From Aspic to Gel and Jus

The progression and changes in cooking and food over the years has proved interesting and in many cases humorous yet at the same time simply disgusting. Looking back, we are greeted with such recipes as "Corned Tongue in Aspic" (see picture) and various party food delights such as Devils on horseback, A masterful creation of a almond stuffed prune wrapped in bacon and baked. When further sophistication and class was required, the prune was replaced with an oyster, which was named Angels on Horseback. The focus was very much on heavy flavours, with a high level of processing which was then called cookery, the result was a confused mix of strong flavours where no independent tastes could be identified. While this can be said now, back then, it was seen as the height of sophistication, people would compete with each other, trying to be the most innovative.

Now, we are in an time where there is still a large variety of food, however the general trend is moving towards fresh simple flavours, with maybe only 2 or 3 flavours. The focus is towards good quality ingredients and doing little to them, allowing the true flavour to come through. Classic combinations are mainly featured, usually with an interesting twist or variation. However at the same time, another type of food is being developed... A scientific approach which incorporates gels, foams, jus' into small dishes that may take days to cook an

d prepare. The list of cooking methods (frying, baking, sauteeing, grilling) has expanded with techniques such as Sous Vide. This is when ingredients are placed in a plastic bag and vacuum sealed, then it is placed in a water bath and allowed to cook for up to a day. One thing that doesnt change is the fact that humans eat, we just change what we eat over time and through out our life.

The Crossover Period.

A visual representation of gradual yet fast change and transition. I did not create this but i thought it was a clever way of showing the current US political leadership situation. It tells us that although there is a new leader, that the past decisions and policies will still remain in the minds of people. The creator of this image may not have done this on purpose, but by cutting the complete unmerged images of Barack Obama & George Bush, he has made a statement about how we are yet to see the complete potential of Obama and the inclusion of George W. shows that he used his time in office to influence many peoples thoughts and opinions. This will be one of the troubles Obama will face when attempting to change the future behaviour of the US populus. Another way of interpreting this image would be to suggest that it is showing the immense number of similarities between the past and present leader.

Sorry Speech

On the 13th February 2008, Kevin Rudd made a monumental step in changing the relationship and future treatment of Aboriginal Australians. He identified that the treatment they received was injust and never to be repeated. He adressed the parliament with confidence while maintaining a level of professionalism that sparked the emotions of everyone who watched. It encouraged people of non-aboriginal descent to apologise to the past and present generations of Aboriginal people and to change their judgements, prejudices and misconceptions that they may previously had held. The following passage is taken from the Speech that was the start of a historic change in Australia.

"To the Stolen Generations, I say the following: as Prime Minister of Australia, I am sorry. On behalf of the Government of Australia, I am sorry. On behalf of the Parliament of Australia, I am sorry. And I offer you this apology without qualification. We apologise for the hurt, the pain and suffering we, the parliament, have caused you by the laws that previous parliaments have enacted. We apologise for the indignity, the degradation and the humiliation these laws embodied. We offer this apology to the mothers, the fathers, the brothers, the sisters, the families and the communities whose lives were ripped apart by the actions of successive governments under successive parliaments. In making this apology, I would also like to speak personally to the members of the Stolen Generation and their families: to those here today, so many of you; to those listening across the nation—from Yuendumu, in the central west of the Northern Territory, to Yabara, in North Queensland, and to Pitjantjatjara in South Australia."

The last section shows the intention of future discussion of the issue, to ensure the change is maintained and continued. Thought Kevin Rudd has come under some scrutiny to whether the sppech was simply a token gesture with little substance and following action. However, the speech was a effective tool to get people to accept the treatment was wrong and to talk about the issues that currently face the Aboriginal people of Australia.