Why Cuba?
A long time ago it was a wish-I-could-see-it destination. Prohibited from a few years after my birth until only last year. Maybe the Prohibition actually added to the allure. Who knows? But I think the most likely reason was the photography I would see during my twenties. Urban decay surrounded by Royal Palms and Sugar-white beaches. Havana and a parade of 50's vintage automobiles in primary colours. A handsome dreamy eyed Che (Ernesto "Che" Guevera) or a serious scruffy bearded Castro (Fidel). Winners of Uprising and Revolution. Ouster of Batista. Champions for The People.
Okay, mostly the cars.
Today though, we'll start with Desayuno...a Traditional Cuban Breakfast
Café con Leche y Tostada (Pan)
Basically, the strong sweet Cuban Coffee (espresso with a lot of sugar) served with a mug of warm milk to mix.
Served with Cuban Bread, which is a little sweeter than white bread, cut into long strips, flattened, buttered and grilled.
The Tostada is designed to be dipped in the Café con Leche.
This is usually accompanied by a bowl of mixed fresh fruit.
The first impression of the coffee is sweet...so sweet...sets your teeth on edge sweet.
I was a bit hesitant to dip the long strip of bread, but the salty buttery taste of the pan seem to take the overly sweet edge off the café con leche. It was surprisingly good!
And, against my better judgement, I was talked out of a small saucer of the strong, sweet coffee concoction by Tucker.
Who also gave it two mitted paws way up.
(...yes...just what the cat needs...Cuban Coffee...)
Tucardo?
" 'ey hooman...I'm 'ome...."
The fresh fruit mix worked nicely with the whole thing. Since a great deal of it was citrus it offered a nice tart balance to the sweetness of the coffee and the saltiness of the bread.
And a great start to Virtual Cuba.
More Anon...
