Photo by Anne & Saturnino Miranda of the Bee Hummingbird feeding on nectar.
Mia chose the next country we’re adventuring to & it’s a fascinating one especially to Americans.
This country is known for its vibrant color, sky-high palm trees, rum, & music. However, one of its biggest claims to fame is that the smallest bird in the world is endemic to this country. As noted by Audubon Society, the Bee Hummingbird is often mistaken for a bee since it measures just a mere 2.25 inches long (5.7 cm) & weighs less than two grams — that’s less than a dime! You can see how tiny this miniature bird is by comparing it to the thumb in this photo.
Any guesses which country I’m talking about?
What if I note that the water is always clear & inviting with sand that ranges from brilliantly white to honey beige to volcanic black? Or that this country’s delicious cuisine reflects the flavors of those indigenous to the land while also including influences from Spain, France, West Africa, & China?
If you haven’t figured it out yet, perhaps if I mention vintage American cars or this countries’ two most famous drinks—the daiquiri & the mojito?
So what country are we reading next?
If you started thinking about cigars or the most enduring trade embargo in modern history, you were on the right track. We’re adventuring to Cuba next!
I’ve never cooked Cuban food before, but this mouthwatering cookbook is going to change that as I think you’ll agree.
Described as the “perfect Cuban cookbook,” the Cuban Table is a “comprehensive, contemporary overview of Cuban food, recipes, and culture as recounted by serious home cooks and professional chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers. Cuban-American food writer Ana Sofia Pelaez and award-winning photographer Ellen Silverman traveled through Cuba, Miami, and New York to document and learn about traditional Cuban cooking from a wide range of authentic sources.
Here you'll find recipes for everything from iconic Cuban sandwiches to rich stews with Spanish accents and African ingredients, accompanied by details about historical context and insight into cultural nuances. More than a cookbook, The Cuban Table is a celebration of Cuban cooking and culture, and cuisine. With stunning photographs throughout and over 110 deliciously authentic recipes, this cookbook invites you into one of the Caribbean's most interesting and vibrant cuisines.”
It’s been rainy here all week in NYC so I’ll be bringing in a bit of the Caribbean sunshine making Mermelada de Mango (Mango Marmalade) & Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) this week before I move onto some savory dishes.
If you too are looking to make something tasty this week, I hope you check out this authentic cookbook.
HAVE ANY BOOK CLUB SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your suggestions from Cuba by Sun., Oct. 13 11PM ET.
(That's NYC time. See this converted to your local time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 of my suggestions, & 2 of Mia’s suggestions (the club co-founder) to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best from the list will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere