Comfort in an unsettling world

By way of a recipe for double crusted cheesecake + marsala poached pears

Hello.

It’s been a little difficult. I’ve been in the process of writing a couple of posts only to save them as drafts and not re-visit them. Self-doubt and the feeling of not actually adding value to anything that is already out there are creeping up, which is why I’ve been feeling crippled in writing/sharing anything.

A few things that have been preoccupying my mind are the circus that this country is and how I’ve been thinking about Roadrunner, the film about Bourdain.

I don’t know why but I am someone who gets very bothered/affected by injustices in the world. Currently, the fact that there is even a debate about transporting migrant workers in lorries in the first world country that I live in leaves me outraged. The elitism that exists in this country is quite sobering. Apparently, some netizens have the sentiment that the lives of locals here are superior to those of migrant workers. I’ve never understood how, anyone could think they are superior to another person born into less fortunate circumstances. Like, literally no one gets to choose where they are born, what colour skin they have, or what family they get born into. But humans are so awful that they use their unfounded privilege based on social class/race/ethnicity and believe they are more equal than others.

Another thing — as the days go by, I feel terribly suffocated by how disgustingly superficial this society is. I’m so worn out by the facade that the authorities here try to put up to impress the world, so that this small little red dot doesn’t become a pushover.

I am very aware that it could be worse. I am thankful that I live in an extremely safe country, have a roof over my head, have access to fresh water everyday, and food. But even with all this privilege, I feel like I can’t do anything about anything.

Some advice that has been given to me by several people is to “ignore” things that make me upset or “don’t think too much”. The news makes you upset? Stop tuning in. The knowledge of awful things triggers you? Don’t think about it. Isn’t it sad that we have to live in an “ignorance is bliss” bubble to get through life?

Compounded with how Roadrunner featured some depressing themes.. like how Bourdain witnessing war in Lebanon and seeing the effects of the war in Vietnam caused quite a bit of distress, how exposing yourself to the world makes you realise it’s not all peachy out there (we already know this), etc.. I haven’t been feeling very peachy. Is this just how it is? (To be fair, Bourdain does mention that the news always and almost only highlights tragedy but not the simple joys of daily life.)

Anyway. Sorry that you’ve unknowingly plummeted into this ditch of my outpour of how depressing the state of things is. But apparently I’m not really a half-cup-full kinda person.

a pear-shaped jewel!

What makes up for shitty things and helps you get through some not-so-great times, though, is a beautiful marsala poached pear. Unfortunately, I believe aging them in the fridge after poaching for a couple of weeks, minimally, brings out the best in them. The floral quality is so pronounced — something that is difficult to get from the fresh pears here.

My recipe uses conference pears and while I know that they are nowhere to be found for now, I believe they will show up some time in October or close to Christmas. When they do, snag at least 8 of them and a bottle of marsala to make this treat that will be ready for Christmas and more.

I paired this with a double-crusted rum cheesecake which was rather delightful. I’m a crust kinda gal, but this recipe works with a single crust too.

Recipe time!

I’m just going to come out and say it, this recipe TAKES TIME. Because I love making my life difficult and yours too. But hey, it’s always worth it. It’s not the least bit difficult. In fact, it is stupendously easy. You could do this over a few days or really just leisurely on a weekend. Bring it for a dinner party and spread joy.