I am so happy we took our big vacation to South Africa just before everything shut down January 2020. We spent time in Cape Town and then on a reserve and it was the best vacation we ever took. I have to say, though, that I still remember the complete fear I felt in front of those young male elephants. Although I felt safe 99.9% of the time, those guys installed a fear I still fear. But it was also a good fear, and one that we really never experience in our daily lives. I hope we can go back again, maybe next time to Namibia.
Delightful to read and see your adventure! Romain has best grin, I love it!
Do tell, what is a mesquite latte? All I can think of is the chips my husband uses in his smoker for brisket so I’m imagining a meat flavored latte, which cannot be correct 😆
Romain really loved it and keeps asking in Paris if they have it on the menu (of course, no one does...) but like orzo (barley) in Italy, which you can get brewed in cafes there, maybe someday it'll take off here?
So interesting David, South Africa has only been on my radar in a negative way so, lovely to read a positive experience.
I’m sad to say Brisbane has deadly snakes and spiders but not crocodiles…. yet! With climate change they are moving south from tropical North Queensland. When I took my beagle out into the garden late one night we surprised a python…. at least a metre long. Being a beagle she was gung ho for some fun … me …. I was on my way inside at a rate of knots!!!!
Thank you for the egg substitute article, we don’t have the really bad bird flu … yet but even the lesser strains have wreaked havoc on flocks and have resulted in shortages. It’s ironic that free range flocks are more susceptible than caged birds.
Years ago my grandmother in Los Angeles was surprised by a very long snake in her backyard. (Her dog was also very interested in it!) When she called animal control, they told her it was likely someone's pet that had escaped.
I remember years ago when there was a bout of bird flu in France and they had to cull a lot of free-range chickens. Specialty chickens like poulet de Bresse have to (to comply with regulations for naming them as such) have to be free-range, so it presented a problem for them. Fortunately it seems like bird flu hasn't affected France as much as in the States, which it will have wide-reaching implications on the food supply (and economics too) if it continues.
Welcome back David!!! I really enjoyed this post, your interesting candid observations are very much appreciated and gave me that 'took me along' feeling. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip and your break.
Re the dishwashing liquid: surely you have those dishmatic brush things over there? It has a hollow handle for the dishwashing liquid and a little sponge with scourer on the end; you squeeze it and wash things under running water. Takes forever to use up just a tiny amount of liquid. Google it and maybe get one online?
That was a fascinating newsletter about your time in South Africa! Thanks for sharing it! The video of the lions was especially interesting, although, sometimes I feel like that’s me protecting my food!
David, Thank you for a fascinating post about South Africa! Like you, it’s not been on my bucket list…probably because a 7-10 safari did not excite me. So, I’m thrilled to know that 3 days is a possibility. I LOVE the way you and Romain explore and engage with a culture. Yes, I raise chickens and thankfully, the shortage of eggs is not a problem for me right now. Blessings to you and Romain, Marianne
I just got back from a trip to South Africa and your dining pics made me jealous! On a group tour, there isn't much flexibility. Regardless, we ended up with may similar photos - wildlife, Cape Town from Table Mountain, so much wine! It is a beautiful country and the people were friendly and interesting - a wonderful destination I hope to return to, especially with your great recommendations!
Group tours are good in some ways since it takes the onus off planning, but as you know, it's hard to find little gems. Our food tour (3hr) was really interesting as we went to places that I would have have gone to on my own, and would not have known what to order.
what a wonderful trip, thank you so much for sharing, I always enjoy your newsletters.
On the subject of eggs, it seems that farmers markets egg prices have not gone up and now are similar or cheaper than factory farm eggs. I've noticed our egg farmer seems to be selling more eggs, which is good for him.
Yes I get eggs from a store in Paris that sells eggs directly from producers and they cost around 35¢ each, which is slightly less expensive than supermarket eggs. I do get supermarket free-range eggs for testing recipes because the size is more uniform, but I mostly use the other eggs to eat or for everyday baking.
I have had various different brands of he front loading washing machines for a long time and one of the things I’ve discovered is that whatever amount of detergent the maker of the soap recommends, you can cut that amount down dramatically. For a full load I use about a teaspoon of powdered he detergent these days and our clothes, sheets, etc., are beautifully clean and fresh. I usually use the soak option for 15-30 minutes. This makes for a much longer cycle, but definitely worth it environmentally as well as producing better results.
yes there was a whole story about why you could use less detergent in your washing machine if you want cleaner clothes (and to save money on detergent) Wirecutter did a good story about that, saying you only need 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent for best results: (Possible paywall)
What a great escape from grey winter skies! I've only been through the Johannesburg airport via Paris (on the day last July that the world's airlines computer system went on the fritz, didn't that make for a nice 12 hour planned layover in France reduced to -- don't leave the air side of the terminal!) and hope to visit South Africa as I have loved the other countries I've visited on that continent. The landscapes, skies, cultures, flavors and ANIMALS hooked me on my first trip to Kenya/Tanzania and now I've been to Rwanda, Botswana, Zambia and a minute in Zimbabwe. There is a lot to offer there and, as someone who is typically very physically active I have found that even 12 days of time in a safari vehicle stays engaging and interesting. The best though was a 10 day hike with Tropical Ice across Tsavo Park in Kenya. Somehow being that close to animals and in their habitat feels very elemental, with sundowners and delicious human food and conversation at the end of the day. So glad you had the experience!
My friends told me next time I go, to go on a safari that is half walking, half in the trucks. Our place did have a 1 1/2 hour walk each day, but with the 7 hours of time in the vehicle, it was too much to do a lot of walking. Plus I didn't have the right clothes and shoes for a lot of hiking, but would love to see other parts of Africa, as you have...
I'm so happy you got to visit South Africa. I especially liked all of your food photos and commentary. For at least a decade I have watched online live safaris that are broadcast from a private game reserve near Kruger in South Africa--twice a day! Many are posted on Youtube. This newsletter of yours makes me want to go to Africa now--for the food and wildlife!
(For the dishwashing soap dilution--I have a small bottle (~500 ml) with an olive oil-type spout on it. I remove the spout, then put about an inch of concentrated soap (Dawn or Palmolive) in and fill the rest of the bottle volume with hot water, shake to mix and then put the spout back on. When I need some soap, I just pour some of this dilute soap as needed.)
So glad you are back and posting. I love your descriptions and photos of your adventures; and, love to see Romain's smiling face. I will take his tip and include a roll of heavy-duty tape when I travel. Thanks so much for the table of differing weights of flour from different authors but
I was wondering: that is before sifting, correct? I tend to use the fluff flour in it's container
before I scoop it out to weigh method. I found out about protein content the hard way when my
old recipe for sugar cookies turned out way too tough using KAF (which I use for a lot of
Those weights are before sifting. People don't really sift flour that much anymore - Marion Cunningham told me flour used to have lumps but it doesn't anymore. I only tell people to sift it if mixed with other ingredients, such as baking powder or soda (which can have lumps), or cocoa powder.
I am so happy we took our big vacation to South Africa just before everything shut down January 2020. We spent time in Cape Town and then on a reserve and it was the best vacation we ever took. I have to say, though, that I still remember the complete fear I felt in front of those young male elephants. Although I felt safe 99.9% of the time, those guys installed a fear I still fear. But it was also a good fear, and one that we really never experience in our daily lives. I hope we can go back again, maybe next time to Namibia.
That's how I generally wash dishes too! So much less waste.
Delightful to read and see your adventure! Romain has best grin, I love it!
Do tell, what is a mesquite latte? All I can think of is the chips my husband uses in his smoker for brisket so I’m imagining a meat flavored latte, which cannot be correct 😆
I've use mesquite powder in baking but here's a reference to the product (I think) they use for brewing:
https://mannabrew.co.za/
And here's someone showing how to brew it in a moka pot:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/CXJNNbsqyTB/
Romain really loved it and keeps asking in Paris if they have it on the menu (of course, no one does...) but like orzo (barley) in Italy, which you can get brewed in cafes there, maybe someday it'll take off here?
So interesting David, South Africa has only been on my radar in a negative way so, lovely to read a positive experience.
I’m sad to say Brisbane has deadly snakes and spiders but not crocodiles…. yet! With climate change they are moving south from tropical North Queensland. When I took my beagle out into the garden late one night we surprised a python…. at least a metre long. Being a beagle she was gung ho for some fun … me …. I was on my way inside at a rate of knots!!!!
Thank you for the egg substitute article, we don’t have the really bad bird flu … yet but even the lesser strains have wreaked havoc on flocks and have resulted in shortages. It’s ironic that free range flocks are more susceptible than caged birds.
Great to have you back!
Cheers! 💐
Years ago my grandmother in Los Angeles was surprised by a very long snake in her backyard. (Her dog was also very interested in it!) When she called animal control, they told her it was likely someone's pet that had escaped.
I remember years ago when there was a bout of bird flu in France and they had to cull a lot of free-range chickens. Specialty chickens like poulet de Bresse have to (to comply with regulations for naming them as such) have to be free-range, so it presented a problem for them. Fortunately it seems like bird flu hasn't affected France as much as in the States, which it will have wide-reaching implications on the food supply (and economics too) if it continues.
Welcome back David!!! I really enjoyed this post, your interesting candid observations are very much appreciated and gave me that 'took me along' feeling. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip and your break.
Re the dishwashing liquid: surely you have those dishmatic brush things over there? It has a hollow handle for the dishwashing liquid and a little sponge with scourer on the end; you squeeze it and wash things under running water. Takes forever to use up just a tiny amount of liquid. Google it and maybe get one online?
fantastic how exciting thanks for sharing!
That was a fascinating newsletter about your time in South Africa! Thanks for sharing it! The video of the lions was especially interesting, although, sometimes I feel like that’s me protecting my food!
that's what animals do! : )
(so you're not wrong...)
David, Thank you for a fascinating post about South Africa! Like you, it’s not been on my bucket list…probably because a 7-10 safari did not excite me. So, I’m thrilled to know that 3 days is a possibility. I LOVE the way you and Romain explore and engage with a culture. Yes, I raise chickens and thankfully, the shortage of eggs is not a problem for me right now. Blessings to you and Romain, Marianne
I just got back from a trip to South Africa and your dining pics made me jealous! On a group tour, there isn't much flexibility. Regardless, we ended up with may similar photos - wildlife, Cape Town from Table Mountain, so much wine! It is a beautiful country and the people were friendly and interesting - a wonderful destination I hope to return to, especially with your great recommendations!
Group tours are good in some ways since it takes the onus off planning, but as you know, it's hard to find little gems. Our food tour (3hr) was really interesting as we went to places that I would have have gone to on my own, and would not have known what to order.
what a wonderful trip, thank you so much for sharing, I always enjoy your newsletters.
On the subject of eggs, it seems that farmers markets egg prices have not gone up and now are similar or cheaper than factory farm eggs. I've noticed our egg farmer seems to be selling more eggs, which is good for him.
Yes I get eggs from a store in Paris that sells eggs directly from producers and they cost around 35¢ each, which is slightly less expensive than supermarket eggs. I do get supermarket free-range eggs for testing recipes because the size is more uniform, but I mostly use the other eggs to eat or for everyday baking.
Welcome back! I missed your writing.
Try following Nancy Birtwhistle on Instagram. Her ‘green’ cleaning methods are amazing, they work, and don’t kill the fish.
I have had various different brands of he front loading washing machines for a long time and one of the things I’ve discovered is that whatever amount of detergent the maker of the soap recommends, you can cut that amount down dramatically. For a full load I use about a teaspoon of powdered he detergent these days and our clothes, sheets, etc., are beautifully clean and fresh. I usually use the soak option for 15-30 minutes. This makes for a much longer cycle, but definitely worth it environmentally as well as producing better results.
yes there was a whole story about why you could use less detergent in your washing machine if you want cleaner clothes (and to save money on detergent) Wirecutter did a good story about that, saying you only need 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent for best results: (Possible paywall)
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/stop-using-so-much-laundry-detergent/
What a great escape from grey winter skies! I've only been through the Johannesburg airport via Paris (on the day last July that the world's airlines computer system went on the fritz, didn't that make for a nice 12 hour planned layover in France reduced to -- don't leave the air side of the terminal!) and hope to visit South Africa as I have loved the other countries I've visited on that continent. The landscapes, skies, cultures, flavors and ANIMALS hooked me on my first trip to Kenya/Tanzania and now I've been to Rwanda, Botswana, Zambia and a minute in Zimbabwe. There is a lot to offer there and, as someone who is typically very physically active I have found that even 12 days of time in a safari vehicle stays engaging and interesting. The best though was a 10 day hike with Tropical Ice across Tsavo Park in Kenya. Somehow being that close to animals and in their habitat feels very elemental, with sundowners and delicious human food and conversation at the end of the day. So glad you had the experience!
My friends told me next time I go, to go on a safari that is half walking, half in the trucks. Our place did have a 1 1/2 hour walk each day, but with the 7 hours of time in the vehicle, it was too much to do a lot of walking. Plus I didn't have the right clothes and shoes for a lot of hiking, but would love to see other parts of Africa, as you have...
I'm so happy you got to visit South Africa. I especially liked all of your food photos and commentary. For at least a decade I have watched online live safaris that are broadcast from a private game reserve near Kruger in South Africa--twice a day! Many are posted on Youtube. This newsletter of yours makes me want to go to Africa now--for the food and wildlife!
(For the dishwashing soap dilution--I have a small bottle (~500 ml) with an olive oil-type spout on it. I remove the spout, then put about an inch of concentrated soap (Dawn or Palmolive) in and fill the rest of the bottle volume with hot water, shake to mix and then put the spout back on. When I need some soap, I just pour some of this dilute soap as needed.)
So glad you are back and posting. I love your descriptions and photos of your adventures; and, love to see Romain's smiling face. I will take his tip and include a roll of heavy-duty tape when I travel. Thanks so much for the table of differing weights of flour from different authors but
I was wondering: that is before sifting, correct? I tend to use the fluff flour in it's container
before I scoop it out to weigh method. I found out about protein content the hard way when my
old recipe for sugar cookies turned out way too tough using KAF (which I use for a lot of
recipes). Happy everything, Kate
Those weights are before sifting. People don't really sift flour that much anymore - Marion Cunningham told me flour used to have lumps but it doesn't anymore. I only tell people to sift it if mixed with other ingredients, such as baking powder or soda (which can have lumps), or cocoa powder.