Peace Corps Cooking

If there was something I couldn't live without while in the Peace Corps, it was definitely baking. I don't think I can consider myself a cook since I am still learning but ask me that in 2 years from now and I might have a different answer! I wanted to share with you a few things I have either baked or cooked.

My host mother was very intrigued when I told her I wanted to make "банана леб" or banana bread. She thought this sounded pretty strange, I mean who puts bananas into bread?  As you can tell by the photo, she was pleasantly surprised by this delicious bread and even had me have the recipe translated into Macedonian so she can make it again some time! I gave a piece to my language teacher and she said it was the best dessert she has ever had. Here in Macedonia, they don't have anything even close to this taste so I think the new taste was surprising.

The smell of success 

Yum! 

Last night I made zucchini bread with my host mother. This didn't turn out as well because we didn't set the timer for the right time so it was a little over cooked but it was still delicious. My host mother couldn't believe there was even zucchini in there. My host family doesn't eat zucchini so I was very excited to show them one of the many things you can make with zucchini!

Zucchini bread! 

Last week I went over to Jasmine's house to make banana pudding. Jasmine is a fellow volunteer who loves cooking and baking! This was the first time the both of made banana pudding. Another volunteer wanted to make this but she ended up not feeling well but we still made it. It ended up being more cracker then pudding but it was still delicious, especially right from the over topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Yum!

Jasmine the amazing baker!

The before and after 

                            

Delicious, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon! 

Well now onto the savory dishes. Two nights ago I attempted to make eggplant pizza. The final product was very tasty although it was not what I had in mind. My host father said he would get parmesan for the recipe but when he came home from work he said he never got it so I improvised with the cheese in the fridge. The cheese is called сирење and is extremely salty and more like a feta cheese so it does not melt well.  I had no idea that my host sister would be over with her 2 sons. Everyone tried the dish and enjoyed it! I felt very proud!

In the process of making the eggplant

The finished product! 

Last week, I informed my family that I like to eat butternut squash. They don't eat it but were curious to see how I eat it so they bought one for me. I find it interesting that here in Macedonia, they call zucchini, butternut squash and actual pumpkins, pumpkins or Тиква. I made roasted butternut squash with olive oil and garlic and it was so delicious. I also made roasted cauliflower on Sunday but didn't take a picture of that. Here they only boil or fry vegetables so I am trying to introduce a healthier alternative. They also only use sunflower oil so by me using olive oil, I am showing them another healthier alternative. Next week I plan on making homemade brownies and then I want to make apple bread! I am not sure what dinner dish I will make next but I will be sure to take pictures!

A delicious salad, roasted butternut squash and dried chick peas!