Cotton Ward » Food

Newtown’s soy milk blackmarket

cottonward — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:29:33 +0000

A black market trade is operating in the banned soy milk Bonsoy in Sydney cafes, even though retailers face $500,000 fines if caught.

The Sun-Herald witnessed a raid by the NSW Food Authority on Luxe Bakery Cafe in Newtown

On December 24 Food Standards Australia warned against drinking Bonsoy after 10 people, including a newborn baby, fell ill with thyroid problems in NSW. A national recall was ordered.

Amish transcendentalism

cottonward — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:26:22 +0000

Went to an inner-west party recently where late-night discussion turned to Thoreau and Emerson, rebellious utopian 19^th-century communes, and Amish transcendentalism.

J wearing an authentic bonnet made by an Amish lady.

What keeps Amish society together? (from here)

Transcendence: making the individual feel like an integral part of the larger organisation.

Persecution strengthens bonds. Hostility from outside world increases unity.

“Worldy” people are thrown out.

Different language and dress increase isolation and separation.

Living in rural areas to be separate. Encouraged to feel fearful of the “evil world outside”.

The Ordnung, a “provision of behavioural norms” following the “authority of the eternal yesterday” – strong traditions.

After a rambling in-depth discussion, pizzas were ordered at 1am. Then a fight broke out because someone commandeered the computer and overrode the host’s Playlist. “You’re not following my Playlist!” cried J. It’s his party and he’ll cry …

Pizzas arrived. A food fight broke out.

Went home and found cupcake squished between my toes.

Cheesybite

cottonward — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:30:51 +0000

I hate it. It’s based on the traditional Aussie Vegemite but has to be kept in the fridge (unlike Vegemite, which is so full of salt it could last anywhere). Cheesybite is a mild caramel colour and lacks the saltiness and tang of Vegemite. Kraft says they made Cheesybite so you can spread it without butter. But I spread my Vegemite without butter anyway, as I usually have it on water crackers. I like it thick and plain. I prefer the biting flavour of Vegemite.

Also, Cheesybite has less vitamins, less salt and more fat. It will always be chilled because you have to keep it in the fridge. And you have to eat it within four weeks, whereas Vegemite lasts forever. Fail!