Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Foodie Penpals

Foodie penpals is such a great idea, what a lovely gift, to receive a parcel of goodies in the post! Most of them are US based but I've found a UK one here. I joined, I've got my penpal, now to get the parcel tgether. But I can't tell you more else that would spoil it. I will reveal all when I get my parcel.


 
Over hang on second floor just above main door.  This was in very bad shape and we had to replace many beams.  www.bettermadecabinets.com









 
Over hang on second floor just above main door.  This was in very bad shape and we had to replace many beams.  www.bettermadecabinets.com





Over hang on second floor just above main door. This was in very bad shape and we had to replace many beams. www.bettermadecabinets.com

Monday, September 03, 2012

Cooking with Turmeric

Grid green

Flora in Jolly Auntie’s Yard

In Kerala, every vantage point is awash with color. From the sandy coastline to the mountains that tower to the West, the earth gives birth to layers of green. Peppercorn vines ravel around straight-backed shade trees. Moss inhabits even the finest cracks. Banana leaves and airy coconut palms hover over tangles of green-yellow grass, rows of low-growing rice plants, or glossy tea leaves that blanket the ground. Hibiscus and ripe bananas fight for attention alongside yellow-capped rickshaws and ruby red buses proclaiming “Jesus is Lord.” 

Grid 3

Turning Potatoes and Cabbage Gold

As if not to be outdone, turmeric brings color to the table. The underground stem is used to brighten and flavor banana chips and the potato masala that is layered in dosa. Because turmeric guards against bacteria, it is added to nearly every fish and meat dish in Kerala.

Grid - banana chips

Banana Chips, K.K. Road, Kottayam

Part of the ginger family, turmeric resembles a hand with knotted joints. It is native to Kerala and during my last trip I helped to dig the rhizome up in my cousin’s yard. Don’t be fooled by the drab brown skin. It hides crunchy orange flesh with a mildly peppery, earthy flavor.

In Kerala, most people cook with ground turmeric. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and many recipes only call for a dash. Like fresh turmeric, the spice turns anything it touches – skin, clothing, dish towels - orange-gold. So always measure it out carefully. To preserve the flavor of ground turmeric, store it in a air tight jar in a cool, dry corner of your kitchen.

Bonda

Making Spicy Fried Potato Balls (Bonda)

Fish curry - 4_edited-1

Seasoning Mild Fish Curry (Mappas)