A word about Durian

I have been interested in this tropical fruit ever since hearing about it on a cooking show a few years ago. My fascination for this fruit continues due to it's mysterious qualities. As an American, I find it intruiging that a foodstuff described as smelling like "rotting garbage" has conjured both a loyal and enduring fanbase.

First things first: Durian is a fruit grown in hot asian climates such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malyasia. Roughly the size of a football(but heavier), this fruit is covered in a green , spiny exterior. The interior reveals large seeds, distinct segments, and a cream-colored flesh.

The popularity of Durian comes from it's creamy custard-like flesh and taste. Others compare it to vanilla pudding or almond scented custard. This inner flesh is smooth, soothing, and reportedly very filling.

But then there is the smell. Trust me, the smell of Durian is the stuff of legends. Just google it and you'll see what I mean. In countries where Durian is plentiful, there are laws against opening one on public transportation or in hotels. While some liken this odor to garbage left in the hot sun, others find it to be reminiscent of stinky socks. Mmmmmmmmmm, yummy.

I asked my local Vietnamese grocer about Durian malodorousness and she seemed surprised. "We have always thought it smelled good" she reported, as though she wasn't sure why I brought it up. Obviously, "good" is in the olfactory processes of the beholder.

At approximately 90 feet tall, the Durian tree is a potential hazard to those in the vicinity. A fruit falling from this height has been known to cause both injuries and fatalities. Smelly, spiky, and deadly-What's not to love about the Durian?

Last week a friend brought me a bag of Durian 'chips'. They were at once both pleasantly surprising yet slightly disappointing. The smell in this form of the product was very much tamed. I wasn't horrified at all-very disappointing. But the flavor was quite nice- custard like, smooth, and vaguely vanilla.

Anyone living in the larger metropolitan areas can find Durian without too much trouble. Scour you local Asian markets but be prepared to pay up to $40 for a single fruit. Visitors and denizens of San Francisco can treat themselves to Durian icecream. I've been told its one of the best.

-Ellen

The Goat Meat Diaries

Some time ago I wrote a post about goat meat. I wrote of its growing popularity in the U.S. I told of how my teenage son had tried it during a mission trip to Jamaica and liked it. But as of today, I myself have never tried it. All that is about to change.
Friends have given us a "wether', (a neutered male) for butchering. My first thought was one of delight, my second thought was, "oh, now I am actually going to have to cook it and eat."

What is it in Americans that makes us so afraid of food beyond the conventional, pre-wrapped offerings of our sanitized supermarkets? This is certainly not an urban area we live in. Many of us in this town grew up eating deer, elk, or cows and chickens raised on our own properties. Still, I have to wonder, what will Chevon (goat meat) look like? What will it smell like? Taste like?

And so I offer up myself and my family as guinea pigs. Or perhaps a better word choice would be 'product testers'. When we are finally in possession of our chevon, I will document our findings on this blog. If you have any recipes or cooking tips, offer them now.

adventurously,
-E

Cold Snap

To say it has been cold here would be a gross understatement. In fact, it has been "Where the heck are my gloves-The car won't start-Does anyone know where the icescraper is?-I need a new coat , this one isn't warm enough, "MOM, I'm FREEZING" weather.

Keep in mind this is the temperate climate of the Oregon. We don't typically get extremes of weather on either end of the mercury. Thus, a week in the low 20's nearly caused county-wide panic.

1. Our woodstove just couldn't penetrate the cold on that level. It was miserable in the house.
2. Pipes froze and some folks went without water for days.
3. Broken pipes at the stable meant that workers had to haul water to the horses by hand: terrible work in frigid temps.
4. The homeless suffered even more than usual.

God Bless the Green Spot Event Center. They opened their doors during the worst of the cold snap and provided both food and shelter for anyone who needed it- NO questions asked.

As our church meets there, our family had the honor and privilege of helping out. We had so much fun I'm almost sorry the weather has warmed up again. Almost, but not quite!

The Green Spot owner John, and his employees Anthony and Richard, did an amazing job of meeting the needs of the community. They borrowed cots from the armory, provided sleeping bags, and kept hot soup and coffee available at all times.

Word spread to the community and the donations just poured in. Peope would walk in the door with arm loads of pillows, blankets, coats, and clothing. Dante' and I enjoyed sorting and folding clothes. Phil helped wherever needed and Max served as unofficial taste tester. He really enjoys Richard's cooking, which by the way is fantastic.

About the food: There was always a hot soup bubbling in the pot. Usually chicken with noodles or dumplings and plenty of veggies. Boneless turkey and ham were roasted and made in to sandwiches. Breakfast was often biscuits and gravy. We also enjoyed cupcakes, muffins and cookies. In fact, the food was so good I would nearly get homeless to have some. (Okay, a tad of an exaggeration. But just a tad)

So that is what we are eating in Oregon this week. Food, love, fellowship and compassion. When a community turns out to help it's own, it is a beautiful thing.

Love and God Bless,
-Ellen