LIFE IN MEXICO
We were visiting in San Miguel de Allende several months ago. Besides being an immensely charming place and a World Heritage Site, the town is the cradle of the 1810 Revolution, when Mexico threw off the yolk of Spanish colonial rule.
The historic event is celebrated every year with parades and re-enactments of Father Morelos’ shout of defiance, the storming of San Miguel by patriots and the proclamation of independence in the town square.
We accompany Miguel, who grew up in San Miguel, along with Vincent and Mary, visitors from the US, to one of the celebrations. Miguel is very proud of his heritage and is excited to explain the relevant details of each costumed historical figure.
One thing puzzles him, however. He turns to Vincent. “Why is that when a country is looking to write a new constitution, they always refer to the US?”
“I don’t know,” replied Vincent. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I think it is very odd.”
“How so?”
“Because you only have one. In Latin America, we have dozens!”
MY FAVORITE RECIPES
LEMON CHICKEN TAGINE
This is a wonderful recipe based upon Morocco’s national dish. It is easy to prepare with commonly available ingredients, yet tastes quite exotic and glamorous. We love to serve it to guests as it can be made hours in advance so that the host isn’t slaving in the kitchen all night.
Ingredients
8 Chicken thighs (two per guest)
2 tsp of olive oil
1 Spanish onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon each, cumin, grated ginger, paprika, black pepper,
Finely grated peel of 1 lemon.
½ cup green olives, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 carrots, peeled and sliced.
½ cup fresh coriander
¼ cup raisins.
1 cup of couscous.
Directions
Use a cast iron fry pan or an electric fry pan (Dutch oven).
Fry the thighs in olive oil with onion, garlic and seasonings, four minutes a side.
Add in lemon peel, olives, chicken broth and carrots. Bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Boil two cups of water and turn off the heat. Pour in the cup of couscous and let sit for five minutes.
While the couscous is sitting, add coriander and raisins to the tagine.
Serve over couscous.
SPECIAL EVENT – EARLY XMAS PRESENT!
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FRIENDS OF MEXICO ANIMAL WELFARE
I am very proud to announce that I am editing the Friends of Mexico Animal Welfare newsletter.
Friends is a dedicated group of volunteers and veterinarians that offer a variety of pet services to the community, including medicines, spay and neuter, and training.
They are wonderful people, and rely on the generosity of people like you to continue their work.
Check out the Friends newsletter and donate to their cause!
Check out the October 2019 newsletter for Friends of Manzanillo Animal Welfare!
BOOKS THAT I LOVE
Tiny Little Thing
By Beatriz Williams
Book II in the Schuyler Sisters Trilogy
This is the story of three sisters – Vivian, Tiny and Pepper Schuyler – who come of age in the 1960s. They are the daughters of scions of high society in New York. The family has fallen upon reduced fortunes, however, and the girls must make their own ways in the world.
In the first book, scrappy Vivian grapples as a young journalist at a misogynistic New York monthly magazine, fighting to get a byline and prove her worth. In the second book, prim and proper Tiny marries into a Boston Brahmin family with high political aspirations. In the third installment, sexy, independent (and very pregnant) Pepper carves out her own independent life.
In each volume, the author flashes back in time to the Second World War, when family, friends and foes are interacting in a manner that will ultimately shape the lives of the main protagonists a generation later. Although flashbacks have a long and illustrious tradition, the prolific Williams proves herself a master at pacing, structure and saga to give each novel and the trilogy a depth and breadth that the reader can relish.
I highly recommend the Schuyler Trilogy!
MOVIES THAT I LOVE
Shakespeare in Love
The film stars Joseph Fiennes as Will, a young playwright trying to build a career, and Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola, a star-crossed daughter of a rich merchant looking to act on the stage.
The film is set in early 17th century London under Queen Elizabeth the 1st. It is a fertile time for the stage plays, diligently censored by the Master of the Revels (carnally portrayed by Simon Callow). Amidst it all, Shakespeare falls in love with the betrothed Viola and crafts a stirring play, Romeo and Ethyl the Pirate’s Daughter (don’t worry, they find a better name) to win her eternal love.
Made over 20 years ago, the film was nominated for 13 Oscars and won seven (including best picture and best director). It hasn’t suffered the curse of many other Oscar winners (think Rocky, 1977) that eventually became dated and stale. Shakespeare in Love holds a timeless relevance and charm that the viewer can enjoy time and time again.
Far Side, By Gary Larson
Always interesting. Your next chapter will be settling into France, which could be a serial, which could turn into a book. I am sure your head is already considering options.
I could call it A Paris Moment Encore!
Always nice to hear from across the border. Recipe sounds delicious.
It’s one of our favorites!