U Boat, O’Toole Biography, Papaya

Interesting item, a German U boat has probably been found in the Churchill River in Labrador. Apparently a search team were looking for some missing men who had gone over the Muskrat Falls and they were scanning the bottom of the river when the found what looked like a U boat. This was 2 years ago. If it is decided that the wreck is a U boat, it will be left in situ and declared a war grave. The German embassy say there are still several missing U boats and that there were U boats operating in the Newfoundland/Labrador area. The embassy was surprised that a boat might be that far inland.

By the way, I forgot to mention that I had obtained the book Loitering with Intent: The Child which is Peter O’Toole’s autobiography. I have quit reading it. In the first place the book is a series of anecdotes rather than a continuous story, and there are a lot of lists of words in many of the anecdotes, descriptive words, but I don’t find them very enjoyable reading. I was somewhat disappointed particularly as, to me, he is such a wonderful actor even though he has now given up on the profession. Its not often I give up on a book but found I just was not enjoying this one. I discovered he is 6 years older than I am and his memories of the war years are much more vivid than mine. He conceived quite a hatred to Hitler who had quite an effect on his early years. I guess he did on all of us youngsters of that time.

Yesterday, when shopping, Matt bought Papayas. I have never eaten them, nor had I a clue how to do so, Google to the rescue. I cut one and just spooned out the flesh, it was good. I also discovered what looks like a delicious salad so thought I would share it with you. I don’t know why I have never tried them before, guess I didn’t really know what to do with them. Maybe tomorrow I will try this recipe.

Fresh Papaya Salad with Prawns and Garden Greens

By Darlene Schmidt, About.com Guide

If you're tired of the same boring salads, try my Fresh Papaya Salad with Prawns and Garden Greens. A complete meal in itself, this salad also works as an appetizer or side dish. Accompanying the salad is a unique Thai dressing that is so good, you won't even notice it's low-fat. You'll definitely want to make extra to keep in the refrigerator for your regular tossed salads!

Ingredients:

• 1 large bowl or serving plate of salad greens
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled and sliced (with seeds removed) - see recipe below for further instructions
• 1/2 to 1 cucumber, sliced
• approx. 1 cup cooked shrimp, OR substitute deep-fried tofu if vegetarian
• 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped if the leaves are large
• Optional garnish: a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies
• SALAD DRESSING: (this recipe can be doubled or tripled if making a very large salad)
• 2 heaping Tbsp. thick coconut milk (buy good-quality coconut milk and take from the top of the can)
• 2 Tbsp. oil (a light vegetable oil like canola works well)
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce (OR 3 Tbsp. soy sauce if vegetarian/vegan)
• 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 heaping tsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. chili sauce (or more if you prefer a spicier dressing)

Preparation:

For complete instructions on how to buy and prepare fresh papaya, see: How to Prepare a Papaya.

1. If using fresh shrimp, peel and then boil them in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and firm (well done). Drain and set aside.
2. To make the dressing, combine all salad dressing ingredients and stir well until coconut cream/milk is fully dissolved. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water.
3. Taste test the dressing. It should be tangy and a little spicy. If you find it too sour, add a little more sugar according to your taste. If too sweet, add more lime juice.
4. Sprinkle the fresh basil over your bowl or serving platter of green.
5. Arrange the papaya, tomatoes, cucumber, prawns, and edible flowers over the greens.
6. When ready to eat, either toss the salad with the dressing, or serve the dressing on the side, allowing guests to add their own portions. Enjoy!

Have a great day