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Mamona: The Delicious Roasted Calf of Colombia’s Llanos

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By Luis Ospino - June 15, 2025 La Mamona is a culinary gem of  Colombia  that represents the essence of the llanos, their culture, and their love for roasted meat. Credit:  Carlos Zambrano /CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 In the llano region of Colombia, you will find a culinary gem called “La Mamona,” also known as “ternera a la llanera” or “roasted calf.” This authentic and flavorful dish is a testament to the tradition and culinary skill of the  Colombian llaneros . The heart of this delicacy begins with selecting a “criollo” calf. What makes La Mamona unique is the age of the animal used. Specifically, a “mamona” is a calf that is still nursing, typically around 9 months old. This choice of young meat contributes to the distinctive flavor and texture of La Mamona. Preparing ‘La Mamona’ The process of preparing La Mamona is an art in itself. The calf is broken down into a variety of cuts, each with its own characteristics. Some cuts include the rump, heron, bear, branding irons, ...

Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

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  EGYPT How long did Ancient Egyptians live — and what did most people die of? What were the houses and schools like in Ancient Egypt? What did Ancient Egyptians eat and drink? Egyptologist and author Barbara Mertz unearths these secrets. What was in an Ancient Egyptian’s diet? How long did they live? And, most importantly, were they cat or dog people? While I love learning about world religions, mythology and history, not everyone can be a ruler or high priest. It’s nice to also think about the little people. As we explored the wonders of Egypt , I kept finding myself wondering what it was like for the average person.  It was surprisingly difficult to find a book that covered this subject. There are tons of tomes covering the temples, tombs and pharaohs. But one that tells you how most Egyptians at the time kicked the bucket? Hard to come by.  “ Before we start feeling superior to our ‘primitive’ predecessors, we should bear in mind that a good many people in today’s ‘ci...