Novelist: Haruki Murakami

Recently I read his first book, I bought it accidentaly, but many people recommended me his books before. I decided to choose 'Norvegian Wood' very strange, but gripping and addictive book. Haruki Murakami is a Japanese writer. He is not only popular in Japan but also in the world, his books are translated in the 50 different languages! It's a huge succes, isn't it? His writing seems little bit melancolic, surrealistic and magical.

The 'Norvegian Wood' is a nostalgic, sad story about loss and sexuality. The main character is named Toru Watanbe, a student living in Tokyo. He is torn between two girls, emotionally destroyed Naoko, but his true love, and outgoing and brave Midori. This book maybe seems depressive, but behing each sad moment comes up the light and hope. It was very pleasant to read it, but the story maybe was a little but predictable. I guess that at first sight we won't notice the beauty and provocativeness.

If you have not read Murakami and you enjoy literary fiction, you're truly missing out. I'm ashamed I didn't come across him sooner. His books are at turns beautiful and sorrowful, and consistently magical.

Even when there's no magic involved.

Dreaming about Georgia (Grusia)

I am completely fascinated by this beautiful country and people. I just can't stop looking for places that maybe I will have an opportunity to see and discover. It's my dream to spend at least week there. In the beginning I didn't know much about this place and I thought that is quite random. What a shame! 

Georgia is considered as a 'balcony of Europe'. I must agree, because it is the best place to stand and admire the magical landscapes all over. 

What is the most beautiful there? For sure, the country side, as well the modern side also. Mountains, rivers, valleys... Simply amazing. It has also very rich historical part, we can't be bored there. 

What is the most interesting for me, it is of course food :D I want to visit so much the local markets with many differents, fresh, traditional products, that you can discover again and again. When it comes to the modern part, the capital, Tbilisi is a mix of a culture and definitely worth to see. 

What is the best there? Tbilisi has it's own style, you won't find there commercial McDonald's or KFc. This country is opening for the world, but still maintain its tradition. 

photos: gotravelyourway.com

The Billy Goat Legend

I was born in Poznan and I visit this city almost every day. Isn't that funny and sounds weird that I saw the goats butting their heads for the first time last year? So far so good I guess. That's why I'd like to recall the legend about them, which is not so known among the residents.

The king decided to organise a feast after a huge fire which damaged town hall. Luckily, the edifice was rebuild and people gathered to admire the new clock, which was installed there. 

Of course, the guests must have been feed, the main dish was supposed to be a roast venison. Everything was prepared by young boy, named Pietrek. He was very gifted but also distracted. When he saw for the first time the clock, was very overwhelmed and took his eye of the food. 

Unfortunately, the dish had enough time to get burnt. The boy was very frightened to be punished and run to the nearest farm. Pietrek decided to stole two goats to cook them for the guests. But he wasn't strong enough and the animals run away, chasing each other and climbing to the town hall. The goast started to butt their heads, which was very amusing to gathered guests.

 They were having fun watching this and that's why the king decided not to punish the scared boy and built in its honor the firgure standing for them.
Ever since then, when the bugle sounds at the noon, the assembled crowed has seen the two head-butting billy goats everyday. 

The video of this special moment you can see HERE

Nutella Cake

Being on diet is difficult and challenging. Even though I want to stay fit and eat healthy because afterwards I feel really good phisically and mentally, sometimes I just can not resist and I must eat something sweet. I won't put on weight immediately, as a result I will have a wonderful humour! 'A little bit' of chocolate doesn't matter :)

This recipe is partially healthy, no flour and baked by your own? Chocolate has also it's healthy properties. Don't think too much about the calories, just try it and eat it!

Ingredients:

6 big eggs (separate whites)

a little bit of salt

125g of butter

400g of nutella

100g crashed hazelnuts

100g of dark chocolate, melted

In mixer bowl mix  butter and nutella to obtain a smooth cream. Then add egg yolks and nuts, the whole mix with a mixer. 

Add cooled chocolate and mix.

In a separate bowl, beat 6 whites with a pinch of salt. The whites mix gently with the chocolate mass.

Pour the dough into form pan with a diameter of 23 cm, previously put with baking paper. Bake for about 40 minutes at 180 ° C. Remove, let cool.

Icing:

100g of hazelnuts

125g of heavy cream 36%

125g of dark chocolate, chopped

Nuts fry in a dry frying pan, stirring frequently, not to be burnt. Cool before throwing for topping (necessarily!).

In small pan heat the cream, almost to a boilling, remove from the burner. Add the chopped chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes. After this time stir, creating a smooth chocolate sauce.

On the cooled cake pour the icing, decorate with nuts.

Bon appétit and good luck!

this is how my own version looks with toffifee :)