Kurma

If man is truly the 'king of beasts', then he's doing a truly beastly job at managing the planet.

Here's yet another wake-up call to remind us that this world is no place for a gentleman.

AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD

"A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe.

But the presence of so many prescription drugs — and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen — in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health...."

Read rest of long article...

Yasmin from Northern Territory, Australia, writes:

Hello Kurma! Do you have any exotic desserts with mango? We're swimming in them right now.

My reply:

Hello Yasmin! Yes, here's a recipe, as yet unpublished, that I tested out at a cookery class in Townsville last year. Exotic, it is!

Moghul-style Fresh Mango in Cardamom-infused Saffron Syrup

When mangoes are in season and plentiful, treat yourself to this delightful, simple to prepare recipe that hails from Northern India. Serves 4.

2 or 3 large, firm but ultra-ripe sweet mangoes, peeled and sliced
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
4 green cardamom pods
Generous pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons unsalted pistachios
Cream to serve (optional)

Infuse the saffron in 2 tablespoons boiling water for 10 minutes.

Blanche the pistachio kernels in a little boiling water, drop into cold water, then drain them, slip off their skins and slice them.

Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and set over a medium heat. Slightly break the cardamom pods with a mortar and pestle and add to the pan. Add the saffron infusion. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Put aside to cool a little.

Place the mango slices in a flat serving dish and pour over the warm syrup. Sprinkle with the sliced pistachios. Serve as is, or with pouring cream.