First of all, I just want to say that this has been a beautiful day and I feel like God made it that way just for me. One thing I really find myself enjoying in Thailand is going out to the market on my bike whenever possible, often with no specific purpose. Today I had a slight purpose: I brought my camera along so that I could get some pictures along the way. I often hesitate bringing my camera simply because I don't want to look like a tourist, but that is a silly reason to miss out on getting some beautiful pictures. Plus, my wonderful brother Ben admonished me to be taking more pictures so he could see what I'm up to, which was just the kick in the rear that I needed. :) Anyway, my spirit has been feeling a bit dry as of late, and today showed me, once again, that the Lord knows how to meet me just where I'm at. I try so hard to be good at reading my Bible or praying, trying with my own strength to feel God's presence, yet I believe increasingly that He isn't interested in my methodical devotions. He is interested in ALL of my heart, and seeks me out right where my heart is at! He is just the lover every girl dreams of. Why do I long for more when He is truly all I need? I can honestly say that today, at this moment, I am truly satisfied in Him. Not because I am super spiritual or anything of the sort, but simply because my Lover once again showed me how much He loves me today, and my heart is full. Over a year ago when I decided to do a school with YWAM-- I just didn't know HOW LONG--the greatest reason was because the Lord was calling me to come away with Him for awhile. He wanted to heal my heart and show Himself to me. I knew that, and I came away expectantly. Some days are discouraging because I don't "feel" Him like I wish I would, and I feel like I am wasting this time by not digging in and getting all I should out of it. But He is SO dang faithful! When will I realize that this isn't at all about me searching after Him, but it is Him chasing after me? Aside from singing a few worship songs on the bike ride (as well as "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera), there was really nothing super spiritual about my day. But, I know once again that I am loved and that is enough for me.
That said, part of my day out involved wandering Bandu Market (Tha-LAHT BAHN-do) somewhat aimlessly. I came upon a woman selling coconut cream in baggies as well as another coconut byproduct--I'm guessing it's the milk straight out of the coconut, but I'm not REALLY sure. Anyway, I decided to buy some of the coconut cream for 15 baht (less than 50 cents) and it came with a big bag of the coconut milk stuff too! I was excited, because this is a way better deal and way more fun than buying coconut cream out of the box. It is an essential ingredient in curries as well as many Thai desserts, and I even used it in banana pancakes the other morning (so good!). Anyway, I figured it would be worth buying, and I'd sort out what to do with it later. Subsequently, I decided to wander through the fresh vegetable section of the market. Nothing really struck my fancy. I almost bought some ginger roots to make tdom ka gai or something of the sort, but I didn't really feel like making that at the moment. Then, on a whim, I decided to buy some pieces of pumpkin--probably a couple pounds worth at least. There are a couple different directions I could go with this combination: 1. Pumpkin Curry (Gaeng Gurry Fak Tong) or 2. Pumpkin dessert soupy stuff (Fak Tong Gaeng Buat). I was really torn, as both sound amazing, but I've decided to go with the dessert (largely because I think there will be a better opportunity to share it). A Thai friend of mine made this, and it was AMAZING! Well, at least I thought so. So, I want to make it myself! I found a recipe online that looks pretty close to what my friend did, so I thought I would share it with you. Seeing that Thanksgiving is coming up soon, it could be a nice little addition to your spread of desserts, and a little taste of Thailand. Pumpkins are a bit different here, but they're close enough to effectively have the same flavor, from what I gather. So, I hope you enjoy this dessert as much as I have/will, if you choose to indulge and try to make it yourself. Let me know how it goes if you do!
In Christ,
Stephanie
Pumpkin in Coconut Milk Dessert Recipe |
INGREDIENTS:
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PREPARATION:
1. Clean the pumpkin well and peel off the skin. Halve the pumpkin and remove the seeds, cut into 1x2 1/2 cm pieces. Soak in slaked lime water for 30 minutes.
2. Mix the sugar salt, and coconut milk and cook over medium heat.
3. When the sugar has dissolved, strain and return to a boil. Add the pumpkin and cook until done.
4. Pour in the coconut cream and bring back to the boil, then remove from the heat.
5. Spoon into a dessert bowl and serve. Can be served hot or cold.
Tip: If the pumpkin is not soaked in slaked lime water, its texture will be soft and the coconut cream will be quite thick. Slaked lime water is a clear liquid made by mixing 2 tablespoons of slaked lime with 5 cups of water stirring well and leaving until the lime crystal have sunk The clear liquid is the poured out. However, when I (Steph) made this with my Thai friend it turned out just fine without soaking it in the lime water, so I don't think it's totally necessary.
Recipe courtesy of: http://www.thaifoodplus.com/Thai/Recipes/Dessert/Pumpkin_in_Coconut_Milk.php
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