Wednesday 15 August 2012

P-Seudo Happy Birthday Graceland!

From here.

I can't let this week pass without honouring the fact that twenty-five years ago Sunday (August 12th, 1986), Paul Simon released one of the greatest albums of all time. That's right, Graceland. Graceland went on to win Album of the year, and is on Rolling Stone's and Time's Greatest albums list.

Paul Simon recorded most of this album in South Africa, working with many South African Musicians. It was Graceland that first introduced the vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the spotlight. If you've seen the latest documentary on the making of the album (titled Under African Skies), you'll know that many accused Paul Simon of breaking the cultural boycott imposed by the world against the apartheid regime in South Africa when he was creating this album. The United Nations did not agree with this claim as Simon was in no way supporting the South African government, simply promoting their talented musicians.

Paul Simon with Ladysmith Black Mambazo singing 'Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes':



This album makes me think of my dad in the kitchen on Saturday mornings making his famous sourdough pancakes and listening to Paul (he maintains he was listening to Stevie Wonder, but he's wrong, he's forgetful in his old age!). The recipe was from James Barber's cookbook, 'Ginger Tea Makes Friends'. It is called P-seudo P-sourdough P-sancakes. Mark my words, you'll never make another pancake recipe again, and you'll never order pancakes in a restaurant again as they are NEVER as good. Blame James Barber for ruining that experience for you!

Image from here.

In case you have difficulty following Barber's illustrations:

Beat 3 eggs

Add:
1 Cup Flour
6 oz Yoghurt
1 Cup Milk
...and beat until smooth

...still beating, add:
2 tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
4 tbsp Oil or melted Butter

...let the mixture stand 10 mins before cooking.

I know what I'll be doing Saturday.

No comments:

Post a Comment