Monday, April 22, 2024

Food and Drink History : The Evolution of Tea

With regard to the evolution of tea, we all know (or most of us are in agreement) that the Chinese invented tea. That was the beginning. :)



But did you also know that, in the beginning, before there were loose tea leaves, there were tea bricks; and these bricks were deemed so valuable that they could be used as currency.
In addition, there is a legend passed down through the ages (for about 5000 years) which credits a Chinese emperor named Shennong with the discovery of how to make a tea infusion. Yah! It seems the emperor was added to an extensive list of discoverers who discovered how stuff works by accident! :)
Fortunately, the rest of the world benefits and we can all enjoy cups of wonderful brewed tea.

♦ Lawrence Jean-Louis published Cool Mix Mingle; a cultural blog mainly about the diversity of the South Florida community - the Hispanic and African influences, the blend of East (Asian) and West (European and North American), the food, art, music and more. The preceding paragraphs above are a brief summary of her post which discusses the evolution of tea.  My discovery of her blog was also accidental. But what an awesome find!  :)
REFERENCE: Jean-Louis, Lawrence. "Tea: It's Evolution from the Tree to your Cup." Cook Mix Mingle. 15 Apr. 2015. Web.
♦ ♦ ♦
Related or Similar Links:



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Sunday, April 14, 2024

General Health Tips : 7 Best Foods for People Over 50

Life stages simplified:
  • Growth and development? Youth and adolescence.
  • Procreation and maintenance? Young adult – 20 something plus 30 years.
  • Disease prevention and keeping body systems working? Congratulations! You've reached the 50 and beyond mark!


What is an ideal anti-aging shopping list for someone 50 or over? 

 


1. Green Leafy Vegetables
  • fight DNA damage that may lead to cancer;
  • reduce your risk of chronic eye diseases;
  • suppress the amino acid homocysteine which is important for brain health.


2. Kefir or Yogurt
  • source of calcium, needed for bone;
  • choose plain, low-sugar varieties, ideally made from grass-fed milk.


3. Whey Protein
  • counteract loss of muscle mass and strength.
  • easily absorbed and supports muscle growth and repair.
  • add to smoothies or mix with milk for a quick shake.


4. Wild-Caught Seafood
  • best sources of omega-3 fats, fights inflammation and supports brain health, heart health and more.


5. Berries
  • high in fiber and antioxidants;
  • should be called “super berries” because of all the health benefits.


6. Olive Oil
  • heart-healthy monounsaturated fat can lower risk of heart disease;
  • controls insulin levels and blood sugar;
  • provides vitamins E and K.


7. Dark Chocolate (the darker, the better)
  • rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
  • lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even abdominal obesity;
  • satisfies your sweet tooth. :)




DISCLAIMER: Information above not intended to substitituted for medical advice. General information purposes only. If you found the summary above useful and would like to read the extended version of the article or find other health-related writings, click here to peruse the full library.




Monday, April 8, 2024

3 Spices That Hold the Secrets of Longevity Per Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao)

Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao), who is a board-certified anti-aging expert shares information about the 3 best spices for a longer life.

Before you click the link (below) to the original article, give yourself 3 chances to guess the right combination of 3 spices that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other Eastern traditions to cure common illnesses and maintain good health.  I only guessed one of the spices.  But since I guessed it right, I added some extra info in this post.  So you only have to guess the other 2.

Now that I know what they are, I'm glad they're common, inexpensive and very easy to find.  So I don't travel over land and sea in search of the 3 mythical spices from the lost country of "Where Did You Get that?!"

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"Garlic is as good as ten mothers."
 - Ancient Telugu proverb from India

CARAMELIZED GARLIC TART: A whopping 40 garlic cloves are needed to make this elegant and easy tart that will leave your taste buds soaring. ... "30 Recipes that Prove You Can Never Have Too Much Garlic" (Archived copy of article.)

garlic tart












Thursday, April 4, 2024

Home Cooking: Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew

Are there any dishes that your mom used to make when you were growing up that you thought were incredibly delicious? Real comfort food. Dishes that are even more comforting when you think back fondly on that dish or those dishes and realize that you never learned the recipe or how to prepare it for your own family!

My mom used to cook oxtail stew.


My mother is passed away now. I never got her recipe. Of course, you can Google oxtail stew and find a bazillion recipes. But I’ll bet none of them will taste like the stew my mom used to make. Nevertheless, if you’ve never eaten a hearty bowl of oxtail stew and would like try, here are a few recipes.



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Recall fond memories of the smells from your mother’s kitchen? Ready to fill your bowls?

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NOTE:  This is my original content first published April 2018 at Virily, a social blogging community ~ Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew



Saturday, March 16, 2024

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

Friday, February 23, 2024

Salt is Beautiful

Salt is so commonplace that we tend to take it for granted. It is much more than just a food seasoning. People have very interesting ways in which they use it. Despite the fact that many say it’s bad for your health, it’s not really all that bad.

This seasoning is invaluable to our daily lives and it has amazing health benefits. It also has a spiritual application. Jesus likened His disciples to “the salt of the earth”.

No doubt in my mind. Salt is beautiful.



#1 Salt in History

#2 Salt in Peaceful Protest

#3 Salt in Health

#4 Too Much Salt is Not Good

#5 Salt Sampler


#6 Salt Shakers


Click to continue viewing “More Salt LUV” 
#7 Jada Chicken Salt is Becoming Popular
#8 Salt in Therapy
#9 Salt Lamps Make Great Gifts
#10 Vegan Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream

Saturday, February 3, 2024

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

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

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Chocolate Links for Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. 

It is definitely not on the list of things one can not Google. You never have any problems finding stuff about chocolate. People love to celebrate it and make up national days for it. They tout all its health benefits as if one needs an excuse to eat it. Even raw chocolate is becoming “the right thing” to eat. 



* Chocolate Good for the Memory

* Why Drinking Hot Chocolate is Good for You?

* National Chocolate Éclair Day - Éclair means “flash of lightning” and describes the speed at which these delicacies will disappear if left unguarded.

* National Chocolate Pudding Day

* National Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day

* National Chocolate Candy Day

* National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day

* National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

* Raw Chocolate is Now a Trend

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Thursday, January 11, 2024

10 Best Spices For Healthy Cooking by Matthew Kaplan (Guest Post)

Matthew Kaplan is an Editor for FaveDiets.com (now called RecipeLion), a popular online resource for healthy recipes and healthy cooking tips. 

FaveDiets.com is now called FaveHealthyRecipes and it is still a fantastic place for lots of healthy cooking recipes to help you!  The article presented below is available for publication and use by anyone.



**Salt didn't make the list.  But we were so happy to see black pepper among the chosen ones.  :)   Everyday Exotic Spices follows FaveHealthy Recipes on Pinterest.

How To Use Spices:
The 10 Best Spices for Healthy Cooking


For an easy and guilt-free way to add flavor to any recipe, use food spices. Even the largest amount of the top spice of your choice in a dish transforms a recipe from blah to ta-da! Let this spice list show you how to use the best spices to add tons of flavor without adding calories.


(1)  Black Pepper - Crisp, slightly spicy and unbelievably versatile, it is no large wonder that black pepper is the most common spice in the world. Black pepper is a great way to add a touch of heat and a bright aroma to just about any sort of savory application, from eggs and salads to rice and beef. To get the most flavor out of black pepper, freshly grind whole peppercorns using a pepper mill.



XQXQ Wood Salt & Pepper Mill Set, Pepper Grinders, Salt Shakers with Adjustable Ceramic Rotor- 8 in -Pack of 2


(2)  Cinnamon - Cinnamon is one of the best spices around because of its surprising versatility. One of the more potent of the essential spices, only a little cinnamon is needed to bring its trademark dense and rich flavor to a dish. Classically associated with the list of spices used in dessert, cinnamon is a great addition to savory rice and Indian dishes.


(3)  Cumin - Another popular food spice, cumin has a rich smoky flavor that works well in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and Indian recipes. Cumin is one of the best spices for cooking because it can be added to a wide variety of recipes.


(4)  Coriander
- Coriander is one of the most unique spices in that when this seed is planted, it becomes the herb cilantro. However, considering coriander brings a bright, warm, almost citrus flavor to a dish, the seed tastes nothing like the herb. Coriander works best in a recipe as a contrast to the heavier smokey flavor of cumin or as a compliment to orange and lemon flavors.


(5)  Cloves
- Extremely aromatic and slightly sweet, cloves are the top spice that contributes to the distinctive smell of Indian food. Cloves, whether whole or crushed, have a strong flavor and are best used in large amounts. Sprinkle a pinch of crushed cloves in your coffee or tea to add a bright chai flavor.


(6)  Cayenne Pepper - If you want to add a lot of intense spicy heat to a recipe, cayenne pepper is the top spice of choice. A tiny bit goes a long way, making cayenne pepper one of the best spices for transforming the flavor of a dish. Great in a whole host of recipes where you want a spicy kick, try mixing it up by adding a touch of cayenne pepper to your sweet chocolate recipes.


(7)  Turmeric - While traditionally used in curries and Indian-style recipes, turmeric is one of the best spices for adding color and aroma to a dish. Add turmeric to your spice list next time you make rice or soup. Plus, turmeric has a whole host of medicinal benefits, including as an anti-inflammatory.


(8)  Paprika - Essentially just dried and crushed red bell peppers, paprika is one of the essential spices for Hungarian and many Eastern European recipes. Ranging from sweet to slightly spicy, paprika adds a pungent, bright and colorful element to any recipe.


(9)  Mustard Seed - Found on the essential spice list of cooks from Western Europe to South Asia, the mustard seed is an aromatic spice with a touch of heat, perfect for complimenting the stronger flavors found in heavy meat dishes and pickles. Think of the flavor of the mustard seed as a less intense version of horseradish or wasabi.


(10)  Ginger - Slightly spicy and pungent, but with just enough sweetness and aroma, ginger should be on the spices list of every home cook. Whether for adding a bright pungency to Chinese and Japanese recipes or for adding a touch of the spice of cookies and sweet drinks, ginger is one of the most unique spices because of its versatility. Plus, ginger is great for digestion issues such as nausea and diarrhea.



This article was made available for republication via: articlebase,com

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Homemade Soups That Start With the Letter C

Recipes for cabbage, cauliflower chickpea and coconut soups.
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Cabbage Soup

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup:

  • 1/4 cup ghee

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 lb. cabbage, chopped

  • 1 lb. potato quartered

  • 2 1/2 cup water

  • 1 1/4 cup vegetable stock

  • 1 tsp. cornstarch

  • salt and pepper to taste


Preparation Method for Cabbage Soup:

Step-01: Heat ghee in a pan and fry the onion until soft.

Step-02: Add cabbage and stir until wilted and coated with ghee.

Step-03: Add potato, tomatoes, and water, bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step-04: Add stock, return to boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Step-05: Remove from heat and mash or puree the soup.

Step-06: Blend cornstarch with a little soup then stir it into the pan and bring it to boil, stirring until slightly thickened.

Step-07: Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients Cauliflower Soup:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 tsp. salt

  • 2 Tbs. butter or margarine

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 potato, sliced

  • 1/4 C. plain (all-purpose) flour

  • 3 cup milk

  • salt and pepper


Preparation Method for Cauliflower Soup:

Step-01: Place cauliflower, bay leaf, and salt into a pan and add just enough water to cover.

Step-02: Cook till the mixture boils, then reduce the flame and cook for an additional 7 minutes.

Step-03: Drain, reserving the liquid.

Step-04: Meanwhile, melt butter and fry onion and potato for 5 minutes until soft but not browned.

Step-05: Blend in flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.

Step-06: Then add milk by stirring and cook till boiling.

Step-07: Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer gently until tender.

Step-08: Puree in a blender or food processor then return to the pan and stir in enough reserved liquid to desired consistency.

Step-09: Check and adjust the seasoning to taste and reheat before serving.


Chickpea Soup

Ingredients for Chickpea Soup:

  • 2/3 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight

  • 3 3/4 cup water

  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds

  • 2 tsp. coriander seeds

  • 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds

  • 3 dried red chilies

  • 1 Tbs. grated (shredded) coconut

  • 2 Tbs. ghee

  • 8 oz. tomatoes, skinned and chopped

  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric

  • 1 tsp. sugar

  • 1 tsp. salt


Preparation Method for Chickpea Soup:

Step-01: Bring chickpeas and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until tender.

Step-02: Grind cumin, coriander and fenugreek seeds, chilies, and coconut.

Step-03: Heat ghee and fry spices for 1 minute.

Step-04: Puree chickpeas then stir in the fried spices, tomatoes, turmeric, sugar, and salt and add the remaining water.

Step-05: Cook till boiling, then cover with a lid, reduce the flame and cook on simmer for 20 minutes.

Step-06: Remove from flame, serve hot.


Coconut Soup

Ingredients for Coconut Soup:

  • 2 coconuts grated,

  • 2 blades of mace,

  • 1 salt-spoonful of cinnamon,

  • 3 pints of water,

  • Juice of a lemon,

  • 2 eggs,

  • 1 oz. of fine wheat-meal,

  • pepper and salt to taste.


Preparation Method for Coconut Soup:

Step-01: Cook the shredded coconut in water till boiling, add cinnamon, mace, and season.

Step-02: Then cook the mixture on low flame for an hour, and then strain through a sieve the mixture and then return the soup to the saucepan.

Step-03: Add wheat-meal, eggs, and lemon juice to form a paste, mix it well in the soup.

Step-04: Then allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot with plain boiled rice.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.


Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Traditional Christmas Holiday Drinks: Eggnog and Wassail

Since I was born and raised in the USA, when it comes to traditional Christmas drinks I am only familiar with two: eggnog and wassail. I never even think about these two drinks any time of the year other than Christmas time.  Do you? 


Did you know?
  • Eggnog is a creamy drink and mostly Americans and Canadians partake.
  • Wassail is a fruity drink and mostly people in the USA and the UK partake.

Image credit:  
HolidayGold Double Old Fashioned 4-Piece Glass Set by Lenox  


EGGNOG:
Even though it's tradition, eggnog is not a traditional drink in our home. Why? Because only one of my kids likes this drink, so he buys his own eggnog to enjoy. Me? I like the fact that eggnog can be used in lots of dessert recipes. Cookies, cakes, etc. However, because certain members of my family have dietary restrictions I can not make those desserts. But if other people make and serve them at a holiday gathering, I can indulge myself without feeling guilty.

You can buy eggnog ready-made in the grocery store or make your own. Once again because of special diets, many people choose to make their own ~ with or without raw eggs, with or without alcohol, some with ice cream, some with no cream, etc. Here is a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog
https://myfoodieluv.tumblr.com/post/702912862673387520/decadent-thick-old-fashioned-homemade-eggnog-is


WASSAIL:
As for wassail, in addition to it being a delightful warm drink, I discovered accidentally that it is wonderfully soothing for sore throats. That was an unexpected health benefit.

Most people buy a spice blend and make their own wassail using the juices they like and mixing the spices into the liquid. Some people have their own spice blends and swear that it is better than anybody else's blend. Everybody has different methods. I find that using a slow cooker works great and I let my daughter pick the spices she wants to put in the pot. Here is a link to a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Wassail - Accidental Happy Baker

https://myfoodieluv.tumblr.com/post/702912753395990528/old-fashioned-wassail-takes-apple-juice-cranberry

Original source


glitter-graphics.com

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Wassail is a Wonderful Way to Celebrate Winter and the Holiday Spirit!

Did you know that a cup of warm wassail is very soothing to a sore throat? Yes. One time it was a Christmas holiday and I was under the weather. I had a sore throat and my daughter came over and made some wassail in a crock pot. I took one sip and it felt so good going down my throat. Who knew?

Sore throat or not, a drink of warm wassail is delicious, especially during the wintry months. There are so many recipe variations.

"Wassail is a beverage of hot mulled cider, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, a Medieval Christmastide English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year." (Source: Wikipedia)

The Christmas tree and other decorations are up and I am counting the days until December 25th. For this blog post, I simply must share a wonderful wassail recipe that a friend shared with me in response to a question I asked about celebrating the Winter Solstice. I know some people don't care too much for eggnog but most people really enjoy a delicious wassail drink.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with this Wassail Recipe by Spiderdust Core out of some apples (not the whole way through), stuff them with sugar, put a bunch of cloves in an orange, and then roast all of the fruit for half an hour. Put the roasted fruit in a gallon of cider with some cinnamon sticks, allspice, some pieces of crystallized ginger, a few pieces of star anise, and then grate some nutmeg over it all. Optional: Throw in some fresh or frozen cranberries. Let it simmer on low all day long. People can serve themselves as they please. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.


“Here We Come A-wassailing (or Here We Come A-caroling) is an English traditional Christmas carol and New Year song, apparently composed c. 1850.  (Source)

More Wassail Recipes:


















* Original acrylic elf painting, Wassail: Santa's elves at workbench, Woodworking tools, Alphabet letter W, Gift for Dad, Fantasy Christmas ~ Found on Etsy

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