o meu brasil

I was about to post some pictures of Brasil to illustrate my saudades when I got sidetracked and ended up at TasteSpotting. It was obviously meant to happen because one of the first images that came up was quindim (pronounced “kean-jean”), a typical Brazilian dessert made with egg yolks and coconut.

via flagrantedelicia.com.en

I ate this dish a few times during my 6-month stay in Brazil, mostly at chuhascurrias (basically all-you-can-eat meat buffets that are really popular there) and I didn’t think much of it at the time. All I remember is the unexpected taste of sugary, buttery, scrambled eggs (in all fairness though, expecting to find good desserts at a chuhascurria is like expecting to get a Peter Luger quality steak at Applebee’s; it just doesn’t happen) It’s funny because it’s exactly that unremarkable aspect of this dessert that makes me want to make it; I’m not sure if I just lost the taste in my memory or if the dessert was actually just bizarre enough to forget? Either way, I’m going to try my hand at making it, since the basic recipe is incredibly simple (egg yolks, sugar and coconut) and egg yolk is really good for your thyroid and brain function. Two birds with one stone, alrightttt!

Curitiba 101

“We cannot be dependent on the car. I’ve repeated this saying many times, but I feel it is very appropriate: The car is like our mother in-law. We have a good relationship with her, but we cannot let her conduct our lives. In other words, if the only woman in your life is your mother in-law, then you have a problem.”

Learning from Lerner is an interesting article about the world-famous “green” city of Curitiba in southern Brazil (I went there!!!!). Not only is it a good read, but it’s a nice, simple introduction to the city, it’s principles, and the visionary mayor who kick started the sustainable city revolution way before anyone even knew what the hell that idea was all about.