Checking out alternative chili recipes we found a recipe calling for a chayote. Not knowing what it was, I went to wikipedia. The entry may have the best opening line of any wikipedia entry I’ve found:
The chayote (Sechium edule), also known as sayote, tayota, choko, chocho, chow-chow, christophine or merliton, is an edible plant that belongs to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae along with melons, cucumbers and squash.
Who wouldn’t want to eat something with a name like that? Alas, the corner fruterie does not carry them and it’s too cold for a jaunt to the marché. Maybe next time.
I would gladly name a child Christophine or Merliton. So French. I’ve seen these in the market many times but never bought one. it looks kind of like a clam only it’s a green vegetable.
We are really really looking forward to spending some time with you all in Montreal this summer! I need to talk to you about the administratin’ life, and research, and other things. I’m trying to hold onto my passion for stickin’ it to the man, but sometimes I feel like I am the man, though I am not really. I’m hoping that maybe we can do some manuscript reviewing or something. I know that Shoshana Magnet is out your way too, and she’s super smart. I need the Jonathan Sterne comm-studies fix.
Lisa
totally! everyone in my hometown (in easter tenn.) makes chow chow into something like a cross between salsa and a fruit/vegetable salad–also called chow chow–and cans it. the versions i’ve had are quite spicy and tangy.