Zucchini Flowers Are Edible Wonders

Zucchini flowers are also known as squash blossoms. Ming Tsai was the first TV chef I saw who used them in a recipe. My additional research disclosed that lots of countries include them in their recipes and they have awesome health benefits. 

Zucchini flowers are enjoyed in various cuisines around the world, each with its own unique preparation methods. Here’s a look at how different countries use them:

• The Greeks stuff zucchini flowers with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, and then baked.
• The Italians make a dish known as fiori di zucca fritti. Zucchini flowers are stuffed with ricotta or other cheeses, then battered and fried. Squash flowers are also a key ingredient in many pasta dishes.
• Zee French use zucchini flowers as a garnish, a sort of decorative touch for gourmet dishes. But they also add them to soups.
• Lastly, in United States, zucchini flowers are popular in upscale restaurants and gourmet dishes, which explains why I didn't know about them. Usually not on the menu at fast food restaurants. LOL.

A quick list of some of the health benefits include:

• Low in calories.
• Provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rich in antioxidants.
• Anti-Inflammatory.
• Good source of dietary fiber.
• Has vitamin C which helps boost the immune system.
• Has potassium which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

Zucchini Flowers are elegant and every part of the bloom are edible. There are male and female blossoms. You can eat them raw. But most people like to fry them. Be sure to gently wash the flowers under cold water and pat dry before using in a recipe. It's best to eat them fresh but they can be frozen and will keep for several months in the freezer. Below are some recipes from my favorite food blogs.

Traditional Italian Fried Squash Blossoms and Zucchini Blossoms Recipe | Christina Cucina

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms an Italian Classic | Chef Dennis 

6 Ways to Cook with Zucchini Blossoms | Food & Wine 

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.

Image credit

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 🥓✨

Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt #AirFryer Rotisserie Oven, XLarge Family Size, Powerful 1800W, 4 Rack Positions, 50°-425°F Temp Controls, 100 Presets & 50 Memory, Integrated Smart Thermometer, Linear T Technology https://t.co/xlO7cZGaDj via @amazon #kitchen #dining #food #cooking #giftideas pic.twitter.com/x5YGDR0Mm0

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 18, 2024

Cool Foodies and Food Lovers Celebrating Their “Firsts” on Twitter

Happy Friday! (It's FoodieFriday!)  Always searching for like-minded food lovers and found people celebrating their “firsts”. First food blog post. The first food article was accepted at a major site. Etc. Here are their tweets. Interesting variation. French food; Health / Energy Food tips; Asian food; Vegan recipes; and Food Photography. 

(NOTE:  Shared posts were dated 2016. UPDATED LINKS 2024.)

Wish them continued success!

My first post was published on The Huffington Post :)
— Karen Wojciechowski (@RealEnergyFood)

if y'all like asian food then you should go check out my blog! my first post is up ayyyy
— varanica (@vkhy) October 7, 2016

Started a new blog on a whim about food, obviously. Checkout my first post on how to make #vegan #glutenfree cookies https://t.co/jfb7KefyHN

— Delia (@delialoveless) September 15, 2016

First Food Experiences : My Sadya Meal (Travels in India)

My first post on #Experiences, celebrating #Onam Sadya today..#Travel #Food #India https://t.co/Ebfps0jSZv pic.twitter.com/REkYKI3Fbd

— Nisha (@finenish) September 14, 2016

5 Tips For Capturing Dark And Moody Food Photography

I quietly started providing food photography tips. First attempt to help people learn through food... first post! https://t.co/B2TQW7cUrp

— rouk (@beyondtheeats) September 14, 2016

Related articles:

• What the World's Healthiest Diets Have in Common(huffingtonpost.com)
• What to Cook: Dessert for Dinner and Other Recipes(nytimes.com)

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Food Blog Spotlight : Sam's Place ~ Old and New Family Recipes

Sam Monaco publishes a food blog sharing awesome photos and recipes of scrumptious food that he makes himself. Visit his blog to find recipes for:

• Appetizers/Snacks
• Main Dishes/Grilling
• Soups/Salads/Sandwiches
• Pasta
• Desserts/Cookies/Candy

Why would anybody like this blog?  Because it's just good old-fashioned home cooking.  Nothing overly fancy or ostentatious.  It's everyday family-style hearty and comforting food.  The blog's tagline reads "Old and new family recipes prepared with the most delicious and fresh ingredients."

I publish a food magazine via Flipboard ~ My I Like Eating Channel. A few of Sam's blog posts are circulated via my magazine. I'm doubling the fun and resharing content from Sam's Place that was flipped first to my foodie magazine. Enjoy!

Baked Butter Garlic Chicken Wings

These baked butter garlic chicken wings made the perfect game day treat last week. You don't have to wait for a game day to enjoy these. Serve these for a nice appetizer or snack at your next party or just a snack for the family. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of garlic.

Italian Peasant Soup

We are certainly in the cold season now, and when it gets cold outside we like our soups. There is nothing better than serving your family a hearty and healthy bowl of soup. I like all kinds of soups, especially in the winter months, which happens to last a long time in here in Western New York.

Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

It's winter here in Western New York, and there is nothing better to get you through those cold days than some good fashioned comfort food. I decided to make some cast iron skillet pork chops. This is another quick and easy meal to put on the table after a long day at work.

Glazed Lemon Almond Biscotti

Every year my cousin sends me a box of fresh lemons from his backyard lemon trees in Arizona. So, I put them to good use with these Glazed Lemon Almond Biscotti. The lemon and almond are a delicious combination of flavors for biscotti. If you're not a fan of almond flavor you can leave it out.

Poor Man's Pizza My Grandmother's Recipe

Poor Man's Pizza, another recipe passed down from my grandmother. I really don't know why my grandmother called this poor man's pizza, I never asked. I learned how to make this by watching her. Although my grandmother made it best, isn't that always the case? 

Food Blog Spotlight : A Fall Neapolitan Style Dinner | jovinacooksitalian (Reblog)

Have you ever found a food blogger or food blog that is undeniably magnificent? Several years back I came across this woman's blog and am so happy to find that it is still being published. Her posts not only have great recipes but great food history too!


This one that is being shared as a reblog is perfect because it's for the fall season and it's about Italy, one of those places on my bucket list of "Places to Visit".  Will likely never realize that dream but dreaming about it is a wonderful thing.

Dream Italian?  Think Italian.  Be Italian!

The post begins by giving the reader a quick history of Neopolitan cuisine.  Neopolitan is a cuisine?  Only ever knew it to be a flavor for ice-cream!  In 3 short paragraphs, she took me from ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day Italy and the United States.  Then she set forth an entire Neopolitan dinner, recipes and all, from the first course to the dessert.  Of course, I skipped the courses and went straight to the dessert.  But that's just me!  :)


This blog post is dated 2013.  Liked it then.  Like it now!  The image from her post is an Italian Apple cake.  Isn't it gorgeous?!!

 

A Fall Neapolitan Style Dinner | jovinacooksitalian

Related articles

Italian Treasures - Moon Valley Sardinia (jovinacooksitalian.com)

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Mediterranean Recipes for Lunchtime (jovinacooksitalian.com)

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Deliciously Easy Upside Down Apple Cake (yumgoggle.com)

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Top 10 Most Delicious Foods in the World 2016(themeshnews.com)

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Celebrate National Apple Month in October  (or any month! 🍏)

Food Blog Spotlight: Custom Cakes by Rainbow Nourishments (Raw Vegan Cake Maker)

Was watching a health infomercial and the gentleman was supplying a recipe for a cake.  He showed the cake and then said we wouldn't believe what the ingredients were.  Have to admit when I saw the recipe I thought that cake was the best disguise I've ever seen.  Indeed, until I had to change my eating habits, it never occurred to me that so many foods that I loved to eat could be prepared in a completely different way and still be enjoyed.  Who knew?  

Evidently, the vegans knew and were way ahead with this knowledge.  In one of my previous posts, I shared my love of cake ("Which Cultures Make the Best Cakes?").  Today while surfing the Internet, stumbled across these wonderful creations by a food blogger named Anthea, who published a blog is RainbowNourishments.com.  She makes custom cakes.  Sure!  There are a lot of custom cake makers out there.  But this lady specializes in raw vegan cakes that are indescribable!

Pink dragon fruit layer cake

  

Pink dragon fruit layer cake

This recipe captures pretty much everything that I love about cakes. I love taking a bite of a sponge cake and squashing the air out of it in my mouth (ok, that sounds weird and confronting, but it's the truth so I'll stick with it). I love the simplicity and smoothness of raw cakes.

Amazing Cake Stand Multifunctional Cake and Serving Stand For weddings,events, parties, 4-in-1 Crystal Cake Dome

Acai Bowl Cheesecakes

Smoothie bowls are a staple in my diet as they are quick to make, delicious and can be made out of pantry/freezer ingredients. Smoothie bowls are normally thick smoothies poured into bowls, made with some sort of frozen fruit, and topped with things like granola, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, coconut...

HABIBEE 6-in-1 Acrylic Cake Stand Multifunctional Serving Platter and Cake Plate With Dome (6-in-1 Cake Dome)

Rainbow nicecream cake

Whoever invented nicecream (aka icecr eam made of blended bananas) is a genius.I thought: what if I could combine my current favourite food (nicecream) with my favourite concept (rainbows) into something that could enjoy at ANY time of the day. This marbled nicecream cake reminds me that adults CAN have fun with their food.

Edible Butterflies © -Large Rainbow Variety Set of 12 - Cake and Cupcake Toppers, Decoration

Related articles

• 10 International Cakes That Will Have You Embarking On A World Dessert Tour(collegecandy.com)

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• How to make Angel Food Cake(telegraph.co.uk)

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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:

Grilled Peach Salad / Solata s pečenimi breskvami (Reblog)

I love peaches and I especially love them in salads. I love this food blog because it shares wonderful recipes like this one. Grilled Peach Salad / Solata s pečenimi breskvami

Archived posts date back to 2012. Check out more content from this blog:


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Food Blog Spotlight: Vegan and Vegetarian Blogs: The Flaming Vegan (UPDATED Jan 2022)

Many celebrities have gone the way of the vegan. Common and Miley Cyrus to name just two (see "Links of Interest" below). Taking the leap and plunging myself into a vegan diet would be unrealistic. Taking baby steps toward modifying my diet to incorporate vegan food into my meals is a much more reasonable and sensible approach. That's why it gives me great pleasure to shine the spotlight on:

UPDATE:  Jan 2022: Sadly this domain name has expired and is now parked. Courtesy of GoDaddy.  Broken links below in this post have been replaced with archived links or suitable substitute links from other food blogger.

The Flaming Vegan (Domain parked free)

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The publishers describe their site as a “vegan and vegetarian blogging extravaganza”. Not only does this food blog provide recipes, but also answers to questions that didn't even cross my mind. Should have asked. Just didn't know any better. 


Below are few selected posts that ought to get you curious to know more. You may end up scratching your head and wondering why you're not already converted. Somebody preached the vegan gospel to rappers and they're repenting! :)

The Best Vegan Holiday Cookies. Seriously.

The Best Vegan Holiday Cookies. Seriously.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Nothing says fall like pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin popcorn, pumpkin flavored nuts, ice cream, oreos, granola bars; you name it! How about some vegan marshmallow stuffed pumpkin cookies? We usually go to Trader Joe's once a week.

 

Our 8 Favorite Vegan Online Resources - Purple Carrot

 

How Does The Change of Life Affect Vegan Women?

How Does The Change of Life Affect Vegan Women?

I am sure it won't be news to anyone following a purely plant-based diet that this regime benefits your health in numerous ways. However, there is one particular health perk of being vegan which may be quite a surprise to most people, as it was to me...

 

4 Fantastic Ways to Get All the Vitamins You Need

4 Fantastic Ways to Get All the Vitamins You Need

Whether you are a vegan for ethical reasons or dietary concerns, the bottom line is that you would like to be the healthiest vegan that you can. There is a common misconception that those who follow a vegan diet do not get enough essential vitamins and...

 

Your Quick Guide to Vegan Baking Substitutes

Your Quick Guide to Vegan Baking Substitutes

This article is designed to help new vegans and anyone else interested in reducing their consumption of animal products. It presents easy and effective alternatives to common ingredients such as dairy products and eggs in baking. If you are new to ...

 

Getting Picky Eaters to Eat with the Rainbow Method

Getting Picky Eaters to Eat with the Rainbow Method

I don't know about you, but I have picky eaters in my house. Oh, they're better now than they used to be, but back when they were small, mealtimes were battles to be fought. Many parents today face the same issue and it can be a big one. At one point...

 

Links of Interest: Common's Super-Healthy Diet Makes Us Feel Like Gluttonous Swine  Miley Cyrus Vegan Diet | POPSUGAR Fitness Vegan Celebrities – Famous Celebrities who Choose a Vegan Diet New Trend Alert: Rappers Are Going Vegan

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?

Looking for foodie friends? Have fun finding and sharing food-related content on Noise.Cash. It's a global social community. The PLUS is that you can make friends and earn Bitcoin Cash$.

Food Blog Spotlight: Honey Chai Cake Recipe | Arabic Food (Reblog)

Are you curious about global flavors?  You have wanderlust but can't wander too far because your travel budget is extremely limited?  Describing myself, of course.  My travel adventures are accomplished mainly through the Internet and television.  Was watching a TV cooking show and the host asked one of his guests who was a world traveler, which part of the world had the "best food" (in his opinion).  He said he enjoyed food prepared in the Middle East.  

Image credit:  Arabic Food I, photo by Victor Maia, found at Flickr.com



Connecting the dots.  

Several months back, began using the Google+ collections feature to maintain a collection of posts and links related to World Cuisine.  In the process, stumbled across the Arabic Food Recipes blog.  My husband and kids are turned on to chai tea. Even though I am a coffee fiend, having been encouraged by them to try a cup, it's very easy to understand why they are chai tea lovers.  At the aforementioned food blog found a cake recipe and thought to myself:

• 'Chai tea is delicious. Why not chai cake?'  

(See link shared below.)

Here is another thing to note about this blog.  When many of us are enjoying the holiday season, we say "Happy Holidays" to others.  Why?  It's not to be anti-Christmas.  America is a diverse nation.  Some folks do not celebrate Christmas.  But they do celebrate a holiday!  This blog has holiday recipes for Christmas, EID, and Ramadan.  Cool huh?

Honey Chai Cake Recipe

Honey Chai Cake Recipe

A delicious honey cake with tea, covered with vanilla and white chocolate icing, no one can resist it! Shaikha - founder of "When Shaikha Cooks" blog - prepared for you this unique recipe, to prepare it easily, especially for when you're expecting friends.

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with flavours of shawarma recipe

“There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen on Christmas day while all your guests are enjoying themselves outside, so this DIY lamb shawarma recipe is the perfect solution. ...”

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with flavours of shawarma recipe

The Arabic Food Recipes Kitchen (The home of Delicious Arabic Food) invites you to try Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with flavours of shawarma recipe. Enjoy the Arabic cuisine and learn how to make Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with flavours of shawarma.

Eid Kaak with Dates Recipe

Eid Kaak with Dates Recipe

Cooking time: 20 minutes servings: 100 Ingredients Dough: 2 cups very hot margarine7 cups flour2 tsp smell of kaak (special kaak spices)2 tbsp toasted sesame1/2 cup warm water1 tbsp yeast 1 tsp sugar1/2 cup milk Stuffing: 500 grams Ajwa (dates)1 tsp cinnamon For garnish: Fine powder sugar Directions 1.

Eggplant With Lamb, Tomato and Pine Nuts Recipe

“ … this traditional Lebanese dish is made for celebratory meals and gatherings.

Eggplant With Lamb, Tomato and Pine Nuts Recipe

With its layers of golden eggplant, cinnamon-scented lamb, and sweet tomato sauce topped with melted cheese, this traditional Lebanese dish is made for celebratory meals and gatherings. Even better, it's just as good served warm or room temperature as it is hot from the oven.

Related articles

How To Promote Diversity And Inclusion During A Month Of Multicultural Holidays

Looking for foodie friends? Have fun finding and sharing food-related content on Noise.Cash. It's a global social community. The PLUS is that you can make friends and earn Bitcoin Cash$.

Food Blog Spotlight: A Cook @ Heart: A basket (cake) of flowers! (Reblog)

I started publishing this blog in 2016. As of May 2020, seven (7) of my posts are specifically related to cakes. (See below.)  I am always looking for cakes. Not only are they a delicious and luscious dessert but many times they are works of art. You almost don't want to eat them. Fortunately, many people take photographs of their artistic culinary creations BEFORE they are devoured. 

My search for fellow food bloggers on the Blogspot blog publishing platform led me to this post. A Cook @ Heart: A basket (cake) of flowers!  Isn't this cake gorgeous?!!  You can tell by the comments left at this post that the blog visitors were ecstatic!!

This wonderful blog's posts archive dates back to 2006.  You could spend months exploring the content.  OR ... just use the handy Recipe Index and search for cake!  ☺❤🎂

Cake Posts at Food Ways:

"Baumkuchen", tasty and historic German cake | Recipes via Foodal

Box Cake Mix or Cake From Scratch -Throw Down!

Custom Cakes by Rainbow Nourishments(Raw Vegan Cake Maker)

Honey Chai Cake Recipe | Arabic Food(Reblog)

Let "em Eat Cake! Cake Loving Finds on My Instagram

Michelle Wibowo's Sugar Art Is MoreThan Precious!

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

glitter-graphics.com

Foodie Friday : Banana Brownies - Back for Seconds

Scanning pins on Pinterest and came across one pin shared by food blogger, Stephanie Brubaker, that made me start looking for recipe variations. Being that it's also #foodiefriday, it's also a perfect excuse to do a little detective work.  Brownies are on my list of fave foods, right along with cheesecake. But most of the brownies I enjoy are chocolate.  Never heard of a Banana Brownie. Have you?

Now it's imperative to know how many other different kinds of brownies are out there in wonderful world of food.  :)

Do you have a brownie recipe
that's not like any other?

Banana Brownies - Back for Seconds

Kelly Senyei, Just a Taste, came up with a recipe that combines three desserts into one.  Three guilty pleasures in one?  What a brilliant mind!!  :)

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


Found this delightful treat at Kirbie’s Cravings.

Cookies and Cream Brownies


Cookies and Cream Brownies



 Another Kellie shared her recipe for vegans at her blog, Food to Glow.

Tahini Swirl Chocolate Brownies (immune-boosting and grain-free + vegan option).

Miley Cyrus would be so proud of her! :)

Tahini Swirl Chocolate Brownies (immune-boosting and grain-free + vegan option)




*This one from a fellow blogger on Blogspot, Nook & Pantry.

Green Tea Cheesecake White Chocolate Brownie



Green Tea Cheesecake White Chocolate Brownie



Blinking arrow found at glitter-graphics.com

Spinach Brownies  (???) OK! Spinach Brownies Recipe