image by : thebittenword.com

From the first time I saw you, I knew that there was something different in you. There was something about you, Montreal, that was and  I guess still is a bit of a mystery. You didn’t act like those European old farts, and you were not even close to be prune, yet you had class that non of your American neighbors ever had.

There is nothing sexier Montreal then to find that you are still wild and a bit trashy, yet you have a magical gastronomic thirst blended nicely with class. I don’t remember too many like you that could look so glamorous and sparkling. You see, others don’t get it. Maybe I myself even don’t really get you but then again that’s what made me fall in love with you.

Like in any relationship there must be one tiny thing that drives you mad.  I guess for me it was the fact that you were just too cold to be 6 months of the year.

I really don’t get you!. The thing is, that you actually never really changed during those times. You were cold on the outside but acted like ‘business as usual’ at the same freaking time.
I asked myself not once, what can’t she change? I love her so much but what’s with the attitude 6 months of the year?

I’m not saying I was a saint, I know I’m not. And although you might hold some gauge regarding the fact that both Florida & Mexico had warmed my nights here and there in the past, the truth of the matter was… that I was running away to their  hands once or twice, cause I missed your warmth.

Each time on my return,  I couldn’t hide my excitement. I knew that you are still in that froze part of yours, playing miss ‘ice-cool’…but then again, I kinda knew it would pass. As if it was just a large wave in the sea, I was hoping to dive under it to avoid the strong hit and rise back a few moments later as if nothing had happened.

I guess if I wouldn’t have left you, we would turn into those couples that lost somewhere along the road the same enthusiasm that glued them together in the first place.
And then again, maybe it is just me, trying to rationalize my departure.

1. Spicy Sweet Potato Soup – The Ultimate Winter Warmer

   1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
   2 garlic cloves, minced
   1 chopped onion
   1/2 tsp of sesame oil
   1-2 tbs of Thai red curry paste
   6 cups good-quality vegetable stock
   5  sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
   1 cup of coconut milk
   1/4 cup light sour cream
   pinch of nutmeg
   2 teaspoons grated lime zest or lime leafs
   3 tbs of fresh lime juice
   Add  dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

   Fresh cilantro sprigs for optional garnish

   Directions

   1. Heat oil over medium heat in a deep pan. Add the onions, garlic and ginger until they change their color to golden-brown.
   2. slice the sweet potatoes into thin slices and add them into the pan, stirring frequently. (10 min)
   3. Heat the broth over high heat in a new pot and once it reaches the boiling temperature add all the ingredients from the pan. i
   4. after 10-15 min lower temperature in the pot to medium and add the thai curry, coconut milk, nutmeg and the lime. stir for 2 min.
   5. Puree all the soup using an immersion blender , until you get a very settle, smooth texture.
   6. just before serving add a tiny touch of the cream into each bowl/ cup with a bit of chopped cilantroEnjoy !