Showing posts with label foodies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foodies. Show all posts

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Customs, Traditions and Symbols : The Cornucopia

In the USA, since 1863, we have celebrated Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November.



Here is a little bit of background information about this national holiday:

POTUS George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation – Thursday, Nov 26, 1789 proclaimed a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer”. (* Source: The Heritage Foundation)


POTUS Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November, even though, at the time, the country was engaged in the Civil War. (** Source: National Archives)


Now to get the highlight of this post. The cornucopia. I love the cornucopia.

A cornucopia, also called “horn of plenty”, is a symbol of a harvest – usually pictured as a goat’s horn overflowing with various fruits like apples, grapes, oranges, etc.; corn on the cob; pumpkin; and some even have flowers.

In America, the cornucopia is a symbol included in our celebration of Thanksgiving Day. People don’t usually like to break with familiar customs and traditions that have been accepted and practiced for years. But if I could, I would champion a change to the traditional filling of the cornucopia. My horn of plenty would reflect a harvest that included exotic or tropical fruits. Pomegranates, mangoes, kiwis, and pineapples are at the top of my list.


As for vegetables? Haven’t really given them much thought. Maybe some zucchini and a bunch of collard greens, kale or Swiss chard! 

What about you? Ever give any thought to refilling a cornucopia? What fruits and/or veggies and/or flowers would go into your horn of plenty? Don’t you think it makes an excellent gift? A customized cornucopia for a friend or family member. A horn of plenty loaded with fresh fruits and veggies that they like!


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If your country does not celebrate a Thanksgiving Day, I’m sure there is a similar holiday where you take time to give thanks and show appreciation for the life you live. If you don’t use the cornucopia, do you have a symbol that represents the harvest of bountiful blessings of planet earth?




Link of Interest:
Cornucopia – American Thanksgiving


Waving flag image credit: glitter-graphics.com

* * Content first published at Literacy Base on April 9, 2017.



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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Food Blurb: 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



Friday, June 28, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody

This is the fifth (and final) post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody (2024)



In the USA, fried chicken is Southern food comfort and everybody brags that they have perfected the best recipe ever! Not trying to diss my Southern friends and kinfolk, but Korean fried chicken, affectionately referred to as KFC, is a global sensation. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy meat on the inside, with bold flavors, and the recipe has variations. 


One of the most popular variations is yangnyeom chicken, which is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from a combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. This sticky flavorful sauce clings to the crispy chicken. (Admit it! You’re drooling aren’t you?) 


Another variation is ganjang chicken, glazed with a savory soy sauce-based marinade and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. As can be seen in Korean dramas, it’s a social food served at gatherings, accompanied by beer or soju (Korean rice liquor). Fried chicken restaurants in Korea are known as chimaek joints.





Original source

Friday, June 21, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)

This is the fourth post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)


Korean Jjajangmyeon has been described as a culinary experience that embodies the fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors. It is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish characterized by its savory black bean sauce. In “Wok of Love” this dish is mentioned frequently. 


Originating from Chinese immigrants in Korea, and is now a staple of Korean cuisine. The dish consists of chewy wheat noodles topped with a thick, glossy sauce made from chunjang, a Korean black bean paste. The sauce is typically stir-fried with diced beef or pork, onions, zucchini, and other vegetables. The blend of umami-rich black bean paste black bean paste, savory meat, and sweet caramelized vegetables can be described as pure harmony and that’s why it is a beloved comfort food. People enjoy it as a standalone meal but can also be paired with other Korean-Chinese dishes.















Original source



Friday, June 14, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody (2020)

This is the third post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Porkbelly Rhapsody (2020)


(Image credit:  Whole Foods MarketWhole Foods Market)

Korean pork belly, known as samgyeopsal (삼겹살) in Korean, is a quintessential dish in Korean cuisine and it originates from South Korea. Korean barbecue culture is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Thick slices of pork belly that are marbled with layers of fat and meat, are usually grilled at the table over a charcoal or gas grill.  The grilling caramelizes the fat, and imparts a delicious smokiness and crispiness to the meat. 


What is samgyeopsal served with? various pickled vegetables, sliced garlic, green onions, fresh lettuce leaves, and ssamjang (a savory and spicy dipping sauce made from fermented soybean paste and chili paste). 


The fun is figuring out your favorite way to eat it! This is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Korean cuisine.







Original source

Friday, June 7, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)

This is the second post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody ~ part of a Netflix series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today. 

Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)


Korean Hanwoo is a premium breed of beef cattle native to South Korea. Food lovers praise it for its rich flavor, its exceptional quality, tenderness, marbling, and succulent texture. Hanwoo beef is a source of national pride. As such, South Korea has very strict standards to ensure the superior quality of Hanwoo cattle. Korean farmers are very meticulous throughout the breeding and rearing process. Hanwoo beef is used in a wide range of dishes, from traditional Korean barbecue (galbi) to hearty stews (jjigae) and savory soups (guk). Hanwoo symbolizes prosperity, celebration, and hospitality. It has been deemed a Korean culinary treasure.





Original source

Monday, June 3, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

The Netflix Rhapsody series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  To date, there are five (5) rhapsody programs.  An EES blog post will be published to highlight each program.  This is the first post.

Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

cold noodle

Korean cold noodle, known as naengmyeon (냉면) in Korean, originated from North Korea. The dish consists of long, thin noodles made from wheat or buckwheat flour, served in a chilled broth, then topped with various ingredients. 


The toppings can include boiled egg, cucumber, Korean pear, pickled radish, and thinly sliced beef. There are different varieties and the most common variety is mul naengmyeon, which are noodles in a clear, tangy broth made from beef, chicken, or dongchimi (radish water kimchi).


Naengmyeon (cold noodle) is not only revered for its taste but also for its health benefits and cooling properties, making it a particularly popular dish during the summertime. The Korean cold noodle is often served during special occasions, like weddings or birthdays.


 







Original source

Tuesday, May 14, 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

















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Friday, December 1, 2023

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:

  • Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

  • India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

  • Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

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

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

October is National Pizza Month ~ Let's Celebrate!

October is National Pizza Month. Let's start the celebration with these fun pizza facts.

- - "The longest pizza delivery was from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney, Australia."

- - "Scientists report that eating pizza once a week can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. It's the tomatoes and olive oil in the pizza."









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Friday, September 1, 2023

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:







Thursday, August 31, 2023

Korean Food: A Brief Introduction to Banchan

In Korean cuisine, banchan is a small side dish served along with rice as part of an everyday meal. No Korean meal is complete without at least 2 to 3 banchan.


If you are one of my followers or subscribers then you know that my guilty pleasure is watching Korean dramas. Not only are they entertaining but they are educational and the food they eat always looks so mouth-watering. Watching them makes me hungry. I always wish I could be right there with them enjoying the food! LOL.

Netflix is doing well these days helping me satisfy my appetite for K-dramas. This streaming platform has quite a selection of movies and TV series, historical period or modern, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more! Crash Course in Romance is a Korean series that was released on Netflix in January 2023. This series introduced me to “banchan”. One of the main characters was Nam Haeng-seon (played by Jeon Do-yeon), a lady who owned and operated a shop called “Nation’s Best Banchan”. Customers could come into the store and pick whatever banchan dishes they wanted for lunch or dinner.

Not being very familiar with Korean cuisine, my first question was: What is banchan? My second question was: What is the best banchan? I did a little research and am sharing my notes below.

NOTE 1: “Banchan means side dish in Korean, but in reality, it’s a bunch of small dishes filled to the brim with pickles and the like that scatter the table at lunch or dinner.” (REF: Hills, S. W. (2022, January 13). The Funky, Flavorful Side Dishes to Complete Any Korean Meal. Food52. food52.com/blog/17598-the-funky-flavorful-sides-a-korean-meal-wouldn-t-be-complete-without)

NOTE 2: “There are generally three main types of banchan — fresh vegetable banchan like namul or muchim; braised or soy sauce-based banchan called jorim; and well-preserved mit banchan like kimchi or jeotgal, that’s usually on hand in large batches.” (REF: Yoo, Irene. “How to Cook a Bunch of Banchan.” Food Network, Food Network, 6 May 2021, www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-cook-banchan-side-dishes-crowd. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

NOTE 3: What are some popular banchan dishes? (REF: TasteAtlas. “46 Types of Banchan Sorted by Popularity.” Tasteatlas.com, TasteAtlas, 20 Nov. 2020, www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-types-of-banchan-in-the-world. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

N‌OTE 4: “Banchan dates back to the mid-Three Kingdom period, around 300s AD at a time when Buddhism was a heavy influence and meat consumption was highly discouraged. As a restyle, seasonal vegetable-based dishes became the focal point of Korean cuisine.” (REF: Angela, and admin. “Banchan History: All about Korea’s Famous Side Dishes.” FOODICLES, 2 June 2021, foodicles.com/banchan-history/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

NOTE 5: Everything you need to know about the history, etiquette, and ingredients behind banchan. (REF: Spalding, Lavinia, and Mae Hamilton. “How to Eat Korean Banchan — and a Guide to the Most Iconic Dishes.” AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Aug. 2021, www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-eat-korean-banchan-and-a-guide-to-the-most-iconic-dishes. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)‌

Original source

♦♦ COOKING VIDEOS:

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Friday, June 23, 2023

Meal Kit Delivery Services: Spotlight on Hello Fresh

There are many people who have a very busy lifestyle.  They are on the run so much that they don't have time to expend on preparing a home-cooked meal.  In order to ao avoid eating fast food or junk food, Hello Fresh offers a valuable service.  They do the meal planning and grocery shopping for you.


Food is fresh, never frozen. In addition to meats and veggies, they have plant-based meals for vegans and vegetarians.

They deliver the meal kits once a week and you can skip deliveries if you need to, like if you're going out of town. You can also easily cancel your account.

The company owners, managers, and staff are very conscious of their social responsibilities. For example.

~ They promote healthy lifestyles

~ Their meal kits don't waste food.

~ They request that customers recycle the boxes the goods were delivered in.

Headquartered in Germany, and in business since 2011, Hello Fresh meal kits are extremely popular in America.



Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Desserts Made With My Favorite Ingredient. Cool Whip!

Desserts! YUM! There are very few people in the world who will refuse a delicious dessert.
  • Parents tell their kids: “If you eat all your vegetables, you’ll get dessert!” or “Finish your food or you won’t get any dessert!
  • Kids grow up and tell themselves: “Life is uncertain. Eat desserts first.” ☺

Sometimes It Is OK to Eat Desserts

If you live in the USA, then you know that there are certain times of the year when eating desserts is totally OK. From October through December, because many holidays are celebrated, indulging in and enjoying desserts is expected. Is it any wonder that these 3 months are my favorite time of the year?

A few years back I signed up to receive a free newsletter published by FaveSouthernRecipes. This publication supplies wonderful recipes that are submitted by various people. The contributors could be professional chefs or everyday cooks. One of the issues was loaded with recipes for desserts. There were twelve (12) easy recipes that used my favorite secret ingredient Cool Whip.
  • REFERENCE: “12 Easy Southern Recipes with Cool Whip.” Edited by Terrie Hayes, FaveSouthernRecipes.com, Prime Publishing, LLC., 7 May 2015, www.favesouthernrecipes.com/Recipes-for-Dessert/Easy-Southern-Recipes-With-Cool-Whip.
Elvis Presley’s love of bananas, peanut butter, and bacon is legendary! One of the recipes is called the “Ode-to-Elvis Poke Cake”. Here is the description provided at the site: “The King’s favorite flavor combo of bananas, peanut butter, and bacon comes together in this easy Southern recipe with Cool Whip. Moist yellow cake (with peanut butter added) is topped with banana cream pudding, Cool Whip, crumbled bacon, and a peanut butter glaze.”

What??!!! This should be illegal. LOL.


Do You Like Cool Whip?

Who likes Cool Whip? Believe it or not, this is a question that causes a divide. There are those who view it as fake whipped cream and say it’s advertised as “imitation whipped cream”.

I say: Cool Whip is real enough for me! 

There are many Americans, including me, who are very pleased that William H. Mitchell, a chemist who worked at General Mills, invented this food product. I can quantify “many”. Statista.com reported that “126.43 million Americans consumed Cool Whip in 2018”.


Do you have a favorite dessert?

Do you have a favorite ingredient that you like with almost any dessert recipe?