2012-05-30 Gallo Pinto - A Nicaraguan National Dish

One of the great experiences of travel is to taste a lot of different national dishes.  One of the favorites among our short-term missionaries is one of the national dishes of Nicaragua.  Variants of this dish are found all over Central America, but Nicaragua (and Costa Rica) claim to have originated the dish.  Almost every household has this dish everyday and many for every meal.  It can be the main dish or a side dish.  Enjoy!

A lot of people have asked for a recipe, so here is one.  (A printable copy can be found by clicking here.)

Gallo Pinto

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 medium onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups cooked white rice

2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 -3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

fresh cilantro (optional)

sliced green onions (optional)

Directions

1. Note that the beans and the rice should be cooked and ready before you start these steps.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and sauté until it just begins to soften and turns color.
4. Add garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onion is golden.
5. Add spices and Worcestershire, and stir into onion and garlic.
6. (The first time I made this, I was afraid to add the full 3 Tbsp of Worcestershire, but the addition of the rice balances the flavor out).
7. Next, add the beans and then the rice.
8. Combine the rice and beans evenly and cook until mixture is heated through.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
10. Garnish with some chopped cilantro or green onions as you like.

2012-05-12 Travel Tip - Did I Leave the Iron On?

Ever leave for an extended trip, or even a short one, and have that funny feeling that you've forgotten something?  I remember sitting on an airplane at 35,000 feet and realizing that I could not remember putting down the garage door.  As soon as I landed I called a friend who lived near our home.  Sure enough, I had not lowered the door.

On another occasion, our "automatic" pet watering bowl began to leak and a catastrophic flood and water bill were avoided because our friend caught it before a lot of damage was done.

A trusted friend who can check on things while you travel is invaluable.  Always make arrangements to have someone do the lawn, water the plants and generally check on things while you are away.

May 2, 2012 - Lock and Load

Being on old (and aging) soldier, I've used the phrase hundreds of times to literally mean "prepare your weapon for firing".  It did not matter if I was giving orders to soldiers armed with an M-1911 pistol, an M-16 rifle, a TOW anti-tank missile or an M-60 tank.  I also used the phrase more generically to tell the soldiers to "get ready to go" or "get ready for action".

It has been almost 20 years since I wore the uniform, but this phrase still comes to mind, especially in our work as missionaries.  Now Trisha and I are "locked and loaded" as we prepare for a summer full of Christian battle.  Now through December, our schedule is filled with activities and events where the gospel will be presented to thousands of people.

  

You won't find the phrase "lock and load" in the Bible, however, check this out.

  

"Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared (locked and loaded) to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

  

"Preach the word; be prepared (locked and loaded) in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)  

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared (locked and loaded) to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15  

So for old times sake, allow this old soldier to once again say, "Soldiers, lock and load!"