Two Things to Cool You Off

1.  A wee bit of smashing opera

My CD club was offering this album,

so I thought I’d give it a go.  I typically eschew anthologies, but listening to clips online, I decided it was far too excellent to pass up.  You MUST listen to Pavarotti’s rendition of Nessun Dorma from Turandot.  It’s my favorite Nessun Dorma of all time.  It’s very sad to me that people of my generation associate Pavarotti not with his younger days when he was really truly a powerhouse of a tenor, but with the cheesy opera lite 3 Tenors stuff (Okay, perhaps I should back up and lament that few people of my generation appreciate opera in the first place).  My students are in LOVE with his La Donna e Mobile from the 70’s (I use it to teach 3 beat meter).  Anyhow, what a marvelous album.  I think there should be fireworks going off when you listen to it. 

2.  Something icy to replace your afternoon tea

Strawberry Lassi–Gourmet had this recipe (I’ve since changed it to suit my tastes better) in the April 2005 issue and I’ve loved it ever since.  When it’s really hot outside–so hot that your cheeks are flushed and your head feels like it’s going to explode, this drink will cool you off from head to toe.  Plus it’s tasty.

 photo Romulo Yanes, Gourmet

1 cup strawberries, tops cut off

1/2 cup ice

1 cup plain yogurt (I love whole milk)

1/2 cup milk

pinch ground cardamom (not essential but good)

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Sugar to sweeten–I usually use about 2 T, but use more or less depending on your taste

Whiz everything in a blender until smooth.  Pour in a tall glass and enjoy the waves of coolness that will spread throughout you and the fact that you are drinking a milkshake that will not leave you with that–whoa-I-just-drank-a-milkshake tummyache.

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