Showing posts with label foodie friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foodie friday. Show all posts

Friday, October 7, 2022

Foodie Friday : Apples and Pumpkins

Autumn is the season for apples and pumpkins.  My favorite recipes are apple cobbler and pumpkin pie, which (in my humble opinion) are true American holiday cuisine.  I enjoy these desserts for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

FUN FACTS:

Cobblers originated in the British American colonies.  "The earliest recipe dates from 1824. Apple Cobbler – Cobblers (stewed fruit topped with batter, biscuit, or dumplings) originated in the British American colonies with the term “cobbler” recorded in 1859. Cobblers can be made with any type of fruit or berry and are also known as slumps, grunts, and pandowdy." (SOURCE: M. E. Bond)

A cobbler is not the same as Crisp, Crumble, Betty, Or Buckle?  What's the difference?  "Cobblers are a fruit dessert baked with biscuit-style topping. It's called a cobbler because its top crust is not smooth like a pie crust but rather “cobbled” and coarse. It's usually dropped or spooned over the fruit, then baked. Individual fruit cobblers." (SOURCE: Farmers' Almanac)

"Northeastern Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins. The Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts to the first settlers, and taught them the many uses for pumpkin. This led to serving pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving in America about 50 years later." (SOURCE: The History Behind Pumpkin Pie)

Do you have a favorite recipe using these ingredients?

BONUS QUESTION:  Which do you prefer to top your apple cobbler or your pumpkin pie?

  • Scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Huge squirt of whipped cream
  • Other topping


History of Baked Fruit Desserts Like Buckle, Pandowdy, and Cobbler

Pumpkin Pie! A History!


Previous 5 Foodie Friday Posts;

YACR (Yet Another Chili Recipe)

Figs ~ Enjoy a Coconut Fig Slice

Childhood Memories:  COTTON CANDY

Upside-Down Cakes

Dinner Idea: Chicken with Blackberry Salsa


Friday, September 2, 2022

Foodie Friday : YACR ( Yet Another Chili Recipe )

Whether or not it's the holiday season, any time is the time of the year folks in Texas love to eat chili.  But for some reason, they really like chili during the Christmas season.  At any rate, it took me years of experimenting to come up with this recipe and,  IMHO, it isn't half-bad.



Chili is Hearty Food. Love a good bowl of chili ?

So many variations on the #recipes for this wonderful comfort food !

In Austin, Texas, Tex-Mex cuisine is everywhere. This may or may not be Tex-Mex tradition but chili is a big deal! Everybody claims to know how to make thee best chili ever!!

After trying out different recipes, finally came up with one of my own that my family enjoyed. In fact, one Christmas holiday (because I know how much Texas folk love their chili), made Christmas cards with my chili recipe and let my daughter give them to her teachers.

So here is the recipe. Sorry. Don't have my own pictures. Took an image from Pixabay that looks similar to mine (only my chili is a little bit thicker and meatier).


* * * Fox's Chili Recipe * * *

 

1 to 2 lbs lean ground beef(or turkey)
One large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
Chopped red bell pepper (optional)


2 Seasoning (Low Sodium) Envelopes:
- McCormick Taco Seasoning
- McCormick Chili Seasoning
(Adjust to your taste. Don't use the entire packet if you don't want to.)


1 can (15.5 oz) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
1 jar (16 oz) of Old El Paso Salsa (Medium heat)
1 small can (8 oz) Hunt's tomato sauce (roasted garlic flavor)
1 large can (32 oz) Bush's dark red kidney beans, drain liquid
1 large can (32 oz) Bush's black beans, drain liquid


High heat, large sauce pan or a dutch oven pot, brown ground meat and drain off any excess fat.


On medium heat add in onions (and bell pepper); and season the meat/onion/bellpepper mixture with the seasoning packets. Mix thoroughly.


Throw in the all the remaining ingredients, lower heat, let cook (about 15 - 20 minutes), stirring occasionally - until all the flavors come together.


Make a huge bowl of salad with: one head of iceberg lettuce, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, and large cucumber, thinly sliced. Avocado (if you can afford it.) Salad dressing? Your choice.


Serve chili in a bowl with the salad as a side.


Lay out the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, more chopped onions, green onions, red onions, cornbread, tortilla chips, taco shells, whatever you like!


You don't have to use name brand products. I do because the quality of the product is usually consistent, so the recipe should taste the same every time! That's just me. Enjoy!!


Content first published at PersonaPaper, Aug 2015.






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Previous #FoodieFriday posts?


Friday, April 22, 2022

Foodie Friday : Figs ~ Enjoy a Raw Coconut Fig Slice ( and More Wonderful Way to Enjoy Figs)

It's another #FoodieFriday. Even though it's late in the day, this post will be published before midnight. If not, I might turn into fig! (Just kidding!) 

For this #FoodieFriday, the keyword is "fig".  (It was going to be "gumbo' but ... found this post about fig and went off in a completely different direction! :)  )  Before getting started, let me share this healthy tip.

TIP:  Need a pre-workout snack? Try figs! They are filled with calcium, magnesium and potassium.  (Source)

OK!  My first fig share is an awesome post found in a Google Plus Blogging community.  The G+ network was shut down do I'm glad I saved the link.



I don't know if the fig was really the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. As far as I'm concerned it's a fruit that was heaven sent!

Here is a little bit about the fig. It's an excerpt from my article published at Wizzley.com


FIG TREES

Genus Ficus
The fig plant can be either a low-lying shrub or a tall tree.  They grow wild; or domesticated in the Mediterranean region and in California.  In Israel, the fig trees usually sprout buds in late spring; by the month of June (early summer) the tree is full of leaves; and in just a few more weeks, the figs are ready for picking.

...


An additional fact.  In the Bible, the fig has two symbolic meanings.  Hope (if the fig tree fruitful): Desolation (if the fig tree is barren).



Here are more shares.  Enjoy!

The humble Fig.

The Fig...You can get it dried almost anywhere in the world and fresh and luscious from September through to autumn. There is nought like the taste of a fresh fig and dried they are different but sweet, with a chewy flesh and crunchy edible seeds.The fig tree has no blossoms on their branches ...The blossoms are inside the fig.



Dalmatia Spread Fig, 8.5 oz


Bring Me Some Figgy Fig Recipes. (shewearsmanyhats.com)


 

Friday, January 21, 2022

Foodie Friday: Childhood Memories: COTTON CANDY!

Cotton candy is a treat that I only used to eat whenever carnivals came to town. I found this article and it provoked some nostalgic thoughts. It also shared some food history.

~ Cotton candy originated in Italy in the 1400s.

~ In the mid 18th century, spun sugar was used in the U.S. and Europe but cotton candy was only available to wealthy people.

~ In the late 19th century, confectioners John C. Wharton and William Morrison created a special machine that would quickly melt sugar and generate a centrifugal force to shoot it through a screen.

~ In the 1920s, this sugary snack was officially known in the US as “cotton candy.”

~ In the USA, two national food days are dedicated to cotton candy: July 31 and December 2.


I can't remember the last time I had cotton candy. It's been so long. Carnivals don't come to town like they used to. When was the last time you had cotton candy?

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Foodie Friday: Dinner Idea: Chicken with Blackberry Salsa

In Texas people love their salsa.  They put it on everything!  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks!  But it's not the sweet salsa.  It's the spicy made with tomatoes and lime juice.  As I did more foodie research, I began to find that there are many variations for a salsa recipe.  For me, the spicy or the sweet recipe is fantastic!.  They make great condiments and really enhance the flavor of your meats.   If you like sweet and savory dishes you'll probably enjoy this recipe. 

Grilled Chicken With Blackberry Salsa Recipe
| Mix and Match Mama

dinner





Friday, October 22, 2021

Foodie Friday : CHICKEN RECIPES – The Best of

Award-winning TV chef, Lidia Bastianich, says that “chicken” is the most searched for food term. There is no reason to think that fact needs to be checked out. Lots of people love chicken! Fried, stewed, baked, barbecued, grilled! There has got to be a million plus ways to prepare this delightful bird and make it taste like it's the first time you've ever eaten it! Agree?

 



What's your favorite part of the chicken? (Breasts or dark meat?)

  • I like chicken thighs.

Do you also like chicken livers, gizzards, and hearts?

  • If you tenderize them you can cook them in a stew with carrots, potatoes and green cabbage. It's a poor man's meal but very filling.

Do you have favorite way you like to eat chicken?
 
When people say “best of”, it's almost always purely subjective. However, for several years I have been collecting what, in my opinion is the “best” chicken recipes from wherever they can be found and as of today my Pinterest board boasts close to 600 recipes.

Here is a quick list of just a few of the best chicken dishes ever.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Yeah mon!! :)


Mango makes everything taste good!
 




Who doesn't like Greek or Thai food? (O.o) (???)
 


Honey Jalapeno Chicken Tenders

Finger food in its finest hour!
 


* soy sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil.

Just listing the seasonings makes my mouth water.
 

Chicken Rice Casserole Sunday Supper

The mighty one pot dish!
 


* use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Said the magic word. Easy!!
 

Lemon Chicken Rice Soup

Best Chicken Detox Soup

Don't resist chicken soup! It's good for the soul! :)

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More #FoodieFriday Posts




Friday, October 15, 2021

Foodie Friday: My Favorite Party Dip!

Do you ever go to parties or other social gatherings where they serve finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, tapas, dim sum, etc. At almost every one of these occassions you'll find bowl of dip surrounded by some potato chips or crackers for you to dip with. The most popular dip is onion dip which is very easy to make. Take a packet of Lipton onion gravy and mix it into a cup of sour cream. Tasty but after a while … BORING!!

One upon a time, a friend decided to bring in smoked salmon dip to an office party. My life was changed forever! Seriously! I don't even like salmon. But I loved that dip!!

Found a great recipe at an awesome food blog.

smoked salmon dip

Smoked Salmon Dip | Once Upon a Chef

On the off chance that you're not convinced that it's the best dip in the world, here are a few more dip recipes you might want to try.  There are plenty recipes to choose from.  There's got to be at least one that will make your faves list.


Dips and Spreads Recipes | Allrecipes  

The Best Delicious and Easy Dip Recipes Everyone Will Love! 
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Friday, August 20, 2021

Foodie Friday : Little Things Shares Delightful Recipes and Cooking Tips

LittleThings is a website/platform that serves as home to a myriad group of content creators. The publishers don't just share info about food, but that's where my interests lie. Celebrate your inner chef!


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Some people make a meal just eating appetizers.  Try these bruschetta recipes.  I could eat a plate full.



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When the season changes to fall or winter, do you always look for pumpkin and squash recipes?  I do!



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Bought my son a waffle iron for Christmas once.  He used it at first and then became bored.  These recipes are proof that he simply lacked creativity and cooking inspiration.





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We all know pasta is comfort food.  But isn't a pasta dish quick to make?  Sure!  Some are.  But some pasta meals can be cooked in the slow cooker and you'll be glad you took the time.



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Most of my friends say they don't bake bread because they don't have time.  Wonder if they ever tried baking bread in a jar?



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You can use this dessert recipe to celebrate Easter and if you don't celebrate that holiday, then celebrate Spring!  It's dessert!  Surely you can come up with an excuse to eat cake!



Hope you enjoy these recipes.

Friday, August 13, 2021

Foodie Friday : Falooda, An Indian Dessert

Shining my foodie Friday spotlight on Falooda. 

It's an Indian dessert. Friends in a forum introduced me to this dessert. Ingredients (for the picture below): Mango, Jelly, Basil Seed, Vermicelli, Tapioca Pearls, Condensed Milk, Rose Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream. There are, of course, recipe variations (see below). Most ingredients you can probably get from your local grocery stores like mango, jelly, condensed milk, and vanilla ice cream. But you may want to shop online for Tapioca Pearls, Basil Seed, and Rose Syrup.

Ever try this dessert?



       

















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More #FoodieFriday Posts



Foodie Friday : Improve Boxed Mac-n-Cheese. Is that possible?

Anybody who loves their macaroni and cheese would rather be thrown into a cage with starving lions than eat that boxed mac-n-cheese!! UUUGGG!!! YUK!!!

OK. Being tossed into a cage with starving lions is a bit of an exaggeration. But how many of you have ever had a choice between making your own macaroni and cheese or using the mac-n-cheese in a box and said: “Oh yes! Gimme that box stuff! I love it!”


Saw a headline (below) about “hacking your mac”.

Well since it was in the food section, figured it wasn't about a Mac computer, so it had to be about macaroni!  13 ways to make boxed macaroni and cheese taste even better? Well!  Everybody has their own tastes, don't they?  In my humble opinion, speaking as a non-chef or non-official food person in any way, a newbie learning to cook might want to test these ways using the box.  If the end results pass muster, they can adapt some of these ideas and add a twist to a real tried and true homemade recipe.


My tried and true homemade recipe?

Prepare 1 lb of elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions

Pour drained macaroni into a casserole dish. While the pasta is still hot, mix in the following ingredients in this order.
  • 1 lb of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
Once all ingredients are thoroughly combined, sprinkle more shredded cheddar cheese on top. (As much as you want.)

Bake in a preheated oven to 350 degrees F., for about 30 minutes.

This is how my late mother taught me and was really surprised when watching TV chef Paula Deen's cooking show one day and noticed that she prepared hers the same way. (I varied my mom's recipe a little by adding in chopped onions and bell peppers.)


Other Mac-n-Cheese Variations




Foodie Friday : Raw Milk Cheese (Americans are Missing Out!)

I don't have a recipe to share for Foodie Friday. Just a link to an interesting article about a food history topic that sheds light on the raw milk cheese that apparently Americans are apparently missing out on enjoying.

Americans have never had access to the cheese they deserve.


Basically the article says that most Americans don't know what real cheese taste like because they've never had any. There is some truth to the article. That's IF you define cheese that is only made from pasteurized milk as “bogus cheese”. ☺

According to the article, “real cheese” or rather “really good tasting cheese” is made from unpasteurized milk and that Americans are regulating cheese imports based on a law enacted because a health scare 80 years ago.  You won't hear any Europeans complaining because "Hey!  More good cheese for them!"  I wonder, since the Chinese have started consuming more diary products, if they are also enjoying this good real cheese.


Per Mark Hay, the article writer:

“In 1944, the federal government, ... concerned by the number of outbreaks, recommended that all cheese be made from pasteurized milk or that raw milk cheeses be aged sufficiently to let nasty germs in it die off.”

“Regardless of the merits of the rule at the time, no one bothered to review it until the late 1980s.”

“Meanwhile, Europe has developed rules that accommodate all manner of raw milk cheese but still keep people relatively safe, broadly working with existing traditions to find steps at which hygiene can be monitored and ensured.”

“In 1985, America suffered one of its greatest modern foodborne illness outbreaks, which killed over two-dozen people, ten of them infants. It was traced to a cheese plant using raw milk. … But after the 1985 incident, calls emerged to ban all raw milk cheese.”

Other significant cheese incidents occurred after 1985. Check the article for additional details.

Pretty much the article concludes:

Americans! You don't know what you're missing!
YUM! YUM!


Using Mr. Hay's exact words:
“It’s just shocking to realize how much of America’s food ecosystem, and ultimately of our palates as Americans, were locked into place decades ago by chance forces and best-guess science. But that’s how one winds up in a nation where it is, and likely will for some time be, easier to get an assault rifle than a wheel of OG French Camembert.”


Ouch!  That part about the assault rifle really hurt.  I am heart broken. I always considered myself a cheese lover. Only to find out that all this time I haven't been eating real cheese.  😢😢


The article writer has convinced me that perhaps America does need to revisit and maybe revise the raw milk cheese importing regulations. After all, there are people in other countries around the world enjoying these cheeses made from unpasteurized milk and they aren't dropping like flies. 

I'm definitely curious now as to what I've been missing all my life. Are you?















Friday, July 23, 2021

About the Blog Publisher

My photo
Work-at-home professional since 2007.

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Treathyl Fox aka Cmoneyspinner – Home Business Entrepreneur.  Think. Dream. Focus. Believe in yourself? Hire yourself! Be your own boss! Do it! Self-employed and loving it!   ♦ DISCLOSURE: In compliance with FTC rules and guidelines, be advised that some links shared via my my websites and blogs might contain affiliate referral links which means commissions might be earned if product sales resulted from your click-through to the vendor’s website. Contact or Connect via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, HUBPages, or Medium.