Mole, mole mole…(mole-ay) is one of my favourite Mexican dishes not only because it is rich and flavourful but because one of the ingredients is chocolate.
Chicken breast marinated with purslane, cactus and sweet potato chips with black mole. El Restaurante Catedral.
These intricate sauces, made by toasting and grinding spices, seeds, and chiles, are truly the hallmark of the Oaxaca region and in fact was invented there. The wide variety of “mole” in Oaxaca is enough to satisfy the most demanding palates. The different types you won’t find anywhere else – they include black, red, yellow, green, “coloradito,” “chichilo,” and mole with almonds.
This is chicken wrapped in rice and red mole.
If you’re craving a burrito you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Cheesecake
If you’re a cheese lover you might miss certain varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy brie or blue but they have a cheese, known as “quesillo,” which whether alone, in quesadillas, or with snacks, is a Oaxacan specialty that you should certainly try. Grasshoppers are another typical dish of Oaxaca.
Chapulines at the Benito Juárez Market – can be sweetened up with honey.
You can find them everywhere – even the top hotels and restaurants (so be aware the Spanish name is “Chapulines” otherwise you might think you’re getting some exotic sounding beef because when it’s covered in mole you can’t really tell). These delicious (so they say) fried insects are eaten in tacos, and the tradition says that whoever eats grasshoppers, will return to Oaxaca. Oh, oh…I didn’t know about this before now. Where are the little buggers when you need them? I don’t remember the last time I saw a grasshopper here in Vancouver – I think they all mistakenly moved to Mexico for the warmer weather.
After that a taste of something sweet. The “best” coconut flan with dulce de leche & soaked in mexcal. Topped with pecans. Zandunga.
Other typical dishes from Oaxaca are “Tamales” stuffed with “mole,” poblano chili strips, or beans, and wrapped in banana leaves. “Tlayudas” (tla-u-da) are another appetizer that you can find almost anywhere. I shared one in a market which was topped with delicious Mexican chorizo (a cut above – with less grease or fat), avocado, tomato, beans & cheese and it tasted great on a crunchy tostada. Other traditional dishes are the beef called “tasajo,” jerky, and “chiles rellenos” or stuffed chile.
Fantastic Chilean salmon at “El Quinque” – a great little restaurant.
In short, everything we ordered tasted superb and the care of presentation was impressive. Of course getting a tumbler of mexcal before your meal ensures everything will taste good.
A starter of gazpacho at “Les Danzantes” for the pre-fixe lunch. Excellent!
But honestly, I have nothing but rave reviews for the culinary skills of Oaxaca. Squash blossom flower sauce anyone? During ten days my friend Judy introduced me to some of the finest places to eat so if you plan to go just let me know and I’ll be happy to recommend a few places to drink spots.
chili chocolate brownie
Next week I will post an authentic red mole recipe but I’ll forewarn you that it is time consuming and maybe 1% of you will actually make it. It is however less expensive than travelling all the way to Oaxaca.
This is written on the wall of a shop in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Translation (more or less):
when you love what you are
there is nothing that is unconquerable or unreachable
when you really love yourself
(here is where it gets a little lost) live only in the light of your own laughter
and travel only by the way of joy and happiness
Look up.…look way up! and… “Don’t Lose the NOW“
This one is a photo taken of a famous poem written by Jorge Luis Borges that filled the whole ceiling of a quaint little wine bar/restaurant in historic Oaxaca where my friends and I listened to live Cuban music. Borges, an Argentine poet, short-story writer, essayist and translator was a key figure in Spanish language literature. His work embraces the “character of unreality in all literature.” This is a beautiful writing and will make you think about your life:
INSTANTS
If I could live again my life,
In the next – I’ll try,
– to make more mistakes,
I won’t try to be so perfect,
I’ll be more relaxed,
I’ll be more full – than I am now,
In fact, I’ll take fewer things seriously,
I’ll be less hygenic,
I’ll take more risks,
I’ll take more trips,
I’ll watch more sunsets,
I’ll climb more mountains,
I’ll swim more rivers,
I’ll go to more places – I’ve never been,
I’ll eat more ice creams and less (lime) beans,
I’ll have more real problems – and less imaginary
ones,
I was one of those people who live
prudent and prolific lives –
each minute of his life,
Of course that I had moments of joy – but,
if I could go back I’ll try to have only good moments,
If you don’t know – thats what life is made of, Don’t lose the now!
I was one of those who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer,
without a hot-water bottle,
and without an umberella and without a parachute,
If I could live again – I will travel light,
If I could live again – I’ll try to work bare feet
at the beginning of spring till
the end of autumn,
I’ll ride more carts,
I’ll watch more sunrises and play with more children,
If I have the life to live – but now I am 85,
– and I know that I am dying …
To celebrate 70 years of innovative kitchenware Bodum (the maker of the iconic French press) have re-launched some of their classic and our favourite items in fresh fun colours. Makes you think of spring/summer but that’s just fine at this time of the year.
It makes the start to my day that much merrier.
Happy Anniversary Bodum!
I had the perfect cup of moka just days ago at Café Arábigo in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Every year Sephora puts out the ultimate beauty boxed gift sets (even if the gift is meant for ourselves) so we can sample the best of the best.
The SUPERSTARS
This year I was eyeing “gimme more lip” when I realized that I already have almost half the box in my beauty cabinet at home. Which means it’s a pretty useful and gorgeous set.
For your EYES ONLY
It’s kind of like the makeup version of the Japanese boxed lunch where you want to sample a little bit of everything because you are so hungry for it all.
The Crème de la Crème SHOPHere is another very versatile shop I want to share with you.
I’m a BIG advocate of one-stop shoppingIn this place you can not
only get something great to wear or carry….but you can pick up some pretty nice herbal teas, a gift for a mom-to-be,dishes for your dog, a lavatory mist and a little something to read.
I hope you enjoy this *pheremone enhancing recipe with added Leeks and Herbs
For the past five years Wolfgang Puck, long-reigning king at the L.A. institution Spago, has been on a new path, working out with a trainer and revamping his menus to emphasize fresh produce and whole grains. “I like to buy high-quality ingredients and simply enhance them rather than alter their flavor or color,” says Puck. His new cookbook, Wolfgang Puck Makes it Healthy, offers all the details. Asparagus creates an ultra-bright soup. Cooling it in an ice bath as soon as it’s blended, keeps the hue vivid and preserves the chlorophyll so that the dish will be healthier and taste even better according to Puck.
Eyeshadow redefinedand inspired by threads of Chanel tweed. And who can resist that?
I was testing out the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip colors (more on this later) when this exquisite eye palette caught my attention. Normally I’m not one to get too excited about eye shadow. Concentrating on eye makeup takes time, precision and knowing what works for you. And when it cakes or runs it looks god awful. So I don’t spend time on this however I was drawn to the endless possiblilities of these new versatile multi-effect compacts with rich pigment shade combinations ranging from matte to satin to shimmer. The formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour. Dermatologist tested. Simply Stylish!New LES 4 OMBRES Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vendôme, Tissé Gabrielle, Tissé Cambon, and Tissé Vénitien.
Who can blame us for getting sidetracked in Hollywood, the SHOP?!
On the way to the Vancouver Home & Design show my sister took me to one of her favourite little boutiques that is sure to become one of mine. It is chock full with a wide variety of stuff we love. Here are some photos:
289 Davie Street FACEBOOK: hollywood boutiquelike beauty productsClothingLingerie (on sale)
cute perfumy evening bags – Milan
Purse
Which of the perfume bottle evening bags do you like best?
We know that pheromones are chemicals secreted by the body that influence the behavior of others of the same species. Apparently this also includes insects. Each persons (or animals/insects) pheromones are biologically different, and have a different effect on other people/animals/insects. Scientists believe that human sexual orientation and sexual attraction may be partially based on pheromones.
Humans produce pheromones called aphrodisiacs that affect the sexual behavior of other humans. Though each person produces pheromones with a unique chemical formula, there are certain foods that can affect human pheromones.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate has long been regarded as a romantic gift. Research indicates that chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a stimulant that causes a sense of excitement and well-being.
ASPARAGUS
Asparagus with Tomatoes
Asparagus is high in Vitamin E, which is believed to stimulate sex hormones. In ancient societies, asparagus was considered to be an erotic stimulant because of its phallic shape. Next Tuesday: Recipe for Asparagus Soup. RED HOT Chili Peppers
Chilies contain capsaicin, the chemical that adds heat to peppers and other spicy foods. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings and raises the heart rate, causing the release of endorphins.
RED WINE
Burly red wines, evoking the scents of leather, tobacco and earth, are said to act as aphrodisiacs. It is believed that the musky bouquet of red wine imitates male hormones.
CELERY
Celery Heart
The nutrients found in celery are believed to stimulate the pituitary gland, which releases sexual hormones. There is also some evidence to indicate that the scent of celery suggests androstenone, a primary male pheromone. In the Middle Ages, celery was advised as a treatment for impotence.
OYSTERS
According to legend, Casanova ate oysters everyday, using them to seduce vestal virgins. Oysters are high in zinc, which is used to produce testosterone.
My order of preference for the above would be 1) Chocolate 2) Red Wine (1 + 2 preferably together) 3) Chili Peppers (but not raw) 4) Asparagus 5) Oysters (with wine) 6) Celery (preferably cooked or in a salad).
How about you?
Sources: Lane Madison, Discovery Health, CNN, Eat Something
That’s Cystic Fibrosis, commonly known as CF. Last Saturday I attended an event in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. It was the 14th Annual 65 Roses Gala held at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The theme was Oh, what-a-night and it was!
Sisters
An all-around great evening met with reception champagne cocktail or pomegranate martini while busy perusing all the silent auction items, then delicious 3 course dinner with free flowing wine (supplied by Okanagan Crush Pad), live auction bidding and finally dancing to the excellent live band – SideOne.
But there was more to this evening. The intention was to raise awareness for a life threatening disease affecting children and adults to which there is no cure. Also I have a personal connection as a good friend of mine has CF. So I just wanted to let you know about it because it is not so prevalent as Cancer – something we’re all too familiar with. It is a terrible and fatal genetic disease.
People with CF spend the equivalent of four months of full time work every year on life-sustaining therapies. Despite this intensive work to stay well, less than half are expected to reach middle age. I’m happy to report that my friend has reached middle age, looks good and is doing well.
Cystic fibrosis causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of cystic fibrosis involvement differs from person to person. However, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, eventually causes death in the majority of people who have cystic fibrosis.
Typical complications are difficulty in digesting fats and proteins; vitamin deficiencies due to loss of pancreatic enzymes; and progressive loss of lung function.
Since the first 65 Roses Gala in 2001, the Gala has raised over $2.5 million to fund research and clinical care here in B.C. and across Canada. CF Canada supports the transplant center at Vancouver General Hospital, one of only five centers in Canada. A double lung transplant is “THE ONLY OPTION” (can you imagine?) for many people with end stage CF. It is not a cure; it buys time and it is not available to all. Can you even imagine? They can always use more support in their desire to find a cure.
CAUSES OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that occurs when a child inherits two abnormal genes, one from each parent. Approximately, one in 25 Canadians carry an abnormal version of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. Carriers do not have cystic fibrosis, nor do they exhibit any of the symptoms of the disease.
When two parents who are carriers have a child, there is a 25 percent chance that the child will be born with cystic fibrosis; there is also a 50 percent chance that the child will be a carrier; and a 25 percent chance that the child will neither be a carrier nor have cystic fibrosis.
SYMPTOMS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disorder that produces a variety of symptoms including:
Persistent cough with productive thick mucous
Wheezing and shortness of breath
Frequent chest infections, which may include pneumonia
Bowel disturbances, such as intestinal obstruction
Weight loss or failure to gain weight despite possible increased appetite
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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