Food Blog Spotlight: Dinner Ideas: Duck with Star Anise Broth – Chef Kevin Ashton

Have you ever tasted duck?  I have only had one food-tasting experience with duck. Wish I could have had more. Nevertheless, that one experience was more than enough to condition me. Now every time I even see a duck recipe or cooking video, I start salivating.

My Facebook Memories reminded that I shared this recipe with my network of followers several years ago.  It's an awesome duck recipe from a food blog published by a chef based in the UK.  He uses star anise, one of my favorite exotic spices.

Duck with Star Anise Broth
– Chef Kevin Ashton

English: Ilicium verum, Schisandraceae, Star Anise, Atar Aniseed, Badiane, Chinese Star Anise, fruits. The dried ripe fruits are used in homeopathy as remedy: Anisum stellatum (Anis.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SPICE SPOTLIGHT: Star Anise

Widely used in Chinese and Indian cuisine, this whole spice resembles anise in flavor. Some stars may be broken and not entirely whole.

See also: SPICE SPOTLIGHT: Peppercorns

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MORE FROM KEVIN'S FOOD BLOG

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Holiday Food: A Collection of Recipes for the Celebration of Hanukkah

I am a Christian but I have many Jewish friends who are celebrating Hanukkah. It is a holiday celebration that lasts for eight (8) days and it has been observed for more than 2000 years. The word Hanukkah means "dedication".  But it is also known as the Festival of Lights.

If you would like to know more about the holiday, My Jewish Learning published an excellent article: The History of Hanukkah.

Like most holidays celebrated by any group of people, there is lots of wonderful food to be enjoyed. 

HAPPY HANUKKAH!!

Customs, Traditions and Symbols : The Cornucopia

In the USA, since 1863, we have celebrated Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November.

Here is a little bit of background information about this national holiday:

POTUS George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation – Thursday, Nov 26, 1789 proclaimed a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer”. (* Source: The Heritage Foundation)


POTUS Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November, even though, at the time, the country was engaged in the Civil War. (** Source: National Archives)



Now to get the highlight of this post. The cornucopia. I love the cornucopia.

A cornucopia, also called “horn of plenty”, is a symbol of a harvest – usually pictured as goat’s horn overflowing with various fruits like apples, grapes, oranges, etc.; corn on the cob; pumpkin; and some even have flowers.

In America, the cornucopia is a symbol included in our celebration of Thanksgiving Day. People don’t usually like to break with familiar customs and traditions that have been accepted and practiced for years. But if I could, I would champion a change to the traditional filling of the cornucopia. My horn of plenty would reflect a harvest that included exotic or tropical fruits. Pomegranates, mangoes, kiwis, and pineapples are at the top of my list.


As for vegetables? Haven’t really given them much thought. Maybe some zucchini and a bunch of collard greens, kale or Swiss chard! 

What about you? Ever give any thought to refilling a cornucopia? What fruits and/or veggies and/or flowers would go into your horn of plenty? Don’t you think it makes an excellent gift? A customized cornucopia for a friend or family member. A horn of plenty loaded with fresh fruits and veggies that they like!


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◊ If your country does not celebrate a Thanksgiving Day, I’m sure there is a similar holiday where you take time to give thanks and show appreciation for the life you live. If you don’t use the cornucopia, do you have a symbol that represents the harvest of bountiful blessings of planet earth?

Link of Interest:
Cornucopia – American Thanksgiving


Waving flag image credit: glitter-graphics.com

* * Content first published at Literacy Base on April 9, 2017.



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— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) August 30, 2019

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Collections Etc. Color-Changing #Cornucopia #Centerpiece with Inspirational Words, Light-Up #Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece ~ https://t.co/6PMhAAR8rF #homedecor #autumndecor #homeandkitchen #happyholidays #holidaydecor #unique #gifts #giftideas #holidayshopping @goshoppingbees pic.twitter.com/WjT0nQKdKR

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) August 30, 2019

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The Simple Joys of Italian Sausage

How did I come to know about the simple joys of Italian sausage.  The first time I ever used Italian sausage was when I made stuffing for Thanksgiving. I grew up with my mother using the turkey gizzards, so I thought that was “The Only Way”. When I made the stuffing with Italian sausage, it became the main side dish for our holiday meals. It was a memorable "first food experience".  From that time forward, I can leave out other side dishes for our turkey day meal.  But if I don't make stuffing … I will hear nothing but complaints!

My second simple way to enjoy Italian sausages?  I was in a grocery store one day and the chef was giving out free samples of a hearty soup he had made. Soup is such a comfort food. The soup was made with dark green veggies, legumes, chicken broth, and sausages.  It was delicious! That became my other simple way for using Italian sausage.

My 3^rd way is a simple sausage, onions and peppers, over rice.

I never make my own Italian sausage because the store-bought brand is inexpensive and tasty. Although I did watch an Italian cooking show one time and the chef showed how to make your own.

How to Cook Italian Sausage {3 different ways!} - Spend With Pennies

~ What are the 3 ways: Stovetop, Oven, or Grill.

I usually do my sausages in the oven so I don't have to watch them on the stove. I would grill them. But I don't have a grill.

Who likes Italian sausage?  What's your favorite way to eat them?

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Add These Truffle Recipes to Your Holiday Treats

The last 4 months of the year, September through December, are my favorite months of the year because of the weather, because of the holidays, and because it's the only time I allow myself to indulge in sweet treats. When I hear the word “truffle”, I think chocolate. I don't think about the truffle that is some sort of fungi, called Tuber. Even though that type of truffle is highly prized as food and is used in French cooking and numerous national haute cuisines and is very expensive.

Nope! Instead I think of the chocolate truffle which is “a type of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache centre coated in chocolate, cocoa powder, coconut, or chopped and toasted nuts (typically hazel nuts or almonds), usually in a spherical, conical, or curved shape.” (Description per Wikipedia.)

The name for this confectionery or delightful sweet treat is actually derived from the fungi for the simple reason that the confectionery and the edible fungi LOOK very similar. Even though the really expensive truffle that is used in French cooking is considered gourmet cuisine, … eh! I'd rather eat the chocolate truffle.

Did You Know? There are different types of chocolate truffles: French, Spanish, Swiss, typical European truffle, American, Belgian, and Californian. There is even a pot truffle (the recipe includes cannabis). The recipe varies slightly for each type, but they are all made with chocolate (or cocoa powder).

So happy to share this link published via the Tasty Newsletter, which is a BuzzFeed publication.

5 Delicious Truffles to Lift Your Mood

1. Custard Cream Truffles

2. White Chocolate Chip Truffle

3. Salted S'mores Truffles

4. Magic Fizzy Truffles

5. Cookies ‘n’ Cream Truffle

(P.S. If you were hoping these truffles would lift your mood because they contained cannabis … sorry! But I guess you could add it to the recipe when nobody's looking. As long as it's legal. LOL. 😊 Me personally, I get a buzz out of chocolate. 😊)

Add these truffles to your holiday treats.  Go ahead and indulge in this guilty pleasure.  You could also make them as food gifts.  

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Original source

Are You a Food Waster? - Go Global Today

My children are all grown now, and they will all tell you that their mom always says "Don't waste food. Children are starving in Africa." 

Yes, I said it and I'll say it again! 

You know what else? My mom used to say the same thing to me! 

And it's not just Africa either! It's all around the world! 

Now I'm 60 years old and the sad thing is that it was true when my mom said it and it was probably true before she said it. 

It's 2020 and it's still true!

WHY???!!! There's no excuse for it!!

" ... 31 percent—or 133 billion pounds—of the 430 billion pounds of the available food supply at the retail and consumer levels went uneaten in the United States ..."

"... 40 percent of all food in the United States was never eaten. ..."

Sorry. This is one of those things in this world that really perturbs me. Every time I see it, hear it or read about it, I break out the megaphone and start preaching!! Each time, I hope the words are not falling on deaf ears.

Are You a Food Waster? - Go Global Today

In my mind's eye, the opposite of WASTE is CHARITY. 

OK. So you can't end world hunger. But is there not one act of charity that you can render to another person? Is there really nothing you can do about people starving?

Charity never fails.

7 Simple Steps to Limit Food Waste https://t.co/Oxh6ShQORR #avoidfoodwaste pic.twitter.com/wpYSOnjSW8

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) May 9, 2020

Happy Holidays! Food Bloggers Keep on Blogging!

The year is winding down.  Food Ways was started in November 2016.  Taking the opportunity to spotlight food bloggers who have been actively publishing throughout the year and even in previous years.  Their persistence motivates me.  Sharing a link to their blogs below.  It's my way of wishing them a joyful, healthy and safe holiday season, and continued success and prosperity in the upcoming new year.  

Happy Blogging Food Bloggers!
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Some shares may not be "typical" of the traditional western Christmas celebration, but I also have an interest in world cuisines and global flavors.  There's no rule that says a traditional menu can't be modified with the addition of new, different and tasty recipes.

After all, when it comes to food and family, we make our own rules and traditions!  Don't we?  Enjoy!

Sour Cream Pound Cake Poinsettia Cookies | Bake at 350

Sour Cream Pound Cake Poinsettia Cookies | Bake at 350

There comes a point every holiday season where you realize you cannot do it all. You cannot make homemade lip balm and vanilla extract for everyone on your list, you cannot stand in a 3-hour line at the post office for Christmas stamps, you cannot be 17 different places on Christmas Eve, you cannot scrub the baseboards before company arrives, and you cannot make homemade cookies and icing when your child tells you he needs cookies the next morning.

  

Sprite and The Refreshing Truth About Korean Food | The Coca-Cola Company

Sprite and The Refreshing Truth About Korean Food | The Coca-Cola Company

Traditional Korean cuisine uses fresh ginger, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, chili flakes, soy sauce and fermented chili paste to create bold and distinctive flavors we can't help but crave. Salty, spicy and tangy flavors are often tempered and balanced with sweeter notes.

  

Crispy Spicy Arbi | Authentic Food Delights

Crispy Spicy Arbi | Authentic Food Delights

This is one of my favourite fries and it can be done quicky , very crispy as well and goes very well with steamed rice or can be had as a starter also....so try this spicy dish....am sure u all will just love this flavourful and yummy dish 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 2 tbsp oil + oil for shallow frying Pressure cook the arbi till one whistle or till it gets cooked.

  

Cassoulet - The World's Most Complex Simple Recipe | Food Wishes

Cassoulet - The World's Most Complex Simple Recipe | Food Wishes

There are so many reasons not to make cassoulet. You need lots of ingredients, some of which take effort to find. There are many steps, and even some of the steps have steps. It will also seem like you used every pot and pan in the kitchen, which will be trashed by the time you're done.

  

A Christmas Tree Bento | What's for Lunch at Our House

A Christmas Tree Bento | What's for Lunch at Our House

We're keeping holiday bentos simple right now as we finish unpacking boxes, but that doesn't mean the food can't still be festive! I found my favorite big box of cookie cutters, complete with my very favorite simple Christmas tree cutter.

  

Yalda Night (Winter Solstice) 2015 and Shami Haveej - Carrot Shami Kabab with Sweet & Sour Tomato Sauce | Turmeric & Saffron!

Yalda Night (Winter Solstice) 2015 and Shami Haveej - Carrot Shami Kabab with Sweet & Sour Tomato Sauce | Turmeric & Saffron!

شب چله/شب یلداShab-e Yalda/Shab-e Chelleh, the ancient Persian celebration of the longest night, dates back thousands of years ago to the birth of میترا Mithra the god of light who was born on the eve of yalda (winter solstice).After the longest night of the year the days will gradually become longer symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Happy Holidays! Food Bloggers Keep on Blogging! by @FoxMarks_ATX @cmoneyspinner
https://t.co/j0yTEnqbGl #HappyHolidays #foodbloggers #blogging #foodanddrink

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) December 19, 2019