"Food ways" is an expression that dates back to 1946. It refers to the eating habits and culinary practices of a people, region, or historical period. Food Ways Presented by Everyday Exotic Spices: Food finds for foodies and food lovers - curated content from around the web, sharing the ways we all like to enjoy our food! Food history, recipe sharing, and all things food-related. This foodie blog is aimed at newbie cooks or beginners. But everyone is welcome!
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Life stages simplified: Growth and development? Youth and adolescence. Procreation and maintenance? Young adult – 20 something plus 30...
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Food Blurb: Much Ado About Mushrooms
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Coffee Recipes for Coffee Lovers
I want to try the Iced Caramel Latte. Although? I've heard a lot about how delicious Vietnamese coffee is. I might try that too!
9 Easy Iced Coffee Recipes to Elevate Your Morning Routine
* * *
Here are some more coffee recipes. I love cheesecake! But the strawberry cheesecake latte is a bit too much for me. I won't be trying this coffee recipe.
7 #HomeCafe Coffee Recipes On TikTok That Will Make You Feel Like A Barista
15 Holiday Coffee Recipes That Will Keep You Warm This Winter
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy your coffee?
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.
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.
~ 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
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Which Clam Chowder is on Your Menu?
Do you like clam chowder? New York OR New England? Manhattan or Boston? Red OR White?
I prefer the white or New England clam chowder. But I'll eat either one that's served to me.
New York vs. New England: Who has the better clam chowder?
Quick Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe | Allrecipes
~ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/
New England Clam Chowder - Spend With Pennies
~ https://www.spendwithpennies.com/new-england-clam-chowder/
* * *
NOTES:
Sometimes people call New England clam chowder Boston clam chowder. So if you hear somebody say Boston clam chowder, it's just New England clam chowder by a different name. But I've never called it Boston chowder. Also, I have never called Manhattan clam chowder, New York chowder. Come to find out there is a Long Island clam chowder which combines "two types of clam chowder: New England and Manhattan" and results in a "creamy, tomato-based clam chowder".
Some recipes don't add corn. But I add corn to mine. I thought I was being clever. Plus I knew my kids liked corn. However, a little food history research revealed that earlier chowder recipes also added corn.
If you don't have clams, you can make it vegetarian (and then you'll really appreciate the addition of corn to the recipe).
- "Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream and thickened with broken crackers, crushed ship biscuit, or a roux. Variations of chowder can be seafood or vegetable." (Wikipedia)
- "The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudière (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England." (Brittanica)
- " ... a soup is usually made with stock or broth and can have vegetables, meat or fish as ingredients and is generally not very thick. A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew." (Soup vs Chowder)
Which clam chowder is on your menu?
Friday, November 11, 2022
Foodie Friday: Upside Down Cakes
Do you remember when you first learned how to cook? Do you remember when you made a dish or a dessert that you thought was impossible to make with your limited culinary skills but when you followed the recipe you ACED IT!!
I remember when I made my first Pineapple Upside Cake.
I was a teenager and I was trying to teach myself how to prepare meals for my family, including dessert. I was quite proud of my cake even though I used a cake mix. I had not realized that the part of the recipe I thought was the most difficult ~ that is, getting the pineapple on the bottom to be on the top. It was so easy! Once I learned what to do I started thinking: 'I can probably do this same recipe with fruit other than pineapple.' I thought that but I've never done it! I'm not sure what fruit I would substitute for the pineapple. Although I have seen a cooking videos upside down cakes for other than pineapple.
Below is a link to a great recipe for pineapple upside down cake, if you have never baked one. And ...??? I'm just curious. If you have already made such a cake, have you ever made an upside down cake with a fruit other than pineapple?? Mango? Nectarines? Peaches? Bananas? Apples? Rhubarb? Some exotic fruit that grows in abundance where you live?
Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Sally's Baking Addiction
RELATED VIDEOS:
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Food Blurb: The Key Ingredient in Nigerian Food
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Food Blurb: Herbs and Spices: Angelica keiskei
~ 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
"... 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.
— Rx4Wellness2018 (@Rx4Wellness2018) September 9, 2022
ASHITABA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews ~ https://t.co/32FKQZNJ0n
Monday, August 22, 2022
What Kind of Broth Do You Use in Your Ramen Noodles?
At first I just followed the package directions and ate them that way. Later on I learned you could add meats, vegetables, eggs, etc. and come up with all kinds of recipe variations.
My favorite addition to Ramen noodles is cabbage; preferably bok choy; and also mushrooms. My daughter likes to add a bolied egg to the broth.
The broth! That's another thing I like about eating Ramen noodles. I prefer chicken broth. My daughter likes beef broth. This recipe makes a broth out of black tea and ginger. Interesting. I never even thought to change the broth flavor ... UNTIL NOW!
RamenRecipe (Made with Black Tea + Ginger Broth!) - Fit Foodie Finds
Friday, August 19, 2022
Food Blurb: Sharing a Soup Recipe That Soup Lovers Will Love
The classical music composer Ludwig van Beethoven once said “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
Do you believe that soup is good food? I do! I also believe it's a food of love for families and having a pure heart when you make it for those you love, no doubt adds substantially to the flavor.
In a previous post I shared information about miso, which is a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine. You can it ready-made off the grocery store shelf or make your own.
Some say the reason the Japanese live so long is because miso is an integral part of their diet. Maybe. Maybe not. I also read that soup should be an important of one's daily diet. They say you should eat a bowl of soup every day. I'm OK with that dietary advice. Even though January is National Soup Month, I could eat soup every month of the year, whether the weather is hot or cold. And I don't mean cold soups, because I'm not really a fan of cold soup. But if I was given only one hot bowl of soup every day to survive off, I could totally do that and be content.
For me, the best part of any soup is … THE BROTH!
You could have all kinds of ingredients in a soup … meat or no meat. But if the broth is tasteless, the soup is useless. The broth is all about comfort. Don't you think so?
That's why I know this recipe which I am sharing is awesome! The ingredients for the broth are: “garlic, ginger, scallions, toasted sesame oil, miso and fermented chile paste”.
How could you not love this soup? LOL.
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Miso is Good for Your Health
FUN FOOD FACTS:
“According to the Japan Miso Promotion Board, there are over 1,300 kinds of miso!”
“...the Japanese drink a bowl of miso soup three times a day ...”
WEIRD FOOD FACT:
Even though miso has a high salt content, it's not bad for your heart like other high-sodium foods.
The Health Benefits of Miso ~ Just One Cookbook
~ You can buy miso ready-made or make your own.
* * * Homemade Miso
FOOD FACT: Did You Know: Japanese cuisine is one of only three national food traditions recognized by the UN for its cultural significance.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Food Blurb: Traditional Meal on the Sabbath
I am always interested in learning about world cuisine. I especially like Jewish food or Israeli cuisine. In a social community where I am an active member, people love to share food-related posts. One of the members, Vasya007, shared a post about cholent or hamin (see below). I was inspired to look up some recipes and additional information..
“Cholent or hamin is a traditional Jewish stew. It is usually simmered overnight for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on Shabbat. Cholent was developed over the centuries to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath.” (Wikipedia)
Image credit: Gilabrand - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
TRY THESE RECIPES:
What Is Cholent? Plus: A Tasty and Easy Cholent Recipe - Shabbat
Authentic Hamin Recipe - Jamie Geller
The Best Cholent Recipes From Around the Jewish World - Jewish World - Haaretz.com
Cholent: A Delicious History - aish.com Kosher Recipes, Family
Cholent: The Sabbath Stew | My Jewish Learning
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Herbs and Spices: There is Ginger and Then There is Blue Ginger
Spice Spotlight: Blue Ginger or Galangal
This tropical plant is native to Indonesia and is a seasoning that adds flavor to numerous Southeastern Asian dishes. Blue ginger is used as a ornamental plant for home or garden; as well as a cooking ingredient. Also, like most herbs and spices, it has medicinal purposes.
REFERENCES:
PropagatingBlue Ginger: Tips On Growing Blue Ginger Plants
Top6 Galangal Nutrition facts and Health benefits
What’sthe Difference Between Galangal and Ginger? | Kitchn
(The Kitchn article shares recipes that use galangal and recipes that use ginger.)
* * *
Galangal is available on Amazon in Grocery and Gourmet.
Thursday, June 30, 2022
World Cuisine: Exotic Vegetables: Winter Melon
Thanks to being active in various global social communities, I'm learning about all kinds of food like the “winter melon”. This is not a produce that I am familiar with. Even when I checked to see if maybe I knew it by a different name, it turns out I did not know the alternative names either. I don't recall seeing this melon in my local grocery store but it is probably in the produce section at an Asian market. Nevertheless, now it's a food that I am curious to try.
Image credit: Amazon.com
OK. Let me explain myself. I like cucumbers and I like melons. But I say a cucumber is a vegetable and anything called melon has to be a fruit. Right? WRONG!!
The Spruce Eats is my favorite GO TO site for when I want to learn about anything food-related. They published content titled “What Is a Winter Melon?” and it tells you all about it.
The winter melon is a large vine vegetable; a type of gourd and a distant cousin of the cucumber. Commonly called ash gourd, wax gourd, white gourd, white pumpkin, and Chinese watermelon. It is a native to parts of Southern Asia and used in both Indian and Chinese cuisine.
You can cook it, but don't over-cook it because it will become mushy. It pairs well with a lot of different foods: watermelon, mushrooms, scallions, pork, chicken, duck, and ham, seafood like shrimp and scallops. I love that it can be cooked in soups and stews because soup is on my unofficial list of Top 5 comfort foods.
- Some sources say it can not be eaten RAW.
- Other sources say, add it to salads RAW just like you would with a cucumber.
???????
Here are some additional food facts and most of the sources seem to be in agreement.
“Chinese people believe winter melon is a Yin food that can help our bodies to counter the summer heat and humidity.” This soup dish is so popular they even serve it at weddings.
Chinese Winter Melon Soup Recipe ~ TheSpruce Eats
Winter melon can also be used to make drinks. There are recipes for Winter Melon Tea and Bubble Tea Latte. Sounds interesting.
18 of the Absolute Best Winter MelonRecipes to Try This Year - Backyard Boss
A few of the health websites sing praises about the health benefits of the winter melon. It's good for digestion; promotes heart health; can detox your body; can improve your vision; and more!
9 Surprising Benefits of Winter Melon |Organic Facts
FINAL LINK SHARE:
Figured there had to be a candy recipe. Petha / Winter Melon soft Candy !!! | Shailja's Kitchen [ Meals & Memories Are Made Here ]
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Food Blurb: Exotic Fruit: CUCAMELON
A cucamelon is known by many names, such as, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, mouse melon, or pepquino. The taste is described as a cucumber with a touch of sour lime mixed in. Most people use it in salads, pickled or used in salsa. They are usually eaten raw, but you can cook them lightly and add them to a stir-fry. They can be refridgerated (will last up to 1 month) and frozen (will last up to 3 months).
Image credit: Amazon.com
Links below supply some additional information and a few recipes you may want to try.
- Cucamelons Are the Cutest Superfood You Can Grow Yourself | Better Homes & Gardens
- EverythingAbout Cucamelons | How to Grow In Your Garden
- CucamelonPickles | Love and Olive Oil
- EasyCucamelon Pickle | South Indian Recipe - Cooking with Thas
- CucamelonSalad, lightly marinated and easy! - Feathers in the woods
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Food Blurb: Strawberry Chocolate Cake
I watched this time travel Korean drama where an acupunturist from the past (Joseon, 400 years ago) traveled to the future and met a lady doctor, a heart specialist. They fell in love and in one of the scenes, they were at a restaurant in Seoul. She told him to try the strawberry chocolate cake. She said it was one of the most popular desserts. I have never had a strawberry chocolate cake, so that comment sent me searching for a recipe. Found one very easily published at one of my favorite food blogs. This looks like a dessert that should be made for a holiday or a special occasion.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe | two peas and their pod
Have you ever had strawberry chocolate cake?
Was it a holiday or special occasion?
Were you dining out or dining in?
RELATED POST: Korean Drama TV Series: Live Up toYour Name (2017)
While you're here, check out some of my other food blurbs:
Japanese Fun Food
Zucchini Flowers
Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?
Friday, April 1, 2022
Red Pepper Flakes Are a Secret Ingredient
Lidia Bastianich is an award-winning TV chef. Her specialty is Italian food. She says that the “secret ingredient” in Italian recipes is RED PEPPER FLAKES. I did not know that. I have tried to cook Italian food and never thought to add red pepper flakes. Although I do sprinkle it on my pizza.
1. Ground cayenne pepper
2. Ground habañero pepper
3. Paprika
4. Chile de Arbol powder
5. Hot sauce (Tabasco OR Sirachi)
6. Chili powder
REF: Substitute For Red Pepper Flakes: 6 Fantastic Alternatives
Fortunately, I usually have Paprika OR Chili powder on hand.
What about you?
If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:
Air-Dried Herbs Make Great Food Gifts
There is Ginger and Then There is Blue Ginger
5 Exotic Spices From Around the World (Guest Post)
Friday, February 18, 2022
Inexpensive Meals: Lentils are Hearty, Healthy and a Small Bag Can Feed a Crowd
LEBANESE RECIPE: Mujaddara
I did not start eating lentils until I got married back in the 70s. It was never served in my mom's house. I learned how to cook them because my husband liked them. I usually seasoned them with smoked turkey and added diced carrots, onions, and celery. Learned that lentils are a common dish in the Middle East. They are legumes and they come in different colors: black, brown, red, and yellow. They can not be eaten RAW. Also, you don't have to soak them before cooking.
- Here is a recipe: Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions) -Cookie and Kate
“Mujadara is served across the Middle East in various forms and goes by differing names, depending on where you are. It has many spelling variations: mujadarra, mujadarah, majadra, mejadra, moujadara, mudardara, and megadarra.”
The good thing about lentils is that they are very inexpensive and one small bag (16 oz.) can make a big pot to feed a lot of people.
Friday, January 21, 2022
Foodie Friday: Childhood Memories: COTTON CANDY!
Cotton candy is a treat that I only used to eat whenever carnivals came to town. I found this article and it provoked some nostalgic thoughts. It also shared some food history.
~ Cotton candy originated in Italy in the 1400s.
~ In the mid 18th century, spun sugar was used in the U.S. and Europe but cotton candy was only available to wealthy people.
~ In the late 19th century, confectioners John C. Wharton and William Morrison created a special machine that would quickly melt sugar and generate a centrifugal force to shoot it through a screen.
~ In the 1920s, this sugary snack was officially known in the US as “cotton candy.”
~ In the USA, two national food days are dedicated to cotton candy: July 31 and December 2.
I can't remember the last time I had cotton candy. It's been so long. Carnivals don't come to town like they used to. When was the last time you had cotton candy?
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Celebrities Who are Vegan
It's the New Year. Everybody is thinking about making changes to their diet. Right? Well! Most people are thinking that. Sharing a link to an interesting article.
Frankly, I could never become vegan. But I have cut down on meat and I am eating lots more fruits and veggies these days. I don't know about where you live but Where I live food prices are going up and the grocery store shelves are kind of bare. You could say my change in diet was simply adapting to whatever food is available and reasonably priced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of serious health problems. They say you should eat That's 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. A portion of fruit or vegetables is 80g.
** Do you follow the “5 a Day” rule?
This year I am going to try to DRINK my fruits and veggies, using my blender and making smoothies.
** Do you have a favorite healthy drink recipe?
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Recipe Sharing: Chili Cornbread Salad (Guest Post)
INGREDIENTS:
1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch rubbed sage
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped green onions
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
METHOD:
Prepare cornbread batter according to package directions. Stir in chilies, cumin, oregano and sage. Spread in a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream and dressing mix; set aside. Crumble half of the cornbread into a 13x9-in. dish. Layer with half of the beans, mayonnaise mixture, corn, tomatoes, green pepper, onions, bacon and cheese. Repeat layers (dish will be very full). Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
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