Paul's Corner

Food Trail Tasmania

Episode One

Crab and capsican mille feux with a coconut and ginger broth
Stanley Octopus salad with humous, fennel, radicchio, rocket and
vinegarette
dressing
Minestrone soup

Episode Two

Saddle of Venison served on a boysenberry fruit sauce with porcini
mushrooms, swede and carrot mash and three cabbage salad
Cauliflower and truffle soup

Episode Three

Slow cooked leg of lamb in apple cider with mushrooms beans and roasted
root vegies
Cured salmon with wasabi mayonnaise served on steamed bok choy
Pepperberry icecream

Episode Four

Oysters with : soy and sake dressing, lemon zest and wasabi peas
Beer and cheese mornay
Scallop sashimi salad with wasabi and ginger mayo
Potato pizza
Mussel soup with dark ale, leak and fennel
Paella with renoch quail, venison sausage, chorizo, scallops and mussels

Sounds wonderful, Paul. I wish the Food Network would pick up your show here in the States. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fish eater, but my family is. I'll have to check out your receipies when you've posted them for some dinner ideas.

Life seems to be treating you well on the job scene and I'm happy for you. Continued success there.

So sorry to hear of your sister's health issues. She's in my thoughts and hopefully, she'll be diagnosed and can get on the road to recovery soon.

Be well.
Sally C.

Paul, you certainly know your food! Will check out your recipes, although I have some sensitivity to sea food . . . still enough there to check out.

Sounds like a great time diving--too bad the trip ended with your catching the flu!

You're probably still in winter--here in Chicago, we're approaching 100 (F) today! Diving sounds excellent on a day like this!

Melody

I hope things slow down a bit for you after all the activity you had in the last few weeks, at least enough to allow you to rest up and recover from your flu.

Reading about the Food Trail and the dishes you cooked, makes me hungry, but it's bed time so I'm going to resist the urge and head off to bed. Sleep is good! Speaking of which ... I need my sleep, esp. since the excessive heat and humidity is draining my energy. Jumping into a cool ocean would be great, but alas, there is none nearby. :-)

Wow Paul, The Food Trail sounds exciting, wish we could get here in the UK

Sorry to hear you've got the flu, hope you feel better soon.

Lots of Love.
Clair. XXXX

I hope everything with Aunt Connie will improve and I'll say a little prayer for her.

I wish I could see these episodes of your show in the states. If they come on DVD eventually I would like to purchase them (I have an international DVD Player as well as a U.S one).

I met a guy not too long ago, (a long time friend of a friend of mine). He's a preacher over in Tazmania and came to Florida for a visit. When she told me that her friend was a preacher I thought it was a joke at first and I think the guy probably heard me laughing on the reciever when I was talking to me friend over the phone because when I finally met him he was a bit apprehensive about me.

I'm going to give some of those recipes a go.

Take care Paul,

Julie

Wow. We used to dive for abalone off the shores of southern California beaches that we lived near. My son and second husband would cook it right there on the beach and LOVED it. I preferred it pounded out and breaded and lightly saute'd in olive oil. YUM YUM...

The last time I saw it selling in CA, it was going for something like 26.00 a pound. It was endangered there for a while. It comes and goes.

Fun! I wish we could see the shows in the U.S.

Good posts Paul!

Greetings to all. I've missed these discussions and I'm going to try to get back to regular visits here. Allan is in Scotland (working at the Edinburugh Fringe Festival — yeah!) While he's away, I am going to get myself into a regular routine that includes some time for meditation, writing, etc.

Paul, I will light a candle for Connie and send good thoughts her way each day. My mother's name was Connie, so I won't forget.

I have to agree with the others that diving sounds very appealing these days. Southern California has been mercifully cooler during this past week, but it was up to about 116 the week before.

Best to you all for a lovely week.

Diane

its so unfair, programs that are shown over there will probibly never be shown in ireland!=(
id love to see them.
since food is kinda the subject, does anyone know a recepie for jam with redcurrents? redcurrent and apple?
if you do can u please email them to me please?
luluskarma@yahoo.co.uk

thanks so much
louise
xxx

I just love Paul Mecurio! Some friends of mine brought the movie Strictly Ballroom over for me to watch on my birthday as a surprise. Let's just say I became a fan instantly!

Please pray for the United States, England, and Israel, Paul. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, please pray.

I pray that your sister, Connie, will be healed by the precious blood of Jesus. He is the ultimate healer. And keep the faith, Paul.

Also, pray that I will be safe during the wisdom teeth removal surgery. I'm a little nervous and unsure how they would keep my small mouth open during surgery.

Thanks.

Sara W

Hi everyone,

hope all are well, will be praying for Connie, but most importantly will certainly not be praying for the zionists. Will be praying for the Lebanese and the Palestinians and the Iraqis and Afghans and all the other oppressed people of the world, very many of whom are muslim like myself. I have a duty towards them as a human being, but an even greater duty because of that. I can understand the feeling that this isn't really the place to go into 'politics' (i call it humanity) but I just couldn't do nothing when i heard that call to actually pray for Israel.

Take care,
love and prayers x

No this is not the place for politics nor a place to have a religeous debate - unless of course I start it :)

I pray for humanity. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one is entitled to push that opinion onto some one else- let alone their neighbour.

Yes I am praying for the whole of humanity the problem as I see it there are too many people praying for certain sections of humanity there by leaving out other sections - in effect they are not praying for humanity as a whole in fact they are splitting humanity and therefore humanity is failing.

Shame

Good response, Paul. I have friends living on and in and through both sides of the "conflict" involving the Middle East region and when anyone asks me to pray particularly for "their cause" I don't, because I can't. I feel torn and upset by what they have to endure in their lives that is not right and everyone is experiencing hardships! I'm only willing to pray for the safety, well-being etc. of my friends, their families, loved ones etc. and for a peaceful solution, a deeper understanding of each others uniquenesses and differences, for tolerance, for love that can reach beyond sectarianism and dividing and divisions and such a spirit to impact the entire world. There my 2 cents on this topic.

Thankyou Evelyn, 2 cents well spent!!

Hi everyone

I certainly wasn't trying to have a religious debate and as i pointed out a political one either. I just had to point out in responce to the comment before me that i would not be praying for the israeli state. As it happens not all Jews or israelis even are zionists. To pretend that people don't take different views is not the answer, and i certainly don't believe that that makes me sectarian in any way, nor do i appreciate being accused as such. i just had to present the other side of the picture, whether you agree with me or not is not my concern, but i don't feel ashamed. Expressing my opinion - and i would at this point like to point out that i didn't start the subject - is not the same as pushing it on anyone. as for me bringing up that i am a muslim, i brought it up because it was relevant to me explaining why i felt i had to comment on the plea to pray for israel. Why would or should i not bring that up? Anyway, not wanting to cause an argument, but i felt the criticism was unwarranted.

Love and prayers,
take care x

Don't mess with a Jewish Grandma, Nadia, with your propaganda about the poor Muslims.

My husband and I have a large family in Israel, and this last month has been filled with anxiety, but they are resolute, and have faith.

Hizbollah started that war, which, even though a ceasefire is in place, may resume at any time, for they are fanatics, and their ilk are in every country around the world causing murder and terror wherever and whenever they can.

Deep in your heart you hate the Jews, and don't tell me about hating Zionism only.

Remember, the Roman Empire is gone, the Greek Empire also, but the Hebrew nation (Israel) is still here forever! Get over it!

(Sorry Paul, had to put my two cents in.)

Grandma Mil

well now. Deep in my heart i hate the jews? Get over it? propoganda? How dare you accuse me of anti-semitism, especially in this climate of islamaphobia when i know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of my religion? And might i add that many, many people, including jews, are anti zionist, and that does not make them anti-semitic. If there is no one prepared to defend me on this matter ie the right to not be accused of being some sort of jew hating anti semitic want to be murderer then i really don't think that i'm welcome here, am i? Thanks 'grandma'.

I don't think Paul was aiming at you, Nadia; I think he was aiming at everyone who is involved in this argument.

I didn't want to step in. I have just been approving comments as they come up, but let everyone be on notice that yours is the last. This is *not* the place for a political or religious argument.

Sara, please consider when you post that not everyone believes as you do, and this is not the place to start something divisive.

Thanks Cat, and to Sara W, many ((HUGS)) and hope you're feeling better!

Shalom,

Grandma Mil

Yes, but G Mill was aiming at me wasn't she but we dont want to talk about that do we?

Anyway, This is my last so I just wanted to say love and prayers to everyone and good luck with everything. i was only here a couple of months but i really loved Paul's posts especially his poems. I loved his insight into surrendering to the will of the 'universe', so in that spirit that's what I'm doing now. surrendering to the will of God that is, not anyone here. Good luck with everything Paul, all the best, and I'm sure you'll continue to search for answers and learn a lot along the way.

Love and prayers,
take care xXx

Paul, would you please post one of your poems?? Pretty please? I have only been reading this for a short while but I would love to read one. It would certainly be uplifting to me. I am searching out positive happy places and this seems like such a happy place to be. I recently lost my father and I just need some cheering up.

Hugs,
Cocoa

MMMM.... Nadia I am a little disappointed that you seemed to take what I said as a direct critism to you. Please read what I said again and I hope you realise that I am talking about humanity as a whole.

Grand Ma Mil - as much as I love you your two cents were pourly spent. I am not going to take sides. I only hope that people stop killing one another and I wish that people here would join me in that.

I say to both of you - What differnce that a family in Isreal or Lebanon are killed by a bomb from either side - what a shame and what a crime against humanity that anyone think that it is fair or just or right - then shame on you!

Sara W you have posted here for a while, you are welcome to contribute here and I look forward to your thoughts but not I am not interested in your religous statements.

My view as I have said before - religion is the cause of more death, murder, rape, persecution, bigotory, seperation, hate and rascism than any other singular thing man has created. To say one religion is more guilty than the other is the same as the fry pan calling the kettle black.

Religion is responsible for most of the wars that man kind have fought and man kind has murdered in the most heineious of ways in the name of religion - from the extermination of the Jews and the wanting killing of Muslims to say the least.

I say to any one DO NOT PUSH YOUR RELIGIOUS PROPAGANDA HERE for I have a low opinion of religion and it makes me damned cross!

Discussion is good, debate is interesting, religion is not about being open to humanity but being closed to humanity. Religion has always been about fear and racism - why else would we have 10 - 20 - 30 different religions all vying to be the one.

Hey what ever floats your boat - what ever gets you through - but when I find myself hoping one peoples is wiped from the face of the earth then that is when I will lay down and die because that is when I will realise humanity has fled me and I do nothing to add to the spirit of mankind.

I mean no offence to anyone but if you wish to take offence then that is your choice. I believe in the spirit not in any one god. I have been told by friends that I will go to hell because I havent seen the light and I fear I may be killed because I am not of some other religious order or the other. Simply I am a man that loves his children and wife, I lead a good life with a positive message and lead by example, I wish no hate upon any person. But I will not be pushed nor suffer nor live by anothers bigotory - be it religious or political.

Pray for humanity as a whole - if you dont it will never be. It is your choice.

Hi,
ok, so i know i said my last was my last but turns out that's a lot easier to say than do! Paul, i totally understand where you're coming from and why you feel the way you do about religion. But maybe there is a difference between the people who abuse 'religion' in those ways and the trully religious? I would never assume to tell or think about anyone that they were destined for Hell. How would i know? What gives me the right to judge them in that way, i can't look into their hearts. I am no more certain about anyone else's going to heaven or hell than i am about my own soul. i don't know if i will achieve that, or anyone else, and no-one can. I can't judge anyone else any better than i can judge myself. Anyway, an interesting fact for you - around 1/5 people on earth are muslim, which is about the same as the number of people who are chinese! I bring this up as it is my general experience that people know so little about Islam, maybe enogh to fill the back of a postage stamp. How would it be if we didn't know anything about chinese culture or any other major culture? maybe if people took the time to read or just browse the Quran or a basic beginners guide to book there would be greater understanding. Religion is usually just a cover up for wars that are really about imperialism, land, resources etc. If there weren't different religions and beliefs there would still be things to divide us. People aren't religious because they think they are better than anyone else or want to join an elite club, it's about something a lot bigger and humbler than that. And i will never agree with a person who tells another person they are going to hell, i think that's very wrong indeed.
Anyway, love and prayers,
take care x

Just remembered something really funny which had me laughing.....

My aunt, who has lived in Bristol for the last forty years, during a conversation with my mum once said, "Oh, so Christians believe in Christ too? I never realised that." Doh!

My goodness! I feel like I came on here at a bad time. But then my timing has never been very good. I have been wondering if I should wait awhile before I come back on. I read a lot of the earlier posts and this seemed like such an intelligent fun group with an artsy flavor to it. Oh well. Please tell me that I am right.

Cocoa

Hey Paul. Massage therapist greg from nyc here. I wanted to tell you that i tried your BEER MARINATED PRAWNS WITH CRISP ASPARAGUS SPEARS recipe and it was superb! I've been trying your recipes over time, some with great triumph, and others, well, you know. I've enjoyed your site, posts and recipes for years now. Even though i usually don't post, i'm happy i found this little corner of the world. Thanks Paul for your contribution, and i just don't mean the recipes.

Nadia thank you for your comment. It made me realise also that I missed out a point or two. My rave above is what I dont like about religion. Partially it comes from seeing the damage done to my mother by her mother who was a deeply religious woman. It also comes from seeing the damage done to world in the name of religion.

But you are right when you say that often there are a few that abuse religion or abuse people in the name of religion I guess you may call these people fanatical. The world is focusing on certain fanatical religious groups at present whom are causing great fear and resentment. And yes these fanaticals follow Islam and no doubt make up less than one percent of the muslim population and to some extent have tarnished all Muslims in the eyes of others. This is a great shame. There are fanaticals in all religious groups. I, in my rave above have tarnished all religions - but I know that in religion there is alot of good being done, there are a lot of people that are better people for having religion in their life - it is the few bad apples that spoil it for everyone.

I have read parts of the bible and gone to church, I have read books on Buddhism and other religions. I have been looking for a simple book on the muslim faith so as to get a better idea of what it is about.

I wont be converting any time soon though for I have a strong belief in the power of the universe - call it what you may and I have a strong belief in Love. That is all I need.

Paul,
You might try a widely acclaimed book called "The Trouble With Islam Today" by a Canadian Muslim woman, Irshad Manji.
Laura

Greg, great to hear from you and great to hear that some of the recipes have worked out!! The ones that didnt - why? ie did I write them up wrong/weird amounts, did you just get it wrong or did you not like them? All grist for the mill for me as I am hoping to eventually put them in my own cook book so feed back for what works and what doesnt would be welcome! Hope NYC is treating you well!

Laura thank you for your post, I will keep an eye out for that book.

Hi everyone,

Hi cocoa, this has been a fun vibrant place since I've been reading it and before that too, sorry if I've made it less so lately, but i just got a little rattled and didn't appreciate being called...well anyway, i've cooled off now and am sorry for the tension. I'm sure evryone is really glad that you found this place, and would love to befriend you through it. Guess we'll all just have to agree to disagree, as always, which is what it's all about. I don't think anyone here wants to be a bully.

Paul, thanks for your comments regarding my comments! Obviously no one here is trying to convert you to anything ("There is no compulsion in religion"), but i think it's cool that you are into learning :). As for that book you suggested Laura - I assume that you have read it or something; I havn't but heard stuff decidedly against it, so i guess that sort of evens it out. Anyway, I'm sure if it's a good idea to start a subject with what's "wrong" with it! As i mentioned before, the Quran is always the best source and is approachable and easy to understand - most come with good indexes for views on certain topics. I'll look at my bookshelf when i get home to see if i can spot anything good for an introduction/overview, but there is a wide variety of literature out there, so you can't go too wrong. Actually, come to think of it, websites might be the best place to start.

On another note, havn't tried any of Paul's recipes yet, but would like too. Any other favourites?

Love and prayers,
take care x

Hi again everyone,

ok, so the Islam Channel website www.islamchannel.tv is really good, with the added bonus that you can watch the programs live online! Personally i love the current affairs program The Agenda which is on every weekday at 10am UK time and is usually hosted by sister Yvonne Ridley, you might remember when she was captured by the taliban in 2001? Hope that might be useful, love and prayers x

Hi,
ok, sorry about the tonns of comments! Did a search on web and http://www.islamfortoday.com/beliefs.htm
seems really informative and looks like a good stop. I'm done for now, I promise! love and prayers, take care x

Grand Ma Mil, I was thinking (as I occassionally do)how awful it would be to be in a war zone and that led to how hard and worrying it must be for people to have family in a war zone. I should have thought this in an earlier post... but.... I do hope all your family is safe and well. I am glad it is at an end - but cant help to say - for now. It is an old conflict that I do not completely understand, sadly it would seem an end to it may take a miracle.

Cocoa - as in daily life we have our happy moments and our more serious moments. If you have read past posts you will have seen that. Ultimately we share both good and bad and occassionally ugly that is the stuff of life. I am glad you posted :)

Dearest Paul, needless to say it has been a very hard month for us and our family in Israel and for all the innocent people caught up in the mayhem, all started again by the terrorists, Hezbollah, which is supplied and funded by Iran and Syria.

Israel, a very small sliver of a country, again had to endure the onslaughts of rockets, large and small, which had only one purpose, to kill and maim the innocent civilians of Israel.

Our eldest granddaughter and her 4 little children live in a small community near Haifa.

Haifa was targeted many times during the month, but miracles upon miracles, our children were not hurt, although they spent time in their bomb shelters, like their neighbors and all of northern Israel.

Then, the Hizbollah terrorist leader threatened to shell Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the holy city for 3 religions. In the populations of the large cities of Israel are peaceful Israeli Arab citizens and Jerusalem is where the rest of our family lives.

A fragile ceasefire is now in place, and troops from the UN and the Lebanese army will be in place to try to stop the continuation of the shelling of Israel.

We are not optimistic, but should the war break out again, it will not bode well for the Lebanese, whose government and land was hijacked by Hizbollah,with barely a whimper or protest from the Lebanese government.

If you take a look at the map of the Middle East, you may see a little sliver of a country, Israel, the historic land of the Jewish people, which was declared a state by the United Nations in 1948, and attacked by 5 Arab armies immediately at her birth, and in 5 wars since the Arabs were defeated.

It is barely the size of New Jersey, surrounded by the large land masses of the Arab countries who rant and rave because they have not been able to do the deed, and therefore falling into poverty and chaos while being goaded on by their corrupt leaders, to this day.

I have given you a little of the background from the prospective of this Jewish Grandma, who was told by her doctor to take tranquilizers to calm herself during this ordeal, while our Israeli children said, "Mom and Dad, we know that we will survive this, for the good Lord is watching over us."

Ellie and kept our sanity by concentrating on the rehearsals for the new Follies, 2007. Things have calmed down a bit this week, the show will be my best, and maybe I can throw away the tranquilizers for awhile.

Thank you for "listening", I love you!

Shalom,

Grandma Mil

Whoa......haven't been on the site for a while....and once I got on today and read all the posts, I'm kinda glad. Heavy stuff people. And nobody will agree 100% when it comes to religion and world affairs. Lets all take a deep breath, and e-x-h-a-l-e.

I much preferred reading Paul's recipes. In fact, I'm getting kind of hungry for supper...

Take care everyone. Hope there's lighter stuff to read next time.

Tracie