Do you ever pick up recipes on your travels to take home, with the intention of recreating a meal? When you can’t travel it’s great to get creative with recipes from your travels.
I have a bunch of recipes collected from cooking classes, friends, hosts and random people that I’ve met on my travels. Probably enough to start a small book. Definitely plenty from my food related travel posts.
Then there’s the souvenirs such as dishes, equipment and even actual ingredients; I’ve occasionally acquired and carried home!
The other half has an interesting collection of chilli seeds, also from our travels. Potentially more useful than my creative collecting on my travels or at least another great idea for something to collect on your travels, which can be enjoyed for some time after you return.
Right now, when you can’t go anywhere, travel experiences can be enjoyed at home instead. Why not have a themed dinner one evening. The Nomad Chef may help with inspiration ;).
This month I’m making a conscious effort to get some of those collected recipes out and give them a try or another try. I have a jar labelled “mint not mint” in the cupboard, which is a key ingredient for making qofte (meatballs) from a scribbled recipe I acquired from a family near Gjirokaster (Albania). Also an excuse to cook up a cheesy Fergesë or something else from my list of must try Albanian food favourites.
If you need a bit more encouragement, of course it’s Valentines Day today and Random Acts of Kindness Day on the 17th. This week is also Random Acts of Kindness Week (from 14th – 20th February) so why not spread a little love and kindness and cook for someone else.
Missing travelling – me too! Check out my other most recent creative travel posts for more ideas to experience travel when you can’t actually go anywhere…
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