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!!

The holidays don't align very often.#Hanukkah2024 starts on the day of #Christmas2024. Let's align our hearts & #PrayForPeace. 💙❤️💚💙❤️💚💙❤️💚
Everything you need to know to celebrate and prep for Hanukkah https://t.co/P8lXHwlreL pic.twitter.com/ap0LAWKOUL

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) December 5, 2024

My Foodie Shares Around the Web

Ever heard of myLot? It's one of those social networking sites that pay you for just having discussions and being friendly. It's a neat way to earn some extra income. You can start discussions or chime on discussions already going on. It's lots of fun. The discussions I initiate are varied but of course, several of them are about food and drink or something food-related.  (NOTE:  Some of my content was removed from myLot but the links have been updated.)

Here are a few examples.   But there are lots more!  Enjoy! 😊

Sushi vs. Sashimi - There's a Difference?

NOTE:  The Instagram post on the link above is broken so I'm sharing substitutes below.

There is no excuse for me not knowing this because the guy who decided to make sushi popular and a part of everyday American cuisine, started his business project in Texas. Yet I confess. I did not know. The shock for me was that even though I saw the word in my local grocery store, I never realized the word “sashimi” had any meaning. I thought it was a brand name. Duh! There is a difference between sushi and sashima. Did you know?

Life's Guilty Pleasures: French Fries

Life's Guilty Pleasures: French Fries

We probably all have our guilty pleasures don't we? Never prepared a list, but if I did, french fries would be on it! French fries, smothered with melted cheddar cheese, sprinkled with crispy bacon pieces. If I'm going to indulge myself, might as well go all the way! Right?

First Food Experiences – Zucchini Muffins

Years ago when I was a poor university student, a treat would be to catch a public bus and go to a mall, look in the stores and maybe grab a bite to eat somewhere. Somewhere ... cheap! One day at the mall there was this restaurant that had a wonderful aroma coming from it.

First Food Experiences: Zucchini Muffins

Root Veggies From Jupiter Taste Better!

Root Veggies From Jupiter Taste Better!

Sharing a tidbit from stuff that gets thrown into my "I would have never thunk it!" files. Have you ever thought that: "Plants grown on other planets...

Would You Eat Food Not Grown on Planet Earth?

World Cuisine: Spotlight on Jordan

World Cuisine: Spotlight on Jordan

Yielding to temptation again. Have to share something foodie oriented. A famous athlete was a guest on a TV cooking show and he was being interviewed by the host who asked him, since he had traveled so many places around the world, what type of food did he like the most.

World Cuisine: Indian Food - Myth or Fact

Do you like Indian food? I do! Although must admit, had to acquire a taste for it. My first time trying a so-called authentic Indian dish was at one of those American mall-type food courts, where there are all kinds of restaurants for you to choose from. That probably wasn't the best place for me to get my first taste. Was taken aback by some sort of flavor or spice that my palette was clearly not expecting. It threw me off!

Later on, when cooking channels became so popular on television, started learning how to prepare Indian dishes. There was the one lady who referred to herself as a “spice goddess”.  Because really it comes to cooking, Indians do know their spices.  No argument.  Her recipes always seemed so simple, easy to prepare, and she explained the herbs and spices she used for flavoring and showed you how to incorporate them into the recipes.  Crush these seeds.  Warm this spice in the pan.  Sprinkle these herbs.  Decided to try Indian food again and was very pleased with the tasting tests.

Below is a link to a blog post that eliminates common myths about Indian food. Didn't know there were myths but good to know they can be ignored. What were some of the myths?

• All Indian food is spicy.
• All Indian food is vegetarian.
• All Indian food is overloaded with curry.

Discover the Truth behind the Indian Food Myths

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Content first published Mar 21, 2015 via Persona Paper

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

By Petrina Verma Sarkar Come on, be honest. What are the first things that come to your mind when you think of Indian food? Hot, spicy, oily, rich, fatty, bad for you, difficult and time-consuming to cook, curry powder....

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

Facts that will blow your taste buds

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

Before it turned into an art that involved culinary expertise, food in India was about rasas and doshas. Taste or rasa in Sanskrit guides the tongue and it is a balance or misbalance of these rasas that cause or correct the doashas in body.

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

It is about experimenting with different spices and ingredients and to come up with your own secret recipes. Then just go for it, Visit Masala Fry! Enjoy!

Indian ladies: glitter-graphics.com

Edible Art Of Japanese Style Kawaii Cooking

It’s really no big surprise that people like kawaii.
 It’s loaded with cuteness!  😊

When my high schooler was a middle schooler, she enjoyed this cartoon program called Phineas and Ferb about two young boys who are geniuses and always cook up some unbelievable event for each episode.  The favorite line in the show is when someone usually asks them: “Aren’t you are little young to be doing this?” (“This” whatever the this is that they’re doing that kids should not be able to do.); and they always respond:  “Yes.  Yes we are!”   :)




Well there was one episode where they were trying to overcome an “alien monster” and just didn’t know what “weapon” they could use.  Finally Phineas figured it out and it wasn’t anything he and his friend could build themselves.  However one of their friends did possess it.  Their friend’s weapon was “cuteness”.

Are you familiar with Kawaii Cooking?

Kawaii is the Japanese word for “cute”.

I describe this cooking style in 2 words: adorable cuteness!

It's a Japanese way of preparing food that is aimed at making kids happy to eat their food. It is edible art! Per Wikipedia: “Generally delicate and tiny items are called "kawaii" in Japanese; miniature food is created with the Japanese miniature-art techniques of recent decades.”

Learn more about the technique and try some recipes:

• ‘Kawaii’Cooking – Japan’s newest, hottest, and tiniest food trend |six-two by Contiki  
• Too cute to eat: Kawaii baking trend and recipes 
• Kawaii Recipes | Tastemade 

Cute Food – Adorable Bento Box, Edible Art Of Kawaii Cooking

Make A Bento Box Lunch!

Raye gardens organically, harvests rainwater, strives to eat locally, and honors the gods from her home in the Pacific Northwest. Bento boxes are fast becoming popular as a modern Western lunchtime option. These small meals offer lots of variety and can be created from very healthy ingredients.

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Image credit: Bear buns ~ Ridiculously adorable pull-apart bear shaped milk bread rolls. Cute and kawaii Japanese style food art. Creative idea for food art for kids top view. Photo taken on: June 02nd, 2016  © Photographer: Santusya | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Looking for the recipe for those pull apart bears?

 

Related articles, posts or other links

• Youtube channel Make Food. Eat Food. will inspire you with creations based on Asian cuisine(en.rocketnews24.com)

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• Phineas and Ferb Creators Have a New Disney XD Animated Series Coming with 'Weird Al' Yankovic & Ming-Na Wen(themarysue.com)

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• The Cuter Side of Things(casluvschloe.wordpress.com)

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Sushezi Sushi Made Easy

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Food Blurb: Traditional Meal on the Sabbath

I am always interested in learning about world cuisine.  I especially like Jewish food or Israeli cuisine.  In a social community where I am an active member, people love to share food-related posts.  One of the members, Vasya007, shared a post about cholent or hamin (see below).  I was inspired to look up some recipes and additional information..  

“Cholent or hamin is a traditional Jewish stew. It is usually simmered overnight for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on Shabbat. Cholent was developed over the centuries to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath.”  (Wikipedia)

Image credit: Gilabrand - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

TRY THESE RECIPES:

What Is Cholent? Plus: A Tasty and Easy Cholent Recipe - Shabbat 

Authentic Hamin Recipe - Jamie Geller 

The Best Cholent Recipes From Around the Jewish World - Jewish World - Haaretz.com

Cholent: A Delicious History - aish.com Kosher Recipes, Family

Cholent: The Sabbath Stew | My Jewish Learning

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

Funtable Delicious Korean Chicken Sauce (14.1oz, Pack of 1) - Authentic Korean Flavor, Sticky & Tangy Sauce. https://t.co/MAplOZRHWB
Garlic Soy Sauce (14.1oz, Pack of 1) - Authentic Garlic Flavored Sweet Sauce, https://t.co/Lfiq42OEAh
via @amazon #grocery #fun #food #foodies pic.twitter.com/pdZl2z3XnJ

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 5, 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.

• Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody, The most heartfelt serenade to jjajangmyeon | WeVerse Magazine

Original source

Paldo Jjajangmen Chajang Noodle Vegan No MSG 8-pack, 7.05 Ounce https://t.co/QnQcuQ8OJ6 via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfodd #worldcuisine @goshoppingbees @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/UA6veB2D6k

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 2024

Korean Black Bean Paste Sauce for Jjajangmyeon Zhajiangmian, Jjajang Chunjang 중화요리춘장 - 1.1 Pound (Pack of 2) https://t.co/Nk2jLTKq9A via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfood #worldcuisine @EverydaySpices #grocery #cooking pic.twitter.com/Ir9hVWcbWJ

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 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.

• Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody’ On Netflix Delightfully Veers Away From The Standard Culinary Travel Doc Template Popularized By Bourdain and Chang | Decider

Original source

Indoor Grill Electric Grill CUSIMAX Smokeless Grill Portable Korean #BBQ #Grill w/ Turbo Smoke Extractor Technology, Non-stick Removable Grill Plate, Tempered Glass Lid, Great for Party(Single Plate) https://t.co/FVekTcYxJA via @amazon @EverydaySpices @goshoppingbees #giftideas pic.twitter.com/WgZN9Ej23L

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 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

Everyday Korean Hanwoo (Korean Edition) ~ "70 Hanwoo #Recipes" ... "10 kinds of Hanwoo #lunch" ... https://t.co/NBqUSRepDs via @amazon #food #foodies #KoreanFood #worldcuisine @EverydaySpices

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 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)

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.

• Opinion | Netflix documentary Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody explores the country’s history through a summer staple dish, while BBC’s Manhunt thrills in its second series | South China Morning Post

 

Choung Soo Mul Naengmyeon, Korean Cold Noodle with Soup Base 720g (1 Pack) https://t.co/jUs0T56dhP via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfood #comfortfood @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/pV9MdkOJ1h

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 3, 2024

Easy Dongchimi (Radish Water Kimchi) - @MyKoreanKitchn
~ https://t.co/3OZt4sSt0i #food #foodies #recipes #Koreanfood #worldcuisine #foodblogs @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/T5ONwWgGLV

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 3, 2024

Original source

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

Started a new blog on a whim about food, obviously. Checkout my first post on how to make #vegan #glutenfree cookies https://t.co/jfb7KefyHN

— Delia (@delialoveless) September 15, 2016

First Food Experiences : My Sadya Meal (Travels in India)

My first post on #Experiences, celebrating #Onam Sadya today..#Travel #Food #India https://t.co/Ebfps0jSZv pic.twitter.com/REkYKI3Fbd

— Nisha (@finenish) September 14, 2016

5 Tips For Capturing Dark And Moody Food Photography

I quietly started providing food photography tips. First attempt to help people learn through food... first post! https://t.co/B2TQW7cUrp

— rouk (@beyondtheeats) September 14, 2016

Related articles:

• What the World's Healthiest Diets Have in Common(huffingtonpost.com)
• What to Cook: Dessert for Dinner and Other Recipes(nytimes.com)

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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

World Cuisine : Focus on Food Contributions of the Irish

Since March is Irish-American Heritage Month, this post will share information about Ireland's food history and various recipes which were likely brought to the United States by way of Irish immigrants (or were adopted by the Irish-Americans and made their own).  😍

  

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

Some may say there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food.  But that was not always so.  7 years of famine? Sounds biblical, doesn't it?

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

March 24th 1847: British people, led by Queen Victoria, held a National Day of Atonement, fasting and doing penance, for the Irish famine.[16] April 1847: A report, to the Central Board of Health from Killarney, showed that people were literally dropping dead in the street.

How to Make Irish Stew

How to Make Irish Stew

Irish Stew is the kind of food that is great on a cold winters night, but is simply perfect on any occasion. The aroma combined with the flavor make it one of my favorite meals. I currently have about five, but the addition of the barley in this recipe add a lot of texture and flavor to the stew.

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

The complete question is: Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day When Corned Beef and Cabbage is Not Irish Food?

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

by JoHarrington I'll admit that I was somewhat taken aback. I'd just finished telling an American friend that her country is responsible for St Patrick popularly wearing green (traditionally he wore blue), and for linking shamrocks with the Irish.

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

Yes, there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food, but there's a lot more too, and it's all delicious.

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

by Allison Gray If an Irishman came to America on St. Patrick's Day, he might be a little bit shocked by the leprechaun outfits, green beer guzzlers, and yes, even the corned beef and cabbage. To be Irish in America is no rare thing-about 34.5 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage according to the 2011 U.S.

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought why not review my recipes to see which ones are most popular with readers. And so I've come up with my Top Ten Recipes of all time. Believe it or not, all of the most viewed recipes on my site are Irish recipes.

Decorative divider images from glitter-graphics.com