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Showing posts with label food blurbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food blurbs. Show all posts

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Why I Like Black Food

Black jobs might be a figment of former President Trump’s imagination but black food is real! It is both delicious and nutritious.


I never liked black food. Unless it’s ice cream. Just kidding.

When I used to think of black food I thought people were saying that the food was burnt. But that’s not so. I discovered that there is black ice cream, there are black vegetables, and people intentionally add certain ingredients, like charcoal or squid ink, to make the food black.

Doing research I discovered that in London, they have a Black Food Festival. But don’t be confused. The food isn’t the color “black”. It’s called Black Eats Fest and it celebrates food from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. It’s a celebration of culinary diversity.

This content is about food that is the color “black”. It’s a brief introduction by way of sharing fun facts, which are the reasons why I like black food.

(1) Black foods are not just a novelty; they have great nutritional value. So when people tell you “eat the rainbow”, be sure to add black veggies to your diet. Learn more: Exotic Vegetables: Do You Include Black Veggies When You Eat the Rainbow?

(2) At one time, in ancient China, there was black rice (some say dark purple), which was also known as “forbidden rice”. It wasn’t forbidden to everyone. The emperors could have some and of course, the wealthy. But these days, it’s available to the masses and even shows up in U.S. restaurants. Black rice is the “perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for additional protein”. Learn more: What Is Forbidden Rice? | Eating Well

(3) Black sesame seeds are not the lighter sesame seeds that are colored black. The black color comes from anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Plus, they are a great source of calcium and magnesium. Learn more: What is Black Sesame, Actually? | Sporked




Thursday, July 31, 2025

What Should Kids Drink? Healthy Beverage Choices for Children

When it comes to growing children, it's extremely important to choose drinks that support their health and development. Based on my research (and life experience), here's a list of the best drinks for children, in order of what's generally considered the best. 


Water: The top choice for hydration, it has no calories, sugar, or additives.  My mom and dad used to call water “Adam's ale” and they always made sure to keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.  I also drank water from the kitchen faucet ... without a filter!  Can you believe it?


Plain Milk: Provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.  
My mom always kept milk in the fridge because we ate a lot of cereal. Although? The amount of sugar in those boxes of cereal? I'm not sure. IT might have canceled out the benefits of the milk.


100% Fruit Juice: Limited amounts can be beneficial, but it's best to avoid juices with added sugars.  The only
 juice I remember drinking a lot growing up was orange juice. Back in the day, we had a milkman who delivered, and either that was the only juice he sold, or the only juice my mom bought. I really loved pineapple juice so whenever I got to enjoy it (usually around the holidays), it was a special treat. These days it seems like everybody is into “juicing” and blending fruits and veggies into a drink; or you can buy from the store. There are lots of fruit juices with carrots or beets. That's cool! But I prefer my fruit juice separately.


100% Vegetable Juice: Similar to fruit juice, but with added vitamins and minerals.  
It used to be there was only V8 tomato juice and I tried my best to avoid it. LOL. Now V8 has a lot of variety in their vegetable juice product line. Of course, you can buy a juicer and make your own. Green drinks are very popular. I'm guessing that kids will drink it.


Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Suitable for children with allergies or dietary restrictions, but ensure they are fortified with necessary nutrients.  
Some kids are lactose-intolerant. In my home, I gave birth to lactose-intolerant children. They got it from their daddy! My late husband said when he was growing up they gave him goat milk or soy milk. If it weren't for him and having his children, I might have never known there was such a thing as Plant-Based Milk.


Flavored Milk: Can be an occasional treat, but it's better to stick with plain milk for daily consumption.  Occasional? Not for me! My mom kept milk in the fridge but he also kept Nestlé Quik powder in the pantry. If I had to drink milk in a glass it was going to be chocolate! For our school lunches, we had a choice: white or chocolate. I always picked chocolate! I thought those were the only two choices in the world. But there are strawberry, banana, and other flavors.

The point to be made is coffee, tea, sodas or carbonated beverages and fake fruit drinks that have dyes for color and a small percentage of real juice are probably not the “best drinks” for a growing child.  (Although we did drink a lot of Kool-aid.)  But let's see what a medical professional says about it.

What Should Kids Drink? Water, Milk, Juice, Soda | WebMD



Saturday, July 19, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: 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

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Homemade Gift Ideas: Air-Dried Herbs Make Great Food Gifts

Air-drying is better than heat-drying because the heat evaporates essential oils. Drying solves the problem of food waste, and learning how to air-dry herbs could become a hobby that you could turn into an income stream. Also, air-dried herbs make nice gifts. I would love to receive a jar of air-dried Herbs de Provence.

Learn how to air-dry and how to store the dried herbs

~ How To Air-Dry Herbs





(NOTE: Content below is AI-Generated using ChatGPT)

Here are three excellent step-by-step guides from 2020–2025 that walk you through how to air-dry herbs effectively:

🌿 1. Mama on the Homestead – Hang Drying Process

  • Step-by-step highlights:

    • Harvest herbs in the morning before flowering.

    • Shake gently to remove insects; rinse if needed.

    • Remove lower leaves and bundle stems with twine.

    • Hang upside down in a dry, shaded area for 1–2 weeks.

    • Store in airtight containers once fully dry.

🌿 2. Decor With Style – Comprehensive Guide

  • Step-by-step highlights:

    • Harvest healthy herbs before flowering.

    • Clean and prep herbs by removing excess moisture.

    • Bundle with twine and hang in a ventilated space.

    • Monitor drying progress and avoid overcrowding.

    • Store dried herbs in labeled jars away from light.

🌿 3. GardenerBible – Preserve Flavor Naturally

  • Step-by-step highlights:

    • Choose herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

    • Clean thoroughly and pat dry.

    • Bundle and hang in a low-humidity area.

    • Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color and oils.

    • Check dryness after 1–2 weeks and store properly.


Friday, May 30, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: 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



Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Strawberry Chocolate Cake

I watched this time travel Korean drama where an acupuncturist 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.

cake

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?

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Indian Food for Diabetics

Do you like Indian food? I watch a lot of cooking shows and videos. One thing I noticed about Indian cooking is that they really know how to blend herbs and spices and do amazing things to enhance the flavor of vegetables. Whether the veggies are cooked or eaten raw in a salad, they are so tasty.

Methi Sprouts Salad Recipe - Delicious Diabetic Snack by Archana's Kitchen

Indian food



FOLLOW THIS FOOD BLOG FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES:


Thursday, January 23, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: 3 Spices for a Long Life

Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao), is a board-certified anti-aging expert who asserts that there are 3 spices that promote longevity. That’s right. They can help you live longer. Ginger, evergreen, and garlic.

Foodie Nuggets: Cabbages (Without Kings)

If you are familiar with the 1904 novel by O. Henry, then you know it's not about collecting cabbage recipes for kings. 😊  It's just that in my high school Literature class we studied short stories and O. Henry was one of the writers we learned about. It was the year I learned that I liked short stories much better than reading books. You got to the ending quicker! 😊  


OK.  Back on point.  This food blurb is about cabbage recipes. 


If your goal is to eat more green leafy vegetables and you like cabbage anyway, then you'll probably enjoy this recipe. It's made with ground beef, but I vary it and use ground chicken or turkey. Also, I omit the cheese topping. For me, that's unnecessary extra calories. You could use a breadcrumb topping as a substitute or no topping at all. You might be able to also vary this recipe using escarole, napa cabbage, collards, or Swiss chard, instead of cabbage. You might try purple cabbage instead of green. Purple veggies are just as good as green!

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe | EatingWell




* * *

Eating Well is an excellent website. I subscribe to it. You find cooking tips and health tips. Here is a link to more cabbage recipes. If you're trying to lose weight, try the cabbage diet soup.




MORE Food Blurbs at Food Ways




Monday, January 13, 2025

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: 6 Spices For Indian Cuisine

If you love Indian cuisine and want to learn how to cook Indian food then to get started you should have these 6 spices in your kitchen cabinet:
  1. turmeric
  2. saffron
  3. ginger, 
  4. cumin
  5. coriander (seed or powder), and 
  6. cardamon







Source: Virily.com










Friday, September 13, 2024

Foodie Nuggets: The Key Ingredient in Nigerian Food

I love watching cooking shows on television. There is this one show where the host goes all over America and shines a spotlight on the various ethnic cuisines. I once lived in Houston, Texas and I wish I had know this but I did not. As most people do, whenever they move to a new place, they bring their customs and traditions with them. They especially bring their food. Because there nothing better than the taste of home when you are now living in a foreign land. It turns out that many Nigerians relocated from their country and there is a thriving community in Houston, Texas. There are some popular restaurants in Houston that serve Nigerian cuisine.


A key ingredient in many Nigerian #recipes are peppers. Here is link to an article that explains "The different types of peppers in Nigeria | Pulse Nigeria"


Taste of Nigeria was featured on "No Passport Required", a food show which airs on PBS.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: Angelica keiskei

I love watching Korean drama and love to learn about the teas they drink. In one K-drama, there was a lady who worked at the Commoners' Clinic, and she offered a man a tea called Angelica keiskei. Did you know:

~ 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  

It's edible and here is a video on ways to eat it. 






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Sunday, September 8, 2024

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: 5 Exotic Spices

Asafetida, dried avocado leaves, epazote, grains of paradise, and juniper berries are 5 wonderful cooking ingredients. Which country should we thank for introducing these 5 exotic spices to the global community of food lovers?

  • "Asafoetida was familiar in the early Mediterranean, having come by land across Iran." (Source)
  • Dried avocado leaves are a secret Mexican ingredient.  (Source)
  • "The epazote herb is commonly used in the cuisines and traditional medicines of central and southern Mexico and Guatemala." (Source)








Source: Virily.com

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Foodie Nuggets: Much Ado About Mushrooms

If you have been following this foodie blog then you know that my love affair with mushrooms began the same time that I started dating my late husband, I shared those details in this blog post:
This short post (or food blurb) is just an add-on to tell you more things I have discovered about this wonderful fungi!  Did you know that there is such a thing as a Mushroom of Immortality?


“Reishi/lingzhi has been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. as a supplement used to improve human health.” It is called a Mushroom of Immortality and you can grow it on your own. They're quite tasty. Just don't believe for one minute that they will make you live forever.  




Here is a wonderful veggie soup will get you through the winter months. Totally comfort food!  It includes a variety of mushrooms:  cremini, shiitake, and reishi. 


Also, if you love Asian noodles, you'll love this Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl.





SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

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 




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