Inka Cola

Well, I'm sitting here, drinking some Inca Kola, after a busy day with the kids.  In Canada we'd say Inca  Kola is the Pop of Peru; in America, the Soda of peru;  or, in Peru, El Refresco or Gaseosa de Peru.  It's somewhat comparable to cream soda, or some say like a cotton-candy flavor, and is probably as popular as Coca Cola is.  I personally enjoy it, though I'm not much of a pop drinker.  (As a side note, the Coca Cola here is  made with real sugar, unlike in North America).

Other popular drinks of Peru include various herbal teas such as Coca Tea, made from dried coca leaves.  Native to Andes ranges such as Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, the people here claim it helps with many various ailments such as altitude sickness, stomach upset, and to aid in sleep. (For more info on Coca tea click here ).
Chicha Morada is also a common drink of Peru.  Though there are many varients throughout Latin America, in the Cusco area it is a sweetened juice made of purple corn.  It's history goes back to pre-colonial/ pre-Incan empire times!  (For you info buffs, click here for more info on chicha).

This week I thought it would be nice to make some home-made dill chip dip.  Unfortunately, I've discovered that Cusco does not have sour cream.  (Neither is there cheddar cheese here).  I'm still on the hunt for dried dill, as I've only looked in one grocery store so far. 
I guess some Inca Chips with salted camote, yuca and platano will have to do.  Not that I  mind- just not the flavor I was going for!

Thanks to my mom for sending the Play-dough recipe!  It sure beats any store-sold plasticine.  If I hadn't asked around, I never would have found the food coloring.  La Canasta does sell various colors of food coloring, but you have to ask for it at the counter, as it's not sold on the shelf.  I was also able to get some cream of tartar from the orphanage director, instead of paying the 60 Soles for the bulk-size container they sell at La Canasta (haven't seen it sold anywhere else yet).
The kids loved playing with the play-dough today!

 We've also been having fun with bubbles, dress-up, stickers and various Christmas crafts (thanks MMClinic), and decorating for Christmas.  Next week: more crafts and... cookie decorating!