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.

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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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Follow on Twitter

Indulge yourself with Special Dessert Teas ~ https://t.co/wFytci71Jz ~ #dessertteas #giftideas for #tealovers #teadrinkers #foodanddrink #grocery #gourmet #guiltypleasure ( Image: Dark #Chocolate #Peppermint Tea ) pic.twitter.com/FPmRefCu8n

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) August 29, 2019

Superfood Tea Comes in Chocolate! Miracle Tree - #Organic #Moringa #Superfood Tea ( 25 Individually Sealed Tea Bags), #Chocolate https://t.co/9ZuxxB2ZiA #teas #teadrinkers #tealover #FoodandDrink pic.twitter.com/yQPxxsS6Ii

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 5, 2020

Dessert Teas: Cuppa #ChocolateTea Assortment for chocolate lovers.#RedVelvet #Chocolate Tea, #Coconut Cocoa Tea, #Banana Chocolate Tea, #Strawberry Chocolate Tea, and #Peppermint Chocolate Tea. https://t.co/pPR0qnKpa8 #teadrinkers #tealover #FoodandDrink pic.twitter.com/XCKnXqeIIF

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 5, 2020

Bumbleberry Farms #Honey Cream Spreads; Set of 4 Flavors: Sea Salt Caramel, #Cinnamon Stick, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Maple; Small Batch; Natural; Preservative-Free; Four 8-OZ Jars ~ https://t.co/WcxhBc0KX4 ~ #Chocolate spread and #peanutbutter taken to the next level. #grocery pic.twitter.com/IujYLrkTfU

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) March 4, 2022

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.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

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

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/.

"Rijsttafel" by Jan Willem van Wessel from Rotterdam, Netherlands - Rijsttafel 13. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Medallions of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan

* * *
Related Links:

• A Brief History of Indonesia: Sultans, Spices, and Tsunamis: The Incredible Story of Southeast Asia's Largest Nation

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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

♦♦♦ COOKING VIDEOS:

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Foodie Friday : 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

Did You Know There is Such a Thing as a BLUE MUSHROOM?

Content first appeared at Virily.com

♦

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.

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! :)

Japan’s 10 weirdest ice cream flavors | SoraNews24

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• Chocomint Frappe: The cure for Japan's mint condition(japantimes.co.jp)

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• The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in New York(grubstreet.com)

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Want to View More #FoodieFriday posts? View Most Popular Foodie Friday Posts  The Right Blend of Spices for Cajun Food Lovers  Indian Food: Hot n Spicy Samosas (Reblog)  Candied Jalapeño Peppers  Chinese New Year Recipes and Dishes  Pesto Around the World  Experiencing the Joy of Salsa   Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon  It's Flipping Foodie Friday!  Raw Coconut Fig Slice (Reblog)  Winter Salad Binging  Banana Brownies - Back for Seconds  Cool Foodies and Food Lovers Celebrating Their “Firsts” on Twitter

Desserts Made With My Favorite Ingredient. Cool Whip!

Desserts! YUM! There are very few people in the world who will refuse a delicious dessert.

• Parents tell their kids: “If you eat all your vegetables, you’ll get dessert!” or “Finish your food or you won’t get any dessert!

• Kids grow up and tell themselves: “Life is uncertain. Eat desserts first.” ☺

Sometimes It Is OK to Eat Desserts

If you live in the USA, then you know that there are certain times of the year when eating desserts is totally OK. From October through December, because many holidays are celebrated, indulging in and enjoying desserts is expected. Is it any wonder that these 3 months are my favorite time of the year?

A few years back I signed up to receive a free newsletter published by FaveSouthernRecipes. This publication supplies wonderful recipes that are submitted by various people. The contributors could be professional chefs or everyday cooks. One of the issues was loaded with recipes for desserts. There were twelve (12) easy recipes that used my favorite secret ingredient Cool Whip.

• REFERENCE: “12 Easy Southern Recipes with Cool Whip.” Edited by Terrie Hayes, FaveSouthernRecipes.com, Prime Publishing, LLC., 7 May 2015, www.favesouthernrecipes.com/Recipes-for-Dessert/Easy-Southern-Recipes-With-Cool-Whip.

Elvis Presley’s love of bananas, peanut butter, and bacon is legendary! One of the recipes is called the “Ode-to-Elvis Poke Cake”. Here is the description provided at the site: “The King’s favorite flavor combo of bananas, peanut butter, and bacon comes together in this easy Southern recipe with Cool Whip. Moist yellow cake (with peanut butter added) is topped with banana cream pudding, Cool Whip, crumbled bacon, and a peanut butter glaze.”

What??!!! This should be illegal. LOL.

Do You Like Cool Whip?

Who likes Cool Whip? Believe it or not, this is a question that causes a divide. There are those who view it as fake whipped cream and say it’s advertised as “imitation whipped cream”.

I say: Cool Whip is real enough for me! 

There are many Americans, including me, who are very pleased that William H. Mitchell, a chemist who worked at General Mills, invented this food product. I can quantify “many”. Statista.com reported that “126.43 million Americans consumed Cool Whip in 2018”.

♦ Do you have a favorite dessert?

♦ Do you have a favorite ingredient that you like with almost any dessert recipe?

Quick and easy strawberry #CoolWhip pie with a graham cracker crust and fluffy filling. Retro #nobakedessert recipe with sweet berry flavor in every bite! #strawberries https://t.co/A5GDZNKzqN

— Flour on My Fingers (@flouronfingers) June 10, 2020

Pink Pineapple Fluff is a perfect dish for a barbecue, even a great light dessert. Made with Cool Whip, cream cheese, pineapple & maraschino cherries.

Get the recipe here --> https://t.co/SmJTVmNTq2 pic.twitter.com/d60Zx4DdYT

— A Dash of Sanity (@ADashofSanity) June 21, 2019

This OREO POKE CAKE RECIPE is one of our favorite EASY and delicious cakes to throw together for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cookies and cream cake is layered with chocolate cake, Oreo pudding, cool whip, and crushed Oreos. OBSESSED! ?￰ﾟﾘﾍ? … https://t.co/rR6cdLYldW pic.twitter.com/8WnRYcbg8f

— The Cookie Rookie (@cookierookiebec) May 7, 2018

Peachy Keen Cake with Cool Whip Frosting #recipe @ https://t.co/nTcoa9Pxnv #cakeforbreakfast # dessert #homecooking #coolwhip #recipes #yum pic.twitter.com/p1YHJw6X5k

— Lee & Mindy (@mindycancook) February 13, 2017

Foodie Friday : Apples and Pumpkins

Autumn is the season for apples and pumpkins.  My favorite recipes are apple cobbler and pumpkin pie, which (in my humble opinion) are true American holiday cuisine.  I enjoy these desserts for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

FUN FACTS:

Cobblers originated in the British American colonies.  "The earliest recipe dates from 1824. Apple Cobbler – Cobblers (stewed fruit topped with batter, biscuit, or dumplings) originated in the British American colonies with the term “cobbler” recorded in 1859. Cobblers can be made with any type of fruit or berry and are also known as slumps, grunts, and pandowdy." (SOURCE: M. E. Bond)

A cobbler is not the same as Crisp, Crumble, Betty, Or Buckle?  What's the difference?  "Cobblers are a fruit dessert baked with biscuit-style topping. It's called a cobbler because its top crust is not smooth like a pie crust but rather “cobbled” and coarse. It's usually dropped or spooned over the fruit, then baked. Individual fruit cobblers." (SOURCE: Farmers' Almanac)

"Northeastern Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins. The Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts to the first settlers, and taught them the many uses for pumpkin. This led to serving pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving in America about 50 years later." (SOURCE: The History Behind Pumpkin Pie)

• Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe (Perfect Fall Dessert) - A Cozy Kitchen 

• Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Pie Recipe – Pillsbury.com 

Do you have a favorite recipe using these ingredients?

BONUS QUESTION:  Which do you prefer to top your apple cobbler or your pumpkin pie?

• Scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Huge squirt of whipped cream
• Other topping

History of Baked Fruit Desserts Like Buckle, Pandowdy, and Cobbler

Pumpkin Pie! A History!

Previous 5 Foodie Friday Posts;

YACR (Yet Another Chili Recipe)

Figs ~ Enjoy a Coconut Fig Slice

Childhood Memories:  COTTON CANDY

Upside-Down Cakes

Dinner Idea: Chicken with Blackberry Salsa

Food Blurb: Herbs and Spices: Angelica keiskei

I love watching Korean drama and love to learn about the teas they drink. In one K-drama there was a lady who worked at the Commoners' Clinic and she offered a man a tea called Angelica keiskei. Did you know:

~ Angelica keiskei, commonly known under the Japanese name of ashitaba (アシタバ or 明日葉), literally "tomorrow's leaf", is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is native to Japan ...” (Per Wikipedia); AND

~ Some strawberry growers have shifted to growing ashitaba (or Angelica keiskei) because they say it's a better money-maker and easier to cultivate.

Various healthcare websites offer information about this plant's medicinal value. Of course, this is yet another one of those plants that holds the "key to extended youth".

ASHITABA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews  

It's edible and here is a video on ways to eat it. 

~ Ways To Eat Ashitaba ~ youtu.be/Sig5Nm8NHMk

"... a plant called ashitaba is important in supporting a person’s health & well-being. ... researchers are suggesting that a compound in this plant boosts cellular health and may prolong youth." This Japanese plant could hold the key to extended youth ~ https://t.co/TZ0qOrDsSk

— Rx4Wellness2018 (@Rx4Wellness2018) September 9, 2022

Ashitaba is a large herb that grows primarily in the central region of Japan. Its root, leaf, and stem are used to make medicine.

ASHITABA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews ~ https://t.co/32FKQZNJ0n

— Rx4Wellness2018 (@Rx4Wellness2018) September 9, 2022

World Cuisine: Food History: Cuban Sandwich

Most people, most people in or from South Florida, have heard of Little Havana, a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, built up by Cuban immigrants who fled Cuba when Fidel Castro came to power. Everybody knows this is the place to go to partake of authentic Cuban cuisine. However, did you know that the oldest Cuban sandwich shop which opened its doors in 1947, is not located in Miami? The famous Silver Ring Cafe is in Tampa, Florida.

That was news to me. Also learned something else new. Very familiar with the Sandwich Cubano (Cuban sandwich) and Media Noche Sandwich (Midnight Sandwich); but did you know there are several variations of this sandwich? No doubt they’re all delicious! There is a third one called Elena Ruz (Cuban Turkey Sandwich). It has guava jelly as one of the ingredients. If you’ve never tried Cuban food, you must try the Cuban Sandwich. Even the world-famous chef, Bobby Flay has his own variation.

Eating food is one of life’s greatest joys. 
But learning food history is also great fun too!


References:

Internetwriter62. "The Art of the Cuban Sandwich." HUBPages.com. HUBPages Inc., 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Jan. 2017. 

“Bobby Flay Goes Cuban.” CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 1 Feb. 2007. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.  (Video.) 

* * * Original Source

Cuban Sandwiches - Gourmet Frozen Pork Appetizers (45 Piece Tray)

The Beginner's Cuban Cookbook: An Easy Guide to Making Authentic Cuban Food for Novice Chefs

Iberia Guava Paste (14 oz Bricks) 3 Pack

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A Large Order of Jupiter Fries, Please!

Have been reading about the possibility of growing vegetables on other planets? Saw a preview of that movie which starred Matt Damon, “The Martian” (2015), where he was growing stuff in a place where nothing grows. I dismissed the notion because it was a science fiction movie. I mean … it's “fiction”. Not science.  :)

However, there are some scientists who are serious about pursuing this endeavor. Researchers want to and have been experimenting with plants growing in soil similar to kind of dirt one would find on Mars or Jupiter, for example.

*

As a non-scientist, I would not completely write off farming on Mars or Jupiter as an impossibility.  But I will say the scientists were very smart in choosing the potato as the test crop.  As my late non-scientist sister with a green thumb once told me: "If you can't grow a potato, you can't grow anything."  :)

According to a 2012 BBC News report, food futurologists are looking into the kind of food we may be eating in 20 years.  But they are only researching food available here on earth like insects, algae, lab-grown meat, and sonic-enhanced food (???).

Who knows? Fries from Jupiter might be quite tasty. :) But I bet they'll be expensive.  :)

* * *

References:

Flook, Jamie. "Could Foods Taste Better On Other Planets Than They Do On Earth?" Popular Science. A Bonnier Corporation Company, 22 Sept. 2015. Web. 8 Feb. 2017. ( http://www.popsci.com/could-food-taste-better-other-planets ).

Schneibel, Andrea. "SPACE: Scientists Try to Grow Peruvian Potatoes on "Mars"." Scientific American. A Division of Nature America, Inc., 2 Feb. 2016. Web. 8 Feb. 2017. ( https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-try-to-grow-peruvian-potatoes-on-mars/ ).

Jean-Louis, Lawrence. "Life on Mars? For Potatoes Maybe…." Cook, Mix, Mingle. N.p., 3 Feb. 2016. Web. 8 Feb. 2017. ( http://web.archive.org/web/20161118063714/http://www.cookmixmingle.com/food-recipes/growing-potatoes-on-mars/ ).

Winterman, Denise. "Future Foods: What Will We Be Eating in 20 Years' Time?" BBC News Magazine. BBC News Services, 30 July 2012. Web. 08 Feb. 2017. ( http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18813075 ).

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Which Countries or Cultures Make the Best Cakes? Let's Discuss!

Which Countries or Cultures Make the Best Cakes? Would love to hear your thoughts on this foodie topic.  My husband says when it comes to baking, nobody beats out the Greeks and the Jews. Not that I'm a cake connoisseur, but I am tempted to agree with him; especially about the Greeks.  Did you know the Greeks invented cheesecake and that we have them to thank for the tradition of the birthday cake?

Sorry to say cake baking is not my forte. But I do love a great cake. It would be right to say that cake loving IS my forte.  💗

Honestly! If Queen Marie Antoinette had really said “Let them eat cake!” and I had been in earshot distance, I would have been “Where?!! Where??!! Where's the cake??!!”

Image credit:  Marie Antoinette | CheriesPit

Recently, I've been coming across recipes shared by my online friends from different countries and also from food newsletters that I subscribe to and it's got me dreaming and wishing I could enjoy all of these wonderful baked delights without having to concern myself with the possible ill effects of consuming too much sugar. Alas! There is diabetes in my family line and I just don't want to take any chances.

Most of the time, I enjoy cakes by just looking at them or maybe taste a teeny weeny sample. ☺

But some cakes are far too pretty and unusual to eat. Don't you think?  Like these incredible jelly cakes.

Stunning Edible Flower Jelly Cakes Blooming in Your Plate

These gorgeous jelly cakes came from 'La Floraison' in Sydney Australia. Like a Japanese rainbow cake these confections are almost too pretty to eat.

http://k-kyeopta-blog.tumblr.com/post/36270226635

Some cakes are not even cakes. They're masterpieces. Works of art!

• Like the cakes created by celebrated sugar artist Michelle Wibowo Seeing is believing!.

And then some cakes are dummy cakes. Dummy cakes? Yeah. Also called Fake Cakes.  New term I learned.  Apparently they have become popular at weddings as the wedding cake.  Check out this article in the New York Times about NY Cake.  Not edible but the artwork is incredible! 😆

But we all have our preferences and there is not one person in the world who can say that their specific food taste is “the right food taste”.

What about you? Do you 💗 cake?
If you were going to sing praises about a country or a culture that makes the best cakes what would your choice be?

I'd love to hear your picks. 
Do you agree or disagree with my husband? ☺

MARK YOUR CALENDARS.  

November 26 is #NationalCakeDay.

Custom Cakes by Rainbow Nourishments (Raw Vegan Cake Maker)