In the world kitchen! Cuban cuisine!

As Cuba is controlled by a communist government, there is not a lot of choice in the menu stakes. Food tends to be very basic but fresh and healthy with not much processed muck on offer. Here is a simple breakfast/brunch recipe.


Huevos habaneros (Havana style eggs).


Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Spanish olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 cup canned tomato, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon capsicum, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F Heat oil in medium skillet over low heat until oil is fragrant. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in hot oil until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add tomatoes, capsicum and sherry, then cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Lightly oil 4 ramekins or au gratin dishes, and divide the sauce among them. For each ramekin, break two eggs into a sauce, and slide them on top of the tomato mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft. Season with salt, pepper and chopped parsley, and serve immediately (still in the baking dish).

Serves 4

Buen Apetito!

Reminiscence! Cuba!

Our 8 day, "Classic Cuba" tour with intrepid was unique indeed! It was like a time warp minus Dr Who when we landed in Havana and were driven in to our hotel in a 1950s style car. The hotel itself was in bad need of an update; featuring furnishings from Granny's heyday. After a short tour of the city we headed to the countryside of Vinales. The only accommodation in the valley was home stay, so we were all farmed out with different families. It was a lovely area to explore the surrounding valley. Next stop was the seaside resort of Maria La Gorda where we relaxed in seaside huts, snorkled and drank rum.

Cuba has a government system based on 1st world values but trapped in the 1950s. The rule is the closest thing to modern day communism in our world today. Everyone receives $20 salary a month, staple food, housing, education and health care. They depend of tips to supplement their income and allow for black market purchases. Things are changing now though, recently, the people have been allowed to own their own businesses, cars and houses. We found the locals to be very healthy, content and happy, so there has to be something to this way of life.



TIPS

- Have cash (very hard to withdraw money from atms). Be wary of exchanging US dollars as you will be penalised. Credit cards using US system will not be accepted. Not many places accept credit anyway. Always try to have correct money as vendors don't have change.
-Choose a longer tour. 8 days was not long enough to see what Cuba is all about.
- Don't eat the cheese!
- Tour guide should be able to get most things for you on the black market.
- Havana Club 12 year rum is the drink of choice.

Saint Patrick's Day!

Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart around the globe observe St. Patrick's day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival to celebrate Irish culture. The day is filled with parades, dancing, traditional foods, guinness and of course our favourite colour Greene!


The Nutty Irishman!


Ingredients:
1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
1/2 cup espresso coffee, chilled
1/3 cup frangelico liqueur
1/2 cup cream
crushed ice to serve
sprinkle of ground nutmeg.

Method:
Combine Irish cream, frangelico, cream and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake your booty until combine. Strain into cocktail glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg.

To our gorgeous tour mates Annette, Emer, Sarah Jane and Teresa;



May you always have...
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain 
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart desires!
                                            
                                                                                        
                                           
                                           
                                         

                                         

                                                                                        
                                           
                                           
                                        Happy Saint Paddy's Day to one and all!

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Grog Blog! India and Nepal!

The Indian/Nepalese beer industry is booming and a visit would not be complete without trying what is on offer.

Kingfisher " King of good times", Indian's most recognized beer is light with a malty taste. Alcohol content ranges from 4.8 to 8%, which goes down really well- if not a little too well!

Just the idea of drinking Everest beer will make you feel like a conqueror! This premium lager was first launched in 2003 as part of 50th anniversary celebration of Sir Edmund Hillary's conquest. A golden brew, average 4.7% with a touch of spice!

The use of barley instead on malt gives Nepal Ice a different taste. This crisp straw, coloured brew has a light, sweet flavour. At 5% alcohol content, it is quick to finish!

 Gin  is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. Understated but always chic, a G & T is suitable for all occasions! A nip over ice, topped with tonic water and garnished with a choice of lime, lemon, cucumber or grapefruit is always refreshing!

Old Monk Rum commonly known as "OMR" is a dark Indian rum with a distinct vanilla flavour and alcohol content of 40%. Goes down a treat on long bus trips!

Bottoms up!

Akbar the Great!

Akbar the Great was a Mughal Emperor, who started his reign in 1556 AD. During his rule the Mughal Empire tripled in size and wealth. He was a cultured man, who created a powerful military system and instituted very effective political and social reforms.

What impressed us about this Indian leader was his introduction of Dub-e IIahi. "Religion of God". It was intended to merge the best elements from all the religions of his realm (Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism and Zoroastrainism), thereby reconciling the differences that divided his subjects. He promoted tolerance for all faiths and in fact created a united  "House of Worship" where all were welcome and encouraged to debate philosophical and religious issues. Being a polygamist, he married women to represent all the religions in Indian. This was a smart political move as it kept him sweet in all camps.

Akbar claimed that no single religion could claim the monopoly of the truth and although Dub-e Iiahi no longer is practiced, it lay the foundations for the religious tolerance that exists in India today.

                                               Fatehpur Sikri - Akbar's Palace.

Our back yard! Granite Gorge!

Granite Gorge nature park, located just out of Mareeba is well worth the visit. This delightful little camp is surrounded by a forest of eucalyptus trees and promises to be quiet, tranquil and nature at its best. The boulders at the gorge are a natural wonder formed billions of years ago by volcanic activity and offer panoramic views. These breath taking rocks stretch out for over a km with streams and swimming holes scattered throughout the area and several walking tracks to meander. For the animal lover, rock wallabies are plentiful and happy to be hand fed.

You can visit for a day trip or spend a few days of exploration and relaxation. The camp ground offers powered and non powered sites as well as cabins and safari tents to rent. There is a  coffee shop, communal camp kitchen or you can cook up a damper on your camp fire. The amenities include a laundry and are clean and functional.

Granite Gorge is located southwest of Mareeba, turn off the Kennedy Highway onto Hansen Road, and follow the road signs to Granite Gorge. You will travel through about 14kms of sealed road and a small section (about 1kms) of good condition unsealed road.

Blogger books!

Here is some book recommendations from our tour mates - Indian and Nepal tours.


The lord of the rings - JRR Tolkien
The hundred year old man who climbed out of the window - Jonas Jonasson
A thousand splendid suns - Khaled Hussaini
The Colour Purple - Alice Walker
The art of happiness - Dalai Lama
Water - Steven Solomon
The power of one - Bryce Courtney
The Gathering - Ann Enright
Brooklin - Colm Tobin
Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
The coming Plague - Laurie Barrett
Into thin air -  Jon Krakuer