I got a newsletter from Adele Parks this week, one of my favorite British chick-lit authors, in which she is running a contest: describe your favorite summer indulgence in 50 words or less and win a year’s worth of ice cream. I was thinking about it and since 50 words wasn’t nearly enough (not to mention I’m not a UK resident), I decided to write mine here instead, most of which revolve around gorging myself on things I can’t easily get in Cairo. Besides which, I think after you read about my favorite indulgences you’ll agree that I don’t really need a year’s supply of ice cream anyway!
Bacon – I love love love bacon but I don’t eat much during the year. What cruel twist of fate had me marrying a vegetarian and moving to a Muslim country? I don’t care what they say, beef bacon just isn’t the same.
Fish – I don’t think I’ve yet found a variety of fish I haven’t liked, and one of the nicest to have here in Minnesota is Walleye. Deep fried or sautéed, the only way to describe its light and flakey goodness is yum.
Red wine – I really like a glass of wine (or two) in the evening but the wine selection in Egypt leaves something to be desired to say the least.
Beer – but not just any beer – microbrews. I truly enjoy browsing the labels in the store and try new varieties. I just tried Foster’s Premium Ale for the first time last week and it was wonderful. Beer in Egypt? Not as bad at the wine, but not so wonderful either. I’m practically on a first name basis with the clerks at the liquor store here though.
Cheese – I can actually get a fairly decent selection of cheese in Egypt, particularly European cheeses, but I’m really enjoying Muenster and Monterey Jack right now.
Dessert – I don’t know if my step-mother bakes like this all the time or if she saves it all up for when we visit, but man I am getting spoiled! Not only is there a constant supply of homemade cookies in a container on the counter, she has my favorite ice cream bars in the freezer, AND she frequently makes a special dessert besides. I had no idea that vanilla custard filled homemade cream puffs topped with real whipped cream were so wonderful! What’s a girl to do? I mean, I don’t want to offend her after she’s gone to all that trouble – that would just be rude!
There are probably other things I could add but those are definitely at the top of my list but I’m going to stop before I give the wrong impression. As I said, I don’t eat like this ALL the time! Unfortunately the weather lately has been rainy enough that I haven’t been able to hike it all off as efficiently as some years so it’s a good thing I brought my baggiest jeans with me.
What about you? What’s your favorite summer indulgence?
Mmm, cream puffs! Easy to make, you know, just in case you miss your MIL’s version when you’re home!
by Eilis Flynn July 31st, 2009 at 4:22 pmAll of those sound sooooo delicious! Cream puffs!
by anny cook August 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am