CookingDiva

Oh! It took me three days to prepare this beverage, just in time to celebrate BlogDay. It is called "Chicha de Maiz" (a kind of corn beverage, made with corn sprouts. It is delicious fresh, or add  extra kick by fermenting it a few days). I'll post the recipe soon, so stay tuned!

BlogDay 2006 is finally here, a tribute to worldwide blogging and freedom of expression. Isn't this beautiful? If you want to participate, check out the guidelines HERE!

Time flies, I still remember like yesterday participating last year. BlackLooks.org suggested my little blog for BlogDay2005. To take a peek to my last year's blog recommendations, please go HERE.

Now, as suggested by Rebecca, next you will get the scoop on why I do not stop blogging:

It has been a very intense work-and-life week. As I always remind my mom "If I do not call you it's because I am cooking up a storm, ...unable to stop, visiting or sending text messages via cellphone. You are free to call, but if I do not answer you know what is going on: I am creating my next masterpiece! (Ha! I know, it sounds sooo obsolete! text messages?, well, yes...that is still very much used here in Panama, but to tell you the truth I would rather call, send an e-mail, AND...if I am really, really, really inspired, I'll pay you a visit and take over your kitchen!) How about that? It sounds like a threat, doesn't IT?

Using some of my mind-reading super powers (and by reading your e-mail requests...of course), I know you have been waiting for the latest event-update and at least ONE luscious recipe. You see what I mean??? Am I right or what? Anyhow, it is good to know that you miss our cooking adventures, AND no! I didn't bake myself. LOL. Well, just a little bit Due to my temporary absence, one of our readers inquired if I have baked myself into an "empanada." Although I WOULD rather prefer to be wrapped in a home-made delicacy and delicious puff pastry, I have to admit that the whole empanada idea is kind of sexy.

To kick UP the spice, this is what we have been cooking recently:

• A great article on International Food Blogs , by Chef Elena, has been published in Revista Mosaico (Mosaico Magazine from LaPrensa newspaper in Panama). The internet edition is available HERE: Food Blogs - Gastronomía en Internet (ES). In her article she makes reference to the following, well known food blogs in English: Jamie´s Diary, Benjamin Christie, The Traveler´s Lunchbox, chez pim, Peru Food, Cooking Diva, Nordljus, Slashfood. In Spanish: Apuntes de Cocina, Mil Sabores, El Amor por la Cocina, Sumito Estévez, Cocinalia, Historia de la Gastronomía
• Sadly enough, I was NOT able to make it to the Panamanian Chefs Club workshop on Coconut. I just got there in time to enjoy what they had all prepared. The first Laboratory was on CORN. The theme this time: COCONUT, one of my very favorite foods. Take a look at the next two videos: the first is on HOW TO HANDLE, OPEN AND GET THE FOOD FROM A COCONUT. The second is Chef Charlie Collins preparing traditional Panamanian Cocada with a twist: Coconut Candy with Banana.

Come on, do not be shy...we KNOW you LOVE coconut! Get the scoop on how to handle it here:

A video on how to prepare Panamanian Coconut Candy with Banana:

If you are nuts about coconuts as much as we are, take a moment to learn about THE FACTS, and  enjoy some of my delectable creations: Coconut Meringue Pie, Cococnut-Chocolate Flan, Orange and Coconut Pudding, Pan de Coco ES (Coconut Bread), Keki de Coco y Miel ES (Coconut-Ginger Cookies), Cake de Zanahoria y Coco ES (Carrot-Coconut Cake), Delicia de Coco ES (Coconut Delight).

Tomorrow I'll report on a fantastic TEAM BUILDING event that took place a few days ago for DELL Panama.

Now, ...back to the kitchen

M

Let's celebrate BlogDay2006! It is going to be a fantastic event, do not miss it. The deadline: August 31, 2006. To participate, read the guidelines HERE, and let's cook up something yummy for that special day...

Do not forget to Visit:

• Tasty Recipes - Chef Melissa's recipe and post index
• Blogs that Cook - A delicious, international food Blog Directory
• Paladares Unidos - Chef Melissa's Cooking blog en Español

Tags: coconuts, food blogs, cookingdiva, cooking, panama, recipes, food & drink, food, video blog

Español / Francais / Deutsch / Portugues / Chinese

BlogDay was initiated with the belief that bloggers should have one day which will be dedicated to know other bloggers, from other countries or areas of interests. In that day Bloggers will recommend about them to their Blog visitors. 

What will happen on BlogDay? 

In one long moment In August 31st, bloggers from all over the world will post a recommendation of 5 new Blogs, Preferably, Blogs different from their own culture, point of view and attitude. On this day, blog surfers will find themselves leaping and discovering new, unknown Blogs, celebrating the discovery of new people and new bloggers. 

BlogDay posting instructions: 

1. Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting 

2. Notify the 5 bloggers that you are recommending on them on BlogDay 2006

3. Write a short description of the Blogs and place a a link to the recommended Blogs 

4. Post the BlogDay Post (on August 31st) and 

5. Add the BlogDay tag using this link: http://technorati.com/tag/BlogDay2006 and a link to BlogDay web site at http://www.blogday.org

Celebrate!

Un Abrazo,
Melissa

Tags: food blog event, food blogs, cookingdiva, cooking, panama, Blog Day 2006, food & drink, food, chef melissa