Archive for August, 2011

An Ode to Burrata

If fresh buffallo mozarella and provolone cheese jostle for the gold medal of Italian pasta filata (spun paste), then burrata stands without question in platinum position. And worthy of an ode.

Burrata, burrata
Where art thou, oh burrata
On aisles and cold shelves
In Italia and beyond
You – burrata are found in the best
company of cheeses money can buy
 
Blessed are ye, oh cheesemakers of Puglia
And blessed are the fruits of your vats
Mozzarella di buffalo, Provolone
and cheese above all cheeses -
Burrata.
 
Cheese like ‘Pregnant bellies’
Tummies full of ritagli (scraps) and panna (cream)
Your name is like butter to my ears – soft and warm
Your skin -  smooth and stretchy like ‘white’ velvet
You are fresh and sweet with the essence of youth
Tangy and the creamy and best eaten within two days
 
Burrata, dear burrata
Soulful cheese to all
Caseophile or not

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Welcome to Nigeria with Maltina

We’re home – back on Nigerian soil. In the heat (and even with my nasal congestion), we’re in our land. It makes me smile…in disbelief almost. I can’t believe its been so long. My son says ‘Mama, we’re brown people, there are brown people here’. He’s only 4 years old so arguments about being ‘black’ are lost, in his favor. The world’s colour palette says brown…and so we are.

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Daring Cooks Go South Indian With A Feast

If you are acquainted with Indian food, like I thought I was then consider this question I pose to you today: Is Indian food countriversal (like universal but for countries)? Is it?

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Well I certainly thought it was. Sipping on a mug of steaming ginger tea and chatting with friend and neighbor I reeled off all the Indian dishes I loved so – Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken and on and on I went. Dishes that my old friends and neighbours had lovingly prepared for me time and time again.  

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My Favourite Things – End of Summer Edition

Repurposing Kitchen Utensils

I love multitasking….and I heart gadgets and utensils than fit that bill. A garlic press shines new light on mincing ginger, a pasta roller that doubles as a pizza base roller, creating consistently thin Italian-style pizza bases – so what if you end up with pizza lenghts as opposed to rounds? Deliciousness cannot be constrained by geometry!

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