"To each his own," said the old lady as she kissed the cow.
I heard that old saying often as a kid. I understood it to mean that each person has a right to his/her own preferences. All well and good. But, I'm not going to discuss what it means in today's society. God help us. (That's not an old saying, I mean it.)
I'm using "to each his own" today to refer to the unique (to my experience at least) foods that cultures around the world enjoy. I've done several posts in the past about my interest in expanding my own knowledge of incredible edibles. Here is another one. I'm enjoying these because I'm in a place where Asian markets are common. I'll bet that any of you who have the opportunity to visit an Asian Market where you live could find these very products.
The sapota is quite fibrous. Have a couple and you'll have no need of metamucil.
The rambutan are sort of crunchy.
This stuff surprised me as I sipped it the first time. (an understatement) Strong and smoky. Tangy. Sweet. A bit too much for me at the suggested dilution. I add about twice the water and find it more palatable. Good hot or cold.
I can't tell you how much fun it is to wander the aisles of a market and come across things like this. Gotta try it.
And here it is. Flaky dough. Slightly sweet dense filling. I used the microwave to heat it. The oven would have made the pastry even flakier. Thumbs up
Do you think tofu is bland? This is dried tofu. It has the consistancy of a sponge. But cut it or break it into chunks and add it to soup and it makes a very light textured bit. (of sponge)
I don't have the 'guts' to try this one. In learning about this though, I came across a video that was made by a Japanese guy who really 'Loves this one'. He is a bit of a character. I can identify with him to a degree. I think I like anchovies the way he likes salted squid guts.
Watch him if you care (dare) to.
Oh, I also wanted to mention about the Shochu he talks about and drinks in his video. I tried a New Zealand version of it called Mana Shochu. It's made from kumara, a type of sweet-potato. It was good, something like a vodka, but I didn't know I should try it with hot water. Dianne, are you up for trying a hot drink with Jeanne and me soon?
http://www.manashuzou.co.nz/
I've talked before about reading about cassava as a kid.
The cake roll is wrapped in a banana leaf much like khou tom is, but khou tom is rice and this is much denser. It's only slightly sweet and has the consistency of a very thick paste. Worth trying.It's one of those foods that is so bland that it's not very interesting except that it's ...
Steamed Cassava Wrapped in Banana Leaves!! Wow!!
The world is full of odd flavors. This was slightly medicinal, sort of.
Pine nut cookies. Very nice little flakey things that go well with tea. Or coffee. Or milk. Haven't tried them with Smoked Plum Drink yet. -djf
I love your posts from the oriental market. I did not know you can get dried tofu. I want some for the RV. I like Tofu in soups or scrambled eggs and such but we have limited space at the RV and Tofu does not stay long in fridge. I will look for some. I have tried a form of the cassava that you show. I used to get a similar dish from our oriental shop. It had the steamed sweet rice in the banana leaf also but it had some mung bean paste in it also. It was addicting. I think the pine nut cookies are great also. I will look for those also. I loved the guy in the video. He was so funny yet so sincere in his love of guts. You gotta love him. Definitely, to each his own is a wonderful theme for today's blog. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating! The bow ties look fab! Some of those others look yum too. What was your faves?
ReplyDeleteA favorite is hard to define. The smoked plum drink is based on a millenium old Chinese recipe. (amazing). The cassava is something that I've always thought of as exotic.(fascinating) The fruits are unknown and tropical and are therefore by deinition, desireable.(exciting)
DeleteNone of them is the most delicious thing imaginable. Some of them are quite bland in fact, so I can't choose a favorite based on the 'yum' factor. My favorite would be based on 'uniqueness' I guess, and for that reason, I think I'd choose the smoked plum drink.
Ok, fair enough!
DeleteI'm pleased that you enjoyed the guy in the video. Sincere, that Is the way to describe him. He has other videos as well but I haven't watched them.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you're able to find the dried tofu. Keep me posted.
I had to read through this entry again and respond when I could give it my total attention as you are addressing me directly Doug.
ReplyDeleteSo to answer your question, I'd be willing to try your 'hot drink' if you've already got the Shuzou or Sake. I suppose after a few - no A LOT - of those, squid guts might even be palatable (but don't get them for my sake). I enjoyed the video - the guy really made me laugh! But a hot smoked plum drink might be really enjoyable - with those bow ties or pine nut cookies.
All the other foods look intriguing and exotic. I'd like to try the cassava and if it comes with mung bean paste, like what McKenzie had, I'll try that too.
Well, we look forward to your arrival.
ReplyDelete