Portuguese Tea Pudding &
Strawberries in Port

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Here's a classic food funny from Anna Welander:

A man called his mother in Florida, "Mom, how are you?"

"Not too good," said the mother. "I've been very weak."

The son said, "Why are you so weak?"

She said, "Because I haven't eaten in 38 days."

The son said, "That's terrible. Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?"

The mother answered, "Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with
food if you should call."

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            TODAY'S RECIPES
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The Portuguese were the ones who introduced tea to Europe,
so it is particularly fitting that it should flavor one of their more
popular desserts. Use and good quality fragrant tea to make
this simple and rich custard.

Tea Pudding (Pudim de Cha)

1 cup (250 ml) sugar
4 eggs
8 egg yolks
2 cups (500 ml) very strong tea
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk

Whisk together the sugar, eggs, and egg yolks just enough to
blend. Stir in the tea and cream and strain through a fine sieve.
Pour into 8 buttered custard cups or ramekins and place in a
baking pan containing about 1 inch (3 cm) of water. Bake in a
preheated 350F (180C) oven until a toothpick inserted halfway
between the edge and the center of the pudding comes out clean,
about 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature before chilling
thoroughly. Serves 8.

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Drizzling strawberries with a few drops of balsamic vinegar is
a secret that the citizens of Modena, Italy kept for hundreds of
years. Here is a secret that the people of Portugal have been
keeping even longer.

Strawberries in Port (Morangos em Porto)

3 pints (1.5 L) strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 Tbs (45 ml) sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) ruby or vintage Port wine

Combine the ingredients in a non-reactive bowl, toss gently, and
refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, tossing occasionally. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Fri Mar 16 09:42:50 2007