Butterbeans, Susie and Fernando's Nostalgia

Tune: Papa Ain't No Santa Claus (Mama Ain't No Christmas Tree) by Butterbeans and Susie


More on Butterbeans and Susie in 2009

A few years ago for Christmas I was at Chef Fernando's Nostalgia in the Goan countryside [far from the beach] helping out in the kitchen for their big holiday feasts.

Ash Gourd For Petha

Ash Gourd at the Alemany Farmers Market

Let's make PETHA

Petha is a famous sweet dish from Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal.

After peeling and slicing ash gourd, the next step in making petha is to prick the pieces with a fork, docking the gourd with holes all over. Then the pieces must be soaked in lime water made by combining a few tablespoons of Calcium Hydroxide with enough water to cover the gourd pieces. Calcium Hydroxide aka kitchen lime, mineral lime or simpley CAL is all one in the same. It is also used to make fresh masa for tortillas and tamales. A good Mexican market should stock Cal. This is the season for fresh tamales! I bought mine at the market in Goa and I just ask for "lime for petha" Although Petha is a specialty of Agra, it is sold in sweet shops all over India. Soak the ash gourd for one hour in the lime water and then rinse under cold water for 5 minutes.

Next, boil the gourd pieces in alum water. Alum is used for shaving in India. It feels great on the face. But it is also used for making petha.

Break off a small piece of alum and disolve it in boiling water to make the alum water. Simmer the gourd pieces until they become transluscent.
Once it becomes transluscent, drain and cover with a thick simple syrup flavored with rose or kewra [pandan leaf], or go against the tradition and flavor the petha with saffron, like I did. Simmer for 25 minutes over low heat and chill in the syrup. When chilled, drain and serve. Like nothing else.

The steel drummer of Alemany Farmers market

Tune: Esta Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

Tune: El Año Viejo by Tony Camargo

Tune: Navidad Negra by Unknown Artist [Lita Nelson cover]

Tune: New Year Sikiza via Matsuli Music

One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was the Nuestra Musica LP by El Gran Combo from DJ Don Bustamonte. The album is full of holiday tunes.
I share with you the first three songs from side A:

Tune: El Arbolito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico



Tune: La Fiesta De Pilito by El Gran Combo




Tune: No Hay Cama Pa' Tanta Gente by El Gran Combo


Tune: Ojos Chinos Mini Mix by Selecta Rajah

Tracklist:
Ojos Chinos ~ El Gran Combo
Por Que Sera? ~ Jota Mayuscula, Orishas, Ari
Dominicana ~ Tego Calderon

Frank "Sugarchile" Robinson

Spacecraft Cuisine.

Tune: Under the Spacecraft Mix

Roustabout {Bassnectar Mix} ~ Beats Antique
Kebab Konnektion - [dunkelbunt] & Cloud Tissa
Quien Llego ~ More Fire Clan & Kafu Banton
Ninguem Aguenta ~ Mc Roger & Ziqo
Shake {Yes King remix} ~ Empty Heads Feat Dynamite Mc
Rock da Funky Beats [dunkelbunt]
Usted no me da lo mio ~ Lebreke
Duggu Duggu ~ Vybz Kartel
Blaze N Cook ~ Stereotyp with Al'Haca
Push Am (Left, Right) ~ Banana Clipz / Cheif Boima
Kingston Logic ~ Terry Lynn
Banga feat MC Coppa ~ Sub Swara
Sur les traces de Fela ft Seun Kuti et Egypt 80 ~ Mokobe
El Hijo'e Puta Sin Saludar feat Juanes - Villa Dillamante's Tego mixtape
Super Good ~ Leningrad

Hunting and gathering for the planets finest ingredients under the emperor's spacecraft, Luis V and Ricky VI find no boundries in their gastronomic undertakings.

A Soul Cocina Video:

~I filmed some scenes inside of the Citizen Cake pastry kitchen about a year ago. {soundtrack by Banana Clipz - Push Am (Left, Right) }



Tune: Popcorn by Lightning Head


Tune: 7 Nation Army by The Dynamics

Puffin Island

It snowed in the Oakland Hills. I experienced a hail storm on top of my hill in San Francisco.
Italian Meringue can look like smooth snow peaks.

To make Italian meringue, you need to combine one cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. heat to Soft ball stage, which occurs between 235°F – 240°F. As the sugar cooks, whip 5 eggs to soft peaks. Time the process so that the sugar reaches soft ball at the same time the eggs reach soft peaks. Slowly pour the sugar into the whites as you continue to whisk. Whisk to medium peaks. Fill a pastry bag with the meringue. Pipe and toast with a torch.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Azuki Beans.

This Japanese ice cream topping is just like the Easter time specialty from Dominican Republic, Habichuela con Dulce, the sweet red bean pudding. Helados Bon has an Habichuela con Dulce ice cream flavor. I made it once at Citizen cake, it was great, but the customers didn't order/understand it. "red bean ice cream?!"

Tune: The Soul Cocina Puffin Cumbia Mix


Zorzal ~ Rodante
Linda Muñequita ~ Los Hijos Del Sol
Como Colombiano Que Soy ~ Fruko Y Sus Tesos
Marcelo Fabian vs. Tego Calderon ~ Villa Diamante
La Cumbia Del Balero ~ El Mexicano
El Chuponcito ~ Sonora Tropicana
El Canoero ~ Los Warahuaco
Esperma y Ron ~ Pedro Laza y sus Playeros
Quinteto Imperial vs Busta Rhymes ~ Luis Luisao
El Nuevo Negrito De La Salsa ~ Fiebra Latina
Psych cumbia beat (shake it to the ground Chico Sonido mix) ~ DJ Blaqstarr + Rye Rye
Tabaco y Ron ~ Manuel De La Rocha
The Swarm (Zuzuku Cumbia Klash Remix) ~ Noble Society & 77 Klash
Cumbia Saramuya ~ Corraleros de Majagual
Ron De Vinola ~ Guillermo Buitrago
The Clap (Toy Selectah MexMor Mix) ~ Bostich+Fussible
El Polvorete ~ Lisandro Meza y su Conjunto
Coroncoro ~ Niña Emilia
La Cabulla ~ Pedro Ramaya
Zum Zum Babae ~ Ceferino Nieto y su Conjunto Bella Luna
El Canato ~ Los Soneros De Gamero feat Irene Martinez

It's been cold in San Francisco. The cholos in the neighborhood with the big black puffy jackets don't look so suspicious anymore. They just look like they are trying to keep warm like the rest of us.

Icelandic christmas cuisine:
hangikjöt
smoked puffin
pickled beets

One Self (Yarah Bravo, DJ Vadim & Blu Rum 13)

Tune: I Don't Want Nobody
from the One Self 12"

Dr. Half Stupid. Still Stakin' Rupees.

"We got mole, menudo, the curry, tandoori, it's goin' down" - Chingo Bling

I remember first finding out about Haji Springer when I used to shop at Bombay Bazaar on Valencia Street in San Francisco. Back then he was called P.I.D. (Polithizzin Indian Dude) and he had a pimped out ride that was full of promotional custom work and stickers that was always parked in front of the shop. Today there are always posters up at Bombay Bazaar promoting his newest releases.

Tune: Indian Rapper by Haji Springer from the Hello Buddy Album. This tune sounds like a yellow bus ran over Ludachris, Ishq Bector, Timberland and Eminem.

Haji's persona highlights his Desi roots as well as his Bay Area Roots. He has created a character that makes fun of himself and his heritage while celebrating diversity. It also comes with a big dose of thizz and irresponsible lyrics. Flow is so so, gimmick is heavy, some of the beats are nice. He is unique. He holds it down for the bay and teams up with some local heavy hitters like Keak da Sneak. In true hyphy fashion, he has created a unique stage character, complete with stunna shades and a grill.
A lot of the production on the Hello Buddy album is by Bay Area legend Gennessee.

Tune: Purple Stuff [instrumental edit] produced by Gennessee

Tune: Hajiwood by Haji Springer also from the Hello Buddy album

from Hajiwood to Halalwood

Tune: Idman (Feat. Dar Gnawa, Sweetman & Staiffy) by U-Cef from the album Halalwood

Tune: Gnasaid by U-Cef from the album Halalium

Tune: Ya Rayah [urban fix] feat. rachid Taha by U-Cef

Tune: Ya Rayah by Rachid Taha

Tune: Ya Rayah [Sonar Remix] by Dahmane El Harrachi

Tune: Etmakhtary Yakheil by Ammar El Sherei from the album Ammar El Sherei Plays Mohamed Abdel Wahab

Tune: Ya Wabur Oully by Ammar El Sherei from the album Ammar El Sherei Plays Mohamed Abdel Wahab

Tune: Kalzoom (Feat. Amina Annabi) by U-Cef from the album Halalwood

Tune: Anta Oumri by Lole Y Manuel

Tune: Al Quivira by Lole Y Manuel

Panama part One

November was El Mes de la Patria in Panama.

Tune: Pedro Navaja by Ruben Blades y Willie Colón
Pedro Navaja is a song with a great melody that tells a story. The second half of the song flows into the glorious words "la vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida".

Aloe Blacc is a Panamanian American with some great tunes.

Tune: Gente Ordinaria by Aloe Blacc


Kafu Banton ~ Pobreza

Nice tune by Kafu Banton on the everlasting, everloving Drop Leaf Riddim

Kafu Banton opens up the Reggae Fiesta 2005 mix with this tune.
Tune: Reggae Fiesta Mix mixed by Giant Sounds Soundsystem

Tracklist:
Pobreza - Kafu Banton
No Me Pasa Mas - Ayleen
No Saben Lo Que Dicen - Crazy Killa
Bienvenido a Baghdad - Danger and Japanese
Es Inutil - Dario
Nunca Lo Sucedio - Nigga
No La Olvidaré - Almirante
Ella - kafu Banton y Almirante
Eres Una Niña - Japanese y Nigga
Mi Resistencia - Nando Boom
Tormenta - Rookie
La Amo - Banton y Ghetto
La Jugadora - Rolo de Leon
Murder - Cigarette
Obsession Remix - Jr ranks y Kayra
Marihuana - El General
Inna Spanish - Nando Boom
Lion Paw Remix - Rookie
Falta Otro en el Barrio - Rookie

Los Rakas representing the Bay Area and Panama at the Living World Red Black and Green Festival in Defremery Park



this was shot on Nov 5th 2008!

Mas Murga via Ghetto Bassquake

Panama cuisine:
The Cooking Diva
El Amor Por La Cocina

CUMBIA PLAYERA

Tune: DJ Rajah's Cumbia Playera Mix


Tracklist:
La Sonidera ~ Grupo La Cumbia
La 2da Del Borrego ~ German Fuentes
Atrevida ~ Damas Gratis
Cumbia Hurraca ~ King Sun
Alta Technologic ~ Negromoreno
El Cantinero ~ Policarpo Calle
Que Criterio ~ Guillermo Buitrago
cumbia de la contra ~ La contra (produced by Hijo De La Cumbia) via Mudd Up!
cumbia de los cocos ~ Grupo Congo
Cumbia sabrosa ~ Climaco Sarmiento y Su Orquesta
Landero Remix ~ DJ Toty
Negra Ron Y Velas ~ Luis Ornelas
Sabado Cultural ~ Dick el demasiado
LA Guaracha Del Tren ~ El Septeto Puerto Rico
Para No Vivir Desesperado (NSM...PSM Remix) ~ Mexican Intitute of Sound
Space Cumbia (sonidero nacional remix) ~ Poncho Kingz
Cumbia de E.T. ~ El Extraterrestre

Frying a turkey on the beach in San Diego.

I also fried a snickers bar. It was almost as nasty as Martha putting cream cheese in her mashed potatoes and Snoop putting cognac in his.

Pirates and Witchdoctors

What a world we live in when the BBC latest headlines include witchdoctor spies, pirates and voodoo dolls.

The pirates are living a lavish lifestyle.
Maybe they need some fancy chefs on board? Chef Nicole and I could prepare petite hors d' oeuvres to be passed on board the pirate ships.


We would keep sheep on board for fresh ground mini lamb sliders.And when we catch tuna, we will serve it sashimi style on potato chips with batarga, fennel and pear.


Rajah's Cumbia Pirata Mix

Cumbia Pirata Vol II

tracklist part I:

Los Piratas Del Zanjon (Zurita Mix) ~ FaunaColorada ~ Fauna
Dulce con Chile (Sonidero Nacional Cumbow Remix) ~ Sargento García
Marcelo Fabian vs Tego Calderón ~ Villa Diamante
Pa Pa Pare ~ Zurita
Con La Misma Moneda (Chancha Via Circuito remix) ~ Princesa
Balkanski Koombia ~ Uproot Andy
Usti, Usti Baba ~ Señor Coconut Vs Koçani Orkestar
Elephant Message Cuna Cumbumbia Riddim?? ~ Elephant Man vs Unknown Producer from Spain?
Colombian Blow ~ Too Short vs Kool Kyle
Las Guitarras de La Tomasita ~ Punjabi MC vs DJ Toty
Araña Guarachera ~ Selecta Rajah
Gaslamp Beat (Rajah's Guaracha Refix) ~ Gaslamp Killa
Berem Bem Bem ~ DJ Walter
Maria Candela ~ Sonidero Cordobestia
Party & Balogna Colombiana ~ Kool Kyle vs Biggie Smalls

Tracklist part II: Tan Bella Tan Bella y Presumida ~ Catalino y su Combo
La Hamaca Grande ~ Andres Landero Y Su Conjunto
Cumbia Misteriosa ? ~ Toty Dj ( remix )
Riddim Dancehall Villero ~ Sizzla vs. Hijo de la Cumbia
Guacharaca L.A. ~ DJ NEO
Maria Candela ~ Dj Sandro de America
02bombass top koombia ~ Lucas Luisao
Julito Toquecito ~ negromoreno - pesadilla
cumbia del Acordion ~ Christian Harmeny
Cumbia Electronica ~ Sonido Chihuahua
El Principe ~ Sonido Del Principe
Mambo Pa' Los Negros ~ La Union Colombiana
La pava congona ~ Andres landero y su conjunto
Sal Y Agua (Dj Diego Guacharaca remix) ~ Lisandro Meza

Tune: La Hamaca Grande by Andres Landero Y Su Conjunto

You thought pirates only existed in story books? Check out where the world's pirates are right now with this live pirate map.

Tune: Pirates by Les Escrocs from the Africa Raps cd

Tune: Beberu by Tanzania's Cuban Marimba Band

And witch doctors? Some use human body parts for their practices. In Tanzania, albinos are especially valuable for the witchdoctor's cauldron.

Salif Keita is one of Africa's top musicians. His latest work has been presenting the album Dounia by Ibrahim Nabo

Tune: Yemamara by Ibrahim Nabo

Tune: Ease up President by Yellowman

Tune: Ism Skism & Rosmarie by Yellow Man and Wayne Smith

Tune: Medecine Man by Sergente Garcia

Tune: The Lost Musicians Mix Magic by U.Ill. Musical Ensemble conducted by John Garvey playing Harry Partch

If you are interested in music, please do not miss this documentary on Harry Partch

Tune: Brujeria by El Gran Combo

Tune: ISANGOMA(Witch Doctor) by Miriam Makeba

Tune: The Alchemist Manifesto by Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada

Tune: Witch For Water, Fugue On No. Wanda The Water by Harry Partch

Harry Partch created many amazing instruments. You can actually play some of his instruments, via the virtual world of the internets here.

Tune: Banm Afèm by Barikad Crew from Haiti

Tune: Walk It Out (Creole Haiti remix) by UNK, ANDRE 3000, MECCA aka GRIMO, TOP ADLERMAN

Tune: Tres Goples Mas by Sambangole from the album Voodoo Love Inna Champeta-Land

Tune: Dada Uganda by Empire Isis

Dancehall in Uganda

Tune: Passports and Suitcases by Nomadic Massive

Tune: Neg Chante by Nomadic Massive

Grito Vagabundo

Tune: Grito Vagabundo by Guillermo Buitrago

Tune: Dame Tu Mujer Jose by Guillermo Buitrago

Tune: La Piña Madura by Guillermo Buitrago

Hotel Chevalier

Tune: Where Do You Go to My Lovely by Peter Sarstedt

Sweet Potato and Salsify Terrine ~ Roasted Chantrelle ~ Zatar Lavash ~ Arugala Pesto

Luck o' the Irish

Me and Chef Fernando's Nostalgia crew in Dona Paula, Goa. I like Ravi's t-shirt a lot more today than I did back then in 2006.

That's right, Barack is Irish

Barack's great great grandfather comes from Offaly County in Ireland. There is an Indian restaurant in Offaly county called Saffron Cuisine of India, half way between Dublin and Galway. I'll have to stop by on my next road trip. The lamb is great in Ireland. Here is a dish that would make a great snack at Saffron in Co Offaly for a stop between Dublin and Galway.

Mini Masala Lamb Burgers with Mint Chutney on Homemade Pao Buns

Start with the dough for the pao buns

starter 1 cup water 2 teaspoons yeast 1/4 cup wheat flour 1 cup bread flour Combine all ingredients and refrigerate over night. Dough 1 teaspoon honey 2 teaspoon salt 2 cup flour 1 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter (1/4 pound) Combine all the ingredients together along with the starter and knead by hand for 12 minutes. cover with a damp towel and allow to rest until double in size. Cut into 16 equal sized pieces and roll into little balls. Brush with egg wash and rest for 30 minutes. Brush again with egg wash and bake at 400 degrees until golden brown and baked through (about 30 - 40 minutes)

Pao bread is all over Goa. There are little neighborhood bakeries that crank out little buns shaped like spheres and also shaped like butterflies. They usually have a bicycle with a giant basket covered with a blue plastic tarp. The Pao guy rides around the neighborhood and rings his bell. Everyone knows the sound of his bell. It is different from the sound of the fish lady and the knife sharpening guy and the vegetable lady. The bread is always fresh and it is very good. A lot of "Western" cuisine in India is very bad, but the pao bread from Portugal has been adopted as a Goan specialty and they do it very well. It has great texture and flavor. There are a few varieties. Some are like a mix between ciabatta and brioche, some are like little round baguettes.The picture above is the inside of the bakery at Nostalgia in Goa where I learned to make Pao bread. They make the best cocnut green chutney at Nostalgia. A special treat for the cooks at Nostalgia would be a chutney and pao sandwich.The chutney for my moini lamb burgers is different from the famous Goan cocnut green chutney at Fernando's Nostalgia. Mine is less sweet (no sugar added) and does not have any coconut.
Mint Chiuntey

Mint Chutney:
2 bunches of mint, chopped
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
2 green chilies, chopped
1/2" ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups yogurt
juice of 1 lime
salt

Lamb Masala Burgers:
1 1/4 pound ground lamb
1/2 onion, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2" ginger, minced
4 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted and ground
3 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground
2 Tablespoons toasted and ground dried kashmiri chile
1 Tablespoon tumeric powder
2 teaspoon toasted and ground brown cardomom
2 teaspoon toasted and ground fennel seeds
pinch of asafoetida
salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients and form 16 flat meatballs. Sear both sides in a little vegetable oil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until desired doneness.

These lamb burgers were inspired by the lamb kebabs I made with the Cidade de Goa BBQ chefs.



As seen in this video Miriam Makeba has quite an international band.

Miriam Makeba (4 March 1932 - 9 November 2008) Miriam and I share the same birthday, 43 years apart.

Miriam Makeba sang all her life. She was singing on stage in Italy on Sunday when she died of a heart attack.

Listen to a story about her on PRI from yesterday.

"I am just a little old singer, I'm not a politician. I just wish people could be soldiers. Soldiers not to fight each other, but against poverty, illness and disease. Be an army for all goodness." -MM
She was exiled from her home, South Africa, after starring in an anti-apartheid documentary and did not return to her native country until after Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990.
Miriam Makeba was the momma of "world music", adding rhythms and sounds from around the world to her South African Roots. Check out the use of the Güiro in this tune.


"Khawuleza was recorded for a Swedish TV programme in 1966 - she links it to black children in the townships watching the police turn up for a raid and calling Khawuleza Mama (Hurry Mama - i.e. 'don't let them get you')." -from the History is made at night blog

Nelson Mandela persuaded Miriam Makeba to return to South Africa in 1990.


Letter to Barack Obama from Nelson Mandela
5 November 2008

Senator Barack Obama,
Chicago

Dear Senator Obama,

We join people in your country and around the world in congratulating you on becoming the President-Elect of the United States. Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.

We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world. We trust that you will also make it the mission of your Presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere.

We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead. We are sure you will ultimately achieve your dream making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations committed to peace and prosperity for all.

Sincerely,

N R Mandela

Tune: Amampondo by Miriam Makeba

A Long Time Coming

Tune: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Tune: Victory (K Salaam/ Beatnick remix) by Sizzla Kalonji and Mos Def

Tune: Sweet Sweet Victory by Mad Professor

Tune: Long Time Comin' Mix by Selectah Rajah

Feeling Good - Nina Simone
A Change is Gonna Come - Glen Washington
Barack Obama - Cocoa Tea
Black Man In Di White House - Sizzla
Magic Moment - The Hamlins
Finally Got Myself Together - The Impressions
Shout Bamalama - The Pinetoppers
Movin' On Up - Ja'net Dubois & Oren Waters
Soldier - Erykah Badu
Things Change - Warrior Queen
Champion - Kanye West
Obama - Extra Golben
Bra - Cymande
Change in Speak - De LA Soul
Change the Game - Sean Paul
American Promise - Erykah Badu
A Change is Going to Come - Baby Huey

Marvelous Times

J Boogs comes correct with videos for his new Dubtronic Science album, Soul Vibrations.

REVOLUTION featuring Lyrics Born and The Mamaz


QUE PASA feat Deuce Eclipse






Mos Def at Defremery Park for the Red Black and Green Festival


Graffiti Artist at the Living World Red Black and Green Festival in Defremery Park


Goapele sings a song for Obama over the Need U Bad Riddim at the Red Black and Green Festival


Tune: Send Them by Lyrics Born


Tune: Always Fine Tuning by Lyrics Born



Marvelous times call for marvelous, special occasion meals.

PAELLA

5 chicken thighs, chopped
½ pound Spanish chorizo, sliced
1 pound shrimp
1 pound clams
4 cups calasparra rice
9 cups chicken stock
1 cups white wine
1 large onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoons saffron
1 Tablespoon pimenton
½ cup olive oil
juice of one lemon
one bay leaf


Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large paella pan. Cook the chorizo and chicken thighs together until nicely browned. Set aside.

In the same pan, add a few more tablespoons of olive oil and heat the saffron for 20 seconds then add the onion and garlic and sauté for two minutes then add the tomato and red pepper. Season with salt, pepper and pimenton and add the bay leaf. Cook for another minute. Add the rice and return the chicken and chorizo to the pan.

Add the stock, wine and half of the parsley to the rice and bring to a simmer.

After 20 or 30 minutes when the rice is almost cooked, add the clams, shrimp and lemon juice.

When rice is cooked, add the rest of the parsley and lightly fluff with a wooden spoon.

CHOCOLATE AZTEC CAKE