Morning of Dates and Milk

Sabah an-nour, Sabah digla wa halib. Morning of light, morning of dates and milk, they say in Tunisia.

صباح النور، صباح دجلة والحليب

Shortly after we moved into our house in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia in 2005, the ground beneath us literally shifted. There had been a water main break and water had been leaking into the garden for months. One day the doors and windows no longer closed and there were huge cracks in the wall. We had to move out temporarily, and it was a hassle, but if this had not occurred, I never would have met the owner Hanane, who became like a big sister to me. My time in Tunisia, and my life were enriched tenfold.

Two years later, the morning we left the country, I stepped out into the street before the van came to take us to the airport, already full of nostalgia. Leaving was bittersweet. The sun was rising over Sidi Bou Said, our small village looking over the Mediterranean and I snapped one last shot.

Now the ground has shifted again in Tunisia. The sun is rising for a new day, a new life without the tyrant Ben Ali, there is hope for a life full of freedoms that the people have not known previously. Open press, opportunity, freedom to speak their mind and elect their own government. This is a historic time, but one of many unknowns.

None of this comes easily. Not without violence, not without danger and a mess in the streets. Right now, Hanane is holed up, waiting in her house for the shooting to stop, for calm to be restored, the future to be written. I imagine as a young girl that her mother would make her some dates with milk in the morning, or as a special comfort when she needed it. It's soothing and naturally sweet, and drinking a warm cup full is like coming home to a hug after a long day.

And it's going to be a long day in Tunis, a long wait to see how events play out. We can only wait and hope, provide support however possible for this country full of so much potential. May there be many mornings of light, many mornings of dates and milk. A new door has opened.

Milk with Dates

From Cuisine Tunisienne by Christiane Desbordes

For Hanane, with love

Serves 4

750 ml whole milk

250 grams dates

1 vanilla bean

1 clove

In a medium pot, over low heat, gently bring the milk to a boil. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and add to the pot, along with the clove and the pitted dates. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes until the dates are very soft. Remove the clove and the vanilla bean before blending in a blender or food processor. Serve hot.

Fig Milkshake

I first ate a fresh fig in Portugal at age 19. I loved them instantly. They are such a mysterious fruit with their interior jewel like appearance. Then, while living in Tunisia, I discovered the beautifully scented fig trees along the route I used to walk, near the president's palace. The trees give off a sweet smell that hangs heavy in the air and makes you nostalgic for things you've never known.

Every year I look forward to seeing fresh figs arrive in the market. Figs are so versatile, lending themselves well to both sweet and savory uses. They are wonderful eaten by themselves, paired with prosciutto or cheese, baked in a tart with chocolate and almonds, sliced on a simple bed of greens with oil and balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of goat cheese. It almost seems like a crime to throw them into a blender for a milk shake. But they are plentiful and inexpensive right now, at least in Italy, so I thought I'd give it, or them, a whirl...

In case you are new to figs, they are pretty perishable when fresh. If you are not going to eat them the day you buy them, (considering they are ripe) store them in the refrigerator. I always peel my figs, easy to do when they are very ripe, you can peel them by hand. Otherwise, a sharp pairing knife does the trick.

Fig Milkshake

(makes 2)

In a blender, combine:

6 Figs

1/2 Banana

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon honey

This would make a nice popsicle too. I forgot to add, Roman really loves figs. He digs his hand in and scoops out all the flesh. He thinks figs make a nice leave-in hair conditioner too.