Slik Chocolate

Whoa, guys, I am so late to the game on this one. And, that being said, er, written, I am fully prepared for a "Well, DUH!" response to this post.

Apparently, more than THREE YEARS ago Slik Chocolate, a chocolate company started in Damascus in 1892, opened an outlet in Houston.   I don't know what the hell I have been doing, but I certainly haven't been reading the right news. CNN should have made some room for this in their election coverage.

Photo by Slik Chocolate.

In addition to selling a variety of Middle Eastern dainties such as chocolates, candies, puddings, and ice cream, Slik also serves hot waffles, including one variation that is a sweet version of fettuccine alfredo.

I want to go to there. I need to go to there. Will report back asap.

Polo, Revisited.

It is upon us.

I'm referring to Summer, also known affectionately as "hell" by Houston residents, including myself, who must brace themselves almost daily for triple-digit temperatures and high humidity. You know it's really hot when a part of you wishes there would be a tropical storm to cool things down.  

But let's leave mass-spread devastation by Mother Nature for another day, and enjoy a more modest means of refreshment in the form of a wonderful Syrian drink called polo. I first wrote about polo last year in the dead of "winter" in Houston, and it seems fitting now I revisit the recipe not only because it is now Summer With A Capital 'S' but also because my agrarian-inclined husband has built a thriving rooftop garden that is yielding, among other botanicals, scores of fresh mint.

Twilight in the Garden of Good & Fertile.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cold water

• 5 lemons, juiced

• 6 tablespoons sugar

• 1.5 cups of fresh mint, rinsed and drained

• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water.

Directions

1. Blend on high in blender; strain out bits. Or not, if you like some pulp in your drink.

Gas Attacks

I don't give a fiddler's fuck about engaging in any partisan debate as who should be blamed for this horrific recent attack.  I think the images are sufficient evidence that the Syrian people need our support. I don't know if that comes in the form of further intervention, or intervening against others whose intentions are clearly nefarious.

I have no appetite, but I won't stop cooking.