Month: April 2020
Masking the Face of Fashion
Face masks are are mandatory in Peru (please see vendors on my list of delivery places from my last blog posting). Peru’s internationally renowned fashion designer, Meche Correa, is finally making masks (long after many small unknown entrepreneurs). Sadly, her design is in fashionista black and not in her normal Peruvian design.
But, others are using native Peruvian designs. I see all over social media that people are celebrating their own cultural designs, like the ones from Ayachucho in the Twitter photo.
It is delightful to see that art is flourishing during the quarantine.
Fashion is fashioning itself as it does. I would add that I predict that gloves will come back in fashion. And handkerchiefs.
Delivery in the Time of COVID – Lima Edition
As Peru enters it’s third (or is it fourth?) week of quarantine, buying groceries has become a challenge. To make it a little bit easier, I’ve compiled a google doc of places that deliver. I’ve sourced my information from my friends, colleagues, food industry contacts, an el trinche, and a C&W – Directorio Delivery 2020-V01.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf document sent to me. I hope the readers of my blog who live in Lima (are there three of you?) will find this google doc of use.
I have only received delivery from a few of the places as my kitchen is fairly well-stocked and the local bodega, corner store, has most of the basics. I can’t recall the last time I ate so many mandarins or potatoes…
Speaking of potatoes, the microwave is an excellent way to cook a potato.
Recipes from the Cupboard: Spinach Parmesan Dip
Just like those shows where one has to make a recipe based on unknown ingredients, cooking at home during the time of COVID, is like. I had forgotten how creative cooking really can be. At the start of the ‘stay home’ time, I organized my food by expiration date. I have been eating it in that order, sort of (sometimes instant noodle is just the fastest way to get some food made). But, as my local kiosk, bodega, has a daily supply of onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and ready made meals, some days, I’ve made brunch (eggs, potatoes, and toast, or French toast with home fries).
Many years ago, people asked me to write a cookbook. I don’t like measurements and have never really measured except when baking. I include here a basic recipe for spinach Parmesan dip. It’s cooking without a recipe but try it! For measurements, I would just go by eye (or gut!). Or google it (I did not invent this recipe).
Cream cheese
Spinach (chop it and make sure to squeeze the liquid out of it)
Parmesan
Mayonnaise
Add garlic, cayenne, chili, paprika, pepper to taste.
Mix it all and bake in oven until golden brown.
For those who live in the U.S., these are all ingredients that they most likely have at home.
When done, place in good north light and photograph in an artsy manner before eating.