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TAPS
Can't stop long, we got visitors right now, and' i don't wanna appear rude. So, just a quick post and your comment.
Eel flesh is simply gorgeous! It's light, white and delicate, with a slight, but not strong, fish odour and taste. Get some! Eat some! LOL
Mebbe see u later.
posted by
ariel70
on January 31, 2007 at 11:30 AM
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Ariel
I have studied up on the eel, even recipes and I am curious now as to the taste. I am watching for them in our supermarkets but I have a feeling that I will have to go down to the City Market in the river area and ask in the fish market. I seldom go in there because it smells so...so....fishy. I was explaining this Eel & Mash Brit thing to my men folk and they suggested that we just have the mash and forget the eel and stick with oysters. LOL
posted by
TAPS.
on January 31, 2007 at 11:20 AM
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Ariel
I am fascinated by this whole series, and today also by TAPS' comment. Because it reminds me that here in the Italian community (and Toronto is one of the largest 'Italian' cities, with more inhabitants than Florence) and certainly the first generation Italian, if he owns his own home, will grow tomatoes, beans and often wine in his backyard, and will also sometimes keep chickens...
posted by
Nautikos
on January 31, 2007 at 7:03 AM
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ariel70
Thank you. I will google it. I love oysters. Are you saying that if I like oysters I would probably like eel?
posted by
TAPS.
on January 29, 2007 at 3:23 PM
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Taps
What a fascinating comment!!!
Eels were an integral part of the English diet from probably neolithic times until now ; although I doubt if they are nearly as popular now as they were when I was young. One could see a jellied eel stall outside almost every East End pub in those days.
Eels are prolific breeders ( their life cycle is truly fascinating. Google it!!! ) are easy to keep, and yield a lovely delicate white flesh.
Eels, and surprisingly, oysters! were a staple of the poor man's diet in early Victorian times, but of course oysters became too expensive.
Thanks for stirring up the old brainLOL
posted by
ariel70
on January 29, 2007 at 11:56 AM
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Ariel70
I am intrigued about eel and why they might be so plentiful there. I have never in my life seen an offering of eel on a menu or seen them at the grocery store or known anyone who has eaten "jellied eel" or any other kind of eel. Whats with England and eels?
posted by
TAPS.
on January 29, 2007 at 11:50 AM
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Pat_B
Tough life, but a healthy, satisfying one, I bet.
So, are we going to be treated to some of this on your blog?
posted by
ariel70
on January 29, 2007 at 11:35 AM
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Malcolm
It, The Union, was a source of terror and great apprehension, spoken of in hushed tones, even when I was a boy back the 1930s and 40s
posted by
ariel70
on January 29, 2007 at 11:33 AM
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The Poor House
How many appalling visions can three simple words conjure up?
posted by
malcolm
on January 29, 2007 at 11:22 AM
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Compared to the lives you describe, my childhood was pure luxury.
We had a garden and ate from it in the summer, canned out of it for winter use. Cultivating and harvesting, turning the mulch pile, hanging clothes on the outside line, etc. kept us kids busy. We had a rooster and half a dozen chickens which provided eggs. After new chicks hatched and matured, young roosters and older hens became roast chicken or stew. The feathers, especially the soft downy under feathers, were stuffed into ticking and made into pillows. We chopped firewood for the kitchen stove, went to the outhouse to relieve outselves (I can remember shoveling snow off the path and finding the seat covered from snow that had blown in under the eaves, being so furious I stormed back to the house, full bladder and all.) I hated it then, couldn't wait to get out. It's a wealth of writer's material now. :)
posted by
Pat_B
on January 29, 2007 at 11:04 AM
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Tony
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.
Can you imagine lying down in a yard in a foetid slum in the 19th century?
You really will have to pay more attention, Anthony, otherwise you'll be kept in at playtime.
el ( profesor ) Tel
posted by
ariel70
on January 29, 2007 at 8:51 AM
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I still don't get why poor people paid to sleep standing up, outside.
Why is that better than lying down somewhere outside, for free? Gives me an idea though for a new business. I just need to find some cheap washing lines - or better still, steal them!
posted by
Antonionioni
on January 29, 2007 at 8:47 AM
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