We are traveling through the Sacred Valley in Peru. It is home to numerous Inka ruins, and an extraordinary history of culture and farming. There is an abundance of incredible agriculture here, stunning terraces with varied crops. We are tasting many flavorful traditional dishes representing everything from quinoa and amaranth to potatoes, yucca, peanuts, fresh cheeses and vegetables. Ironically, there is also still a presence of excessive amounts of white bread and rice, and plenty of sugar-seems there is always this contradiction. I will describe many flavorful experiences and post pictures soon, but for now I want to share a simple blessing that we learned, which for me says so much more than any recipe could, and really represents the meaning behind sharing a meal:
HOLDING HANDS AROUND THE TABLE, IN SONG
ESTAMOS AQUI (We are here)
JUNTOS DE LOS MANOS (Together holding hands)
CANTANDO LA CANCION (Singing the song)
LA CANCION DE CORAZON (The song of the heart)
ESTO ES FAMILIA (This is Family)
ESTO ES UNIDAD (This is Unity)
ESTO ES CELEBRACION (This is Celebration)
ESTO ES SAGRADO (This is Sacred)
And another we learned from our pre school:
EARTH WHO GAVE US ALL THIS FOOD
SUN WHO MADE IT RIPE AND GOOD
DEAREST EARTH AND DEAREST SUN
WE´LL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
BLESSINGS ON OUR MEAL
Cooking up the good life 