Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Spice Spotlight: Saffron, Cardamon, Curry and Turmeric

The spice trails taken by the Europeans can be traced backward from India to Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) to Africa to Egypt and all the way to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Wars were fought over precious spices and in the end … we all won! Because the end result of the wars and the global spice trade is that these days, exotic spices are readily available, either via online shopping or maybe even at your local grocery store. 

If you would like to learn about the history of spices, here are a couple of links of interest.




India is not the only country that supplies herbs and spices to Europe and the USA, however, these days, it is a major exporter. The spices which were introduced to the West by way of India include, but are not limited to, cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, and turmeric.

Cardamon is referred to as the "queen of spices".
Do you know which spice is called the “king of spices”? Saffron!
(Although some say it's black pepper. Not me! I'm in the saffron camp.)

The origins of saffron may be disputed. (History of Saffron.) But not its flavor, health benefits, or its recognition as the most valuable spice in the world.



Were I to recommend four (4) spices to turn my mundane everyday meals into extraordinary-everyday dining experiences, it would be:

  1. saffron
  2. cardamon
  3. curry, and 
  4. turmeric.


If I were thinking of a gourmet food gift for an aspiring chef or a friend or relative who wants to improve their cooking skills, it would be one or more of these delightful spices.




Related Links of Interest:
♦ Cardamom-And-Coriander-And-Turmeric Recipes
♦ 15 Recipes that Prove Cardamom Makes Everything Taste Better Recipe
♦ 20 Tasty Turmeric Recipes - Easy Ways to Cook with Turmeric
♦ Foodie Friday : Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon


Source: Previously published on  Webnuggetz.com

Saturday, July 19, 2025

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:

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 Originswww.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Green Leafy Herbs are the Unsung Heroes

Green leafy herbs are the unsung heroes of both the kitchen and the apothecary. They’re not just flavor boosters—they’re cultural symbols, medicinal allies, and botanical marvels.  🌿 


🧄 Culinary Staples

These herbs are prized for their fresh, aromatic leaves and are often used raw or lightly cooked to preserve their flavor and nutrients.


🌱 Medicinal & Cultural Significance


🧪 Fresh vs. Dried

  • Fresh herbs (aka “green herbs”) retain vibrant color and volatile oils—ideal for garnishes and quick-cook dishes.

  • Dried herbs have concentrated flavors and longer shelf lives—better for slow-cooked meals.


🍽️ Pro Tips for Use


EXTRA RESEARCH.

(I watch a lot of Korean dramas, and I'm always drooling over the food.  LOL.)

🍲 Korean Culinary Traditions

Many of the herbs on your page play key roles in Korean cooking, often with layered meanings:

  • Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip) – Aromatic and slightly bitter, these are often eaten pickled or used as wraps. Their distinct flavor and versatility earn them a place in banchan spreads.
  • Garlic Chives (Buchu) – Stir-fried, added to pancakes, or tucked into dumplings, their pungency boosts richness in humble home-style dishes.
  • Mint – Known as "bang-ah" in Korean, mint isn’t as common in savory dishes but features in herbal teas that promote digestion and refreshment.
  • Mugwort (Ssuk) – Used in rice cakes like ssuk tteok and soups, mugwort lends an earthy flavor and is tied to spring rituals and cleansing traditions.

🌿 Historical and Medicinal Roles

Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) reflects centuries of botanical wisdom:

  • Thyme and Sage – While not native to Korea, similar aromatic herbs have been used in teas and topical remedies for respiratory or skin-related ailments.
  • Mugwort (Ssuk) – Considered a sacred herb, used for everything from digestive tonics to women’s health treatments. It’s burned in cleansing rituals, much like sage in other cultures.
  • Perilla Seeds – Ground into pastes or oils, they're thought to support heart health and boost immune function.

♦♦♦♦

NOTE: This content is AI-generated.  Just testing. 😀👍

Friday, May 30, 2025

Food Blurb: Substitute Turkey for Pork?

Several years ago, I had to make changes to my diet because of my late husband's health condition. There was no way I was going to prepare separate meals: a meal for him and a meal for me and the kids. It was easier to adjust to eating the type of food that was healthiest for my husband to eat. To my surprise making the adjustment was not that difficult. 

Have you ever tried JENNIE-O® turkey products? Jennie-O offers a wide range of turkey products, including whole turkeys, deli meats, sausages, and ground turkey. Jennie-O Turkey Store has been in business since 1940 and is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Willmar, Minnesota. Its products are distributed in over 49 countries.

Lots of people love to eat ham or bacon. But these are usually pork meats and there are lots of people with special dietary requirements who can not eat pork!  An important reason for many is that their particular religion forbids this food in their diet. This is a huge diet change for people like me. I really missed the taste of ham or bacon until I discovered turkey ham and turkey bacon.  If you have enjoyed eating ham or bacon but can no longer indulge, then try JENNIE-O® turkey products. The taste is very similar to pork only it really is made from turkey, a healthier poultry choice.

I have been using this pork substitute for over 10 years.

But you don't have to have a special diet. Taste these products and you will love them! I like to cut up the turkey ham in chunks and put the ingredients in my bean soups. Use the turkey bacon for the traditional BLT sandwich (BLT=bacon, lettuce, and tomato).

Visit the official website and find lots and lots of recipes.










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If you can not find these products in your local grocery store, it is sold on Amazon.

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Original source



Wednesday, May 21, 2025

How to Cook Everything (Emphasis on the Greens)

Mark Bittman, is one of America's best-known, most widely respected food writers. Happy to suggest two cookbooks written by him. One for those who want to learn how to cook and the other for those who have a goal to eat healthy with an emphasis on consuming green leafy vegetables (that would be moi!).



How to Cook Everything The Basics:All You Need to Make Great Food -- With 1,000 Photos
This book offers a collection of delicious recipes, from fried eggs to steamed mussels, along with practical tips and helpful photos. Learn fundamental techniques and variation ideas for modifying or customizing recipes. Available in Hardcover and Kindle edition.
This cookbook has been recommended by some as "the new kitchen bible".

Leafy Greens: An A-to-Z Guide to 30 Types of Greens Plus More Than 120 Delicious Recipes is one of Bittman's books which is sure to delight both vegans and non-vegans. From arugula to kale to wakame (a sea vegetable), Bittman offers 120+ healthy recipes to make it easy to go green. Delicious anti-oxidant-packed recipes for salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, etc. Also, nutritional information, advice on buying and cooking greens, and which greens make good substitutes for one another.
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Related Links of Interest
♦ Green Leafy Vegetables: On a Roll With Escarole
♦ Healthy Eating Tips: Eat Your Greens! Drink Your Carrots!
♦ YAPAS (Yet Another Post About Spinach)
♦ Health and Wellness: Where to Find Advice on Healthy Eating and More!


Source: Webnuggetz.com
NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Friday, September 6, 2024

Foodie Friday : Pesto Around the World

Going to take aim at pesto for my foodie Friday topic.  Another wonderful delight for enlivening salads, adorning sandwiches, dressing pasta … you name it! Always sing the praises of salsa. This time, doing a song and dance routine for pesto.

Hear the word pesto and one usually always thinks Italian. Right? But different cultures have their own version of pesto. Africa. Mexico. Australia. This link is an awesome foodie find! Not only does it tell you the main ingredients in everybody's version but it introduced me to a new word. Permaculture”.

Preserving With Pesto – It’s Not Rocket Science




Preserving With Pesto - It's Not Rocket Science




Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral


Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral

Here is a quick recipe for Raw Wheatgrass Pesto, using our premium, organic, raw super food powder. This will m ake your taste buds go wild! Adds a good dose of vitality to any diet. Made in a blender there is virtually any preparation to do! Just the way we like it!

Mexican Pesto Recipe by emilie_ 1 - Key Ingredient



Thai Basil Pesto


Thai Basil Pesto

This one's for my Thai lovers. But before I even start talking Thai basil pesto, I feel moved to have a little rant about how much I love Thai food. It's like an instant exotic vacation right in my kitchen.

Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl


Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl

This raw vegan semi-dried tomato and macadamia pesto is super easy and seriously delicious. Just throw everything into your food processor.

African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto


African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto

Combine all ingredients, except cheese, in bowl of food processor. Process, adding additional oil or water, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in cheese. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. (Tip: pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays.)

Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy


Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy

Chimichurri Pesto Sauce combines Italian parsley, cilantro and basil with jalapeño and parmesan cheese. It is vibrant, nutty and tangy. Perfect for pasta. I will never forget the first time I tried Chimichurri Sauce. It was at my incredibly talented friend Bibi's home. She had me over for dinner and prepared the most mouth-watering steak.



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Content first appeared at Persona Paper on July 27, 2015.


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Sunday, September 1, 2024

Pesto - Tips for Preparing the Best and Healthiest Pesto (Guest Post)

Pesto is not only one of the tastiest condiments you can make, but it is also versatile and healthy. Made with fresh and pure ingredients, it includes some of the best things nature has to offer. The ingredients are simple and basic; They include fresh basil leaves, fresh garlic, olive oil, fresh walnuts (not roasted) or pine nuts, salt, and pepper.



You can buy pesto in the supermarket, condiment stores or alternatively make it in a food processor, it will probably taste good, but our goal is excellence.

To produce really great pesto, you need to chop it by hand; when you put it in a food processor it becomes too doughy and too juicy. This is often the problem with commercial products, but when chopped by hand, you get the perfect consistency. The other reason to make it at home is that you can make sure you are using the highest quality ingredients. When choosing your ingredients, it is best to go to a farmers market or somewhere that has a particularly good turnover. There are many different varieties of basil leaves, lemon basil, clove basil, and cinnamon basil, to name just a few, sweet basil is primarily used for pesto, but ask your local grower for other varieties and see which one you prefer. The basil leaves should be a deep green color (avoid dark spots and yellowing). They are available all year round, but there is usually a big difference in size and flavor between the summer months, when it grows freely and abundantly, and in winter.

Fragrant and sweet, basil also has many health benefits, it has anticancer and antiviral properties, it is an excellent source of vitamin A, and a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health. To prepare the basil, wash the plant and dry the leaves, once the leaves no longer drip remove the stems. It is best to cut the stems where there are no longer many leaves and then separate the leaves from the main branch. It’s fine to leave some of the smaller stalks behind, but putting the larger main stalks in the pesto is not recommended. Chop the leaves finely, for this recipe; It should have about 2 full cups of chopped basil. The next step is to take a handful of walnuts and chop them small, but not until they have a powdery consistency. After chopping, you should take half a cup of walnuts. The pesto will be better if you can taste the small pieces of nuts, they should not be larger than a grain of rice. As you prepare your pesto, take note of the healthy qualities of its ingredients. Walnuts are rich in vitamin E and an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart. Some people use pine nuts; we’ve found walnuts to add a thicker, richer texture.

Drizzle with just enough virgin olive oil so it sticks like a paste. Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most beneficial oils for health on the market and has been shown to be highly protective against heart and chronic degenerative diseases. About two tablespoons of fresh garlic and salt and pepper should be added to taste. People are always surprised when they see how much garlic we put in, it not only adds wonderful flavor, but also has abundant health benefits. To name just a few, garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties and the ability to lower blood pressure. We found that a large amount of fresh garlic not only increases flavor, but also helps us introduce healthy foods into our bodies. Some people like to add Parmesan cheese to their pesto, we think this adds unnecessary fat content and therefore reduces the overall nutritional benefits. Pesto is delicious as a spread on bread or crackers, added to salads, or eaten with grains, pizza, or with any vegetable stew or dish. Pesto is truly versatile, capable of enhancing almost any meal.


Original Source: Content prepared by Anne Louis for Food Ways.
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Fun Pesto Recipes:







Monday, August 26, 2024

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




Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Six (6) Benefits of Air Fryers Plus Air Fryer Bacon and Other Recipes (Reblog)

Everybody knows by now that air fryers have revolutionized home cooking. 

This nifty kitchen appliance offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods by using hot air circulation to cook food. Since the air fryer requires a fraction of the oil or sometimes none at all, that also means lower fat intake and fewer calories. The textures of the foods are still crispy just like when food is deep-fried. Everybody also knows how expensive cooking oil is these days. At my local grocery store, a small bottle of canola oil that used to cost 98 cents sells for almost $2 these days.

A healthier cooking option is not the only advantage or benefit of using an air fryer. There are several

  1. Air fryers cook food faster and are are more energy-efficient.
  2. Air fryers cook a wide variety of foods. Not just traditionally fried items like French fries, chicken wings, but also baked goods. The appliances usually come withs accessories like baking pans and racks, etc.

  3. Air fryers are not only easy to use but easy to clean because of the non-stick coatings on the cooking basket and accessories. Many parts are dishwasher-safe.

  4. Air fryers are super safe! No worries about hazards, such as hot oil splattering and the risk of burns from handling hot oil.

  5. Air fryers have precise temperature control and even heat distribution. When cooking foods don't need to be constant monitored and the results are often consistent.

Two things are on my gift wish list for the holiday season. One is a rice cooker and the other is an air fryer

(NOTE: I'll talk rice cookers in another blog post.)

In conclusion, air fryers offer numerous benefits that appeal to health-conscious individuals, busy families, and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.


Reblogging link from a fellow foodie who publishes wonderful recipes via their food blog "Tasteful Tale Recipes".  These recipes are specifically for food cooked using an air fryer.  (For more air fryers recipes from this blog click here.)

Air Fryer Bacon 🥓✨





Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Foodie Friday : Recipes | Desserts | Pineapple Stuffing and More!

This week's Foodie Friday spotlight is pineapple!  Pineapple is included with a list of refreshing super foods we should eating during the summer.  

This recipe at mostlyhomemademom.com, is typically prepared during the Christmas holiday season but it's a treat that should be enjoyed whenever you have a craving for something delicious and sweet!  For me that's all year round!  What about you?



Holiday Stuffing
For any day of the year.

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More Pineapple Delights from Around the Web













Mrs. Renfro's Salsa Express 
~ Offering a wide variety of salsas from traditional to exotic. The pineapple salsas are very popular!

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Home Cooking: Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew

Are there any dishes that your mom used to make when you were growing up that you thought were incredibly delicious? Real comfort food. Dishes that are even more comforting when you think back fondly on that dish or those dishes and realize that you never learned the recipe or how to prepare it for your own family!

My mom used to cook oxtail stew.


My mother is passed away now. I never got her recipe. Of course, you can Google oxtail stew and find a bazillion recipes. But I’ll bet none of them will taste like the stew my mom used to make. Nevertheless, if you’ve never eaten a hearty bowl of oxtail stew and would like try, here are a few recipes.



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Recall fond memories of the smells from your mother’s kitchen? Ready to fill your bowls?

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NOTE:  This is my original content first published April 2018 at Virily, a social blogging community ~ Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew



Friday, February 23, 2024

Salt is Beautiful

Salt is so commonplace that we tend to take it for granted. It is much more than just a food seasoning. People have very interesting ways in which they use it. Despite the fact that many say it’s bad for your health, it’s not really all that bad.

This seasoning is invaluable to our daily lives and it has amazing health benefits. It also has a spiritual application. Jesus likened His disciples to “the salt of the earth”.

No doubt in my mind. Salt is beautiful.



#1 Salt in History

#2 Salt in Peaceful Protest

#3 Salt in Health

#4 Too Much Salt is Not Good

#5 Salt Sampler


#6 Salt Shakers


Click to continue viewing “More Salt LUV” 
#7 Jada Chicken Salt is Becoming Popular
#8 Salt in Therapy
#9 Salt Lamps Make Great Gifts
#10 Vegan Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream

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