I’m sure everyone else is writing of momentous world events whilst I continue to prattle on about Sicilian culinary delights. Still, many important political decisions are made during “working” breakfasts and lunches, I’ll wager, so that is my excuse!
Some time ago, I featured mostarda as it is known to Sicilians – a solid preserve made from grape must and wood ashes. Yes, ashes! [Don’t worry; they are filtered out.] I find the texture too leathery but at the weekend I tasted the fresh version, as made by Gina’s mother-in-law. This is much lighter and is eaten as a dessert. I found it refreshingly different and very pleasant.
The reason that it shares the name mostarda with the mustard-based fruit relishes of northern Italy is that the Romans used to mix mustard seeds with verjuice instead of vinegar and in the Middle Ages, for a time, the vinegar was replaced by must, so some etymological confusion arose.
14 comments:
It looks intersting!
Well, this is probably one of the few blogs I've NOT commented on to basically cheer Obama's win, but it does make a tasty change :)
And now I feel hungry.
Oh, please continue keep us grounded in the unchanging pleasures of life! :-)
It looks rather like the consistency of cheesecake. What is sprinkled on top? Nuts and chocolate? Look scrumptious. :)
Well I'm not writing about world shattering things Welshcakes. I am quite happy to read about these interesting comestibles.
That was fascinating; often wondered why Sicilian mostardo was so-called. I've only had it once and hate to say it was one of the few Italian food experiences that just didn't do it for me - but the fresh one might make me change my mind.
I have to say that the description doesn't sound too appealing, but the photo makes it look delicious. The information is fascinating, too.
Hope you're improving a bit.
Viva verjuice.
Looks like junket
Hm, not sure about that one! Unlike the foood in the previous post!
Ot was, cherrypie! Thanks, Crushed and Gary. Hi, Leslie. Roasted almonds. Glad that makes 2 of us, jmb! Thanks, Sally. This just might change your mind, as it did mine! Hi, dragonstar. Yes, the description is a bit off-putting, I agree! I'm improving slowly, thanks. Indeed, James. I see what you mean, WW. You will have to try it, Liz!
Yes, different, I'm not sure I would like it though.
Monetous events fade. Food goes on forever. You have picked the winner Welshcakes!
You'll have to come and try it, Ellee. I'll try to remember that, jams. Thank you.
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