Eat your way around the world
My mom used to slather up dates with cream cheese for us kids. I hated the roach-looking things and never could stomach one. So, what exactly posessed me to try the avocado and date dip is beyond me. I suppose I'm trying to keep it real. Stretch my horizons. Expand my palate. Well, guess what? It worked. The sweet hint of dates actually works inside avocado! Hurrah. Score one for team Sasha. But no way I'll ever eat a date with cream cheese. That battle's long been … [Read more...]
Serves 2 Intended to be drunk cool, but not cold, our creamy Cape Verdean chiller will transport you to the islands. A favorite with Cape Verdean children. The coconut is a common ingredient in the Cape Verde islands -in the 1600's the coconut was already being transported to America via west African and Cape Verde... (source) NOTE: If you add ice or refrigerate this drink the coconut milk will congeal. Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk 2 cups milk cinnamon, for … [Read more...]
Serves 2-4 as a dip 4-6 as a sandwich spread This dip/spread is a happy blend of sweet and creamy. In Cape Verde, they call this a salad and serve it with shrimp or prawn nestled on top. Personally, I like it spread on a hot turkey panini. If you want to add a kick of flavor, splash in a capful of brandy. (We omitted this step so that Ava could sample the dish). According to Duffy in Cape Verde: "Cape Verdeans put sugar on [avocados], and not just a little bit of sugar but so much sugar … [Read more...]
Serves 2 Slurping this Cape Verdean inspired coconut milkshake is a lesson in the happy things sugar can do for us. The cinnamon sticks are the best part - as you dunk them in the milkshake and lick them clean, the cinnamon flavor fills your mouth. Try it! Please note: this recipe is just for fun - inspired by the authentic recipe from Cape Verde for Coconut Milk. You'd be more likely to find this at a resort on the island than in someone's home. Ingredients: 3 cups ice cream 3/4 … [Read more...]
Here's your friendly Saturday video, showing you how Cape Verde makes grog. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JywFM7_9OI And here's a bit of Cape Verdean scenery: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aygo_8gnzsw&feature=player_embedded … [Read more...]
We're shipping off to Beaver's Bend for a much desired, talked about, planned, dreamed about, already paid for ... long weekend. There's only one problem - the entire trip reeks of doom. Here are three reasons why: 1. Ava loves her crib and room. This, in turn, means that Ava does not love any other cribs or rooms. Upon placement in a foreign crib, she immediately morphs into insomniac zombie baby. 2. Ava is teething and has been waking up shrieking bloody murder several times a night, for … [Read more...]
Makes about 1.5 gallons Cachupa is the quintessential Cape Verdean dish. While there are countless variations, almost all Cachupas have hominy, beans, and potatoes. Some add yucca. Any assortment of vegetables and legumes can be added, depending on availability. For those who can afford it, dried and smoked Portuguese sausages are also added for tremendous "stick to your bones" flavor. Fish, such as tuna and wahoo, is a little more attainable for the average citizen. Our version is vegan and … [Read more...]
Thanks to Cape Verde, I'm in a summery mood. I even flipped the calendar to September a few dates late in honor of their beach-kissed islands. This menu has something for everyone - a healthy traditional stew, a quirky, indulgent dip, a slurp-able children's drink, and a purely irresistible, decadent milkshake (although I have a feeling Mr. Picky will love it best). Enjoy! Peasant's Cachupa (vegan) [Recipe] Hearty stew made with hominy, great northern beans, potato, acorn squash, cabbage, … [Read more...]
