Bitter Gourd, Less Bitter to the Bitter End

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is indeed bitter as its name implies. It's just like the taste of life and medicine. There are sweet, mild and bitter. But, when all have been resolved finely, everything will run smoothly. Bitter gourd or paya in the Balinese language has seemingly become one of compulsory plants in the Balinese garden as it's also used to fill out the ingredient of offerings along with other vegetables. Though it tastes bitter, we can reduce its 'bitterness' by kneading and discard its water one after another.
If you prefer to stir-fried bitter gourd, you can add with scrambled egg. However, if you'd like to make it soup, simply accompany it with thick coconut milk and quail's egg. It will looks better and tastes less bitter. Psst!, please wait for a moment! People say that this bitter gourd has also a quality to prevent oneself from mosquito's bite and relieve sore throat. Believe it or not, just try it first whether its bitterness can make you better.
Ingredients:
5 pieces of bitter gourd, 5 quail eggs, 3 cups of thick coconut milk
Seasoning:
3 tbsp fried shallot, 2 tbsp fried garlic, 1 tsp fried chilli, salt (to taste)
Method:
1. Halve the bitter gourd and get rid of its sponge and seeds inside.
2. Slice thinly, then add some salt and kneaded. Rinse and knead it again and again until at least four times to minimise its bitter taste.
3. Stir-fry and add with fried shallot, garlic and chilli. Finally, add the coconut milk and some salt. Wait for some fifteen minutes, and then it's ready to serve. (BTN/029)

Roast Suckling Pig, for Delicacy and Festivity

Probably the words 'crispy' and 'piquant' are not enough to represent the taste of roasted pig. The pleasingly red, dry, and brittle surface or texture of its skin makes the food enthusiasts will hunt it wherever it situates. It's genuinely appeal the appetite. If you'd like to taste this Balinese specialty, you can easily find either at local warung (food stalls), night market or restaurant during vacation on this island. Just ask your tour guide or driver to take your there.
There is a unique belief among the local people who breed pigs. When theirs give birth to many babies they will slaughter one of them (female one) and roast it for the offering while it's still breastfeeding to its mother. It's intended to invoke safety and prosperity of the others as it may happen the piglet undertakes epidemic or its mother preys them. That's why it's called roasted suckling pig and it's smaller from that sold for consumption.
In Bali, roasted pig is also used for ingredient of offerings in certain ritual. For instance, it provided for three-month festivity of a baby, ngerasak rite for the land or even for optional filler of oblation on Tumpek Landep ('affection day' for cars, machines or other metal-made equipments) and so forth. (BTN/029)

Kurma Asih Saving Turtles

PERANCAK - Kurma Asih Foundation is an NGO which is committed to protect turtles. Why does this creature need to be protected? Anom Astika from the foundation said that the turtle population has declined worldwide, and tends to be threatened to extinction. This is the reason why the creature needs to be protected. Kurma Asih, since it is founded in July 11, 1997, has been releasing many turtle hatchlings and juveniles, which is locally known as 'tukik' hatches from eggs that incubated on artificial nests. Anom argued that some nest need to be shifted from their natural locations because they may be in danger of being stolen or inundated by sea water because the nesting site is too low. Anom, who is kept busy in providing food for the turtle hatchlings and look after the nest calls for help. He asks for support from any body or institution who/which cares on the conservation of the turtles. "You can help by adopting the nest", he said full of hope while fiddling with his turtles on the Perancak Beach, in Jembrana Regency, South Western of Bali. (BTN/028)