Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Food Blurb: Why I Like Black Food

Black jobs might be a figment of former President Trump’s imagination but black food is real! It is both delicious and nutritious.


I never liked black food. Unless it’s ice cream. Just kidding.

When I used to think of black food I thought people were saying that the food was burnt. But that’s not so. I discovered that there is black ice cream, there are black vegetables, and people intentionally add certain ingredients, like charcoal or squid ink, to make the food black.

Doing research I discovered that in London, they have a Black Food Festival. But don’t be confused. The food isn’t the color “black”. It’s called Black Eats Fest and it celebrates food from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. It’s a celebration of culinary diversity.

This content is about food that is the color “black”. It’s a brief introduction by way of sharing fun facts, which are the reasons why I like black food.

(1) Black foods are not just a novelty; they have great nutritional value. So when people tell you “eat the rainbow”, be sure to add black veggies to your diet. Learn more: Exotic Vegetables: Do You Include Black Veggies When You Eat the Rainbow?

(2) At one time, in ancient China, there was black rice (some say dark purple), which was also known as “forbidden rice”. It wasn’t forbidden to everyone. The emperors could have some and of course, the wealthy. But these days, it’s available to the masses and even shows up in U.S. restaurants. Black rice is the “perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for additional protein”. Learn more: What Is Forbidden Rice? | Eating Well

(3) Black sesame seeds are not the lighter sesame seeds that are colored black. The black color comes from anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Plus, they are a great source of calcium and magnesium. Learn more: What is Black Sesame, Actually? | Sporked



Saturday, September 7, 2024

Mushroom: Real Food of Fantasy and Fairy Tales

When one says the word “mushroom” it might provoke various thoughts. Psychedelic dreams.  Fantasy and fairy tales.  Tiny homes for whimsical creatures.  A meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians.

For me, it provokes a memory of a romantic dinner date.  My first experience tasting a mushroom was when my late husband (my fiancé at the time) prepared dinner for me.  Steak with mushroom gravy. 

Before meeting my husband, I avoided mushrooms for two reasons.

~Number 1:  My mother never used them in any of her recipes.  Mom didn’t cook them. (???)  Maybe they don’t taste good.  (O.o)

~Number 2:  The way people describe mushrooms.  Fungus.  Toadstool.  They don’t make the mushroom sound appetizing or visually appealing.


However, many cooks and chefs use the mushroom as the main ingredient in their recipes.  Foodies are happy to share photos of amazing dishes where mushrooms are the star of the show.  

As for being visually appealing, mushrooms are quite beautiful. 

Artists often use them to illustrate fantasies. 

Nature photographers go insane! They capture incredible pics just roaming through the woods or the fields.

My first time eating mushrooms was over 40 years.  But from that day forward, I didn’t need convincing to make mushrooms a part of my diet.  However, in case you do, perhaps this health article by Popular Science will persuade you.  “4 reasons you should eat more mushrooms”.


It's good to know these reasons why, but the most important thing everybody needs to know about mushrooms is that some of them are NOT edible.  No doubt you will find these information links useful.

10 of the World's Deadliest Mushrooms - WorldAtlas.com


  • 14 Types of Mushrooms and their Uses – Epicurious


  • glitter-graphics.com


    SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

    Content first appeared at Virily.com

    Friday, June 28, 2024

    Netflix Series: Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody

    This is the fifth (and final) post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

    Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody (2024)



    In the USA, fried chicken is Southern food comfort and everybody brags that they have perfected the best recipe ever! Not trying to diss my Southern friends and kinfolk, but Korean fried chicken, affectionately referred to as KFC, is a global sensation. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy meat on the inside, with bold flavors, and the recipe has variations. 


    One of the most popular variations is yangnyeom chicken, which is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from a combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. This sticky flavorful sauce clings to the crispy chicken. (Admit it! You’re drooling aren’t you?) 


    Another variation is ganjang chicken, glazed with a savory soy sauce-based marinade and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. As can be seen in Korean dramas, it’s a social food served at gatherings, accompanied by beer or soju (Korean rice liquor). Fried chicken restaurants in Korea are known as chimaek joints.





    Original source

    Friday, June 21, 2024

    Netflix Series: Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)

    This is the fourth post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

    Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)


    Korean Jjajangmyeon has been described as a culinary experience that embodies the fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors. It is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish characterized by its savory black bean sauce. In “Wok of Love” this dish is mentioned frequently. 


    Originating from Chinese immigrants in Korea, and is now a staple of Korean cuisine. The dish consists of chewy wheat noodles topped with a thick, glossy sauce made from chunjang, a Korean black bean paste. The sauce is typically stir-fried with diced beef or pork, onions, zucchini, and other vegetables. The blend of umami-rich black bean paste black bean paste, savory meat, and sweet caramelized vegetables can be described as pure harmony and that’s why it is a beloved comfort food. People enjoy it as a standalone meal but can also be paired with other Korean-Chinese dishes.















    Original source



    Friday, June 14, 2024

    Netflix Series: Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody (2020)

    This is the third post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

    Korean Porkbelly Rhapsody (2020)


    (Image credit:  Whole Foods MarketWhole Foods Market)

    Korean pork belly, known as samgyeopsal (삼겹살) in Korean, is a quintessential dish in Korean cuisine and it originates from South Korea. Korean barbecue culture is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Thick slices of pork belly that are marbled with layers of fat and meat, are usually grilled at the table over a charcoal or gas grill.  The grilling caramelizes the fat, and imparts a delicious smokiness and crispiness to the meat. 


    What is samgyeopsal served with? various pickled vegetables, sliced garlic, green onions, fresh lettuce leaves, and ssamjang (a savory and spicy dipping sauce made from fermented soybean paste and chili paste). 


    The fun is figuring out your favorite way to eat it! This is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Korean cuisine.







    Original source

    Friday, June 7, 2024

    Netflix Series: Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)

    This is the second post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody ~ part of a Netflix series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today. 

    Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)


    Korean Hanwoo is a premium breed of beef cattle native to South Korea. Food lovers praise it for its rich flavor, its exceptional quality, tenderness, marbling, and succulent texture. Hanwoo beef is a source of national pride. As such, South Korea has very strict standards to ensure the superior quality of Hanwoo cattle. Korean farmers are very meticulous throughout the breeding and rearing process. Hanwoo beef is used in a wide range of dishes, from traditional Korean barbecue (galbi) to hearty stews (jjigae) and savory soups (guk). Hanwoo symbolizes prosperity, celebration, and hospitality. It has been deemed a Korean culinary treasure.





    Original source

    Monday, June 3, 2024

    Netflix Series: Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

    The Netflix Rhapsody series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  To date, there are five (5) rhapsody programs.  An EES blog post will be published to highlight each program.  This is the first post.

    Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

    cold noodle

    Korean cold noodle, known as naengmyeon (냉면) in Korean, originated from North Korea. The dish consists of long, thin noodles made from wheat or buckwheat flour, served in a chilled broth, then topped with various ingredients. 


    The toppings can include boiled egg, cucumber, Korean pear, pickled radish, and thinly sliced beef. There are different varieties and the most common variety is mul naengmyeon, which are noodles in a clear, tangy broth made from beef, chicken, or dongchimi (radish water kimchi).


    Naengmyeon (cold noodle) is not only revered for its taste but also for its health benefits and cooling properties, making it a particularly popular dish during the summertime. The Korean cold noodle is often served during special occasions, like weddings or birthdays.


     







    Original source

    Sunday, April 14, 2024

    General Health Tips : 7 Best Foods for People Over 50

    Life stages simplified:
    • Growth and development? Youth and adolescence.
    • Procreation and maintenance? Young adult – 20 something plus 30 years.
    • Disease prevention and keeping body systems working? Congratulations! You've reached the 50 and beyond mark!


    What is an ideal anti-aging shopping list for someone 50 or over? 

     


    1. Green Leafy Vegetables
    • fight DNA damage that may lead to cancer;
    • reduce your risk of chronic eye diseases;
    • suppress the amino acid homocysteine which is important for brain health.


    2. Kefir or Yogurt
    • source of calcium, needed for bone;
    • choose plain, low-sugar varieties, ideally made from grass-fed milk.


    3. Whey Protein
    • counteract loss of muscle mass and strength.
    • easily absorbed and supports muscle growth and repair.
    • add to smoothies or mix with milk for a quick shake.


    4. Wild-Caught Seafood
    • best sources of omega-3 fats, fights inflammation and supports brain health, heart health and more.


    5. Berries
    • high in fiber and antioxidants;
    • should be called “super berries” because of all the health benefits.


    6. Olive Oil
    • heart-healthy monounsaturated fat can lower risk of heart disease;
    • controls insulin levels and blood sugar;
    • provides vitamins E and K.


    7. Dark Chocolate (the darker, the better)
    • rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
    • lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even abdominal obesity;
    • satisfies your sweet tooth. :)




    DISCLAIMER: Information above not intended to substitituted for medical advice. General information purposes only. If you found the summary above useful and would like to read the extended version of the article or find other health-related writings, click here to peruse the full library.




    Tuesday, January 30, 2024

    Chocolate Links for Chocolate Lovers

    Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. 

    It is definitely not on the list of things one can not Google. You never have any problems finding stuff about chocolate. People love to celebrate it and make up national days for it. They tout all its health benefits as if one needs an excuse to eat it. Even raw chocolate is becoming “the right thing” to eat. 



    * Chocolate Good for the Memory

    * Why Drinking Hot Chocolate is Good for You?

    * National Chocolate Éclair Day - Éclair means “flash of lightning” and describes the speed at which these delicacies will disappear if left unguarded.

    * National Chocolate Pudding Day

    * National Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day

    * National Chocolate Candy Day

    * National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day

    * National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

    * Raw Chocolate is Now a Trend

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    Friday, December 1, 2023

    Food Blurb: Basil, the Sacred Herb

    Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

    basil

    For example:

    • In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

    • In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

    • In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

    In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

    Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

    • Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

    • India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

    • Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

    That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 


    Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

    ~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

    ~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

    ~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

    ~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

    ~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

    ~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

    REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

    Tuesday, September 19, 2023

    One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian

    A general review of the History of the Exotic Spice Trade will eventually lead to Indonesia.
    "One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian
    • During the years 1602 to 1942, what is now the Republic of Indonesia was a Dutch colony. ... The tradition of Indonesian food known today as Rijstafel, which means Rice Table, was started by the Dutch. ..."
    Read more at: Indonesian Food History – Rijistafel
    The concept of rijsttafel is a way to sample the many different spice-laced dishes from various regions of Indonesia.  The Dutch likely drew inspiration from a similar Indonesian multiple-dish meal known as nasi padang.

    References:

    Brennan, Georgeanne. “Rijsttafel: The Dutch-Indonesian Rice Table.” The Cook’s Cook, 29 Sept. 2017, https://thecookscook.com/features/rijsttafel-dutch-indonesian-rice-table/. 

    “Rijsttafel | Indonesian, Spice, Variety | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/rijsttafel.

    “Indonesian Food History - Rijistafel” Daily Two Cents, 10 May 2015, web.archive.org/web/20170803143846/http://dailytwocents.com/indonesian-food-history-rijistafel/.

    Thursday, August 31, 2023

    Korean Food: A Brief Introduction to Banchan

    In Korean cuisine, banchan is a small side dish served along with rice as part of an everyday meal. No Korean meal is complete without at least 2 to 3 banchan.


    If you are one of my followers or subscribers then you know that my guilty pleasure is watching Korean dramas. Not only are they entertaining but they are educational and the food they eat always looks so mouth-watering. Watching them makes me hungry. I always wish I could be right there with them enjoying the food! LOL.

    Netflix is doing well these days helping me satisfy my appetite for K-dramas. This streaming platform has quite a selection of movies and TV series, historical period or modern, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more! Crash Course in Romance is a Korean series that was released on Netflix in January 2023. This series introduced me to “banchan”. One of the main characters was Nam Haeng-seon (played by Jeon Do-yeon), a lady who owned and operated a shop called “Nation’s Best Banchan”. Customers could come into the store and pick whatever banchan dishes they wanted for lunch or dinner.

    Not being very familiar with Korean cuisine, my first question was: What is banchan? My second question was: What is the best banchan? I did a little research and am sharing my notes below.

    NOTE 1: “Banchan means side dish in Korean, but in reality, it’s a bunch of small dishes filled to the brim with pickles and the like that scatter the table at lunch or dinner.” (REF: Hills, S. W. (2022, January 13). The Funky, Flavorful Side Dishes to Complete Any Korean Meal. Food52. food52.com/blog/17598-the-funky-flavorful-sides-a-korean-meal-wouldn-t-be-complete-without)

    NOTE 2: “There are generally three main types of banchan — fresh vegetable banchan like namul or muchim; braised or soy sauce-based banchan called jorim; and well-preserved mit banchan like kimchi or jeotgal, that’s usually on hand in large batches.” (REF: Yoo, Irene. “How to Cook a Bunch of Banchan.” Food Network, Food Network, 6 May 2021, www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-cook-banchan-side-dishes-crowd. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

    NOTE 3: What are some popular banchan dishes? (REF: TasteAtlas. “46 Types of Banchan Sorted by Popularity.” Tasteatlas.com, TasteAtlas, 20 Nov. 2020, www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-types-of-banchan-in-the-world. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

    N‌OTE 4: “Banchan dates back to the mid-Three Kingdom period, around 300s AD at a time when Buddhism was a heavy influence and meat consumption was highly discouraged. As a restyle, seasonal vegetable-based dishes became the focal point of Korean cuisine.” (REF: Angela, and admin. “Banchan History: All about Korea’s Famous Side Dishes.” FOODICLES, 2 June 2021, foodicles.com/banchan-history/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

    NOTE 5: Everything you need to know about the history, etiquette, and ingredients behind banchan. (REF: Spalding, Lavinia, and Mae Hamilton. “How to Eat Korean Banchan — and a Guide to the Most Iconic Dishes.” AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Aug. 2021, www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-eat-korean-banchan-and-a-guide-to-the-most-iconic-dishes. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)‌

    Original source

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    Friday, June 23, 2023

    Meal Kit Delivery Services: Spotlight on Hello Fresh

    There are many people who have a very busy lifestyle.  They are on the run so much that they don't have time to expend on preparing a home-cooked meal.  In order to ao avoid eating fast food or junk food, Hello Fresh offers a valuable service.  They do the meal planning and grocery shopping for you.


    Food is fresh, never frozen. In addition to meats and veggies, they have plant-based meals for vegans and vegetarians.

    They deliver the meal kits once a week and you can skip deliveries if you need to, like if you're going out of town. You can also easily cancel your account.

    The company owners, managers, and staff are very conscious of their social responsibilities. For example.

    ~ They promote healthy lifestyles

    ~ Their meal kits don't waste food.

    ~ They request that customers recycle the boxes the goods were delivered in.

    Headquartered in Germany, and in business since 2011, Hello Fresh meal kits are extremely popular in America.



    Friday, April 28, 2023

    Foodie Friday : World Cuisine : Japan’s 10 weirdest ice cream flavors (Reblog)

    ATTN Foodies and food lovers. Check out this Top Ten List. Do you have a taste for something sweet, cold and delicious, yet strange and exotic or ... maybe just a little salty? Then you should probably be visiting an ice cream parlor in Japan. I have heard of sweet potato ice cream, which I personally thought was weird; however, it's not on this list! Squid ink?? It's Number 8. Eh! It's soft serve! Worth a try! :)











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