A new thing…

As you know, I amended my list of 30 things to do in my 30th year to include trying 3 new things. Well, last weekend I had the opportunity to try something new that my husband suggested- off roading. Now, this is something that I am NOT interested in-AT ALL. In fact, I have always thought it was a ridiculous activity that wastes a lot of petrol BUT my husband truly enjoys all kinds of vehicles and driving and since purchasing an older Jeep earlier this year, he has been DYING to go off roading. I am not interested but I have watched him watch endless YouTube videos of people in Russia driving old Soviet trucks and Ladas through all kinds of terrible terrain. Then, I watched him watch countless videos of SUVs driving around in snow and mud. Thus, I realized, I would have to support him (another thing on the old list!) and give it a go.

Stuck!

Although born and raised in the area, I had no idea where to start with such an activity. Luckily, my husband has a friend from work who called on the weekend and suggested the trip out. Thus, in the afternoon we gassed up the Jeep and picked up the friend. He lead us through some old logging roads through a beautiful area to a muddy clearing. I was surprised to see all kinds of SUVs, ATVs, dirt-bikes, and trucks already there and tearing through the mud. The pure expression of joy on my husband’s face made it all worth it.

We spent the next hour or two tearing through the mud, bursting up and down hills and over ridges, fishtailing, and whatever else until the Jeep was covered in dirt and it was impossible to see outside the windows. The fun-and it was kind of fun I admit-came to an end when we got stuck in mud hole  After some attempts to get out, we only ended up further embedded in the mud. Luckily, other people helped pull us out and we were on our way again. We made our way off of the mountain after needing to change a tire. My husband was very happy with his afternoon and I realized I have to try to find more opportunities to accommodate his interests. He deserves it and it will make life more enjoyable here for him.

We all then parted ways to clean up and take care of a few errands before meeting up for dinner later that night. The friend brought along his girlfriend this time and we had a pleasant meal. Best of all, I can see my husband has finally made a friend in this country who he can relate to. As you may recall, this was one of my wishes in a previous post.

In the spirit of cars and driving, I would like to add a link to a BBC one hour special about driving on dangerous roads in the Republic of Georgia. I watched this just today and it brought back so many memories of all the roads my spouse and I traveled over during our adventures in Georgia in his 1983 Lada. The car and driving all around the country played a very important role in the development of our relationship. It also reminds me how much I look forward to returning to this unique country which is now a permanent part of my life and family. Enjoy!

Dusting off the baking pans!

This week I spent some time in the kitchen! The inspiration was number 25 on my list as well as ongoing cravings for the delicious cuisine of Georgia. This particular dish is a bean stuffed bread that my husband and I used to feast on as we drove all over his lovely country in our 1983 Lada (why can’t my cars last this long?). Lobiani, this bean bread, is available absolutely everywhere and makes a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Hence, perfect road trip food!

This how we made our way around the small country.

Since I was last in Georgia in July 2011, it has been awhile since I enjoyed Georgian cuisine. I never have been an in-the-kitchen type of girl until I moved to Georgia. It was there that I was forced to cook if I wanted the things I craved (such as any western food as the local versions of western food left a bit to be desired). Dishes that I took for granted and that would intimidate any non-cook were things that I managed to make from scratch: gnocci, tortillas, burgers, sauces, cakes, and more.  Now, here at home, it is time to master some of my favourite Georgian dishes (or at least one). First up, as I mentioned, is lobiani.

A mixture of feta, mozzarella, and a tiny touch of cheddar to keep things interesting since Georgian cheese is not available.

Not having had an opportunity to shadow my mother-in-law in her Georgian kitchen, I had to find a recipe online. Next time in Georgia, I will definitely spend some time with my new mom in the kitchen. But this week, I just dropped by the grocery store to pick up some basic supplies. Then, I got cooking! The dough was easy to make and smelled delicious but the stuffing was more of a challenge since I had to mash the beans up by hand. I stuffed the dough and rolled it out in the manner that is required (you cannot use a rolling pin here!). Then, it was ready to bake!

Dough stuffed with bean filling-ready to be rolled out!

My very first attempt was my best in terms of the bread. Unfortunately, I underestimated how much stuffing the loaf could handle and was a bit short. For one portion, I used a cheese mixture (an attempt at another Georgian dish called khatchapuri!) and it turned out surprisingly well. So-I am on the road to mastering two Georgian dishes (not just the one I aspired towards). Once hot out of the oven, I served slices of the loaves to the authentic Georgian in my life and he said they were better than Georgia! I know this is not true (no matter how much he may be missing home and having delusions even he knows that but it was sweet of him!). I had a slice or two and saved the rest for next day’s breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner!

Lobiani-final product

Lessons learned include: real Georgians must use way more butter to obtain the deliciousness required, the stuffing should be seasoned to my taste and tasted before used, no need to roll out the dough thin even though it seemed like a good idea, and it was surprisingly quick and easy! Definitely something I will be repeating and something that brings both of us a bit closer to Saqartvelo!

Khatchapuri-final product