Fado, Amalia, Grocery Store & Pea Stew

I haven't posted for some time I know, and I've barely been able to visit other blogs lately. Forgive me.. It's been very busy at work (an alarming rate of a lot of domestic violence cases have been flooding through to my "in box"), and by the time I get home, get dinner on the table, and get some housework done, the thought of sitting in front of a computer AGAIN after a full day of work, is not very appealing. I have added music to this blog, and to my grandfather's, and that was fun. I was very happy to find some Portuguese music on www.playlist.com even more thrilled to find Amalia Rodrigues music...

Amalia Rodrigues is the QUEEN of the fado. Fado is best described as our version of Soul/Blues, or according to Wikipedia:



Fado (translated as destiny or fate) is a music genre which can be traced from the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. In popular belief, Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality Fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure.
The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade (that has no match in English but it could be understood as nostalgia felt while missing someone), a word describing a sentiment. Another similar English translation can be to pine for something or someone.
Some enthusiasts claim that Fado's origins are a mixture of African slave rhythms with the traditional music of Portuguese sailors and Arabic influence.
There are two main varieties of Fado, namely those of the cities of Lisbon and Coimbra. The Lisbon style is the most popular, while Coimbra's is the more refined style. Modern fado is popular in Portugal, and has produced many renowned musicians. According to tradition, to applaud fado in Lisbon you clap your hands.
Mainstream fado performances during the 20th century included only a singer, a Portuguese guitar player and a classical guitar player but more recent settings range from singer and string quartet to full orchestra.





I tried to upload a video just now, but for some reason... It didn't happen! :(



Today, I'm having a lazy day. I went to the grocery store, and for some reason, it just wore me out. There were just too many people in the aisles. Do you know what really bugs me the most during my weekly visits to the market? People who step behind me in line with just a few items who expect me to stop what I'm doing and let them cut ahead of me because they are "in a hurry". Okay, I have generally a large amount of people to feed, and I like going to the grocery store once a week, and yes-my cart is full. Don't ask me, and walk over me when I'm putting things on the conveyor belt and don't look at me with sad eyes. There are four 10 to 15 items or less cash registers on each end of the grocery store!! I don't care if there is a line! If you want to ask to cut in front of me BEFORE I start loading my groceries on, that is no problem, but NOT when I'm busily putting them on the belt with my 4 year old! Have some mercy! Geesh!!




Okay, I vented. There was this very rude guy in back of me in line with his daughter who just stared and glared at me because I didn't let them cut in front me with his bag of lettuce and Red Bull. I was half way done loading my items.. You know, I'm in a hurry too buddy. Be a man and go to another line if you don't want to wait for me!

When I came home, I made lunch for the crew, and made Ervilhas (Pea Stew) for my daughter as promised. She has been craving it for a long time, and I haven't made in in ages. My husband isn't too crazy for peas (or any green vegetable) and he just picks out the peas, and eats the linguica. It's a simple recipe involving, linguica, onion, garlic, salt & pepper, wine vinegar, tomato sauce, eggs, and of course, peas. It's pretty simple, and tastes great served on bread. I grew up on this, and my mom loved serving it on two slices of bread for me-it kept very fat and happy:

Add a half an onion (diced) in a big pot and cook until yellow with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add, 2 cloves of garlic (diced), bay leaf, pepper (1/2 tablespoon), wine vinegar (tablespoon). Add cooked and diced linguica...combine for a few minutes. Add 1 large bag or small bags of frozen peas, and two small cans of tomato sauce. Stir ingredients together, and then add 2 1/2 cups of water (it should cover all the ingredients). Add two tablespoons of salt. Let it gently boil, and simmer. Stew is cooked when peas are tender/soft to touch. When the stew is boiling you may poach two eggs. Serve in a bowl or on bread-serves about 6-8.


Okay, I have some bathrooms to clean, laundry, and some floors to sweep, and birthday presents to shop for, Avon orders to submit..etc..etc.. Have a great weekend!