Persimmons, different styles for different uses

A few years ago I learnt the difference the hard why. But since then I haven't seen the offending (when firm) acorn shaped persimmon that often.

I'm still cautious though whenever I buy one of these vanillian scented beauties.

The acorn shaped style on the left should be soft and a deep orange orange colour when its jellied flesh is ready to be spooned out.

The tomato shaped style on the right should be firm and a apricot orange colour whrn its crunchy flesh is ready to be cut into wedges or eaten as an apple.

Nice and simple.

Oh and thanks to Jess for beating me to the idea...! ;)

An addiction

Hacked open with the tiny blade from a wine knife, the treasures inside are addictive and cheap.

About 50c AUD for eight locally grown panama passionfruit in Dalat, Vietnam.

I ate them like mad before holidays as well, and combined them to make an exotic twist to My Mums Impossible Pie.

It really is quite impossible... how easy it is.

Steamed winter goodness

Another bargain for $3, is the steamed pork bun from Ming Tan II on Victoria St Richmond.

I have been a fan of these for a while but did not realise my obsession until I kept driving out of my way to just 'pop' in and grab one as a rich and wonderful winter lunch. I think I can justify them so easily, because I usually also get a sticky rice snow ball as well - as a treat - and because they are so cheap that it seems like a waste of a trip not to.
The steamed buns are available hot, for immediate consumption or from the chilled display for tomorrow.

The thing I love about this bun is the consistency of the fillings; there is always a soft yoke quails egg, a slice of roast pork belly with crackling, vermicelli noodles, cloud ear mushrooms, a couple of pieces of Chinese sausage and the subtlety of ginger.
In my mind, this is the Chinese version of the Aussie 'mystery bag' (as my Dad lovingly calls meat pies!), but the beauty is you can actually see and taste the individual flavours.

40% les fat then butter - Brie!

Got a taste for Brie? You know, the yummy fancy imported ones?

Then check this out.

This is Fromagerie 31 in Paris, my favourite cheese shop, possibly in the whole wide world. I can just smell and taste it from here...