King Pong

06 September 2002. Inspired by .

"A combination of corn flour and rotten cheese, nectarines, crushed filberts, a dash of pineapple, a spoonful of old dry sherry, thick cream, apricot-pulp, and a soupcon of garlic, all reduced to the consistency of a rich custard."

-- FW Burbridge, 19th Century explorer.


As of sundown today, a very big Shenah Tovah to all our readers. Happy 5763. Naturally.

Which means you have a few hours yet to gather yourselves a new fruit. One of the more endearing traditions of Jewish New Year is to find and eat a fruit you've not had all year, for a fresh new start.

We like adopting unusual traditions here at the PP, so last night we went for a special new year durian. The King of Fruit, it has inspired poetry, music, art and film. I'd not had it for more than six years, so it more than qualified.

It's certainly quite special. Oh and also banned in most hotels, airlines and buses in South East Asia, due to its pungent, spiny skin. The taste is best described as onion icecream with the texture of over-ripe camembert.

You'll find durians on sale in Chinatown at the moment - but only for a couple of weeks. They spoil quickly and the season is nearly over. Ask the advice of the stallholder about which ones are freshest and get 'em while they're smelly.