Scrumptious Confections from Around the Globe
One of the most exciting aspects about international travel can be the simple joy of sampling new desserts. If you’re a globetrotter with a sweet tooth, you know I’m speaking your language.
In the following article I’ve compiled an assorted list of scrumptious confections from around the world. If you’re currently not traveling, no need to feel left out. I’ve included the complete recipe for each dessert featured; this way you won’t have to journey any further than your own kitchen to enjoy these tastes from around the globe.
Banana Fritters
Chinese migrant workers first introduced banana plants to Queensland in the 1800s. Since then, the taste of this sweet pulpy fruit has become an Australian favorite. The banana fritter is not only delicious, it makes for a low-fat , high-fiber dessert.
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Ready In: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 quart of vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
First, in a large bowl mash the bananas. Mix in milk, eggs and margarine until it’s completely smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients into your banana mixture.
Next, heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy bottomed pan to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Drop batter by spoonfuls into hot oil, and cook, turning once, until browned 2 to 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar. This may not be the prettiest dessert but they sure are tasty. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Great Dining, North America, South America and tagged culture foods, desserts, scrumptious confections by Big John with no comments yet.
Riviera Mayan Adventure on the Reef Playacar
When Rebecca first mentioned going to the Mexican Riviera I was leery. Mexico? At the time, the only thing I knew about our southern neighbor was what the US Army taught me years before. That hard lesson was learned in 1998 while doing a short stint at Fort Bliss. For those of you unfamiliar with Fort Bliss, it’s a 1,700 square mile playground reserved exclusively for Uncle Sam. It’s the US Army’s second largest installation, home of the 1st Armored Division, and situated in the picturesque desert city of El Paso, TX. Any soldier who’s ever spent more than a day at Ft. Bliss knows the kind of world that exists once you leave El Paso and cross into that southern border town. Juarez, Mexico – the home of crooked cops, drug cartels, and a perfect place to get raped, robbed, or murdered. It’s not exactly the type of place you would take the kids to get t-shirts, postcards, or ice cream. Anyhow, you can see why I was so apprehensive about taking a vacation there.
As it turns out, all Mexican towns and cities do not rank the same. To make a comparison between Juarez and some of Mexico’s more popular tourist destinations is like trying to compare Detroit, Michigan with Cary, North Carolina. There just isn’t any comparison. So putting all reservations aside, Rebecca and I purchased a flight and headed out into Mexico’s lush Riviera Maya.
Following this truck, I knew I had to be heading in the right direction.
The Riviera Maya is truly a magnificent place. The entire area is a tropical paradise located on the Yucatan Peninsula. The region is famous for its Caribbean beaches, beautiful jungles, and warm tropical climate. There’s no shortage of sights to see, things to do, or places to explore here in this neck of the woods! (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, South America and tagged mayan riviera, mexico, reef playacar by Big John with 2 comments.