Posts
Ground Nut Stew
Many years ago I read the book “Roots” by Alex Haley. There were several mentions of a food called ground nut stew. I couldn’t imagine what that could be. It turns out that peanuts were the ground nuts they were talking about. The dish is made with a creamy base of peanut butter, tomato paste and broth. It can be made vegetarian or with meat protein. Add veggies and spices and is typically served over rice. I wouldn’t mind tasting it, but don’t think I want to actually make it.
Hair of the Dog
AKA Hair of the dog that bit you. Basically, it’s drinking alcohol the morning after a binge that is supposed to help with the hangover. Don’t know. Never tried it. There are many supposed “recipes” for the actual remedy. All call for a pretty good boost of booze.
Smoking Bishop
During Advent I reread A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Hadn’t read it in many years, but have seen several movies made from the book. Toward the end, Scrooge is talking to Bob Cratchit and says, “…we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob!”
As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a wine punch or wassail popular in Victorian England. A myth says it was traditionally served in a punchbowl shaped like a bishop’s mitre.
Licorice Pipes
There’s a series of books by Louise Penny, who is a Canadian writer. The series takes place in Quebec and crimes are solved by Chief Inspector Arman Gamache. Delightful books. Something mentioned was a candy called licorice pipes. Made from black licorice in the shape of a pipe. Cute. I LOVE anything made from black licorice.
So….eat a hearty dish of ground nut stew, accompanied by a big bowl of smoking bishop. Have some licorice pipes for dessert. Just remember to save some of that smoking bishop for the next morning…
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Random Thought
If you eat meat as a comfort food, isn’t it also a support animal?
