The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutClinton News Record, 2014-12-03, Page 19Londesborough news Brenda Radford Special to the News Record ET CETERA Christmas is in the air every- where it seems, even in the weather we experienced last week So as it has been my custom over the years to include some Christmas thoughts during the season, this week as you go about your decorating and shopping I trust you will also be thinking about sending Christ- mas cards. That tradition has suffered in recent years from increases in postal rates [remember they are cheaper in bulk] and too busy lives. Hope- fully this item I discovered in an Ideals publication will prompt you to find time for a few cards. "Christmas cards from near and far seek my door as by a star, but they are more than cards to me — they're friends around my Christmas tree." In this week's submission by Morag Watt, she talks about foods in South Africa. Today I would like to start with the food! No matter what your tastes run to in the food department you are sure to find something that suits you here. British sta- ples such as meat pies and sau- sage rolls are found at almost every corner store and gas sta- tion. Other British favourites such as Mince or lamb are read- ily available on restaurant menus. Dutch, German and European favourites abound too. Boerewors (sausage), schnitzel, and Melktart are sta- ples on restaurant menus and specialty bakeries and butchers provide a diverse selection of traditional fare. The East Indian influence is obvious in the amazing array of curries. Who knew there were different kinds of curries? Some are sweet, some hot, some spicy, some savoury. I thought curry was curry (and to be honest not one of my favourites) but I have since changed my tune on this food choice. While I am not a fan of the hot and spicy ones some of the sweet and milder curries are absolutely to die for! Malay cooking has heavily influ- enced the everyday cooking of the locals. The wonderful med- ley of sweet, savoury, and spices, and combining fruit and meat is fantastic! The most well known of these is Bobotie, a wonder- fully improved version of meat - loaf with fruit and spices and a yummy egg topping. Seafood is a story of its own. Coastal areas offer an abun- dance of fresh seafood that absolutely boggles the mind. A few we are somewhat familiar with (tuna steaks, shrimp, oys- ters and mussels) but there is also seafood that was all new to me. Kingklip, Yellowtail, Prawns (not to be confused with shrimp), Calimari (sweet and tender, not tough and rubbery), Angelfish, and the naturally smokey and salty "Snoek" were each an epicurean adventure. If you are a seafood lover you are in for a treat! Of course, a discussion on South African food would not be complete without talking about the native game foods. Local antelope (Kudu, Eland and Springbok) are all delicious, Alli- gator I have not had the nerve to try yet, and then there is my per- sonal favourite, Ostrich, which is raised domestically in great numbers. I'm sure there are other things that I have not dis- covered yet but one thing is cer- tain -- it is all delicious! Most meat, either domestic or wild, in South Africa is quite lean and the taste of the wild game will vary depending upon what the animal has been eating, much the same as our wild game here does. "Biltong" is a South Afri- can treat. This spicy dried meat is great to snack on or to carry with you on hikes. No matter what you choose to eat in South Africa, it is always prepared in extremely flavourful ways. A trip to the grocery store saw me standing in front of a spice isle that went the entire length of the grocery filled with every kind of spice, sauce and condiment you can imagine. It quickly became clear that cook- ing in South Africa was going to involve a steep learning curve about what to do with most of these ingredients. The meat counter contained much the same meats as ours does with a few additions but the cuts were different. The one notable exception is turkey which is hard to find there. Lamb and mutton are much more common and affordable and are a staple protein source as is chicken. Beef and pork are more expensive choices but widely available. As with most cultures, eating plays an important social and cultural role in South African society. One's experience in South Africa is not complete unless you have attended an Afrikaaner "braai This outdoor, open flame feast is so much more than just a Barbeque. It is such an important part of the culture that there is actually a National Braai Day. An entire social event, it is usually the women who prepare the salads while the men do the cooking on the open flame - and they are good at it! It is a source of pride amongst men to prepare meat to perfection in the outdoors while enjoying a beer, a "Klippies" (brandy) or fantastic South Afri- can wine and the comradery of their fellow chums. There is always a selection of meats such as chicken, chops and steak and there is always Boerewors! This thick, spicy, farmers sausage comes in a huge number of vari- eties with one thing in common. They are all delicious! To eat your dinner (usually eaten late) around the fire under the canopy of a South African night sky with the fantastic Milky Way and constellations shining down on you, surrounded by laughter and friends and enjoy- ing good wine and razor sharp South African humour is an amazing experience. If you are lucky enough to be invited you won't want to miss it. It is an adventure of the mind, heart, body and soul which cannot be found anywhere else in the world! LONDESBOROUGH UNITED CHURCH The Reign of Christ was cele- brated at Londesborough United Church on Sunday. November 23rd, the last Sunday of the church year. November 30th marks the beginning of the Advent Season. The senior choir sang the anthem "0, a Song Must Rise': The morning's responsive psalm was Psalm 100. During their time at the front with Rev. Fletcher, the children contemplated what it might be like to be a king or queen. They thought they might pass some very interesting new rules. But when they realized that Prince Charles, a future king attends 600 meetings every year, their attitude changed. It was also dif- ficult for them to consider that Jesus, on His throne, is con- cerned with the lives of millions of people world wide. And yet, He looks after each of them. They ended their time with a prayer of thanks to God for His care. The question, "Sheep or Goat?" was the title for Rev. Fletcher's message to the adults. His supporting scripture CONTINUED > PAGE 20 Wednesday, December 3, 2014 • News Record 19 BUSINESS DIRECTORY OEM business is an SERVICE ENERGY M kfi1 l - AIR Cd}N 1511110611 NIG • iCLECTTRICAL P L41 M ELLN( JEFF WISE 202 Bayliold Rand, Clinton 519-4e2-70132 DETER ARPE TRY FcNr yo openly needs. cJ Picone: 5 r 9-606-2 P 42 Ce1J; 519-440-2142 "More than just stumps" sTUMPY's TAE SER ICC 6 REMOVAL • Trimming, removal & clean-up • Bucket truck service • Stump grinding • Lawn rolling • Free estimates DAVE BERNARD 519-482-3976 To advertise in this BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please call Dawn Johnston 519-482-3443 hilechanical Repair Used Car Sales .340ntario gtr€t CIin4on ON NWl I'LU 1 t}-9 :�r,rara erell� _•. . To advertise in this BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please call Dawn Johnston 519-482-3443 DeiVe '7E444W. CONCRETE FORMING COMMENC/.-LL • RF_ThENTIAL • Fauncl,7tiilns , Hair Fiinishia . • el r n lar T annks • Sandwich MAN ];1#IEEESTIMATES 4 i 117 111 519-55 23-9971