Tomorrow we will begin our study on Brazil.  Along with reading books and making pages for our Travel Diary we’ll have our cultural dinner.  This is the dinner and dessert we’ve planned.

BRAZILIAN BEANS AND RICE

1 lb. pinto or black beans
1 chopped onion
1 chopped green pepper
1 lb. browned sausage
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
Garlic powder to taste
Cooked rice

Soak beans overnight (or use two large jars of the canned, cooked beans). Drain the beans after they have been soaked. Cover with water, add onion, green pepper, salt, pepper, garlic. Cook until beans are soft. Add water if necessary. When beans are cooked make sure there is enough water to just cover them. Add the tomato paste and sausage. Cook an additional 15-20 minutes until the meat is cooked. If the beans are too watery, crush some to thicken. Serve over cooked rice. Top with molho sauce.

BRAZILIAN COCONUT PUDDING

1 can sweetened condensed milk
Coconut milk to fill the milk can
Milk in the quantity to fill two of the condensed milk cans
3 tbsp. of corn starch

Cook all ingredients together over medium heat stirring constantly until it begins to boil and thickens. Pour into a form and chill until firm. Brazilians often serve with stewed prunes along with the juice. Delicious!

Tomorrow we’re going grocery shopping and we’ll pick up all the ingredients we need.

We have quite a bit of catching up to do on our Travel Diaries so that is going to be priority tomorrow.

Zarek is finishing up his study of the Middle East. I’ve read Shadow Spinner and am now reading Seven Daughters and Seven Sons aloud.  Both books are really good.

Zarek was going to start Algebra I this fall when he starts 9th grade, but as his determination to go to the Air Force Academy is getting stronger, he’s decided to start Algebra I now and finish it before fall so he can begin his freshman year doing Algebra II.  We’re learning more and more about the requirements for USAFA and he’s reading all the books he can get his hands on about it.  I’ve just ordered him a new one, as he’s already exhausted all of the libraries in our area on the topic.  Now tonight he’s told me he wants to read all he can about airplanes.  Thursday evening he should be going to his first Civil Air Patrol meeting, unless Jody’s schedule doesn’t permit it.  His dad has committed to taking him each week and is letting his job know he needs to be out early for Thursdays.  I hope Zarek enjoys CAP and that there is a good leader at this unit.  If not, we have another one nearby we can try out.

OK, off to bed for me.