Holiday Food: Spotlight on Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated mainly by those of Mexican Heritage. It is not observed as a national holiday but here in America, particularly Texas, the state of my current residence, it is celebrated every May 5^th. As with most holidays, there is great food! This post shares a selection of cooking videos that showcase food served during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. 

Cinco de Mayo: Facts, Meaning & Celebrations – HISTORY

How to do Cinco de Mayo at Home in Austin ~ https://t.co/k7oAOmzkcI #holidays #celebrations #CincoDeMayo #Austin #Texas pic.twitter.com/8btop26zi1

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) May 3, 2020

More YT Cooking Videos for Cinco de Mayo

Cooking Tips : No Need For a Special Diet to Use Ingredient Substitutes

Whether you believe eggs are good or bad, at least there are egg substitutes, in case you run out of eggs. ☺

Imagine.

It's a holiday. 🎄

You're preparing a scrumptious meal. 

Many of the recipes require eggs. 

But! You run out of eggs! 

PANIC!! 

All the grocery stores are closed because ... it's a holiday! 

Can't borrow from the neighbors because every egg they have is CRITICAL!!  They're celebrating the holiday too.  

What do you do? 😨

This food chart (below) was made for vegans. But you don't have to be on a special diet to use cooking ingredient substitutes or alternatives.

By the way.  If this doesn't convince you to keep a ready supply of applesauce and tofu on hand, nothing will! ☺ 

Top 9 Plant-Based Egg Substitutes For A Healthy Diet

Similar links of Interest:

Za’atar is an Excellent Salt Substitute

Za’atar is a spice mix or a spice blend used in Arab and Israeli cuisines. It is used in recipes the same way Westerners use salt.

There is No Law Against Veggie Substitutes

Sure many recipes are tradition! But if you won’t eat a dish because of that one vegetable that you just don’t like, then go ahead and substitute the veggie for the one you do like! It’s OK. That’s not illegal!

Holi Festival Recipes ~ Sweets

Several years ago I was active in an online community which had many members who hail from India.  Many of them celebrate a festival called Holi which usually occurs during the month of March (although I have seen some say April).  Although I am not Hindu, I do like the idea behind this holiday tradition as it is a celebration of love, happiness, and colors.  Who wouldn't want to celebrate that, regardless of our diverse religious beliefs? 

I read some of the members' posts and noted that one writer expressed great enthusiasm about the “sweets” they enjoyed during this holiday. So? So you guessed it! I went on a hunt for Holi recipes. No surprise that I was able to find plenty at popular food blogs that I already like and follow from time to time. 

Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, With These 20 Vegan Recipes

Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, With These 20 Vegan Recipes

Holi, also known as the " Festival of Colors " is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. For two or three days, there is a celebration of color, music, fertility, love, and the victory of good over evil. Holi is an ancient holiday celebrated all over the world but mostly in parts of India and Nepal.

Holi Recipes, Holi festival 2017 Sweets Recipes - Rachna's Kitchen

Holi Recipes, Holi festival 2017 Sweets Recipes - Rachna's Kitchen

When I hear word "HOLI" , first thing that comes to my mind is color. Holi is an important festival of Hindu culture. It is known as the festival of happiness, love and brotherhood. In my childhood, I remember that me and my brothers used to wake up early in ...

Holi Recipes - 80 Holi Special Recipes 2014 - Holi Sweets - Holi Snacks - Blend with Spices

Holi Recipes - 80 Holi Special Recipes 2014 - Holi Sweets - Holi Snacks - Blend with Spices

Holi Festival Special Recipes / Holi Sweets Recipes / Holi Snacks Recipes Holi Sweets Mawa Coconut Jaggery Laddu Doda Burfi Gulab Jamun Kova Kajjikayalu Mawa Til Ladoo Chocolate Mawa Burfi Gur Para Mohanthal Rooh Afza Lemon Sharbat 7 Cup Burfi Microwave Besan Laddu Khoya Besan Laddu Phool Makane Kheer Kakara Pitha Rajgira Burfi Aate Ke...

Aam Ka Panna Recipe | Raw Green Mango Drink - Sharmis Passions

Aam Ka Panna Recipe | Raw Green Mango Drink - Sharmis Passions

Aam Ka Panna,a refreshing summer juice made with raw green mangoes.This scorching summer makes me crave for juices often, I loved this idea of storing the preserve and making the juice as and when we want sure better than the store bought juice mixes / squashes with loads of preservatives.

NOTE:  Sharmis Passions has a treasure trove of Holi recipes, in addition to the mango drink shared above.

♦

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)

* * *

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

Holiday Food: A Collection of Recipes for the Celebration of Hanukkah

I am a Christian but I have many Jewish friends who are celebrating Hanukkah. It is a holiday celebration that lasts for eight (8) days and it has been observed for more than 2000 years. The word Hanukkah means "dedication".  But it is also known as the Festival of Lights.

If you would like to know more about the holiday, My Jewish Learning published an excellent article: The History of Hanukkah.

Like most holidays celebrated by any group of people, there is lots of wonderful food to be enjoyed. 

HAPPY HANUKKAH!!

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: Pork Lo Mein - Make Takeout at Home | The Desert Cook (Reblog)

Food blogger Candy Dorsey publishes her own blog and also food-related Wizzley pages (see widget below). Reblogging / sharing the link to her post about pork lo mein. It's a Chinese takeout dish for you to make at home.  Not only is the dish delicious and easy to make but did you know that for the Chinese people, noodles are a “symbol of longevity”?


Pork Lo Mein - Make Takeout at Home |
The Desert Cook

♦ ♦ ♦ 

For those who celebrate, Chinese New Year, Candy also has a recipe for Chinese New Year Balls, which I'm sharing as well.  The new year celebrations for 2020 have come and gone, but every year is a new year!  Chinese New Year for 2021 will be February 12.  Mark your calendars.

Always wishing you peace, prosperity, good health and a long and wonderful life!

Chinese New Year Balls

Chinese New Year Balls

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking powder dash of salt Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl stir together all wet ingredients. Add to flour mixture all at once and stir just till moistened. Heat about 2" of cooking oil in a deep pot.

♦ ♦ ♦ 

Candy's Recipes on Wizzley!

Food Blog Spotlight: Home Cooking Presented by Hilda's Touch of Spice

Spotlight on another awesome food blog. This one has been save in my bookmarks for forever! It's called “Hilda'sTouch of Spice”. The blog is published by Hilda Mascarenhas. Her recipes include a wonderful sampling of European, Asian and American cuisines, and categories are for holidays, by countries, vegetarian versus non-vegetarian, desserts, side dishes, soups and salads, and more! The best way to describe her blog is using her own words:

"Mouth watering recipes & essential cooking advice, helping you to add the right Touch of Spice to make simple home cooking special!"

That's the description from her Facebook page.  In 2013 her page reached 1,000 Likes.  As of today (2016), it has over 5,000 Likes!  Isn't that marvelous?

Since it's the holiday season you're going to love this share. It's her Christmas Special menu, followed by a few more selected blog posts that I like. Enjoy!

Christmas Special Menu - Hilda's Touch Of Spice

(Click here to view all of Hilda's Christmas recipes.)

Christmas Special Menu

This year Christmas is going to be filled with traditional sweets at our home.

* * *

Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake

Popularly known as "Japanese Cotton Cheesecake" due to its cotton texture this beautiful baked cheesecake is delicately soft. Very famous years ago on the net, you will find several recipes to this delicious cake.

* * *

Steamed Momos

Steamed Momos

The weather in Pune is chilly & cold in the nights.

* * *

Carrot Coconut Ladoos / Gajar Nariyal Ladoos

Carrot Coconut Ladoos / Gajar Nariyal Ladoos

Two of my eternal favorites... Carrots and Coconut. Just can't do without them! 🙂 They bind beautifully to form into gorgeous,sweet and yummy ladoos. A perfect ball of melt in the mouth goodness to satiate that sweet craving.

* * *

Chicken Handi (Murg Handi)

Chicken Handi (Murg Handi)

Rustic and full of flavor this delectable Chicken/Murg Handi is so succulent. Like many who love this dish, we are no exception. There are many good restaurants in Pune who prepare this dish really well. Making an almost authentic, traditional Murg handi at home is an experience to be savored.

Other food bloggers highlighted by Food Ways:

• JovinaCooks Italian.
• CiaoFlorentina ~ Easy Italian Recipes
• Flaming Vegan

Foodie Friday: Awesome Food Bloggers in the Bloggy Moms Network

Spotlight on food bloggers who are members of the Bloggy Moms Network

I have been a member of this network since 2015 and receive regular eMails which advertise:

• events and meetings where blogger moms and mompreneurs get together, and 
• paid blogging opportunities.

The BM Network is also a great place to find recipes, cooking tips, meal ideas, and all kinds of food-related information. Below are excellent blog posts. Since the holiday season is here (I start celebrating in September ☺), the first share is about preparing a wonderful and healthy “healthier” Christmas feast. Some of the links were found at the Bloggy Moms site and others at blogs found listed in the blog directory at the BM site. Enjoy!!

6 Recipes For A Healthier Christmas Feast
(Don't worry. The meal is not just salad. But I love that picture! Don't you? If that's a part of the meal, wonder what the rest is going to be!)

6 Recipes For A Healthier Christmas Feast - Bloggy Moms

By Judy Pistolese How do you make your annual Christmas feast? My colleagues at Inner West Orthodontics are convinced that Christmas might just be the unhealthiest time of the year but with minor alterations, you can definitely prepare a delicious and healthy Christmas feast for the whole family!

* * *

How to Cook for a Week without Even Thinking About It

How to Cook for a Week without Even Thinking About It - Bloggy Moms

Here are a few things that give me a serious case of the sads: daily grocery store trips, half-empty boxes of pasta in my freezer, beautiful veggies aging before my eyes. I'm always trying to cut back on waste, especially as the holiday season picks up and time and funds become more limited.

* * *

Colorful Bow Tie Pork – Delicious!

* * *

Soup for Thanksgiving!

Soup for Thanksgiving! - Adriana's Best Recipes

This post is also available in: Español Thanksgiving is almost here and this time of the year calls for old-time favorites and today I am sharing easy Thanksgiving recipes using seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes.

* * *

Thanksgiving Mini Pies - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

Every Thanksgiving I want all the pies! There are so many delicious pies to enjoy Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Cherry Pie, Apple Crumb Pie, and don't forget pumpkin cheesecake and all the other desserts that come with Thanksgiving.

* * *

Pumpkin Shaped Bread Rolls - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

I received an e-mail from Better Homes and Garden with a recipe link for these adorable Pumpkin-Shaped Meatball Biscuits. Although they looked so festive and delicious I know I do not need another appetizer this Thanksgiving, we always have too much food.

* * *

Treats that are Changing Halloween! - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

Halloween is in the air! Whether you're a trick or treater or not, October rolls around and you don't have to look far to grab a piece of chocolate. In the bank, the doctor's office, all around you are offerings of candy.

* * *

Apple Pecan Chia Pudding – #SecretRecipeClub
(Dessert for breakfast? No wonder it's a secret!)

Apple Pecan Chia Pudding - #SecretRecipeClub

There are not many puddings that can be breakfast or dessert but this is one of them. Apple Pecan Chia Pudding is flavored with maple syrup and apple cider and topped with cinnamon apples and pecans for the ultimate sweet healthy treat. Wow!

* * *

Food Blog Spotlight : How to Cook Italian : Easy Recipes from CiaoFlorentina

Many people love Italian food. Although my husband says he doesn't. Even though he watches and sometimes records the cooking shows of Lidia Bastianich on Create TV. When we subscribed to cable TV, he rarely missed an episode of Giada De Laurentiis on Food Network. (O.o)

Image Credit:  Italian Food Map, Food Regions of Italy, by Nancy Nikko

I heart most things Italian, with food being at the top of my list. There are so many Italian food bloggers out there. In fact, my third post for this blog shined the spotlight on one of my favorite blogs: JovinaCooks Italian.

Here is another one of my favorite food blogs: EasyItalian Recipes – CiaoFlorentina.  Cooking advice is provided and many recipes are gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian. A few selected posts appear below to ignite your curiosity to know more and whet your appetite for some tasty Italian cuisine.

Chocolate Covered Oranges with Red Pepper Flakes * Christmas Recipes

Chocolate Covered Oranges with Red Pepper Flakes *

The ultimate Chocolate Covered Oranges: tangerine and orange slices dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with red pepper flakes for a nice kick. It is that time of year ago when our orange trees are so loaded the branches started breaking. Which means there are oranges and tangerines all over our kitchen.

* * *

Replace potato chips with a healthier alternative. How to Make Brussel Sprout Chips (Crispy) *

How to Make Brussel Sprout Chips (Crispy) *

Crispy and light baked Brussel sprout chips with just a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Easy to make and loved by all! Who is as excited as me about fall and baking trays upon trays of these Brussel sprout chips?

* * *

Vegetarian Calzone Recipe *

Vegetarian Calzone Recipe *

Italian vegetarian calzone, pizza pockets stuffed with veggies and cheese and grilled in a cast iron skillet, a vegetarian's dream ! First of all, you absolutely gotta make this vegetarian calzone you guys ! I had them for breakfast and I'm not even ashamed to admit it.

* * *

Do you know your thyme? Thyme Varieties For Cooking *

Thyme Varieties For Cooking *

There are quite a few thyme varieties for cooking out there. Thyme is one of my favorite herbs to cook with and plant in my containers, but in all honesty I stick to 2 maybe 3 varieties in my herb garden.

* * *

Foodie Friday : Chinese New Year Recipes and Dishes

The food-related topic of choice for this week's foodie Friday should be obvious.

Chinese New Year!

At our partner blog, My Blog Stop!, two posts were published discussing this wonderful holiday celebration with its traditions.

• MBS Post 1:  " ... Flowers are an important part of the decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration. ..." read more.

• MBS Post 2:  "... symbols of prosperity ... Tangerines and oranges to be specific.

"The bright orange color of the fruits also symbolizes 'gold'; hence it has an auspicious meaning to bring in good luck and wealth." ..." read more.

♦♦

People all around the world are celebrating. One of my favorite Asian TV chefs, Ching-He Huang, was a guest on the TODAY show and she briefly shared her good luck recipes to begin the new year. Her recipe for the main dish was Golden Chinese Five Spice Orange Roast Chicken. So many others are sharing their recipes and favorite dishes all around the web. There are so many to choose from. Clearly can't share them all, but hope to do like my selections. 

Happy New Year!!

10 Dishes To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2017: Year Of The Rooster

10 Dishes To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2017: Year Of The Rooster

Happy Spring Festival! Whether or not you have Chinese roots, more and more people the world over are celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year. Falling on Jan. 28 this year, traditionally, it is a time for families to get together and have an annual dinner, as well as sweep the house to make way for good [...]

TV chef Ching-He Huang's top tips for authentic cooking for Chinese New Year

TV chef Ching-He Huang's top tips for authentic cooking for Chinese New Year

It's Chinese New Year and millions of people around the world are getting ready to welcome in the Year of the Rooster. If you're one of them make and you're planning on celebrating, there's no doubt your favourite Chinese dishes will be making an appearance.

Chinese New Year Recipes | BBC The GoodFood

Planning your Chinese New Year feast? We've got some recipe suggestions - 42 to be exact... https://t.co/9h7mqLbfdt pic.twitter.com/EbW5G8TmWz

— BBC Good Food (@bbcgoodfood) January 27, 2017

Ginger Orange Pound Cake Recipe

Ginger Orange Pound Cake Recipe

There is one classic dessert my husband and I can't resist - nothing fancy or over the top, just the simple, sweet and soft yumminess of pound cake with a good cup of tea! Over the years I've experimented with many flavours in this simple recipe, from the good old plain vanilla to cardamom spiced and, of course, the chocolate version.

Nian Gao - Chinese Coconut Sticky Rice Cake - The Schizo Chef

Nian Gao - Chinese Coconut Sticky Rice Cake - The Schizo Chef

This week I am presenting some foods that are traditional for different global festivals. Chinese New Year is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world, due to global Chinese migration. Almost every country in the world has a Chinese population and this is the most celebrated holiday that is always acknowledged ...

Traditional Chinese New Year recipes to cook at home

Traditional Chinese New Year recipes to cook at home

Shiitake chive dumplings by Jeremy Pang Want to have a go at making your own Chinese dim sum? Jeremy's recipe includes a useful guide to making these wonderfully crispy shiitake and chive dumplings, with tips on how to perfectly wrap and shape them.

*

Yee Sang (Prosperity Toss Salad) | Malaysian Chinese Kitchen

Yee Sang (Prosperity Toss Salad) | Malaysian Chinese Kitchen

“... for the Chinese people, noodles are a “symbol of longevity”.

Happy New Year!!

Previous #FoodieFriday posts? Pesto Around the World  Experiencing the Joy of Salsa   Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon  It's Flipping Foodie Friday!  Raw Coconut Fig Slice (Reblog)  Winter Salad Binging  Banana Brownies - Back for Seconds  Cool Foodies and Food Lovers Celebrating Their “Firsts” on Twitter