Round Up! Random Foodie Finds: Recipes and Healthy Eating Tips

When this foodie blog was started back in 2016, I made it clear that "its purpose is to share food finds for food lovers, recipes, cooking tips, and all things foodie!" 

Staying true to the purpose, it's been almost 10 years, and as they say: Time flies when you're having fun! This blog post includes recipes to encourage you to eat your fruits and veggies and a link to an informative article published by the American Cancer Society for reducing the risk of cancer.

Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash

American Cancer Society: Avoid Meat to Reduce Cancer Risk | livekindly.co : The American Cancer Society (ACS) unveiled its new guidelines for reducing the risk of cancer. The organization advises people to eat less red and processed meat and more whole, plant-based foods. …

Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans (vegan & gluten-free) | momswhosave.com :  A delicious recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers with quinoa and black beans. This recipe is vegan (& gluten-free), but some melted some cheese on top, or a dollop of sour cream would be tasty …

11 Best Indian Mango Recipes To Try At Home | food.ndtv.com : 
The best of our Indian mango recipes for you to try at home. Let's just agree that the primary reason for most of us to wait for the peak summer season is only the… 

20 Minute Vegan Meals - Rainbow Plant Life https://t.co/b6djzJM2Ax

— Joie de Vivre Magazine (aka My Fox Nooze) (@FoxMarks_ATX) May 11, 2026

Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon

I can smell nutmeg, apples, and cinnamon.

I can sprinkle a little powdered pumpkin spice or a dash of plain old cinnamon in my morning cup of coffee.

For an evening meal, I can enjoy a hearty bowl of butternut squash soup or cook up a stew chock-full of root vegetables and meat, made with that special secret ingredient:  cinnamon.


In the United States, people associate cinnamon with the autumn season and/or the Christmas holidays.  But for me, any time is a good time to enjoy cinnamon.

😍  

Shining the spotlight on one of my favorite warming, feel-good spices.  Cinnamon!

DID YOU KNOW?

Cinnamon used to be more valuable than gold. "The woody, warming spice we sprinkle with abandon on top of baked goods and specialty coffees is native to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India. But very few people knew where cinnamon came from when merchants first began selling spices throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa as far back as 3,000 years ago — and spice traders capitalized on that lack of knowledge to charge high prices. The stories they told sound wild now, but they once made cinnamon more precious than gold. ..."

READ FULL ARTICLE:  Meeker, Nicole Garner. “Cinnamon Used to Be More Valuable than Gold.” Interesting Facts, 23 Apr. 2026, https://interestingfacts.com/fact/cinnamon-used-to-be-more-valuable-than-gold/.

DID YOU KNOW?

- There is a mythological creature called the Cinnamon Bird?
- In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used in the embalming process?

There's probably lots of other things you didn't know about cinnamon as well.

If you're curious, read more:  20 Facts about Cinnamon.

• Community Post: 35 Crazy-Good Ways To Indulge On Cinnamon This Fall: Because it is the best of all the fall spices!

Links to a sampling of recipes using cinnamon that reflect world cuisine and global tastes: Snickerdoodles Soft, chewy sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodles are a cozy American classic with a signature tang from cream of tartar. Their warm spice and crackly tops make them a nostalgic favorite across generations. Pumpkin Soup Silky pumpkin soup often features cinnamon to enhance its natural sweetness, creating a comforting bowl enjoyed from North America to the Middle East. The spice adds depth and warmth, especially in autumn-inspired versions. Apple Pie A hallmark of American baking, apple pie relies on cinnamon to bring out the fruit’s brightness and aroma. The spice blends with apples to create a filling that’s both sweet and warmly spiced. Coffee Cake Cinnamon is the star of many coffee cakes, swirled through the batter or layered as a crumbly streusel. This beloved treat appears in variations around the world, often served with tea or coffee. Baklava In Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, baklava layers crisp phyllo with nuts scented with cinnamon, then soaks everything in fragrant syrup. The spice adds warmth that balances the dessert’s sweetness. Biriyani A celebrated South Asian rice dish, biriyani uses cinnamon sticks as part of its aromatic spice blend, infusing the rice and meat with deep, layered flavor. The result is a fragrant, festive centerpiece. Chicken Mole In Mexican mole sauces, cinnamon contributes subtle warmth that complements chiles, chocolate, and nuts. Its presence helps create Mole’s famously complex, bittersweet depth. Roast Duck Cinnamon often appears in Chinese and Southeast Asian roast duck marinades or spice rubs, adding gentle sweetness that enhances the rich, fatty meat. The spice helps create a beautifully aromatic, lacquered finish.

Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!

https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792542919952302080/dolce-rita-kunafeh-the-middle-easts-favorite

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

This was published in a Fine Cooking magazine a couple of years ago. I was so excited to have found a relatively easy yet very flavorful noodle soup for my family. My husband (the ultimate food critic) loves this and doesnt mind eating it for days.

Tomato Bredie - Traditional South African Stew (Video) | PantsDownApronsOn (One stick of cinnamon required.)

https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792543963461697536/tomato-bredie-traditional-south-african-stew

Featured Products from SpiceCubed.

Do You Have a Favorite Summer Fruit and Do You Like Popsicles?

Don't you love it when you're listening to the weather forecast and they announce when the first day of a season will begin? I do. 

Even though spring is my favorite season, I get excited when they announce that summer will begin. Summertime means summer fruit!

Summer fruit just brings out everyone’s inner foodie, doesn’t it? One person is Team juicy‑watermelon‑drip‑down‑your‑arm, another is Team perfectly‑ripe‑peach, and someone else is fiercely loyal to their icy popsicle stash. Whether you’re Team creamy popsicles or Team icy popsicles, Team fruit‑chunks‑inside or Team silky‑smooth blends, there’s something fun about picking a side and celebrating the flavors that make summer feel like summer. 

I love summer fruit. My favorite is nectarines. I also love popsicles and found some recipes for you to enjoy your summer fruit as a popsicle.

Cold and sweet. It’s the perfect treat for a hot summer’s day or night! Don’t you think so? **

I rounded up some fun summer‑fruit inspiration from around the web — recipes, tips, and a few sweet treats that made me smile.  These video creators and tweeters have some of the most refreshing ideas for making the most of summer fruit.

glitter-graphics.com

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I love a simple fruit popsicle! What are your favorite summer sweet treats? #summertime #sweettreats pic.twitter.com/O0f67psHPz

— Playing W. Fire (@Playingwfirepc) July 7, 2019

Summer Fruit Popsicle Recipe Blog from The Fruit Company ~ #summerfruit #recipes #popsicles #cool and #sweet #treats
~ https://t.co/JiIMWFQWDH pic.twitter.com/buMryooB12

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) July 14, 2019

Cheesecake: A Slice of Heaven, Joy, and Pure Delight

Cheesecake heaven ... delight ... joy ... dressed up or plain.  No matter. It's the best dessert on the planet!!  Happy for any excuse to enjoy a piece of cheesecake! 😊

• FUN FACT:  Cheesecake is truly the food of love, and we can thank the Greeks. DID YOU KNOW? The Greek physician Aegimus wrote a book on making cheesecakes in the 5th century AD, and the oldest written cheesecake recipe is attributed to Athenaeus and dates back to 230 AD…. ❤️

Gourmet Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert gift for the ultimate dessert lover. There are many wonderful sites where you can purchase these fabulous gourmet food gifts online.

• The Cheesecake Factory
• Cheesecakes by David's Cookies
• The Original Cakerie

From classic New York Style cheesecake to Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. Tough decision, huh? I know!  It's hard to decide if you want to be generous and buy it as a gift OR get it for yourself and eat it all? 😊

Hark!  Is that the voice of a diva?

What's that?  You're a domestic diva, and you prefer to make your own cheesecake instead of buying a gourmet gift online?  OK!  The listing of recipes below is for the Martha Stewart look-alikes. 

• Lemon Swirl Cheesecake — a classic baked cheesecake with homemade lemon curd swirled through the top. -  Mindees Cooking Obsession
  
• The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – dessertsblog.com
• Baked Matcha Cheesecake – The Unlikely Baker
  
• Lavender Honey Cheesecake – Taste Of Home
  
• Mint Chocolate Cheesecake – Taste Of Home
  
• Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake – Restless Chipotle
  
• Matcha Swirl Cheesecake – A Cozy Kitchen
  
• Rainbow Cheesecake _ A cheerful “pot of gold” dessert.  - Tablespoon

July 30th is the official date set aside for National Cheesecake Day.  But for me, it's an occasion to extend throughout the entire year. 

EES shares recipes, cooking tips and all things foodie!

Everyday Exotic Spices

Thinking of the winter holidays?
- Easy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

- White Christmas Cheesecake

glitter-graphics.com

Foodie Friday : Experience the Joy of Salsa

There was once a time when the recipe for fresh salsa was simply diced tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, lime juice, red pepper or a jalapeno pepper, salt to taste (cilantro, optional). I love salsa! It's a fun way to eat your fruits and veggies.

Image credit

Salsa isn’t just a condiment—it’s a celebration in a bowl.

Several years back, I moved into a new neighborhood and was at the local grocery store. Walked down an aisle, and on the shelves were bottles of every kind of salsa imaginable.  What I thought was only a simple mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and lime turned out to be a vibrant universe of flavors that reflect the creativity of home cooks and chefs everywhere.  It was one of those "What else don't I know about planet earth?" moments.  

Walking down a grocery store aisle felt like taking a mini world tour:

• mango salsa that tastes like sunshine, 
• roasted pineapple salsa with a smoky twist, or 
• bold tomatillo blends that wake up any dish. 

Each jar tells a story about how food travels, transforms, and inspires. Oh, the wonder of it all! Had no idea salsa came in that many flavors.  That’s the joy of salsa—it invites experimentation. One spoonful can turn grilled chicken into a summer feast or make a humble bowl of beans feel gourmet. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or something in between, salsa proves that the simplest foods often bring the biggest smiles.

This week's Foodie Friday focus is on salsa!

* * *

La Salsa Speciale del Chef

Gave me all kinds of foodie ideas. Sharing some recipes. 

Why keep all these delicious delights to myself?

• 7 Delicious Salsa Recipes
• Black-Eyed Pea Salsa Recipe: How to Make It
• Cilantro Lime Grille Chicken with Strawberry Salsa (pic below)

Originally published at Persona Paper on Jul 3, 2015.

Sharing a bit of salsa heaven!  

Recipes found around the web.

Wild Beet Salad Company makes Wild Beet Salsa

Recipe: Roasted Pineapple Salsa (thekitchn .com)

#Recipe: Roasted Pineapple Salsa — Recipes from #TheKitchn https://t.co/uIFEtndKUY pic.twitter.com/0bJCHDwhDv

— Zesty Recipes (@zesty_recipes) May 2, 2016

Blackened Tomatillo Poblano Salsa With Habanero

17 Savory Salsa Recipes

https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792541904634068992/sweet-sugar-blossoms-17-savory-salsa-recipes

Mango Pomegranate & Tender Coconut Salsa

Apple Salsa – Spicy, Fresh, Perfect for Fall

Spiced Orange Saffron Warm drink | Drink Recipes from Chitra's Healthy Kitchen (Reblog)

Chitra’s Healthy Kitchen is a warm, inviting space that celebrates wholesome cooking with vibrant, nourishing recipes drawn from a wide range of global and Indian traditions. The blog’s thoughtful explanations and colorful dishes make healthy eating feel joyful and accessible, all while showcasing Chitra’s genuine passion for sharing good food. It’s the kind of place that inspires you to try something fresh and delicious the moment you start reading.

One more day left in Feb 2026.  Snow is still likely in early March, especially across the northern states.

Wintertime is the best time for warm drinks. Who would disagree? Even though you drink hot or warm drinks all year round, for obvious reasons, they are just more soothing and comforting during the winter. That's why I am reblogging this recipe from an awesome food blogger who shares recipes for healthy living. Chitra's blog has a littel over 2500 followers.  (“Chitra’s Healthy Kitchen.” Chitra’s Healthy Kitchen, https://drchdietfood.com/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.)

• Saffron, my favorite spice. But never thought to put it in a drink. :) 

• Love oranges. Love saffron. Can’t go wrong! :)

• Warm drinks are so soothing and comforting.   

Spiced Orange Saffron Warm Drink
| Chitra's Healthy Kitchen

EES shares recipes, cooking tips, and all things foodie!

++

More Warm Winter Drinks

Indulge in cozy vibes with Simpson & Vail Almond Sugar Cookie #BlackTea 🍪☕ Part of the #DessertTeas Collection — one 4oz tin brews up to 50 cups of sweet comfort! 🌿💛
Perfect for #TeaLovers, #Vegan & #Kosher lifestyles.
👉 https://t.co/b7b4jtRhie pic.twitter.com/pgCtfWqvhA

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) November 26, 2025

Comfort and Joy! Holiday drinks are warm and soothing with the right mulling spices like peppercorns and cinnamon.

Thermos Funtainer 12 Ounce Warm Beverage Bottle, Darth Vader Armour

Winterial Insulated Watter Bottle / 40oz / Double Walled HOT & COLD / Vacuum Sealed / Black

glitter-graphics.com

Jam Heart Cookies for Valentine’s Day 💖 (Reblog) ~ Fun Recipe for Cooking with Kids

Every once in a while, I stumble across a recipe that’s so charming it deserves a little spotlight of its own. These jam heart cookies are exactly that — sweet, simple, and perfect for Valentine’s Day baking.

• Image created using free AI art tool

This recipe comes from Haley at If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen, a blog I discovered accidentally, while browsing for fun foodie recipes.  It looks like you can find a lot of well-tested baking recipes on this site. Haley's jam heart cookies are a buttery shortbread-style cookie, shaped into hearts and filled with bright raspberry jam. They’re festive without being fussy, and the ingredient list is refreshingly simple.

Newbie cooks or bakers will especially appreciate how clearly this recipe is explained. Haley walks through shaping the dough, filling the cookies cleanly, and baking them so they hold their shape and stay tender. These are the kind of homemade cookies that look impressive on a plate but are totally doable for home bakers.

A little cookie history.  DID YOU KNOW?

Jam-filled cookies like these are cousins of traditional thumbprint cookies, which have roots in Scandinavian baking (you might know them as hallongrotta, or “raspberry caves”). Over time, bakers have adapted the shape and flavors, and turned them into hearts, which feels like a natural evolution for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful homemade treat, a baking project to share with kids, or just an excuse to work jam into dessert (always a good idea), bookmark this.

💖Find full recipe, tips, and step-by-step instructions here: Jam Heart Cookies from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Happy baking — and happy Valentine’s season?💖

A cute, hands‑on Sweet DIY Valentine’s Day Treat!
❤️ https://t.co/qxk2uYejFE
Fun #DIY Cookie Decorating Kit:
🍪 Two heart‑shaped cookies
🎨 Red & white frosting tubes
✨ Heart sprinkles💘 pic.twitter.com/ivqBJ5mnQz

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) January 31, 2026

Habee's 6 Unique and Delicious BBQ Sauce Recipes

Per HubPages Contributor Holle Abee (habee), once you know her Basic Barbecue Sauce Recipe, you can make scores of different versions. So she has provided the basic recipe and 5 variations.  You should see her variations!  WHOA!  White BBQ Sauce???

There's also: 

• Orange-Tangerine BBQ Sauce

• Teriyaki-Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe

• Cherry - Chipotle BBQ Sauce

• Mesquite BBQ Sauce

And??  Oh yeah!  The basic recipe for plain old barbecue sauce! 

GO TO:  6 Unique BBQ Sauce Recipes - Delicious!

Before you go, allow me to share some fun food history about barbecue sauce.

According to the "Frugal Gourmet" (an old cooking TV show I used to watch), the Chinese get full credit for inventing barbecue.  The chef said he wasn't surprised because the Chinese invented just about the best way to cook everything!  LOL.  But!  Did they invent barbecue sauce?

Barbecue sauce has deep roots in the early practices of cooking and seasoning meat that long predate the modern bottled condiments familiar today. The term barbecue itself comes from barbacoa, a Caribbean word describing a method of slow‐cooking meat over a wooden framework—a technique Indigenous peoples used before European contact. Early sauces likely began as simple acidic bastes combining lime or citrus juices and spices to flavor and tenderize meat, with similar approaches found in Africa and the Caribbean, reflecting a blending of culinary traditions. (TastingTable)

In America, the first recorded mentions of sauces for barbecued meat appear in 17th- and 18th-century English and French writings. For example, Nouveaux Voyages aux Isles d’Amerique (1693) describes a barbecued hog basted with melted butter, cayenne, and herbs. Early Southern cooks also used vinegar-, salt-, and pepper-based sauces, especially in the Carolinas. (The Association for Dressings & Sauces)

Regional variations developed over time: South Carolina’s mustard barbecue sauce grew out of German settler traditions mixing mustard with vinegar and spices, while Kansas City-style sauces became thick, sweet, tomato-based blends. These styles eventually influenced the nationwide flavor profile of barbecue sauce. (Flavor 365)

Commercial production of barbecue sauce began in the early 20th century. The Georgia Barbecue Sauce Company advertised bottled sauce as early as 1909, and by the mid-20th century, major food companies like Heinz were selling barbecue sauce nationally. The inclusion of sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in the 1920s and beyond helped shape the sweeter, more complex sauces that dominate today’s market. (Smokin'Ts)

***
Sources:

“History of BBQ Sauce.” Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 28 Sept. 2022, dickeys.com/press/blog/history‐of‐bbq‐sauce. (Dickey'sBarbecue Pit)

“Origins of BBQ Sauce.” Smokin’ Ts, Smokints.com, accessed 12 Jan. 2026. (Smokin'Ts)

“What Is Barbecue Sauce?” The Association for Dressings & Sauces, dressings-sauces.org/what-is-barbecue-sauce, accessed 12 Jan. 2026. (The Association for Dressings & Sauces)

“Where Did Mustard BBQ Sauce Originate?” Flavor365.com, accessed 12 Jan. 2026. (Flavor365)

Who Invented Barbecue Sauce? Chef’s Resource, chefsresource.com/who-invented-barbecue-sauce, accessed 12 Jan. 2026. (Chef's Resource)

EES shares recipes, cooking tips and all things foodie!

ThermoPro Digital Cooking Thermometer.✨https://t.co/CY35Z3F2E7
Is it done yet? Ask the thermometer that never lies.
No more overcooked #food!
From rare steaks to baked chicken.
This little thermometer takes the guesswork out of every dish. #cooking #kitchen #meals #giftideas pic.twitter.com/rfjnhT2Vfp

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) January 19, 2026

Cuisinart Deluxe 20 Piece Grill Tool Set
20 essential stainless steel tools for flipping, slicing, skewering, basting, and cleaning ~ https://t.co/qQ86MFyz6g
Perfect gift for grill lovers — backyard BBQs to campsite feasts #cooking #cookout #giftideas #FathersDay #MothersDay pic.twitter.com/AX5SZEMuyM

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) January 19, 2026

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Recipes | Vintage Recipes and Cookery (Reblog)

I have a fond memory of fruitcake. It dates back over 40+ years, and it was the time when my husband-to-be took me to his childhood home in The Bahamas to meet his parents. It was the Christmas holiday season.  His mother offered me a piece of fruitcake. I did not want to offend her, but I really was not a fan of fruitcake. She served me a slice with a cup of coffee. I don't know where my mother-in-law got her fruitcake, but to my surprise ... it was delicious!! That is a sweet memory, and that's why I was happy to reblog this post. It evoked that memory and took me on a sentimental journey.

Most commercially-made fruitcakes are alcohol-free, but traditionally, fruitcakes usually contained alcohol; both for the flavor and to preserve the cakes for months. In the 1800s, wood burning stoves didn’t have temperature gauges, and oven temperatures varied based on the type and size wood used. You were supposed to learn how to determine the heat through experience. Some recipes ignored the oven temperature and others used terms such as a slow, moderate, or quick oven. ...

Continue reading ...

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Recipes 

| Vintage Recipes and Cookery from the 1800s

* * *

Did you know that food historians say fruitcakes were common in ancient Rome "when pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and barley mash were mixed together to form a ring-shaped dessert"? (Source)

Interesting facts about the history of fruitcake 🍰:

1. It dates back to ancient Rome
   Early versions of fruitcake were made by Romans using barley mash, honey, wine, and dried fruits like pomegranate seeds and raisins. It was more like an energy bar than a dessert.  (Pomegranate???  I've never had a fruitcake with this fruit.)

2. Fruitcake was once a practical survival food
   Because dried fruit, nuts, and alcohol preserve well, fruitcake could last for months. This made it popular for soldiers, sailors, and travelers in the Middle Ages.

3. It was banned at one point
   In the 18th century, fruitcake was banned in some European countries.  It was considered “sinfully rich” because it used too much butter, sugar, and alcohol during times of scarcity.  (That sounds reasonable.)

4. Alcohol helped it age, not spoil
   Traditional fruitcakes are often soaked in rum, brandy, or whiskey. The alcohol acts as a preservative, allowing some fruitcakes to be aged for years, sometimes decades.

5. It became a Christmas tradition in Europe during the Victorian Era (19th Century)
   Fruitcake evolved into a holiday food in Britain and Germany, eventually spreading to other countries. Each region developed its own version, like German stollen or Italian panettone.

6. The U.S. has extremely old fruitcakes
   Some American fruitcakes, especially from famous bakeries, have been kept for over 100 years as curiosities. One well-known fruitcake from 1878 is preserved in Michigan: the Ford Family Fruitcake: A 141-year-old (as of 2019).  The actual oldest known type of fruitcake is a ~3,500-year-old funerary offering from ancient Egypt, made with dates, honey, and nuts, found in the Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose. Thebes, Egypt, 1492–1473 BC. 

Fruitcake by Country?  Here’s how different countries make fruitcake differently 🌍🍰:

1. United Kingdom 
   British fruitcake is very dense and dark, packed with raisins, currants, and candied peel. It’s usually soaked in brandy or rum and often covered with marzipan and icing for weddings and Christmas.

2. Germany 
   Germany’s version is Stollen, a lighter yeast bread rather than a cake. It contains dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sometimes marzipan in the center, and is heavily dusted with powdered sugar.

3. Italy 
   Italians make Panettone, which is tall, fluffy, and airy. It’s more like a sweet bread with candied citrus and raisins, and much less dense than traditional fruitcake.

4. United States 
   American fruitcake is often very sweet and rich, loaded with candied fruits and nuts. It’s usually baked in loaf form and sometimes soaked in bourbon or rum, especially in the South.

5. Caribbean 🌴
   Caribbean fruitcake (also called black cake) uses fruits soaked for months in rum and wine. The cake is very dark, moist, and intensely flavored, and is popular at Christmas and weddings.

6. Japan 
   Japanese fruitcake is light and sponge-like, often layered with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It’s much less sweet and focuses on freshness rather than long-term preservation.

Collin Street Bakery Pineapple Pecan Cake (1 lb 14 oz) in Collectible Gift Tin - 115 Regular Size 7” Cake with Pecans, Pineapple, & Honey

Similar or Related Content:

**

Tasting History with Max Miller (@TastingHistory). “The History of Fruitcake.” YouTube, 19 Dec. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGXXhthp_8.

Recipe Sharing: White Christmas Cheesecake That's Perfect For Valentine's Day (Guest Post)

Ever met a cheesecake you didn't like?  I haven't. This is a White Christmas Cheesecake that is also perfect for Valentine's Day.  Here's the recipe.  

ENJOY!

* * *

A few interesting and fun facts tied to the idea of a “White Christmas cheesecake”, even though it’s more of a theme-style recipe than a single official dish:

🎄 Why it’s called “White Christmas”

• The name usually refers to the all-white color palette, inspired by snow and the classic song “White Christmas.”

• White chocolate, cream cheese, vanilla, and coconut are the most common ingredients used to keep the cake pale and festive.

🍰 A modern holiday twist

• Unlike traditional Christmas puddings or fruitcakes, White Christmas cheesecake is a modern dessert, gaining popularity as no-bake cheesecakes became trendy in the late 20th century.

• It’s especially popular in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, where Christmas desserts are often lighter and cream-based.

🤍 White chocolate’s role

• White chocolate isn’t technically chocolate (it contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids), which helps:

  • Keep the cheesecake’s color bright

  • Add sweetness without bitterness

• This makes it ideal for festive decorations like snowflakes, curls, or drizzle.

❄️ Common festive add-ins

Many versions include:

• Coconut → mimics snow texture

• Macadamia nuts or almonds → popular holiday flavors

• Cranberries or raspberries → added sparingly for contrast, like holly on snow

• Vanilla bean → enhances the “clean” winter flavor profile

🧊 Often served no-bake

• White Christmas cheesecakes are frequently no-bake, which:

  • Makes them perfect for busy holiday cooking

  • Helps them stay light and creamy instead of dense

🎁 Presentation matters

• They’re often decorated more elaborately than everyday cheesecakes:

  • White chocolate shards

  • Edible glitter or pearl sprinkles

  • Powdered sugar “snow”

• The visual effect is a big part of the appeal.

🎶 Cultural crossover

• The dessert’s name is directly inspired by pop culture rather than tradition, showing how music and holiday nostalgia influence modern recipes.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

taste.com.au. “How to Make a White Christmas Cheesecake.” YouTube, 26 Nov. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3I_y-Y_p84.

🎄🎄 Visit My Foodie Luv on Tumblr for more wonder-filled holiday recipes.

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 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 with accessories like baking pans and racks, etc.

3. Air fryers are not only easy to use but also 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. Great for when cooking foods that don't need to be constantly 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