Photo of the Day...

Potosi, Bolivia. Photo by: Wendy McMillen

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Destination of the Week...

When most people think of Egypt they think of pyramids and deserts- not picturesque coral reefs under clear blue waters. That is why Ras Abu Galum will change the way you think of Egypt. Established in 1992, Abu Galum is a 400 square kilometer (154 square miles) nature reserve on the East coast of south Sinai. It is home to protected coral reefs and mangroves that are filled with beautiful flora, including 44 plant species unique to the Gulf of Aqaba, and exotic wildlife. From ibex and foxes, to hyenas and dangerous snakes like Vipers and Black Cobras, any traveler is sure to discover something exciting. Abu Galum’s granite mountains end abruptly on the narrow coastal plain where you can find fresh water springs and coastal sand dunes, fronted by rich coral reef shelves and underwater canyons that offer outstanding snorkeling and diving. Many travelers book a Jeep Safari tour that also includes a trip to the Blue Hole in Sinai, a shoreline camel ride, and lunch hosted by the Bedouins, but some budget travelers decide to navigate on their own and save a few bucks, which also allows for a flexible schedule. Most backpackers take the camel/walking trail from Dahab, which is a long walk, but probably the best option, or you can make your way on the roads from Nuweiba. If you visit Abu Galum on your own and are too tired to make the trip back to Sinai, or wherever you departed from, you can negotiate a price to hire one of the nearby Bedouin huts. The huts usually offer no more than a mattress and shelter, but in the evening you’ll be able to stroll along the beach and stare into the star-filled sky. Make sure you look down from the bright moon though, because the sand is home to crabs, prawns and other sea creatures, so you’ll want to watch your step! No matter how your find you way to Ras Abu Galum, or how long you stay, you’ll never forget it!

Click here for Egypt visitor information!

Use our helpful links to plan your trip to Egypt!

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Photo of the Day...

Rothenburg, Germany. Photo by: Alex Krouse

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Dirty Little Secrets...

FOOD FIND

Chipa Guazu is a traditional dish from Paraguay, and is thought to be “as old as history.” Corn is a beloved ingredient in Paraguayan cuisine, and is the star of this recipe, along with cheese, onions, and eggs. Chipa Guazu is somewhere between cornbread, pudding, and a corn soufflé. It is cheesy and firm, yet creamy, and is best served warm or, at least, at room temperature. It may not encompass exotic spices or South American “flare,” but this savory classic is comforting and, wherever you are in the world, eating chipa guazu will, for some reason, make you feel right at home. Plus, it goes great with nearly anything! Chipa guazu can be made several different ways and is traditionally served in place of bread and/or as a casserole. It is often sold on the streets of Paraguay and, in the winter, it is barbequed on a grill, giving it a toasty crunch, and the name “Kavure”. Fresh corn makes all the difference in this staple dish; therefore, Chipa Guazu is especially favored during the months of the sweet corn harvest. Other traditional Paraguayan ingredients, like pig fat, add an extra layer of flavor to chipa guazu, but if you can’t make it to Paraguay, simply follow the below recipe, and enjoy!

Chipa Guazu

12 ears of Fresh Corn

4 Eggs

1 Stick of Butter

1 Onion (Sliced long)

1 10oz package of Swiss Cheese

Flour and Salt

Directions:

Shuck corn. Pour corn and 4 eggs into blender and mix well. Sprinkle flour in bottom of deep baking dish. Then pour in corn mixture. Add butter, 1 tablespoon of salt, sliced onion and cheese (cut into pieces). Place in oven at 350 degrees until top is brown.

*Photo from flickr.com/photos/marytoad

*Recipe from sites.google.com/site/fitzfamilynet

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Photo of the Day...

Mexico City, Mexico. Photo by: Clara Bell

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Photo of the Day...

Merzouga, Morocco. Photo by: Kevin Pryor

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FRANCIS BACON is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience."

Francis Bacon

Photo of the Day...

Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Photo by: Francis Platt

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Rijekea, Croatia. Photo by: Heidi Miller

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Hostel of the Week...

THE ORBIT HOSTEL & HOTEL in Los Angeles, California is a hip accommodation spot for budget travelers and backpackers. Located smack dab in the heart of West Hollywood, the Orbit Hostel is near all the major attractions of the city. With its ultra modern decor, bright colors, swanky common rooms, and Melrose Avenue location, the Orbit Hostel will make you feel like you are a part of the Hollywood scene. If you are in Los Angeles to party like a rock star, the Orbit is the place for you. This hostel can hook you up with special access to some of the best clubs the city of Angels has to offer. Some of the hostel's other features include free bbq's, discounted tours, and a California cafe with healthy, hearty, and most importantly, cheap cuisine. Dorms and private rooms are available and prices vary according to the season. Having lived in Los Angeles I can report there are not many hostels in town, and The Orbit is the best we've got.

Three Reasons to stay at THE ORBIT:

1. Amazing location. Melrose and Fairfax. A prime spot to be. Ask any Angeleno.

2. Obscure decor. The Orbit Hostel definitely has character and if you are in Hollywood, who wouldn't like that?

3. One of the best Hostels Los Angeles has to offer.

www.orbithotel.com

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Sapa, Vietnam. Photo by: Robyn Bramson

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FROM OUR READERS

From England... John Cranwell writes...

"... we stayed at Hunters Rest in Clutton Hill [UK], a place with a lovely old pub in an out of the way address, not easy to find, but an absolute joy to stay in. The staff were brilliant and extremely helpful, even offering to do our washing and dry it for us, FREE of CHARGE! Meals were generous in size, well priced and delicious and we ate there both nights for the variety as well. I may sound a bit over the top, but they were great and I would recommend the pub for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and into the English countryside. We intend to put a glowing report on their website upon our return to Australia."

Photo of the Day...

Salzburg, Austria. Photo by: Kelly Clarke

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Destination of the Week...

For today’s Destination of the Week, I felt it was time to share one of my favorite non-secret secrets from the road. Morro do São Paulo, Brazil is one of my favorite places on earth. Known also as simply “Morro”, this former pirate haven can be found 169 miles (272km) off the coast from Salvador, Bahia. This tropical paradise has not just one perfect beach, but four distinctly different ones, from First Beach to Fourth Beach, and several around the other side of the island. Cheap prices, warm locals, great food, snorkeling, a zipline, and an island-wide party in a new location every single night, will certainly keep you busy. During the perfect days, most people relax and play beach games on Second Beach, where many of the food stands and bars can be found, but no matter which beach you’re on, you’re never more than a short walk to the others. Once the sunbathing crowds (which begin to double in December) head inside to clean up for a night out, the locals transform the soft sand; nearly every ten feet you will find a Caipirinha (a Brazilian drink made from cachaça) stand, each with an exotic fruit display trying to outdo the next. Accommodation on Morro ranges from a campsite in the main town, to luxury resorts along Fourth Beach. In my opinion, the most backpacker-friendly place to call home is the Black & White Hostel on Third Beach. You’ll be able to spot it by the black and white checkered floor out front. Regardless of where you stay, don’t bring too much luggage because the only taxis you’ll find on Morro will be wheel barrels, pushed by strong Brazilian men who make it look easy. Cars are not allowed on the island. In fact, the only motorized transportation you’ll spot will be the occasional tractor. If you don’t feel like walking, get on a horse as the locals do. Internet is also hard to come by on the island but it doesn’t matter because you won’t want to spend your time anywhere but in the warm blue water.

There is a local airstrip on the island, for small planes that leave from Salvador, but the best way to get there is by boat. Even the ferry ride to Morro is magical. The three hour cruise is a perfect way to work on your tan, count the jumping fish, and if you’re lucky, watch the dolphins doing corkscrew flips straight out of the sea! When buying your boat ticket to Morro you will be offered a discount to purchase your return ticket, but the catch is that you must return within a week. Be careful with this because even if you think a week will be enough, you may find yourself depressed that your time is up already. Many people visit Morro do São Paulo and never leave. You’ll be tempted to do the same!

Click here for Brazil visitor information!

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Photo of the Day...

Pisco, Peru. Photo by: Thomas Kelep

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Dirty Little Secrets...

FOOD FIND
Although found on nearly every dessert menu in South Africa, Malva Pudding actually comes from the Dutch, so I’m crediting this “Food Find” to The Netherlands. Malva Pudding (some know it also as “De Wet Pudding”) is a sweet pudding that is best served hot with custard, ice cream, or a sauce made from cream and sugar (Malva Pudding sauce). Some people even like to serve it with dolce de leche, poached apricots on top, and sometimes the extra Malva Pudding sauce on the side. It’s really a matter of personal taste. “Pudding” in this case refers to the English sort, as this dessert is more of a spongy cake with a caramelized texture. Sounds good already, doesn’t it!? The cake is rich and moist, and simply wonderful. There are a few variants of the pudding too, like Tipsy Tart, which has brandy in it, or Cape Brandy Pudding, which has both brandy and dates. Any version will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, but Malva is the classic of the bunch. There are many theories as to why this pudding is called “Malva,” but one that I found plausible is that the name “Malva” comes from Malvacea, or Malvasia (a.k.a. “malmsey”) wine from Madeira. The pudding and dessert wine used to be served together after meals in and around Cape Town. Malva Pudding has become so popular that it can now be bought, already made, in some shops around the world, and reheated before serving. Although, I personally feel that fresh is always better, so try out the easy recipe below and be sure to make enough, because you’ll definitely want more!

Malva Pudding Ingredients

1 cup of milk

1 cup of (light) brown sugar

3 teaspoons of apricot jam

1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda

1 teaspoon of vinegar

1 cup of plain white flour

1 egg

4 teaspoons of butter

Malva Pudding Sauce

1 cup whipping cream (not whipped)

6 ounces butter

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup hot water

To make Malva Pudding, first beat the egg and brown sugar together until the mixture is thick and light, then stir in the apricot jam.

Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda together.

Melt butter and vinegar together and then add the milk.

Add the sifted dry ingredients to egg mixture alternating with milk mixture.

Pour batter into greased oven-proof dish. Bake at 180 C for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

For the Sauce: Melt together the ingredients for the sauce and pour over the pudding as it comes out of the oven.

*Photo from justeasyrecipes.co.za

*Recipe from chirundu.com

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Photo of the Day...

Ahmedabad, India. Photo by: Thomas Hanson

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Waterton Lake Nat'l Park, Canada. Photo by: Michele Voyer

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Written for the Road...

THE QUIET AMERICAN, by Graham Greene, is a novel written and set in the early 1950's, when Vietnam was still Indo-China and there was a war waging between the French and the Vietnamese. The story is narrated by Thomas Fowler, a washed up British war correspondent, who is content smoking his opium pipes and having a relationship with Phuong, his Vietnamese mistress. All of the sudden, a young idealistic American named Alden Pyle arrives on the scene. Pyle, who is supposedly in Vietnam as an aid worker, falls for Phuong and declares his love for her. Fowler becomes increasingly suspect of the brash, egotistical Pyle, who seems to have come to Vietnam with an arrogance and a lack of respect for any culture of his own. Before long Thomas Fowler and Alden Pyle find themselves in a war within a war, Phuong the battlefield. The Quiet American is a tale that works on many levels. On one level, it is a story about wartime adventure, love, murder, and romance. But on a much deeper level, The Quiet American is a birds-eye look into American politics. Graham Greene's book, written in the 50's, well before Americas "involvement" in Vietnam, is a glimpse into the future and is quite relevant today for America's new quagmires, Iraq and Afghanistan.

LIN YUTANG is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow."

~Lin Yutang

Photo of the Day...

Tena, Ecuador. Photo by: Katrina Oliver

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Photo of the Day...

Barcelona, Spain. Photo by: Marty Sheldrake

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Hostel of the Week...

LA JUNGLA HOUSE HOSTEL in Panama City, Panama, is the ideal accommodation for the backpacker and/or budget traveler who wants to live it up in the hot and ultra hip El Cangrejo District. Within steps of the hostel, travelers will find 24 hour groceries, bars, restaurants, casinos, and tons of shopping. Even though La Jungla House Hostel is located in one of the safest neighborhoods in Panama City, security is still a top priority at the hostel. Survailence cameras and a friendly guard will always greet you no matter what time of the night you roll in. La Jungla House features all the basic amenities and even has a "icebox" room for those backpackers who want extra a/c during the hot Panama days and nights. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available at the hostel and are variably priced to meet all your budgetary requirements. So if you are looking for a good place to party with a great place to come back to, then La Jungla House Hostel is for you.

Three Reasons to stay at LA JUNGLA HOUSE HOSTEL

1. Great Location. The hostel is close to all the 24 hour facilities.

2. The "Ice Box" room. Panama can get quite hot and the Ice Box room is a nice option.

3. Security. Panama City is generally safe but has had its problems too. You can never be too safe.

http://www.miradoradventures.com

Photo of the Day...

Nara, Japan. Photo by: Johnathan

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FROM OUR READERS

From SOUTH AFRICA... Joshua Wrinkle writes:

"Make your way through South Africa by offering your services at various hostels and backpackers... sound strange? Well once you are on less than a shoestring budget it actually works out quite well... I have lived and worked in South Africa off and on for the last four years, as the land of Mzansi has become my second home, Texas [USA] being the first. I cannot explain in full what attracts me to this land of great contrasts so much. I can only say the endless veld, the rolling green hills, the lonesome acacia tree, the call of the crying bird, the smell of burning fields, the sounds of Zulu jive, the strong spirit of the Boervolk... and the friendly spirit and smiles that all of my wonderful friends here have shared with me. I love South Africa. I love the fact that I have been able to just, well, kind of make new homes at hostels... cooking, cleaning or whatever they need. They can usually use an extra hand in some way and of course, as a vagabonding traveller, you can always use a break in the financial and literal sense. So when you run short of cash, do not fret so soon, you just may find a new home for two or three months, make lifelong friends and have an amazing experience."

Photo of the Day...

San Francisco, California. Photo by: Dave Brenner

Destination of the Week...

August is right around the corner, so it’s about time we brought up Malmo, Sweden. Known also as “The City of Parks”, Malmo is a great place to stop for anyone visiting the Northern Euorope. Adjacent to the Baltic Sea, Malmo has picturesque scenery and architecture, and is famous for many reasons. One reason being that Malmo has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Sweden, and is therefore a great destination for any food lover. This port city has beautiful architecture scattered throughout, from both ancient and modern times. Malmöhus Castle houses special collections all year round, for exhibition, and is the oldest remaining castle in all of Scandinavia. A visit here will take you back the 15^th Century, where as a visit to the Turning Torso building will flash you forward to 2005. Its entire construction twists 90 degrees and is considered to be the most exciting building in Northern Europe, and to some, the whole world. Malmo also offers world-class skate parks and some of the best arenas in Europe, which are great for sporting events or shows. Speaking of shows, Malmo is most famous for The Malmo Festival. Every year during the second half of August, the Malmo Festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors, making it one of the largest festivals in the world. It is for people of any age, from children to grandparents, and is filled with concerts (from Hip-Hop to Opera), theatrical performances, film screenings, sports activities, markets, art exhibits, international foods, and so much more. The best part of all is that it’s FREE! What budget traveler doesn’t love a chance to experience new and exciting cultural events, free of charge! This year the festival will be held August 20^th through the 27^th, so if you plan to head to Malmo then, make sure you book accommodations in advance, and enjoy the week of endless fun!

Being on the water, having two international airports, and being only 30 minutes from the center of Copenhagen, Denmark, makes Malmo easy to get to from anywhere in the world. Whether you choose to travel by boat, train, plane, or car, you’ll likely have more than one option.

Click here for Sweden visitor information!

Use our helpful links to plan your trip to Malmo!

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Photo of the Day...

Moscow, Russia. Photo by: Katy Vanderbort

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Dirty Little Secrets...

FOOD FIND
In honor of winning the World Cup, this week’s Food Find goes to Spain! Tortilla Española is a traditional Spanish dish that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a tapa. It is served hot, cold, or at room temperature. Basically, it’s acceptable to eat however you want, whenever you want, which, once you taste it, could be quite often. When eaten as a meal, it is traditionally served with a mixed salad and some fresh crusty bread. My personal favorite is a freshly made tortilla that has been cooled off to room temperature. In Spain, you’ll find this dish on every tapas menu you see, and if you don’t you should probably go somewhere else! Many people confuse the tortilla, also known as tortilla de patatas, with the Italian frittata, but the two are not the same. The Spanish tortilla is cooked only in a pan on the stovetop, not baked in the oven. The tortilla de patatas is also much different than the Mexican tortilla, which is in an entirely different category of food! The tortilla española is quite thick (about an inch) and consists mostly of potatoes that have been thinly sliced and cooked in oil. The entire thing is bound together by egg and flavored with onion, salt and pepper, and is gently fried on both sides, until brown and crisp. It is moist, but not wet, on the inside, and holds together well, but is not rubbery. It is traditionally served in slices, or wedges, like a pie. A properly made tortilla is not only delicious, but quite satisfying too, and a great food to eat or make on the cheap, since it originated from the poor. It’s also a fun dish because you can adapt the ingredients to your liking. Popular additions are ham, spinach, and green and red bell pepper. If you can’t make it to Spain anytime soon, just try out the below recipe. No matter what you put in it or when or how you eat it, the tortilla española is a great way for the budget traveler to enjoy a delicious taste of Spain!

Tortilla Española

1 cup olive oil

four large potatoes (peel and cut into small pieces about 2mm thick)

salt to taste

one large onion, thinly sliced

four large eggs

Some people add thin slices of red pepper together with the onion.

Heat the oil in a 9-inch skillet, add potato pieces, one slice at a time so that they don't stick. Alternate layers of potato and onion. COOK slowly, medium flame. DO NOT FRY!! Turn occasionally until potatoes are tender, but NOT brown. They must be loose, not "in a cake".

Beat eggs in a large bowl with a fork. Salt to taste. Drain potatoes. Add potatoes to beaten eggs, pressing them so that eggs cover them completely. Let sit for 15 minutes. Heat 2 tbsps of the oil in large skillet. Add potato-egg mixture, spreading quickly. Lower the heat to medium-high. Shake pan to prevent sticking (crucial step!!) When potatoes start to brown, put a plate on top skillet and flip to cook other side, adding another tbsp of oil. Brown on the other side. Can flip three or four times for better cooking.

*Photo from farm3.static.flickr.com

*Recipe from Dean Derhak at www.xmission.com/~dderhak/recipes.html

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Photo of the Day...

London, England. Photo by: Mary-Lou Calder

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Photo of the Day...

Aguas Caliente, Peru. Photo by: Bob Hart

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Written For The Road...

ROAD FEVER by Tim Cahill is an epic travelogue about the ultimate road trip. Tim Cahill and his professional driver cohort, Garry Sowerby, set to break a Guinness Book world record. The two men attempt to drive from the southern tip of Argentina all the way to Deadhorse, Alaska, in 23 days. Road Fever is a funny, exhilarating adventure that is marred by mood swings, customs troubles, armed soldiers, engine failures, bad roads, civil unrests, weather variables, rocky cliffs, and physical exhaustion. All throughout the 15,000 mile journey, Cahill and Sowerby use an insurmountable grit to get them through each passing day. By the end of the read, you totally forget that there was a record at stake; all one can think about was how these guys did what they did and lived to tell the tale. Cahill's writing is a talent. Readers of this story will most definitely feel as if they vicariously took this road trip. And when the two get to Alaska, whether the record was obtained or not, the reader will most definitely say, "That was a blast! Now, get me out of this truck!"

G.K. CHESTERTON is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see."

~G.K. Chesterton

Photo of the Day...

Arica, Chile. Photo by: Sharon Thames

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Photo of the Day...

Kununurra, Australia. Photo by: Bryan Hoff

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Hostel of the Week...

CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL in Stockholm, Sweden is a home away from home for all kinds of backpackers and budget travelers. City Backpackers Hostel is located right in a safe and quiet section of the city centre, and only a 500 meter walk from Central Station and the bus/airport shuttle terminal. Most of the city sights, including the Galma Stan, the mid-evil part of Stockholm, can be found within walking distance, and the main walking and shopping street, Drottninggatan, is just around the corner. Rooms go from 2 to 12 beds and there are also studio apartments available. The hostel has all the basic amenities with some special ones like free bike rental (summer months), free ice skate rental (winter months), and free hot sauna usage. The impressive part about this hostel, especially to all you Dirty Hippies out there, is that City Backpackers Hostel is a "Green Hostel." The environmental-friendly approach is seen in the hostels focus on recycling, use of renewable energy resources and use of energy efficant white-wares and light blubs.

Three Reasons to stay at CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL:

1. Good Amenities. Especially the hot sauna in the winter months!

2. Green Hostel. What Dirty Hippie doesn't like that?

3. Great Location. Close to all your needs in Stockholm.

http://www.citybackpackers.org/

Photo of the Day...

Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by: Rachel Stanley

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Just a Thought...

What is the most bizarre food you have eaten in your travels?

Leave a comment and let everyone know!

Photo of the Day...

Prague, Czech Republic. Photo by: Gary Williams

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Destination of the Week...

If canyoning, paragliding, rafting, viewing one of the world’s seven wonders, scuba diving, shopping, soaking in mud baths, snorkeling in caves, or exploring ancient ruins sounds like fun to you, then head to Dalyan, Turkey, where you can find all of these things, and more on a cheap budget. Dalyan offers a resort-like atmosphere at a fraction of the price of comparable European destinations, and still has plenty of local charm and culture. You can find an inexpensive tour operator, private guide, or just go it alone, which is probably your best bet, but no matter how you find your way around, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy between your sunbathing sessions on the lovely, soft beaches. Efes may be a major tourist attraction for cruise ships, but for good reason; it is one of the official “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. If you enjoy historic sights, also check out the spectacular Kaunos Tombs, carved into the cliffs overlooking Dalyan. Adventure junkies should head to Ölüdeniz and go paragliding over the beautiful beaches, or, just 45 minutes outside Dalyan is Akköprü, where you can cool down with some awesome white water rafting. If you’re a nature lover, make your way to the world famous Turtle Beach and watch endangered Loggerhead Turtles nesting in the sand, as they have done for generations, or find your favorite type of scenery and throw on your trekking boots. Almost anyone enjoys the most famous attraction in Dalyan: The Mud Baths and thermal springs. Best reached by boat, the Dalyan Mud Baths will leave anyone’s skin looking younger and feeling soft as a baby’s bottom. After basking in the sun with your full-body mud mask, take a dip in the thermal baths, which are said to have healing properties for both the inside and outside of your body. In fact, the waters at the Sultaniye Spring have the second highest mineral content in the world. Dalyan has all the spoils any budget traveler is looking for, and then some, and it can all be found at affordable prices. Though Dalyan is beautiful year round, it is without a doubt a summer destination, and getting there is easy. Drive, take a bus, or fly from almost anywhere, via connecting flights from Istanbul.

Click here for details on getting to Dalyan!

Click here for Turkey visitor information!

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Photo of the Day...

Tuscany, Italy. Photo by: Taryn Benesta

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Dirty Little Secrets...

FOOD FIND
If you’re visiting South Africa right now, for the World Cup, be sure to try some Ouma Rusks with breakfast, or anytime as a snack. Beskuit (known as “rusk” in English, and similar to an Italian biscotti) is a crunchy biscuit-type snack made to go along with hot coffee or tea, and they are best eaten after being dipped in your drink, to soak it up. This crunchy and subtly sweet snack is made from dough and is twice baked, giving it extra crunch. Many people have a family recipe for beskuit, but Ouma Rusks is the most popular brand on the market, and have even become a South African icon. Back in 1939, in the Eastern Cape town of Molteno, in an effort to help her community recover from the Great Depression, Ouma Greyvensteyn used her family recipe to bake her rusks to perfection and sell to visiting farmers. Since then they have become outrageously popular and can be bought online and shipped all over the world. There are as many different rusk variations as there are people to eat them, and Ouma Rusk brand has several as well: The original is always popular, but some of the other flavors include Buttermilk, Marmalade, Aniseed, Blueberry, and even Nutri, which is enriched with vitamins, fiber, low in saturated fat, and is low glycemic for diabetics, so you don’t have to feel guilty enjoying your rusks! If you’re not in South Africa and still want to try some rusks, experiment with the below recipe, and enjoy with your favorite coffee or tea! Or you can click here to purchase Ouma Rusks online!

RUSKS:

450g/ 3 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups bran flakes

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

125g/9 tbsp butter

140g/ 3/4 cup sugar

125ml/ 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

250ml/1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1. Heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Mix together in the flour, bran flakes, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.

2. Melt the butter, sugar and oil in a saucepan. Stir the mixture until all the sugar is dissolved

3. Beat the eggs with the buttermilk and add to the melted butter mixture. Add the butter and buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. Fill your greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until lightly golden a skewer comes out clean.

4. Turn out the pan and allow to cool. Turn the oven down to 100C/200F/Gas 1. Cut into finger shaped rusks, about 1 inch thick. Place cut side up on a baking tray (preferably one with holes) and place back into the oven overnight, or for 8 hours.

*Photo from deli-sa.com

*Recipe from londonfoodieny.com