Showing posts with label flavor infusions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flavor infusions. Show all posts

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Finally Bought My Christmas Gift: A Rice Cooker

This is my story. My alternate title for this post is: “Why I Finally Bought My Dream Rice Cooker (And What I’m Cooking First)” For almost five (5) years, a rice cooker has been on my Christmas wish list. Not sure why, but nobody wanted to gift me one. Every year, I received some other gift that I had asked for, or gift cards, which I always used to buy groceries. But never a rice cooker. One of my kids bought a rice cooker for his apartment, but broke it. (Long story. Broke the waffle maker too!) Another one of my kids bought a rice cooker, but it's too small. I'm trying to feed a group of 6 to 8 people. So I needed a bigger pot.

FINALLY!! I decided to buy a rice cooker for myself. It's my birthday/anniversary/mother's day/holiday… whatever reason I could think of gift. LOL.😄

I am very pleased with MYAroma Housewares 32-Cup (Cooked) (16-Cup UNCOOKED) Pot Style Rice Cooker (ARC-7216NG) , White. It's bigger than I thought it would be, and I don't just want to cook rice. As soon as I watched a cooking video and the person cooked a pot of chicken stew … I'm on a hunt for rice cooker recipes. DID YOU KNOW you can cook hard-boiled eggs in a rice cooker? Just add water and let the steam do the work. Some say you can make cheesecake in a rice cooker. But I haven't tried that yet.

If you visit my blog, then you know I love sharing links to recipes found on the web. Keep scrolling and you'll find the rice cooker links at the end of this post. IF you're just cooking rice, here are a few ideas on how to turn your rice cooker into a flavor powerhouse. You can infuse flavor into your rice while it cooks.


♦ Savory Infusions

  • Broth instead of water: Use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer base.

  • Bouillon cubes or granules: Dissolve in the cooking liquid for a punch of umami.

  • Garlic butter: Sauté garlic in butter, then add rice and broth—this combo is heavenly.

  • Herbs & spices: Toss in bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or cumin seeds while cooking.


♦ Tropical & Sweet Twists

  • Coconut milk: Swap part of the water for coconut milk for creamy, island-style rice.

  • Fruit juices: Pineapple or orange juice adds a sweet tang—great with Caribbean dishes.

  • Cinnamon & cloves: Perfect for sweet rice or as a base for Moroccan-style meals.  (Also add in raisins or dried dates.)


♦ Fresh & Zesty Additions

  • Citrus zest: Lemon or lime zest brightens up the flavor.

  • Fresh herbs: Add cilantro, parsley, or basil right before serving for a pop of green.

  • Infused oils: Drizzle with chili oil, sesame oil, or garlic oil after cooking.


♦ Global Inspirations

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REFERENCES:

14Ways To Add More Flavor To White Rice | Tasting Table

Garlic Butter Rice | Spend With Pennies

Tasty Ways to Infuse Rice and Inspired Infusion Ideas | Minute® Rice

Elevate Your Dish: How to Add Flavor to Cooked Rice | Easy CleanCook

@aargh42g5. “Rice Cooker Japanese Chicken Stew Recipe.” YouTube, Video, 25 Jan. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuFEwgGCW3w.

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RECIPE SHARING:

The Joy of Homemaking. “Cooking Veggies for the First Time in My Rice Cooker! #homemaker #momlife #familyof5 #cooking.” YouTube, Video, 10 July 2022, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s1F8Sc-K-Zg.

@Karebearstare. “Simple Rice Cooker Recipes That Are Awesome.” YouTube, Video, 15 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YieIRSCHndM.



ONE-POT Rice Recipes for rice lovers | Marion's Kitchen
Dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, lamb biryani, and honey soy chicken—YUM!

10 Easy Rice Cooker Recipes | Food Network
Mac & cheese, salmon bowls, and even pancakes—all rice cooker-friendly.

24 Best Rice Cooker Recipes (Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meals)
A treasure trove of recipes for fried rice, teriyaki shrimp, chili, and desserts like rice pudding and chocolate cake.


https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792547595995267072/24-best-rice-cooker-recipes-quick-and-delicious

37 Rice Cooker Recipes - The Picky Eater
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options galore—this blog shows how to make everything from burrito bowls to Korean sweet rice.


https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792548433042997249/37-rice-cooker-recipes-the-picky-eater

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Aroma Rice Cooker Cookbook: 
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Friday, August 8, 2025

Foodie Friday : Experience the Joy of Salsa

There was once a time when the recipe for fresh salsa was simply diced tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, lime juice, red pepper or a jalapeno pepper, salt to taste (cilantro, optional). I love salsa!  It's a great way to eat your veggies.  Several years back, I moved into a new neighborhood and was at the local grocery store. Walked down an aisle, and on the shelves were bottles of every kind of salsa imaginable.

This week's Foodie Friday focus is on salsa!

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Some of them were made with sweet fruits like mangoes and peaches! Oh the wonder of it all! Had no idea salsa came in that many flavors. Gave me all kinds of foodie ideas. Sharing some recipes.. 

Why keep all these delicious delights to myself?



Originally published at Persona Paper on Jul 3, 2015.


Sharing a bit of salsa heaven!  
Recipes found around the web.


Wild Beet Salad Company makes Wild Beet Salsa



Recipe: Roasted Pineapple Salsa (thekitchn .com)



Blackened Tomatillo Poblano Salsa With Habanero
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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

ATTN: Newbie Cooks! Best Seasonings and Cookbook for Cajun and Creole Cuisine

If you have ever been to New Orleans, Louisiana US, then you know that region is known for its Cajun and Creole cooking.  There is a difference between Cajun and Creole cooking.  Some say Cajun dishes are spicier.  

But I say no matter which ... it's all good!

Even though I have stood at a stove for 40+ years, my culinary skills are still at the newbie level.  Dining out at "authentic" restaurants or even ordering for delivery is usually not an option.  That's why I find shortcuts to creating the taste of a particular cuisine.  I am happy to recommend two brands of seasonings for those who want to prepare their own Cajun or Creole dishes.  The official websites for each of these companies have a section dedicated to recipes.  But you might also find this cookbook helpful: The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook: Modern and Classic Dishes Made Simple by Ryan Boudreaux.  

(NOTE:  Read free with your Kindle subscription OR ... the paperback book is less than $10 so it would be a great idea for a white elephant gift exchange. 🎅)

Best Seasoning for Cajun Cooking:  Slap Ya Mama!

Yes, there is a difference between these two types of cuisines, but for my palette, there is no difference. Every dish I have ever tried whether it was Cajun or Creole, it was delicious.

But I have only been to New Orleans once and it is likely I will never visit again.  If you are like me and you don't live in New Orleans but you want to try to make your own Cajun food, use slapyamama seasonings.  You can shop for their products via the Amazon store OR go directly to their official website. You can also find recipes on the website.  I met the company owner through Facebook years ago. They sent me free samples of their products to try. Even though the Original Cajun Blend is the best seller, my favorite is the Cajun seasoning for fish fry.  This company was founded in 2001 and is owned by The Walker family, (TW, Mama Jen, Jack, Joe, Tana, Andi, and Ruby).


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Best Seasoning for Creole Cooking:  Tony Cachere

Creole refers to people who are of mixed European and African descent (A little French, a little Spanish, a little Afro-Caribbean, etc.). That specific group of people made their home in Louisiana USA. (Just ask Beyoncé Knowles, the Creole Queen.) They have their special style of cooking which is referred to as Creole cuisine.

If you have ever tasted Creole recipes and you want to make your own, Tony Chachere is one of the best products on the market. They have been in business since the 70s, about half a century.  I discovered the Tony Chacere brand because one of my children bought a can of the seasoning home from the local grocery store. He didn't want to use the herbs and spices in my kitchen cabinet for his cooking, so he bought his own flavorings.

Once I tried their Original Creole Seasoning, I was hooked! I use it to season meat, in my rice dishes, and on my veggies.

For those who may have to watch their salt intake, they have No-Salt seasonings.  If you can not find their products at your local grocery store, go to Amazon OR to their official website.  Tony Chachere is a real person. He is retired now but his business is still thriving.



Are you a newbie cook in the kitchen? Check out some of my other FW posts.
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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. 😀👍

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Monday, May 26, 2025

Coffee Recipes for Coffee Lovers

My mother and her siblings (her brothers and sister, my aunts and uncles) have all passed away. All I have now are my memories. One fond memory that I have of one of my aunts is that her favorite way to drink coffee was a tall glass of iced coffee. My sister always loved iced tea. I had no idea people could drink iced coffee. Imagine my surprise! She didn't make it fancy. Just some coffee, cream, sugar, and lots of ice. If you happen to be an iced coffee lover, I found some recipes to take your coffee-loving to another level.  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!  

Link to the recipes are below following my blurb about the history of coffee and coffeehouses.


Image Credit:  Coffee Mug Warmer





☕ History of Coffee and Coffeehouses

My research on the history of coffee was surprising.  Did you know its origins are traced back to Ethiopia? I grew up in the generation where Juan Valdez from Columbia was in your kitchen cabinet. Ethiopia? Not Columbia? It was quite fascinating. There's even an Ethiopian legend. 

  • A goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing his goats became energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree. He shared this discovery with a local monastery, and the energizing drink quickly spread among the monks.

From Ethiopia it spread to Arabia and by the 15th century, coffee plants were cultivated in Yemen, and Sufi monks used coffee to stay awake during their night prayers. Coffeehouses started showing up in cities across the Near East. People gathered there for fun and intelligent banter, kind of like Mars Hill. Only on Mars Hill the intellectuals and philosophers probably drank wine instead of a cup of coffee.

Around the 17th century, thanks to the trade routes, coffee made its way to Europe. Coffeehouses began dotting the European landscape and were used for socializing and intellectual discussion.

18th Century and beyond? Coffee was being cultivated in the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Brazil became the world's largest coffee producer by the mid-19th century. In the 20th century Colombia, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, and Vietnam emerged as major producers.




☕ Fun Notes About Coffeehouses:

  • Kiva Han, is a coffeehouse which opened in 1475 in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). Turkish coffee was served strong, black, and unfiltered, brewed in an ibrik (a small pot with a long handle, specifically designed for brewing Turkish coffee, buy on Amazon).

There are two (2) famous coffeehouses in Europe:

  1. Caffè Florian in Venice, Italy, was established in 1720. Notable figures such as Lord Byron, Goethe, and Charles Dickens hung out there.

  2. Les Deux Magots in Paris, France, founded in 1822, was known to be a favorite spot for Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. La dee dah!

Today coffee beloved drink served worldwide, hot or cold. I can't tell you how many Korean dramas I've watched where the characters order “Iced Americano”. Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, and it's enjoyed in various forms and preparations, from espresso to cold brew.


REFERENCES:

“The History of Coffee.” National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc., https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/History-of-Coffee. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Myhrvold, Nathan. “History of Coffee.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 May 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-coffee.

Paajanen, Sean. “The Evolution of the Coffee House.” The Spruce Eats, 4 Mar. 2009, https://www.thespruceeats.com/evolution-of-the-coffee-house-765825.

MacDonnell, Kate. “The History of Coffee Houses: Centuries of Cafés!” Corner Coffee Store, 24 Feb. 2021, https://cornercoffeestore.com/history-of-coffee-houses/.

Lush, Emily. “17 Historic European Cafes Worth Travelling For.” Wander-Lush, 11 Sept. 2020, https://wander-lush.org/beautiful-historic-european-cafes/.

Sophie. “11 Coffee Houses in Europe with a Classical Taste for Culture.” Tourism on the Edge, 19 Nov. 2024, https://www.tourismontheedge.com/coffee-houses-in-europe-with-a-classical-taste-for-culture/?form=MG0AV3.


  • Would you like to know how to brew coffee with an ibrik?  Click here.



9 Easy Iced Coffee Recipes to Elevate Your Morning Routine






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☕ ☕ 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? ☕

I asked the ChatGPT AI assistant about the different or "unusual" ways people drank coffee instead of the typical cream and sugar.  This was the response.

  1. Kopi Joss (Indonesia):

    • This is coffee with a twist—literally. A piece of burning charcoal is dropped into the coffee, giving it a unique flavor and reducing acidity.

  2. Egg Coffee (Vietnam):

    • Known as Cà Phê Trứng, this concoction blends coffee with a creamy mixture of egg yolk and condensed milk, creating a rich, custard-like topping.

  3. Cheese Coffee (Sweden):

    • Called Kaffeost, it's coffee poured over chunks of cheese called juustoleipä. The cheese softens and absorbs the coffee, making for a unique, chewy treat.

  4. Cascara Coffee (Global):

    • Made from the dried husks of coffee cherries, this drink is brewed like tea and has a fruity, slightly sweet flavor, different from typical coffee.

  5. Civet Coffee (Kopi Luwak, Indonesia):

    • This controversial and expensive coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. The fermentation process in the cat's digestive system is said to enhance the flavor.

  6. Bulletproof Coffee (Global):

    • This high-calorie coffee is blended with butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, popularized by the ketogenic diet for its purported energy-boosting effects.

  7. Lemon Coffee (Italy):

    • Known as Espresso Romano, this involves serving espresso with a slice of lemon, which is believed to enhance the coffee's flavor.

  8. Mazagran (Portugal):

    • An iced coffee drink that combines coffee with lemon juice or lemonade, sometimes with a splash of rum.

  9. Soya Sauce Coffee (Japan):

    • In some regions, coffee is flavored with soy sauce to add a savory twist to the drink.

  10. Spiced Coffee (Middle East)

    • In countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, coffee is often brewed with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for a rich, aromatic flavor.

Coffee is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in countless ways. 


☕☕☕☕☕


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Monday, May 19, 2025

World Cuisine: Indian Food - Myth or Fact

Do you like Indian food? I do! Although I must admit, I had to acquire a taste for it. My first time trying a so-called authentic Indian dish was at one of those American mall-type food courts, where there are all kinds of restaurants for you to choose from. That probably wasn't the best place for me to get my first taste. I was taken aback by some sort of flavor or spice that my palate was clearly not expecting. It threw me off!

Later on, when cooking channels became so popular on television, started learning how to prepare Indian dishes. There was one lady who referred to herself as a “spice goddess”.  Because really, it comes to cooking, Indians do know their spices.  No argument.  Her recipes always seemed so simple, easy to prepare, and she explained the herbs and spices she used for flavoring and showed you how to incorporate them into the recipes.  Crush these seeds.  Warm this spice in the pan.  Sprinkle these herbs.  Decided to try Indian food again and was very pleased with the tasting tests.


Below is a link to a blog post that eliminates common myths about Indian food. Didn't know there were myths but good to know they can be ignored. What were some of the myths?

Discover the Truth behind the Indian Food Myths

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Content first published Mar 21, 2015 via Persona Paper


5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food


5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

By Petrina Verma Sarkar Come on, be honest. What are the first things that come to your mind when you think of Indian food? Hot, spicy, oily, rich, fatty, bad for you, difficult and time-consuming to cook, curry powder....


15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know


15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

Facts that will blow your taste buds


20 unbelievable facts about Indian food


20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

Before it turned into an art that involved culinary expertise, food in India was about rasas and doshas. Taste or rasa in Sanskrit guides the tongue and it is a balance or misbalance of these rasas that cause or correct the doashas in body.


Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking


Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

It is about experimenting with different spices and ingredients and to come up with your own secret recipes. Then just go for it, Visit Masala Fry! Enjoy!




Indian ladies: glitter-graphics.com

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

My Favorite Two (2) Fruit Teas: Cranberry and Black Cherry

According to available information, tea was discovered accidentally. It seems that some guy in China was preparing a meal and had a pot of water boiling. It was a windy day, and leaves were blown into the pot of hot water. To the cook’s surprise, the water turned into an amazing drink. That’s how brewing tea began. The versions of this story or legend vary, but it sounds believable to me. Weren’t many of the wonderful things we enjoy in life discovered accidentally?  Everybody knows tea is delicious and has great medicinal value. I want to talk about two of my favorite fruit-flavored teas: cranberry and black cherry.


AI_Generated Art Created With DreamUp, a free tool

Why cranberry tea?

A nurse once told me cranberry juice would restore the vitamins and minerals I had lost during childbirth. So I thought to myself: ‘If cranberry juice is good, cranberry tea is probably good too.’ Cranberry tea has lots of minerals and Vitamins C, K, and E. There are numerous health benefits, but what I mainly like about it is that it is good for weight loss. It helps burn fat and flushes toxins out of your body. It is considered a detox tea.

Why black cherry tea?

Black cherry juice and black cherry tea are in high demand. I discovered the health benefits accidentally. My late husband had a problem with his big toe. Turns out that it was gout, and eating black cherries helped. Cherry juice is kind of expensive. But the tea is reasonably priced. Cherry tea helps reduce inflammation, eases muscle pain, and decreases pain from gout, arthritis, and headaches. Maybe this is why a lot of medicine comes in cherry flavor. You think? Black cherry tea is also used for detoxification.

Thanks for reading.




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