Happy Thanksgiving!

I have written about my liking for linking traditions and food for the occasion of Easter. Not having a reason to make any connection with the American Thanksgiving, but wanting to taste a pumpkin pie, I baked some anyway, and they became some friends' favourite.

Today, I had the opportunity to find out how a traditional Thanksgiving Day is. So amidst the conflicts of Gaza vs. Israel, the demonstrations in Jordan and unresolved situation in Libya I:

- ate Turkey for the first time;
- shared with a friend who was next to me, reasons I am thankful for;
- learnt that people usually write to friends to say that we are thankful for them!

So, here my friends, is a card for you. Thank you all for your friendship and support. I love you all!

Click HERE to see the card. By the way, that e-mail address that appears on the card is a false one. I don't want to receive spam in my inbox, right?

Big thanks for the host family for letting me be part of your Thanksgiving's tradition. :)

Reminiscences

These photos were taken last Brazilian Summer, almost one year ago. An afternoon in my parent's house porch, the grass smelling the sun and an important dilemma to argue about: do we agree with Devon or Cornwall folks? 

A tropical version of the Devonshire scone, with home-made pineapple jam. 

More traditional Cornwall scones with home-made strawberry jam.

HERE is a source about this Devonshire vs. Cornwall competition. Well, some people have asked about how is local food and for recipes. I am slow on this matter - I like eating the local food, but when it comes to cook, I am always referring to my old recipes. More than cooking, baking is a hobby. And even though now living in MENA, as strange as it may sound (but then it could be also strange living in Latin America), there is nothing that appeals more to me, than a lazy afternoon with home smelling baked goods and a warm cup of tea. (in a perfect day I would have sung the whole morning and will spend the whole evening reading). 

Now, to bake here during Summer was hell, because of the heat. So I gave up. But now that the temperatures are decreasing, the oven is turning active little by little. It's a sign that life is settling: the fact that "home-made" is not a false ad, but a true adjective to the foods I find in my fridge and cupboard. 

Better still is to be able to share. Now that I have a flatmate, sharing mouthfuls of yummies became very easy! : D And in a time of life when 'time' is what I don't have, this brilliant idea of scones is the most appealing to me - Ana Granziera describes scones as something in-between bread and cake that  are easily made by mixing everything together and putting it in the oven.  

But even then, when a holiday in on the way it helps a lot! Yesterday was the Islamic New Year. A very complicated subject that I am not going to attempt to explain. You can find information in the Wikipedia's article. Interestingly I didn't see a single shop closed and many people were working like a very normal day. 

I am looking forward to more 'normal' days for me: friends to share good conversations, home-made food and good music.