Edible Ecuador!


Of course we must do a food posting on some of the delectable delights we had in Ecuador. Now most people probably think they know South American food from visiting Taco Bell or the former Chi Chi’s, (tacos, burritos, enchiladas etc…) Well, there were some other neat delights that we must share!

First of all, hot chocolate is a fabulous dessert in Ecuador. To make the delicious drink a small unsweetened bar of chocolate is melted into hot milk along with sugar and cinnamon. Then it is mixed together with a large wooden stir stick for quite some time to blend all the flavours. The interesting part is they give you a dish of freshly grated cheese to add to it. You can put none, or all into the mug. Either way, the taste is fantastic! We will have to try this at home…not sure this will be a trend that catches on – but it is delicious!

Another yummy treat the girls adored was Espumillia. For a mere 30 cents, one can get a scoop of fruit flavoured fresh meringue in an ice cream cone. The kids quickly said “delicio-so!”

We tried a variety of fresh empanadas; some with cheese, meat with rice, meat and tomatoes, green banana, (plantain) and cheese. Of course all health benefits were off as everything was deep fried. But since we were sharing amongst the group – it wasn’t as bad as it could have been!

Empanadas
Empanadas

Corn of course is a big part of the culture. There are a variety of ways it is prepared. In one recipe, the corn is soaked in water for 2-3 hours which causes it to expand and turn white in colour. This “mote” is a popular dish that can be found throughout the country. Another variation is to mix the mote with eggs and seasoning…very tasty indeed!

While staying with the Gonzalez family, they prepared a lovely bbq including chicken, sausages and a special cut of beef that is very popular throughout South America. It was a very tasty cut that is usually salted and smoked called picaña, and one that we will try to see if we can get at Brunos’ (our local butcher).

Finally, right in between Quito and Otavalo, there is a small town that makes the most delicious cookies called Biscochos. They are a shortbread type of cookie baked in a woodburning stove. To finish off the tasty treat dulche de leche is spread on top….simple and decadent! This is now a family favourite and we will try to make the recipe and add it to our international cookbook! We will keep you posted!

Now after all of this delicious eating….we are making our way to our last stop on our global fieldtrip – Peru!

Enjoying the food and the company!
Enjoying the food and the company!

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Comments

10 responses to “Edible Ecuador!”

  1. Hi Kat,
    Everything sure looks yummy! Can’t wait to try some of the recipes! Love, Mom

    1. Hi Mom,

      We will make the Biscochos for sure!

      Cheers,
      K:)

  2. Doreen laird Avatar
    Doreen laird

    I always enjoy reading your food blogs! Did you try guinea pig? Some of our group did…not me. love Doreen

    1. HI Doreen,

      We did try some guinea pig…I hope it wasn’t someone’s pet:) More about our experience in an upcoming post!

      Cheers,
      K:)

  3. I still cannot get over how easily your girls adapt to and are willing to try all of the numerous cuisines that you all have clearly enjoyed. That is most certaiinly credit to the way you and Oliver have raised them. Your home stays have me most interested as well. Hopefully one day when all the dust has settled after your return, I can hear more about that.

    1. HI Herta,

      Our homestays have been the best part of our trip, (in my opinion). I have really enjoyed that the most. Of course it would be wonderful to talk more about it with you. We will cook one of our favourite dishes for you!

      Cheers,
      Kat:)

  4. Sharon Faulhaber Avatar
    Sharon Faulhaber

    Wow! It has been so wonderful seeing the world through your eyes over the last year. What an amazing family your are. I will miss your daily blogs & can’t wait to see your international cookbook. Sign me up for a copy. Make sure you include the process that made it all happen.
    Safe journey home.
    Sharon

    1. Hi Sharon,

      THanks for the good wishes…it has been an incredible year – one we will never forget! As soon as possible, we will start the publishing process with the cookbook…we will for sure keep you posted! It’s good to know we’ll have at least one buyer!

      Cheers,
      K:)

  5. Everything looks tasty and tempting. Quick question – what type of cheese is used in the hot chocolate? I assume it’s a soft cheese that melts easily in a hot drink, but I’m curious if it’s a mild/sweet flavor like maybe ricotta or marscapone or if it’s something stronger or more savory?

    1. Hi Serena,

      I’m not sure how best to describe the taste – it is quite mild…it reminded all of us of traditional cheese curds that one gets on “real poutine”. The cheese was squeaky in our mouths which made it even more fun to eat and drink:)

      Cheers,
      K:)

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