Cheaper Coffee- Ground Coffee

 

Supposedly coffee stains your teeth, among many other foods and habits we have. 

I found the remedy. Most of you may not like it. 

I will ease you in: I like my coffee room temperature. 

I drink mine with a straw. You can't really do that if you like it flaming hot. It's a compromise you gotta make. Or not. :)

Through the straw, the least amount will touch your teeth, and even then it will be already mixed with saliva. It will be way less concentrated. 

I enjoy to make my own: Turkish style.

 

In this tiny IBRIK (ibri:q) the magic happens. 

I brought this with me from my last trip to Europe. It helps because it starts to boil really fast. The small amount of liquid intake is not having me take too many breaks in the morning (to go tinkle). 

Friendly Advice:

If you are not used to the strength of it, then don't drink it before an important meeting or a test. It tends to make you shake, uncontrollably.  LOL 

My father used to laugh a lot when he saw people walking around with the pint size coffee pot all day long. He was whispering, sarcastically: "Wean yourself already. You are over 18." :))

I realized I was not a fan of coffee for a long time, in my life. Health problems- I guess I can blame it on that- have had me get on the COFFEE DEPENDENCY WAGON. 

Coffee, is a "drug". It creates dependency, and as your body gets accustomed to it, it asks more and more. I've tested it myself. So whenever I need a "break", I cut it out- cold turkey. Gruesome, isn't it? Indeed, but the organism needs to have cycles. ON and OFF for basically everything. {Think about it} 

It helps with going easier the #2, flushes out what the unnecessaries. 

(unnecessaries - plural noun un·necessaries \¦ən+\  Definition of UNNECESSARIES :  expendable material :  needless or unimportant things)

 

It lifts the low blood pressure. (that's my reason). By lunch time, I find myself with a headache and no energy. A 1/2 cup of TURKISH COFFEE and in 15-20 min, I am ready for the world. :)

Simple. 

CULTURE CORNER:

Here are some names you might already know.

The name cezve is of Arabic origin, but the spelling derives from the Ottoman Turkish spelling in Arabic script (جذوه), based on Arabic جذوة, meaning a burning log or coal (presumably because the pot was heated on them)

Other regional variations of the word cezve are jezve and čezve. In Ukrainian and Russian, the word is spelled джезва (where it exists alongside турка, IPA: [ˈturkə]). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia it is a long-necked coffee pot, spelled "džezva".

Other names

• In Greece, the device is called briki (μπρίκι), a borrowed word from the Ottoman Turks.

• In Macedonia, it is known as ѓезве (ǵezve).

• In Armenian, the brewer is called jazva (Ջազվա).

• In Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, the cezva is known as džezva.

• In Bulgaria, cezve is known as джезве (džezve).

• In Israel the vessel is commonly known as a פינג'אן (finjan), a name derived from the Arabic term for a small serving cup.

• In Kosovo and Albania the word gjezve/xhezve is used, as Turkish coffee is very popular there.

• Raqwa (rakwa) — Rakwa is an Arabic word

• Zezwa — The Tunisian name derived from Cezve.

• Kanaka — The Egyptian Arabic term.

• Ghallāye — The Palestinian term.

• In Russia, cezve is commonly called "turka" (“турка”, 'too-rkuh').

• In Romanian, the brewer is called "ibric".

My thumb is showing off my BUNNY BUTTS I've made, even though Easter already passed, eh, I make my own holidays.

 

Es Un Conspiration CORNER:  Did anyone ever think about WHY already grounded coffee is cheaper than the whole beans coffee you buy at the store?

Naturally, it should be higher in price, because it took longer time, and time is $$, to ground it. Either a person's time (who is paid) and a machine (electricity, wear and tear, the machine itself)... made it "fine enough for your convenience. So why is it cheaper?

Little less coffee beans and a lot more chickpeas beans, grounded together. MUCH CHEAPER. {something to think about}

COFFEE made from chickpeas and chicory... also.

Are you familiar with "Chicory". It is a natural caffeine free drink, a.k.a DECAF coffee.

read more here: what-is-chicory

 "

• Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it as a liver tonic, sedative and appetite stimulant.
• Early 19th century French chefs and writers believed chicory to be a 'contra-stimulante', that is, the sedative effects were a perfect compliment to the stimulating effects of the caffeine in coffee. On the other hand they believed its use by 'bloodless' or 'lymphatic' persons should be avoided.
• The fresh root has been said to be useful against pulmonary consumption. A decoction of 1 oz of root to a pint of boiling water has been found to be effective against jaundice and liver enlargement.
• Syrup of chicory is said to be an excellent laxative for children since it works without irritation.
• Ancient herbalists considered the bruised leaves to make a good poultice for swelling and inflamed eyes.
• Modern herbalists say chicory increases bile production, moderates a rapid heart rate, lowers cholesterol and destroy bacteria."

 

xoxoxo  

the magazine is out!  http://www.blurb.com/b/6135816-o-rama-federation

xoxoxo

Chorba- The Poor Man's Food

                                      shchavelya sup

lean about çorba
                          Ciorbă    

Arab word, for SOUP. 

Turkish use it as well. 

Ukrainians, Romanians, Russians 

in general use this term.

CHORBA


Supposedly it is..   "the poor man's food"    - because during the war, families were so poor, they would eat first the meat off the bone, the first day, (cooked of course) then the next days they would boil the bones and add whatever vegetables they had, and fill their stomachs and their children with it... and each day, they would add more and more water, until there was so transparent, it was like water.

How I see it:
boiled water= killed all germs from the water, "sanitized"
veggies= flavor released and not destroy all the nutrients
meat - if any, but not always

If hydrates you, fills you up without feeling "heavy", and you are eating your veggies. :)
Unless you want to use a replacement then go that route. but it looks much better one of these:

I grew up with CHORBA, every lunch time, SOUP, or I didn't feel I ate that day. :P

It was a culture shock, somewhat, to learn that in the US, lunch is usually a sandwich.. but, "when in Rome..."

make  your own  lunch. And that is SOUP!  

I don't have to be sick to eat chicken soup! I am rather: If I don't eat soup at lunch, I'll get sick.

Lenten Soup Recipe

The difference between SOUP and Chorba is?



Soup is "transparent" and may not have meat.

CHORBA- is thicker, can't see through it, contains meat.

I enjoy making soup, because ABSOLUTELY EVERY TIME, it comes out different. I obviously don't like repetition, same things, routine. 

So, throwing in there anything (edible and not expired) lol  fresh veggies, is a treat itself. 

Cutting it "by the book" is not in my vocabulary either. So if I feel like crinkle carrots and polka dots potatoes to have in my CHORBA today, that will happen. 

    Blini- Russian pancakes


Matryoshka pendants



Spices, are again- at my choice. Not spicy though! the only "SPICY" we use is pepper and paprika. Hard to believe, right?  Especially when here, curry and tabasco sauce are a "usual" in many meals

VEGETA spices YUMM!!









I've just discovered KALE and I had it in my fridge.  So,  my chorba has:

KALE   facts about KALE
CARROTS    a fun read about CARROTS
GNOCCHI  WHAT IS GNOCCHI
CHICKEN  chicken cubes
and spices.

so, how do we call this one?   KA-GNO-CA-CHI?  :))  lol   (I like word play)

I fried the carrots before, not too much, just enough to get them gooey and sweet,

 pour more water, 

gnocchi- already boiled, drop it in there,

then add chicken cubes- already boiled

and KALE-

and boil 'till I get tired :P

The flavor of Kale comes out and at taste, it still good texture, and yet it's not as bitter. 

add VEGETA.

tadam!!      I poured it in jars, to freeze it as I may get bored of eating same type of soup a few days in a row. 

things to do in Russia

Russian soup recipe




so drop the fast food, and sandwiches at lunch.
too easy!   xoxo



and VODKA, but stay home after that- don't drink and drive!








I will leave you drooling over this Lithuanian feast :)

About My Culture- The Eastern European- Part I

Different cultures.
Somethings you/I do may seem rude. Mostly is unintended. It gets to be funny if talked about it. Here are "some" of the differences I have seen in US from where I grew up.

Generalities 
Relationships & Communication
 Russians are transactional and do not need to establish long-standing personal relationships before they do business with people.
*(Don't ask me how I am, how is my dog/hamster/pig, what I think of the #*$%^ football team's performance)
*(A business relationship can be abruptly broken if the two care for different soccer teams, hockey, rugby, polo, etc)
It is still a good idea to develop a network of people who you know and trust. The Russian word "svyasi" means connections and refers to having friends in high places, which is often required to cut through red tape.
Bringing a gift to an initial business meeting is common.  Something with your company logo or representative of your country is always a good idea.  
Avoid hard selling tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. 
Important decisions usually take a while but simple decisions are sometimes made on the spot. 
Going out for a drink together is highly recommended as it shows interest in strengthening the relationship and promoting good will.
Russians value being well dressed and nicely groomed. 
For men: Formal suits are the norm.  Dark colors are the way to go. 
For women: Standard business attire. Stylish, yet conservative. 
Jeans and business casual attire are usually not appropriate for initial meetings.
 It is best to err on the side of formality when you first make contact.
Sincerity is crucial as it is required to build trust, and trust is needed to build a relationship.
*(And yet always have enough cash on you to have in case of bribing needs to be done)
Most Russians do not trust people who are 'all business'.
An indication that you have successfully developed a personal relationship is being asked for a favour by that person.

 Sports Fans

*(When a major soccer game is played there are no women seen in public on the stadium, as at the end or during the game, punches can fly)
*(Women and kids know which stadium the game is happening and they avoid that side of town for that half of the day. The fans get into the public transportation and can fight there too)
*(Soccer fans tend to be very passionate about their team, and sparks can appear, with physical violence if an opinion comes across as offensive)
*(Sometimes just wearing the favorite soccer/rugby/hockey/polo shirt, can start a fight.)

**it was weird to me to see men (in US) with football, basketball, baseball, jerseys of different teams in bars side by side, watching the game- without fist fighting.
Entering someones house
When you invite someone into your house, open the door and move aside, holding the door. Hand should make a "welcome", "come in" sign. Then shake hands/hug/kiss.
Those things are not done outside or in the door.
*(only strangers/informers are kept to stand outside)
*(I am not trying to teach you about religion)
 *(Russia has very harsh winters, and people are usually bundled up in fur coats and Ushanka . Thick gloves and heavy boots, probably wet from all the walking. So the faster inside, the faster your guest can "make himself comfortable" - literally. ;) 
Men bring flowers if there are women in the household
Appropriate gifts include high quality chocolates/sweets or fine wine or liquor (avoid Vodka).
*(Always make it a bouquet of ODD numbers. Even numbers are only given at funerals)
If there are kids in the house, bring some candy/toys for them.  
If there are only men, bring either a bottle of alcohol or some "manly" gift.

Remove your outdoor shoes. You may be given slippers to wear.
Allow the guest time to take his/her shoes off. Help by either offering a chair, stretching your arm for support, or shoulder to lean on.
*(In the Foyer, entree, anteroom, lobby, hall, corridor- there is a place where to put your shoes and there is a coat hanger with bench where shoes are taken on/off)
*(Street shoes do not go passed that area no matter what. You will not see streets shoes in any room, stored in closets, unless they are brand new or bought to be given as gifts)
*(not hygienic and they may give out an unpleasant odor)

Once in the house

In every building, men take the hat off.
Always offer something to drink.
*(Not necessarily alcohol)
Mineral water is known in the US as club soda water, sparkling water, carbonated water. No flavor, bottled from natural sparkling springs. Concentrated fruit syrup and club soda mix can be offered as well. 
Expect to be treated with honour and respect. No flirting, no kissing, no dirty jokes, especially if the host is older or there is an elderly person.
Offer the guest to sit down.
You will not be offered the tour of the house. If you need to go to WC, ask and you will be instructed where to go. *(Do not take the tour on your own)
 


 Drinking

Men pour drinks for women seated next to them.
*(When offering pour until she says stop)
Do not "drink yourself under the table" (meaning, do not drink until you fall off the chair)
Do not get drunk, even if the host asks you for drinking duels.
You may not always be offered hot/cold vodka.
Spritz is a very popular drink for both genders. It can be done with just wine and sparkling water. It will bring more of a champagne.

What you called me?!
How do you address one's elders and superiors respectfully, which means using their first name and patronymic (the name deriving from the person's father's name). Russians also use the formal pronoun of address when speaking to elders, as well as strangers. Intimate forms of address are used only among close friends and family members. To speak otherwise is considered rude.


 Eastern European Children

Babies, though coddled, are often treated like little adults and scolded for childish behavior like crying, biting or hair pulling. Girls are expected to be quiet and mutually helpful, while boys are encouraged to be boisterous and loud. In schools, academic standards are high, in order to instill culture in Russian children.

Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving using takes place between family and close friends on birthdays, name anniversaries, New Year, and Religious Holidays.
If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift.
Male guests are expected to bring flowers.
Do not give yellow flowers. (Friendship, jealousy, infidelity, apology, a broken heart, intense emotion, dying love, extreme betrayal)
*(In history, it is known that the types of flowers and colors have their on language http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers  )
Do not give a baby gift until after the baby is born. It is bad luck to do so sooner. *(no baby showers)
Russians often protest when they are offered a gift. Reply that it is a little something and offer the gift again and it will generally be accepted. When you want to buy/give a gift, don't ask, just get it. 
*(Art, perfumes, bonbons, jewelry, office supplies, make-up, beauty products, household items always welcomed. Gift cards/certificates are mostly welcomed)

DO NOT
Do not give intimate items, lingerie. Most clothing items are not to be given as gifts. 
*(If it is the "wrong" size, it can be taken as offensive, or if it doesn't fit as she wants. A gift card to a certain store or go on a shopping trip can save you from some awkward moments)
*(Candles are not considered gift. We pray with candles, and go to funerals with candles)
*(Oval picture frames are used for tomb stones. No oval picture frames, photos. Ever)
*(No towels)
*(Do not ask later on about the gift. Your gesture was noted in your favor)


 Get your own: 
Matryoshka pendant

Photo@ Taste Of The World Event.
For more photos visit and "like" Steve Yap Photography page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Yap-Photography/247276101974550


thank you, Steven Yap