Gastronomical Coincidence

This entry marks the beginning of a new blog 'trend' for me. Instead of the lengthy, infrequent entries I have previously been inclined to writing, I have resolved to offer you the more day-to-day anecdotes of my life. Not only will it be more favorable to my sporadic schedule, but I am hopeful that it will also paint a more colorful picture of daily life here in Manila. With that said, I will inaugurate the occasion with this simple but delightful little incident…

It all started last Sunday, when our program director, Vicki, treated us to a movie in an enormous, A/C-ed movie theater. We arrived at the mall right in time to take our seats in the dark room and quickly got comfortable for the ‘Feature Presentation:’ Ratatouille. The story itself was somewhat of a paradox of emotion for me: the Parisian setting making me slightly homesick for a nice stroll through the Quartier Latin; the theme of a rat infestation making me home-sick in a very literal way for what could easily become a reality here in my new home …:)

But that’s beside the point. Remy, the hero of the movie, is a dreamy little rat with high hopes… his taste buds are refined, his sense of smell superior, and when opportunity knocks, he is quick to become a gourmet chef in a 5 star restaurant! For those of you who have seen it, you can understand how easily this little guy’s fairytale inspirations became my own. You see, Hannah and I have the great pleasure of both choosing menus and cooking meals each night. Instantly, we were both craving a good Ratatouille… but how to make the best without an oven?

A couple days later, I was browsing online for the best ‘stove-top Ratatouille’ recipe in the book (…or on the world-wide-web in this case). Nothing seemed quite right, but I hadn’t given up completely. As I opened yet another promising page, up popped a chat window – it was Rebecca, my very own sister, saying ‘hi.’ I explained to her my dilemma, and to my delight, she answered that she always makes Ratatouille on the stove. Perfect! I jotted down the recipe, tips included… the perfect interactive recipe, at last! But the fun didn’t end there. Becca, who had been looking for a stove-top recipe to make in her own ovenless home was equally inspired… and it all started last Sunday.

That night, Vicki and her husband, Scott, came back for dinner. The vegetables simmered, the rice boiled, and the fish browned into a most satisfying Ratatouille. But the best part of the story is this: On August 8^th, 2007, 2 sisters, separated by miles of vast ocean, were brought together around a gastronomical coincidence, a culinary delight. A simple, provincial dish, though delectable in its own essence, bridged the gaping expanse between us.

Ratatouille à la Lohnes

2 Large Zucchinis – thinly sliced
2 Large Eggplants - thinly sliced
2 Medium Red Peppers
2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes, drained
Fresh Basil, chopped
Fresh Oregano, chopped
Fresh Rosemary
3 Cloves Garlic
3 Medium Red Onions – sliced
1 TBsp. Butter
2 TBsp. Olive Oil
1 Can Artichoke Hearts
Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Slice all the vegetables into rounds. Place aside.
2. Place the eggplant in a strainer, salt it, and let it drain.
3. On medium heat, simmer the onions, garlic, fresh spices and butter together until soft and fragrant.
4. Layer the zucchini, eggplant, peppers and stewed tomatoes on top of the onion & spice mix.
5. Drizzle the olive oil on top of vegetables, adding a dash of salt & pepper.
6. On low heat, cover to let steam and simmer approx. 20-25 minutes (until all vegetables are tender), mixing every now and then to prevent burning or sticking.
7. Serve with rice and fish.

Bon Appetit!
I love you Becca Joy-of-my-life...