Chapter 29, Pitango

“I have a chore for you today” Mom announced, “I need you to go Sa’adya and buy some oranges for us.” Sa’adya was the store owner next to the Okev’s place where we used to live (remember? My brother hit me over the head with a rake in Sa’adya’s backyard?) “Go visit with your friends Itai and Gabi” she said. “Don't stay too long, and on the way back home pick up 5 kilos of oranges. Sa’adya has the best navel oranges, and he gives us a good price. Here is some money and be careful on the road.”

I missed playing with Itai and Gabi ever since we moved to the “Se'ora” (Barley) Street. It was about a mile away. Both of them were in the orthodox school at the end of their street. I went to the secular school at the other end of our neighborhood, so we didn't have much time together anymore. Therefor whenever I had the chance to visit them it was a fun day for me.

Itai's father was working at the Moshav Avihayil milking cows and he used to bring us milk daily. Not anymore unfortunately, now we have another milk man who exchanges our empty milk bottles with full ones next to our door every morning. 

Itai’s family had a “Pitango – Surinam Cherry Tree” in their back yard. It was another reason I loved spending time with them. Their tree was big – much bigger than most Pitango bushes. The Pitango tree usually is a bush they use for hedges. But this one was a tree with a lot of fruit almost year-round. The Pitango is a red fruit with a distinct sweet smell and flavor. When it isn't fully ripe it has a very sweet and a little sour taste. I loved it when it was fully ripe dark red and juicy. It has a big pit a little bigger than the cherry but softer, so you must be careful not to bight through it, it is very bitter.

Itai was a very generous kid, if I expressed that I liked one of his toys he would immediately give it to me. In no time I had my pockets filled with all kinds of small toys.

“Thanks, Itai!” I said before I headed home, “You are the best friend anyone can have.” 

“Stop!” I heard his mother calling, “You can’t take all of his toys.”

I had to give them all back because I didn’t want his mother to make a big scene about it. I just wish that I kept at least one as a memoir of my best friend. But this is another story I will tell you some time letter. 

At Sa’adya’s place I picked up the heavy load of oranges and walked home for dinner.

 

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Avocado Salad

 

  Easy and simple to prepare. The salad doesn’t keep for long, so, it must be served within 2 – 3 hours, or it will lose color and turn brown.

Ingredients:

1 Fresh Avocado

1 Cup Jared Artichoke Hearts or 2 Large cooked Artichoke Hearts.

1 Cup Canned Hearts of Palm

½ tsp Salt

3 TBSP Lemon Juice

2 TBSP Olive Oil

Preparation:
  Cut up the Artichoke, Avocado and Hearts of palm to about ½” size. Mix it all, let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minute and serve.

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