon River. He was intrigued by the Indian women warriors who lived along the banks of the river and called them “Amazons.” The biodiversity of the Amazon is unbelievable, with one-third of all known species on earth residing there. It has over 3,000 species of fish including the dreaded, flesh eating, Piranha and is home to the world's largest snake, the Anaconda. With all of this biodiversity, one can only imagine what medicinal wonders might reside in the exotic plant life and what tropical fruit flavors exist that have never yet been tasted. It is deservedly known as,“ The Land of Plenty.”

Of course, Iguazu Falls is another amazing tourist destination and an UNESCO world heritage site, on both the Argentinean and the Brazilian side. My sister recently visited these amazing falls (which Eleanor Roosevelt said made Niagara Falls look like a faucet) and on the Brazilian side, there is a huge cliff with waters cascading down the rocks some 150 feet. The roar of the falls is deafening and the cool mist refreshes you as you watch birds of prey get fooled by the the smaller birds, known as the Great Dusky Swifts. When they are pursued, they dive right into the full force of the falls and somehow stop before they hit the rock wall behind it. There, they find their nests and safe harbor from their predators. (Pretty clever.) The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is also an optimal site to view Garganta do Diablo (the Devil's Throat), which looks like a grand precipice of converging rivers flowing down into hell.

As I looked into the cuisine of this amazing country, there were many delicious and exotic choices. The cuisine varies greatly by region, for example Bahia is influenced by a mix of African and Portuguese cuisines, where chili and palm oil are very common. In the north, with the forest and freshwater rivers, fish and cassava are the staples. In the Deep South, the churrasco, a special kind of barbeque built on gaucho traditions, are most popular. In the end, I felt the national dish called Feijoada, a black bean and pork stew, would be the perfect choice. I think it clearly demonstrates the ethnic mix of this beautiful country; influences that have enriched her with native and immigrant history.
So here we go…..Brazil

The Menu

Main Course
Feijoada (Black Bean and Pork Stew)

Served with Farofa (Fried Manioc Flour)

Arroz a brasileria (Brazilian Rice)

Couve a Mineira (Collard Greens)

Sliced Oranges

&

Molho apimentado (Hot Sauce)

Dessert
Brigadeiro (Chocolate treats)

We decorated the table with tropical fruits; coconut, papaya, oranges and added a bowl overflowing with coffee beans (their best export.) We lit candles adorned with images of Christ the Redeemer. We displayed the colors of the Brazilian flag for the table scape; yellow, green and blue. We turned on the stereo with “ The Girl from Ipanema,” to jump start a Brazilian mood. Soft Samba music serenaded us the rest of the meal. We ate continental style as would be customary, (fork in the left hand and knife in the right.)

We did not start with an appetizer for this meal as there was so much food for the main and sides, but if I was, I would have made Pao de Queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread in the shape of a ball that is loved all over Brazil.

For the main course we had the most delicious black bean and pork stew. This takes the better part of a day to make, but is it ever worth it; absolutely amazing. This main dish was served with many different sides: sliced oranges (a lovely citrus addition), along with Brazilian rice (flavored with onion), gently sauteed collard greens and Molho apiementado, a wonderful Brazilian hot sauce. Of course, we cannot forget the Farofa, a skillet toasted manioc flour that adds a wonderful kind of grittiness to the whole meal. In Brazil they put Farofa on just about everything.

For dessert, we enjoyed a little chocolate, sprinkled treat, similar to a Bon-bon, made and served for every Brazilian special occasion. These nuggets of pleasure are called Brigadeiro and pair perfectly with a robust cup of Brazilian coffee.

There is something very erotic and exotic about this country Brazil. Perhaps it is the friendly and free-spirited people with a zest for life, who like to be close and touching all the time. Perhaps it is the soulful beat of Samba that provides a hypnotic rhythm to move to, or perhaps it’s the national drink called Caipirinha (pronounced “cap-reen-yah”), made with lime and sugar, blended together with cachaça (alcohol from sugarcane) and served over ice (a most popular and intoxicating beverage.) Perhaps it is the tradition of clapping just when the sun sets, saying thanks for another beautiful day,. Perhaps it is all of the above.

As we leave this wonderful place called Brazil, I say, “Saúde” (pronounced Saw-OO-de), which means “Cheers” in Portuguese. I am headed off to kick around a soccer ball in honor of this country. They have won the world cup five times; this is more than any other country in the world. Not to mention, it wouldn’t hurt to work off some of that rich and delicious Feijoada.

Until next week,
Tchau (goodbye, pronounced like the Italian ciao)
Darlene

Druk Yul is what the Bhutanese call their country, meaning, “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Bhutan is a sparsely populated, landlocked country, tucked in the crevices of the eastern Himalayas. She is bordered on the south, east and west by India and by China to the north. Her geography has allowed her to protect herself from outside influences and keep a strict policy of isolationism. Only as recently as 1974, did Bhutan allow tourists into the country. Still today, tourism is strictly regulated, letting in only 21,000 guests per year.

Buddhism is the official religion of Bhutan, accounting for over 75 percent of the population. The balance is mostly Hindu, with a very small number of Muslim. Bhutanese go to great lengths to protect their cultural identity. They have proudly preserved their ancient culture which dates back to the mid seventeenth century.

Dzongs of Bhutan are majestic fortresses located at strategic points, high in the mountains, to serve as a defense against invaders. They were also used as monasteries. Today visitors can tour these ancient sites which are now used for many different purposes, from housing sacred relics to government administration.

The national language is Dzongkha however there are over 19 dialects spoken in the country. Dzongkha literally means, the language spoken in the Dzongs.

Today many Bhutanese still wear their traditional dress; unique garments that have evolved over thousands of years. The men wear the Gho, a knee-length robe sort of like a kimono that is tied at the waist by a belt, called a Kera. The pouch which forms at the front is used to carry wallets, mobile phones, and snacks. The women wear the Kira, a long ankle-length dress with a light outer jacket, called a Tego. Scarves are still worn by men when visiting a dzong or other administrative building. The color signifies the rank of the individual; yellow signifies the king and head abbot, orange is worn by a minister, green is worn by a judge, red with a white stripe represents the district administrator and white is worn by the commoner. Women also wear scarves but their colors don’t have the same meanings; they are just beautiful woven silk in many colors. The tribal and semi-nomadic people of Eastern Bhutan wear different native clothing made of yak or sheep hair to keep warm.

Women in Bhutan have more rights than men in surrounding cultures. Property is controlled by the “anchor mother.” When she is unable to manage that task, it gets passed to a sister, daughter or niece. This is known as matrilinearity. When a couple gets married, typically the groom will move into the bride’s home.

The majority of Bhutanese have shelter and are very self-sufficient. Most live in rural villages where they have access to running water, electricity, education and basic healthcare. Even the most remote villages are connected through a mobile phone service.

The Bhutanese economy is primarily driven by agriculture. Their main staple crops are red rice, maize, wheat, and buckwheat, while cash crops are potatoes, apples, oranges, cardamom, ginger and oh yes, chilies. Farmers can supplement their income through the sale of cheese, butter and milk, mostly from Yak. Farmer’s markets are very common all over Bhutan.

Bhutan is rich with hydroelectric power, which is exported to India. The fast flowing, glacier fed rivers have led to some mega projects which have only scratched the surface of what is possible in this country. The Bhutanese are very careful to maintain a balance with nature to minimize the impact on the environment.

The Bhutanese came up with a very creative concept called Gross National Happiness. Instead of measuring Gross National Product or the Gross Domestic Product, they felt that they should consider the goal of every human being and measure happiness. His Majesty, the third Druk Gyalpo-Jigme Dorji Wangchuck said, “the rich are not always happy while the happy generally consider themselves rich.” There are four main pillars of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which are:

1. Equitable and equal socio-economic development
2. Preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage
3. Conservation of environment
4. Good governance which is interwoven, complementary and consistent.

This concept has enabled the pursuit of development to be consistent with promoting the attainment of happiness. This is their core philosophy of life. The concept of GNH has been adopted by the United Nations and also by various other countries.

As I researched cuisine of this mysterious nation, the one thing that stands out are chilies. The Bhutanese like their food ultra-spicy. It was not easy to obtain many recipes from this secretive nation, but what I found, I am really looking forward to trying. Not to mention, I have an abundance of chilies in our garden (which makes me happy!) Another interesting note is that they cook with water; something I have not seen, so far, on this culinary journey.

So here we go to Bhutan:

The Menu
Ema Datshi
(The national dish of Bhutan; Chilies and Cheese)

Kewa Phagsha
(Spicy pork with potatoes)

Served with Chum
(Bhutanese red rice)

sweet and spicy pickles

Dessert
Fresh watermelon

For our Bhutanese meal we sat cross legged on the floor, as would be customary there. A small morsel of food was placed beside our table, as an offering to the local spirits and deities. All the dishes were served at once. After a short prayer, we began our journey.

The national dish, called ema datshi, was out of this world. In Bhutan, it would be made with a yak cheese, which is not obtainable outside of Bhutan. I used a mixture of a sheep feta and gorgonzola cheese, which I understand is the closest flavor to the yak cheese. I used a variety of chilies, so the dish was spicy but tolerable to our palate. Simply made, with tomato, onion, water cheese and chilies, it was fantastic. We ate it with red rice, which has a chewy texture and a very distinctive nutty flavor. This red rice is yet another great find that we are able to buy here in the United States.

The pork and potatoes dish was also spicy, yet with a rich combination of flavor. The pork was first cooked in water and then the potatoes were added along with ginger, garlic and chilies. It was seasoned with Szechuan pepper (an amazing, fruity peppercorn) and coriander. This was eaten with the red rice pilaf, seasoned with mandarin orange zest. On the side, we also served sweet and spicy pickles, which were made in rice vinegar and of course our fresh chilies.

Dessert was simply fresh slices of watermelon; refreshing and the perfect end to our spicy meal from Bhutan.

We enjoyed the meal with some simple black tea. In Bhutan they also love butter tea called Po Cha.  It is made with Black tea, butter, milk and salt to taste. 

As we leave this Himalayan, mystical, mountain kingdom, we imagine prayer flags gently swaying in the breeze and we simply say, Namisami Kadrin chhe la; literally meaning, “thank you, beyond heaven and earth.”

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Benin, a small country, located in southwest Africa, is formerly known as Dahomey, and also referred to as the “Slave Coast.” “The Door of No Return” is what one memorial is called. It is a site that sits at the end of the 2.5 mile long journey which led chained, beaten and branded slaves to ships that would take them to their “new lives” in the “new world.” The door, symbolized the end of a slave’s life in Africa. Most would never return to their homeland after being shipped off to the Americas. Surprisingly, it was the Kingdom of Dahomey who sold their own people into the slave trade. Another monument, called Zomachi, was built in 1998, to ask forgiveness for the ancestors who were involved in the slave trade. Today, it is a place where people gather for repentance and reconciliation.

Benin’s shape is short and thin and kind of a key shape, with the north being wider than the south. Her southern border is on the Atlantic Ocean. Her neighbors are Togo, to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger, to the north and Nigeria, to the east. Benin contains many ethnic groups considered to be indigenous. After she gained independence from France in 1960, there were coups, uprisings and instability. Benin, for a time, was ruled by a dictatorship with a Marxist-Leninist philosophy, which then collapsed in 1989. It is one of the first countries in Africa to successfully transform from a dictatorship to a pluralistic political system. Today, Benin is one of the most stable countries in Africa. She is, however, poor and relies heavily on trade with her large neighbor Nigeria and also India and China. Cotton is by far the major export of Benin and they make incredible fabrics: vibrant and colorful. They also export peanuts, cashews, palm oil and seafood products.

Many languages are spoken in Benin, French being the official language, but Fon and Yoruba are the most prevalent tribal languages. Known as the “Cradle of Voodoo,” which the locals call “Vodun” (meaning spirits,) is the official religion of Benin. But this is not what you are likely thinking. This religion is not about sticking pins in dolls and casting black magic spells to torture enemies. Their religion dates back to the thirteenth century. It is a complex system of beliefs, based on the primary belief, that one god created the world. Their god, called Mawa-Lissa (a woman,) is the master over a system of lesser gods and spirits and they do, actually, worship serpents and other animals. Nonetheless, Vodun followers peacefully coexist with Christians and Muslims. A former slave trading port, Ouidah, is the spiritual center for Vodun in Benin.

If you are a white person visiting Benin, you would likely be shouted at and called a “Yovo”. This is to get your attention so that you might wave and smile and perhaps, even talk. The Beninois are very friendly. Just don’t take a picture of them or any of their temples without permission. They believe that photography steals a piece of their soul.

The cuisine is very similar to other West African countries, with staples like maize, yam, salted fish, okra, rice, tomatoes, peppers, beans and couscous. The main source of protein is chicken and goat, but fish and seafood are also common dishes. Fruits, such as mangoes, oranges, pineapple and bananas, are abundant in the south of Benin.

So let’s eat!

The Menu

Appetizer
Akkra Funfun
(A deep fried, white bean fritter)

Main Course

Ago Glain (served with rice)
(A dish of crabs cooked in tomato,
onion and peanut butter sauce)

Dessert
Beninese baby bananas in orange sauce, served over vanilla Ice cream.

We turned on the music of Benin’s superstar, Angelique Kidjo, who graced us with her homespun, rhythmic beat. We set the table with beautiful cotton fabrics in the colors of the Benin flag; red, yellow and green.

We began the meal with the bean fritters, served up just after cooking, to optimize their crispiness. The palm oil added an interesting flavor as well. Of course we only ate with our right hand, as would be customary there.

The main course was crab, with a complement of tomato, onion and peanut butter (reminiscent of the side dish we had made from Angola.) It was a wonderful fusion of flavors.

For dessert, the warm baby bananas drizzled with a delicious blood orange sauce and served over creamy vanilla ice cream, was a lovely end to our Beninese meal.

There are many proverbs in Benin, which is a way for the elders to hand down wisdom to the younger generations. Historically, the proverbs would be illustrations, rather than written words. The proverbs of the kings were shown on top of their Asen (the metal poles they carried).

I leave you this week with a few of them:

The picture: a cat eating a fish.
Meaning: Do not employ a cat to sell fish.

The picture: Two birds trying to put their heads into a small pot.
Meaning: There can only be one captain of a ship.

The picture: an egg
Meaning: your words are like an egg, once they break you cannot take them back, so think before you speak.

Until next week,

Warmest regards,
Darlene

Belizeans lovingly refer to their country as “the Jewel.” Located at the southern end of the Yucatan peninsula, facing the Caribbean Sea, she borders Mexico and Guatemala. Belize is the only Central American country that does not have a border with the Pacific Ocean. Many people refer to Belize as Mother Nature’s best kept secret, and for good reason. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef which provides shelter to hundreds of cayes (pronounced keys), mangrove swamps, jungles, wildlife reserves, the largest cave system in Central America, waterfalls and some 900 Mayan archeological sites.

When visiting there you feel a sense of untouched beauty and mystery. Much of the land is still undeveloped. Belize is one of the least populated countries in the Americas, with only 35 people per square mile. The first known people to develop Belize were the Mayans, around 1500 BC. They clearly had a large presence in the country but left a lot of her land still undiscovered. Christopher Columbus reached the coast of Belize in 1502, but it was the English that set up settlements beginning in 1638, lasting for the next 150 years. Belize was known then as “British Honduras.” In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize, and on September 21, 1981, full independence was realized.

The people of Belize are a true melting pot, representing more than eight diverse cultures. They are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese. There are also many expats from Canada, Europe, and the United States that call Belize home. This blending of cultures has resulted in one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the region and a wonderful tourist destination. Tourism is their primary source of income followed by marine products, citrus, sugarcane, wood and bananas.

Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language. However, you will still hear a mixture of Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan languages being spoken on the streets. In fact, here are a few ways you may hear “good morning”

“Gud Mawnin”- Kriol
“Buenos dias”- Spanish
“Buiti Binafi”- Garifuna
"Ma'lob ja'atskab k'iin" - Maya

A true adventure land; there is so much to do and explore in Belize. When my husband and I visited Belize we had the good fortune of meeting a man named Eloy who was one of the top conservationists in the country. He became our guide for many amazing excursions; we fished, we snorkeled near an uninhabited island, we toured the Monkey River and we discovered the medicinal jungle trail that surrounds it. We learned all about the flora and fauna and the distinctive ecosystems that thrive here, and the extreme biodiversity. He told us that the trumpet leaf is used to lower blood pressure and heal burns and internal infections. The Cirus palm is used to make the thatched roofs or palapas and the Ora Gumby tree was ideal for the making of canoes (termites don’t like this wood.) The wildlife here was spectacular. We saw, dolphin, spotted stingray, bats, manatee, fresh water turtles, howler monkeys, crocodiles, a crocodile nest, a huge termite mound, egrets, cormorants, white, blue and tiger herons, frigates (with their red, inflated balloon like chests.) a mangrove swallow, an Oris Penudula (a bird with a hanging nest) and the kingfisher. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise.

Our best time with Eloy was when he graciously invited us into his home. His wife was excited to make lunch for us, with the fish we had caught that day. They welcomed us in and asked us to take a seat at their dinner table. They poured us each a glass of their local brew called Belikin; During our visit, Eloy told stories about his beloved country. One story he told us was that Belizeans avoid swimming in the ocean or in rivers on Good Friday as it is believed to be bad luck. Local mothers tell their children they will “turn into fish” if they swim on that day. (I remember hoping that all the children listened as we were about to eat fish.) In fact, our meal was amazing; simply and perfectly grilled barracuda filet (lightly seasoned,) served with rice, beans and homemade tortillas. We learned so much about Belize in this brief encounter. There is no substitute for dining with locals and feeling the love, local knowledge and hospitality that are so freely given.

As you can imagine, the cuisine in Belize is as diverse as her people, influenced by all of them. As I look to our International Cuisine meal for Belize, I was given a special recipe by a dear friend who spends quite a bit of time, each year, in Belize. This recipe was of Mayan origin, as it calls for a spice blend called black recado. She offered to send me this spice blend that she purchases while there, but I was able to find an authentic recipe for it. Fair warning: the practice of roasting the chilies has been banned in some regions as it causes quite a bit of smoke and burning to the eyes. Please, if you attempt to make the recado, roast the chilies outside. You can also find the spice online, if you don’t want to risk it.

So let’s journey to Belize

The Menu

Appetizer
Belizean shrimp ceviche, served with fried plantains

Main Course
Chimole, A chicken soup with pork meatballs

Made with black recado

served with homemade flour tortillas

Dessert
Fry Jacks
(Fried dough drizzled with honey)

For the meal, we set the table using the colors of the Belize flag; blue and red. We used little Mayan dolls and baskets as our centerpiece, (purchased on our visit there) along with a tortilla press, used to make the plantain chips and homemade tortillas.

We began with the shrimp ceviche. I used raw shrimp and let the lime juice cook the shrimp and blend with the other ingredients. We served it on a homemade plantain chip. The integration of the flavors was superb.

The main dish, called chimole, was excellent. The black recado seasoning added a rich, smoky flavor, like nothing I have ever experienced. The chicken was ever so tender and oh my, the pork meatballs; excellent! Of course, this was served with homemade flour tortillas. I used coconut milk for the liquid ingredient in the tortillas and the taste was awesome. They are a bit thicker than one would expect but perfect for dipping into the chimole.

For dessert, I chose to make what some would consider to be the national dish of Belize; little fried treats, called fry Jacks. In all fairness, these are typically served for breakfast, but I could not resist; fried dough with honey, simply amazing anytime!

We loved this meal and reminisced about our awesome visit there. But before we go, there is one more story I must tell.

On our way to visit some Mayan ruins, we were heading down the country road in a van with our driver. Suddenly, we passed a scene on the road that provoked me to demand the driver “STOP!!!” the vehicle.

A dog, whose muzzle was stuck in a bucket, was desperately struggling for air and had engaged the help of a pig. The pig was using its snout and hooves, trying to pry the bucket off the dog’s muzzle, but to no avail. The driver stopped the van and my brother-in-law, Bill, and my husband, Dan, were first on the scene.

They relieved the frantic pig from its struggles and Bill, grabbed the bucket and used all his strength to pull it straight up in the air (taking the dog with it.) It was really stuck! After a few attempts, the bucket at last dislodged and the dog made a sigh like no other; one of total and complete relief!

The dog and the pig, as though they were best friends, casually wandered off together, thankful to be alive. We went on our way, knowing we had done one good deed.

I leave you one of Mother Nature’s gifts captured at sunrise over the Caribbean from our screened in porch on the beach. A true paradise!

Warmest Regards,

Darlene

Twenty one miles long and a smile wide is how Bajan’s refer to their beautiful Caribbean Island known as Barbados. The island nation is the most eastern in the Caribbean. She is 166 square miles and one of the most densely populated in the western hemisphere. It is clear why so many would want to call Barbados home; a tropical paradise with crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, Barbados is the postcard of the exotic, relaxing, romantic, enchanting beach experience.

The name Barbados comes from the Portuguese, while en route to Brazil. The Island was covered with fig trees that had a beard like appearance from their hanging roots. The words Los Barbados means “Bearded ones”.

Recent archaeological discoveries point to the belief that her earliest inhabitants were the Arawaks who arrived on the island from Venezuela. There is evidence that points to settlement sometime around 1623 B.C. In 1200, the Arawaks were overtaken by the Caribs. The first English ship landed on the Island in 1625 and she was claimed for England on behalf of King James I. Barbados remained a British colony until 1966, when she gained full independence.

As with many of the Caribbean islands, the land was deforested to make way for cotton and tobacco plantations, however it was sugar cane that made many plantation owners their fortunes. The Barbadians dominated the sugar industry in the early years and with it a large market for slavery. Many of the slaves were brought to the island by the Dutch on ships from West Africa. It was also a place for the English to send their criminals. In fact, in England when the sentence was handed down, it was known as being “Barbadoed”. Thankfully slavery was abolished and freedom was celebrated in 1838 when over 70,000 African descendents took to the streets in celebration.

Today sugar cane is still an important industry on the island but has been taken over by tourism, financial services, fishing and rum. One of the most celebrated occasions on the island is the “Crop Over Festival” which marks the sugar cane harvest and the importance of it to the Island’s history. This is a wonderful celebration (much like the “Junkanoo” festival in the Bahamas) with colorful costumes, the beat of the Islands Calypso musicians and of course, their sumptuous local cuisine.

Barbados’s population is 90 percent black and four percent white, with a mix of Asians and others making up the balance. English is the official language however the fusion of English and the many West African languages, has made for a colorful local dialect. Bajans are known to be quick witted, fun loving and very friendly. If you were to be invited to a Bajan’s home for dinner, they would likely separate you and your spouse to encourage greater conversation.

Just as with the language, arts and music, the cuisine is a tantalizing blend of old and new; the main influences coming from Africa, the Caribbean, West India and England. They like it spicy, using lots of scotch bonnet peppers and onions. The national dish is Flying fish served with Cou-Cou. Barbados is sometimes referred to the “land of flying fish” and Cou-cou is a porridge consisting of cornmeal and okra. Being an island nation, fish is a mainstay in the Bajan diet. Aside from seafood, they also love their locally farmed pork and chicken.

As I searched for recipes to represent Barbados for our International Cuisine meal, I kept coming across a seasoning simply called Bajan seasoning. Although I found numerous variations, they all had a common thread; fresh herbs, onions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, lime and vinegar. I will use it in a few of the recipes for our meal.  I was able to make this seasoning with items fresh from the garden!

The Menu

Bajan Seasoning used in two of the recipes:

Appetizer
Fish Cakes served with Marie Rose Sauce

Main Course
Baked Bajan Chicken

served with Corn Pie

and Bajan Style Pickled Cucumbers

Dessert
Barbadian Pudding (A plain cake with dried cherries)

We put on Calypso music with an infectious African beat, to set the mood. We decorated the table in the color of the Barbados flag; blue, yellow and black. We lit candles scented with a tropical aroma. The centerpiece was made with palm leaves shrouding a pelican statue (the pelican is the national bird of Barbados.) We began our meal Continental style, with the knife in the right hand and fork in the left.

We started with the most scrumptious fish cakes I have ever had. They were not what you would expect of a fish cake; they were light, fluffy and deliciously flavored with the Bajan seasoning. The Marie Rose sauce was the perfect dip for the fish cakes. It was reminiscent of a thousand island type dressing, but with a kick. These fish cakes are found all over the island, from the five star hotels to the local rum shops, and now I know why!

The Bajan baked chicken dish was also flavored with the Bajan seasoning and is a common dish enjoyed by the locals on a typical Sunday afternoon. The side dishes of pickled cucumbers and corn pie are staples in the Barbadian cuisine and the perfect accompaniment to the delicious baked chicken.

For dessert, the plain cake with a few dried cherries in the mix, called pudding, was a recipe that came from a Bajan grandma in the early 1900’s. It was yummy!

We loved this Caribbean meal! We enjoyed it with a simple rum punch recipe that went like this:
One part sour – ¼ cup lime juice
Two parts sweet – ½ cup of sugar
Three parts strong – ¾ cup of Barbados Rum
Four parts weak – 1 cup of water
Shake it all together, serve over crushed ice and then raise your glass and say, “Cheers!”

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

The name Bahamas comes from the Spanish words of “Baja Mar”, meaning, “shallow water” or “low tide”. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, the Bahamas was the site where Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they did ship the natives to Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). The Bahamas remained mostly deserted until 1648 when English colonists settled on the Island of Eleuthera.

The Bahamas is an island country, consisting of more than 700 islands (30 inhabited), cays and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. Most people think the Bahamas are in the Caribbean but they are not. The Bahamas lie just east of the Florida Keys, north of Cuba and Hispaniola, northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bahamas became a British Crown Colony in 1718. This occurred as the British were cracking down on piracy. You can only imagine the haven this area was for pirates in those days, including the infamous Blackbeard.

After the American Revolution, thousands of British loyalists fled to the Bahamas taking their slaves with them. They began a cotton plantation economy. Today, 85 percent of the population are descendants from Africa. Slavery in the Bahamas was finally abolished in 1834. Once freed, most that had been enslaved, stayed on the Island and began trades such as fishing and shipbuilding. The Bahamas gained her independence, peacefully in 1973, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as her monarch. This is celebrated on July 10 each year as Bahamian Independence Day. There remains a symbolic link to her English roots as the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs in observance of the historical “changing of the guards.” This occurs at the Government house in Nassau every two weeks.

During the days of slavery, three days around Christmas, the slaves were given time off to celebrate their culture. It is believed that this was the origin of the Bahamas’ famous Junkanoo festival that begins December 26th. A parade invigorates the town with energy, music and a vibe so intoxicating that it gets the crowd up on their feet to join in the celebration. Junkanoo rivals Mardi Gras, in New Orleans and Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro, as one of the most enthralling of festivals.

Bush medicine is another important aspect of Bahamian culture with over 100 native plants that can reliably be used for medicinal purposes. This skill was brought to the islands by the slaves of West Africa.

Today, tourism is the main eco source. The Bahamas are a tropical, romantic paradise, with endless sandy beaches, cool tropical weather, crystal clear waters, bountiful fishing and incredible sunsets. When you arrive at the airport in Nassau, you will be greeted with music and dancers and offered a refreshing rum punch to welcome you to their unique and festive country. I am not sure where else such a welcoming ritual exists.

The music is the soul of the people of the Bahamas. African rhythms, calypso, English folk songs and the uniquely Bahamian “Goombay,” which refers to a type of goatskin drum that is used to produce the rolling beat, are the most intrinsic. Rake and Scrape bands have been playing Goombay music since the time of slavery. Key West, Florida even celebrates this music with a two day festival, in honor of their Bahamian neighbors.

Bahamian cuisine refers to the food and beverage culture of the Bahamas. The English, the West African heritage of the slaves, as well as the Bahamas being a nation of islands, all influence the cuisine. Bahamian cuisine includes an amazing variety of fresh fish and shellfish such as lobster, shrimp, crab and conch; a mollusk rendering a sweet white sumptuous meat. Tropical fruits of every variety abound as well as rice, peas and potatoes. Some common seasonings used in dishes include; chilies, lime, cilantro, garlic, allspice, and cinnamon. Rum and coconut milk are also commonly used ingredients. Rum-based beverages are ever so popular on the islands. Who couldn’t make an incredible feast out of these abundant staples?

Come join me as we celebrate the magical Islands of the Bahamas:

The Menu

Appetizer
Bahamian Salad

Seasoned with Old Sour

Soup
Chicken Souse

served with

Johnny Cake

Main Course
Lobster Curry

served with

Pigeon Peas and Rice

Dessert
Banana Cream pie

We set the table using the colors of the Bahamian flag, blue, yellow and black, representing the sun and the sea and the unity of the Bahamian nation. For our centerpiece we chose a pirate’s booty plus a hand carved blue marlin, representing their national fish. We used some fun flamingo glasses to hold our “Bahama Mama” cocktail, as the flamingo is their national bird. We put on some calypso, Bahamian music and sat down to a fantastic meal to enjoy with our special guests visiting from Texas.

The appetizer should have been made with conch, pronounced “konk,” but could not be found in my neck of the woods. So, I substituted a can of “California Girl,” imitation octopus or pulpo, made out of calamari. The flavor and texture was perfect, sprinkled with a little Old Sour, a hot and sour pepper sauce, which made for a wonderful appetizer.

The next course was the chicken souse and Johnny cakes. Chicken souse pronounced “”Sow-se” is the same word used for someone who is drunk and is also known as the Bahamian hangover cure. This chicken type soup is made with lots of lime, allspice and chili peppers. In fact, most people like their food spicy hot in the Bahamas. You can, of course, adjust the heat with the amount of chili you use. This dish is always served with Johnny cake, which is a cross between a cornbread and sweet biscuit; the perfect accompaniment to sop up the broth of the souse.

For the main course we had lobster curry, perfectly cooked, in a creamy curry sauce. The spinney lobster is ubiquitous in the Bahamas and offers a sweet and rich flavor. The curry influence comes from West Africa and the coconut milk, from the tropical islands. We served this dish with pigeon peas and rice, (pigeon peas are actually beans in their own right.) It was delicious.

We finished the meal with a banana cream pie, served with whipped cream; a perfect ending to our Bahamian feast.

As we leave this tropical paradise called the Bahamas I leave you with a Bahamian saying:

“Hand go, hand come”
Meaning, “As you give, so shall you receive”

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

It was January 26, 1778 when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag for the first time on the island continent of Australia in Sydney Cove. This day is celebrated each year as Australia Day. However for the Aboriginal people, whose roots date back some 50,000 years, they call it a day of mourning, or Invasion Day. I imagine the Aboriginal people felt much like Native American Indians did when the white men showed up on their land in North America.

Australia’s independence from Britain was January 1, 1901. The people of Australia are mostly of British descent, with some Asian and Native Aboriginal minorities. To dispel a myth, Aussies are not all descendants of convicts. Europeans, mainly British and Irish, came to Australia’s beautiful coast of their own free will. It is true the land was used as a base for convicts but certainly not for the majority of immigrants. Since the early days of colonization, migrants from all over the world have enriched almost every aspect of Australian life.

Australia is wealthy and large; nearly 3,000,000 square miles. It is surrounded by the Pacific and Indian oceans in the southern hemisphere and often called “The Land Down Under.” Australia has vast resources and exports many products such as coal, iron ore, gold, diamonds, beef, wool, mutton, fruits and wine. She produces over ninety percent of the world’s opals, which is their national gemstone and happens to be my birthstone. In Aboriginal legend, the opal was a gift from the sky; a rainbow that touched the earth and created the magical colors of the opal.

Australia is also home to 19 World Heritage sites, including the breathtakingly beautiful Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest stretch of coral reef, located just off the north eastern coast, is home to about 400 types of coral and forms a critical habitat for many endangered species. It provides for plentiful diving and reef walking in its crystal clear waters.

English is the official language of Australia however they do have some unique ways of expressing themselves. I guess you would call it local color. “G’day Mate,” is a sincere greeting from an Aussie and matesmanship is taken very seriously. Although we have heard the term “Throw another shrimp on the Barbie” that is not a typical saying in Australia. I picked out a few slang terms to share that I found kind of fun. Here you go. Bag of fruit = a man’s suit. Can you imagine, a man in a suit walks into the office and someone says, “Wow, nice bag of fruit!” Bob’s yer uncle = If you do this, it will be better. For example, “Just add some extra water and Bob’s yer uncle.” Bob must have been some really special guy. Full as a goog = drunk or one who has eaten to excess. For example, “That was a great meal, I am full as a goog.” There are so many more, it is very entertaining to Google “Australian slang” and have a few laughs. I would definitely read up on their expressions before a visit there.

Speaking of a meal, the main culinary influence is clearly British and Irish. Some examples of their dishes are fish and chips, lamb leg roast, snags (sausages) and tomato sauce. I was shocked to learn that Australia has a higher obesity rate than the United States. How could that be with all those beaches and active outdoor living? Then I got, it ….meat pie. It is Australia’s national dish, typically served with mashed potatoes and gravy on top of a thick pea soup. I was going to choose this as the International Cuisine meal until I looked at the calories per serving. With 1200 calories in just one slice of pie, I decided to pick something a bit easier on the waistline.

There has been a resurgence of interest in what is known as “Bush Tucker”. The indigenous Australians who have occupied the lands for thousands of years developed a unique hunter - gatherer diet. They may know a thing or two about healthy eating. Berries, bugs, grubs, kangaroos and crocodiles are standard ingredients. You can find some of these specialties in the local restaurants.

Today every type of cuisine can be found in Australia; it is a multi-cultural nation. Fresh produce is readily available, with a strong emphasis on organics. As many Australians reside on the coastline, fish and seafood are extremely popular. I also have to mention Vegemite. Australians love this stuff. It is a dark brown food paste made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives. Just like in the song Men at Work made popular “The Land Down Under” one of the verses goes like this, “I said do you speak-a my language? He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich.” So it is a spread for toast or crackers. You will either love it or hate it.

For our meal I decided to incorporate some of the Bush Tucker cuisine including some legendary items like damper bread. This bread was made famous by the swagmen, drovers and other travelers through the bush. It is a yeast-less bread traditionally baked in the coals of a campfire. I chose Barramundi (sometimes called Barra) for the main course. It is a fish found wild in the rivers of north Australia and now sustainably farmed as the “new white sea bass.” The Barramundi is cooked in a unique way on the BBQ. I paired it with an Aussie slaw that would be a typical side dish at any gathering. And then for dessert, Lamingtons, a chocolate covered sponge cake smothered in coconut. So here we go….. to the Land Down Under

The Menu

Appetizer
Prawn Cocktail

Main Course
Grilled Macadamia Nut Crusted Barramundi Fillets

Served with

Australian Slaw

& Damper Bread

Dessert
Lamingtons

a little sponge cake coated in chocolate and grated coconut. A traditional Australian treat!

We set the table using the national colors of Australia which are green and gold. These colors reflect Australia’s landscape, principally due to the Golden Wattle, which is their national flower. The appetizer, prawn cocktail, was very reminiscent of a regular shrimp cocktail, although the sauce is made with tomato sauce and cream. It was quite lovely. The main course of Barramundi was the real treat for me. The fish is so light and mild and was encrusted with Macadamia nuts which are native to Australia. I added just a hint of garlic and citrus and it was outstanding. The slight smoky flavor from the cedar wraps was a perfect addition of flavor. (I found the cedar wraps at my local BBQ store.) In the Bush Tucker cuisine, the fish would have been wrapped in paperbark. Aboriginals have been using paperbark trees for years for medicinal purposes. The bark is chewed for headaches and the oil is used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Paperbark would have infused the Barramundi with a similar smoky flavor, just like our cedar wraps. The Aussie slaw had tomatoes and cucumber which was a refreshing addition to your typical slaw. The damper bread was spiced up with some cheese and olives and was very tasty. Lastly, the Lamingtons, a surprisingly light sponge cake dessert that is delicious with its chocolate and coconut crust. The meal was served with a Lindeman’s Chardonnay Reserve. Australia is the fourth largest exporter of wine, so finding a good bottle to enjoy with your meal should be a cinch.

“We are all visitors to this time, this place, we are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love…and then we return home.”
An Aboriginal proverb.
G’day Mates Until Next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene