Eat your way around the world
httpv://youtu.be/BafhplICni8 "Almost doesn't fill a bowl" Zulu Proverb I've said it before and I'll say it again: a good friend makes for a great companion in the kitchen. Through the crackle and sizzle, conversation and laughter keep love flowing... right on into the meal... So, I was thrilled when my friend Janine said she'd help me figure out the food of South Africa. She's South African, so I knew I was in good hands. But then things got a little wonky. Because she's vegan, … [Read more...]
During the week, I'm always looking for a way to get beyond ordinary b-b-boring boiled rice. Hello. Cue our friends of South Africa... they have the answer with "Geelrys," which literally translates to "yellow rice." Imagine a pot of turmeric and raisin bejeweled rice... a simple side dish as flavorful as it is gorgeous. Geelrys tastes like a sunrise on the most beautiful morning of your life. Or, like happy a hug from a good friend. Or, maybe it just tastes like … [Read more...]
There's nothing like a drunk elephant to get my attention. Whoa, whoa, whoa. It' s a little early for that kind of talk. Let me back up a moment. Amarula Coffee is a South African favorite - a breezy concoction that includes your favorite coffee, some brown sugar (the sweetener of choice in South Africa), a shot or two of Amarula, and whipped cream. It's very much like an Irish Coffee. Why? The Amarula. You can find this creamy concoction at most liquor stores in the … [Read more...]
Are you ready for a big bite of everything, ever? South Africa's Bobotie (ba-boor-tea) reminds me of when I was a little girl, playing in the kitchen next to mom. I'd dump every possible ingredient into my little inventions, hoping they'd come out amazing. While chopped apples and pickles didn't pan out when I was a kid, bobotie most decidedly does. But don't worry - there's no apple or pickle in it. So what is in it? Some people call Bobotie South African Moussaka, but I'm … [Read more...]
There's an old South African saying which goes: "We begin with the meal before the water is boiling." - South African Proverb Wow. There is truth to these words. Mighty truth. Sure, preparation goes into everything we do, this South African menu is no exception. But that's not what this proverb is really about. This simple line draws attention to the work that goes into our meals before we ever set out to cook. Yes, we must go to the market. But even before that, someone had to grow … [Read more...]
Ah, South Africa. Almost since the beginning of this Adventure I've been looking forward to our week in South Africa. I'm not sure why - certainly the fairy tale mountains that tower above the white-capped ocean is one part of it. As is the bustling city centers and even the dry interior. But another is that my dear friend Janine is from South Africa. Whenever Janine speaks of her homeland, she gets a dreamy, lost sort of look about her face. She only goes … [Read more...]
