Ties to the Homeland
Unfortunately, I do not have many strong ties to my homeland today. All of my grandparents are dead except my maternal grandmother. The last time I went to Wales was for my grandfather’s funeral in 2002. My mother still keeps in touch with her mother and brothers back in Wales, but I rarely communicate with them at all. My father’s only living sibling lives here, and he and his family are pretty much the only real ties to Wales. But just because I haven’t visited but once and don’t keep in close contact with family there doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy some things Welsh—such as the cooking! My mother cooked traditional Welsh dishes growing up, and I still eat (and prepare) a good deal of lamb and leeks. My favorite dish from Wales is “welsh rabbit,”[1] which is just cheese on toast. I am also an avid rugby fan, which is hugely popular in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom.
"Welsh Rabbit" (Rarebit)
[1] Welsh Rarebit (Rabbit) Recipe
- 2 to 4 slices of bread
- 1½ cups of grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of milk or beer
- 30 grams / 1 oz of butter
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Pepper
Toast the slices of bread and grate 1½ cups of cheese. Arrange the cooked toast on a baking tray ready for grilling and spread with butter. Slowly melt the cheese and milk in a small saucepan. Then add the mustard and pepper. Stir continuously. When thick and smooth, pour over each piece of toast and grill until golden brown.