I love the Chilean food. I really just love food and it is because of my glutenous tendencies that this post could be an entire book, which would include the following chapters:
-My guilty pleasures: Sopapillas, Calzones rotos and Frac Chocolate Cookies
-Amazing pumpkin dishes: Who knew pumpkin could be so enjoyable?
-Cooking adventures and mishaps: Am I really meant to be in the kitchen?
-A love-hate relationship with bread (which is amazing here, by the way)
-Delectable “French” fries (Note: In my opinion, they should be called Chilean Fries, considering Chile has the best fries in the WORLD! (yes, I am claiming that even though I have not tasted fries all around the world).
-Grocery shopping in Chile: Open-air markets vs. Super markets
-My Complete disdain for the Completo (which is a hot dog topped with a mountain of mayo, avocado, and tomatoes)
-Nostalgic feelings for food (Note: I really miss cottage cheese, and pretzels)
-My newly acquired love for red wine and coffee
Anyway, the table of contents for this possible best-seller could go on and on… but I will spare you and highlight only my most defining (and recent) mouthwatering moments.
Some of the pictures above are from a workshop that was conducted with EPES focusing on diabetes and healthy lifestyles. After an introduction on how to exchange those not-so-good choices for more healthy choices, the group participated in a collaborative cooking endeavor to prepare lunch. This lovely meal consisted of, among other dishes, Pastel de Zapallo. This dish consists of a layer of meat and a layer of hard-boiled eggs and black olives, all topped with mashed pumpkin (note: this dish can also be made with corn, potatoes or anything else you feel inclined to mash). It was a lot of fun to cook with the women, and the pastel turned out to be quite scrumptous. Now, I just have to attempt making the dish on my own. Sounds easy enough though, right?
Another mouthwatering memory that comes to mind is from a flavorsome weekend I spent on retreat in the mountains a few weeks ago. Every meal I indulged in was tantalizingly enjoyable. One dish was Charkikan, a vegetable dish with corn, pumpkin, beans, and meat all sort of mashed up together (I know it sounds gross, especially when I add that it was green, but it was great). This mashed up wonderfulness was then topped with a fried egg which, if eating it correctly, allows for a yolk-drenched plate. delicious. (I will keep you updated on this dish, as Monica and I have made plans to cook it together one of these days).
Another toothsome treat I tried that weekend was Manzana Asada (Baked Apple), which is basically an apple (obviously), with the core removed. After removal of the core (not all the way through) the hole is filled with red wine, sugar and cinnamon. Simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes and you have yourself a yummy baked apple. It was served with a raspberry sauce and cream (which was heaven), but Monica made them for Gretchen and I last weekend and they are just as good plain. Sorry, I have no pictures of Charkikan or the manzana asada, but when I make them myself I will be sure to document!
I will keep you posted on how I continue to experience Ordinary Miracles through tastiness. My hope is to be able to make many different dishes when I return to the States, so as to cook some comida Chilena for my family and friends (and, to be completely honest, for myself as well, considering I am definitely going to miss the food here).
Wow, I have made myself hungry after writing about all of this.
