When You Say 'Eat Healthy', I Think 'Eat Salad'

People (especially me) always associate healthy eating with salad. My mother rarely served salads with our meals. They were meat, starch, and vegetables. She never served us a salad (like lettuce and tomatoes), nor did we get dessert. We didn't complain. I got used to not eating salad.  

Then I became an adult and went to university and found out that salad was "expected".  Except for this one guy that I knew.  He kept saying salad was "rabbit food" and wouldn't eat it.  Not me.  When I went to the cafeteria I could eat as much salad as I wanted.  And I did!  Do you know why?  Because it was "healthy" and I could eat a lot of it!  It was one of the few foods that I could eat a healthy amount of and I didn't gain weight.  

So whenever I gained a few extra pounds because I was wolfing down too many pizzas with my friends late at night, I went on a diet and ate salads for lunch and dinner for the next two weeks. The pounds came off easily. That was THEN (1970s). This is now (2021). The pounds don't come off so easily now, but I still enjoy eating salads. I also enjoy collecting salad recipes and sharing them. I hope you like these!

Image Credit: Acacia Wood Salad Bowl with Servers Set - Large 9.4 inches Solid Hardwood Salad Wooden Bowl with Spoon for Fruits ,Salads and Decoration by AVAMI ( https://amzn.to/3vmT57c )

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Ever have Tabouli salad?  “Tabouli is a traditional Levitan recipe, which is the common name for the area of Eastern Mediterranean sea. … Tabouli is derived from the word, “Tabil” which means spice. Its also translated as “Dip” ...”

Tabouli Recipe with Amaranth Grain | Healing Tomato Recipes

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"This classic salad pairs well with a variety of Japanese or Asian mains. Best of all, it is packed with nutrients, making it an all-star side dish. There is plenty of variations to enjoy this recipe too! ..."  

Chrysanthemum Greens and Tofu Salad (Shungiku Shiraae) 春菊の白和え • Just One Cookbook

~ Related Link:  15 Easy Japanese Salad Recipes ~ "... 15 tasty, vibrant, healthy, easy-to-follow salad recipes ..."

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Do you like Indian food? I watch a lot of cooking shows and videos. One thing I noticed about Indian cooking is that they really know how to blend herbs and spices and do amazing things to enhance the flavor of vegetables. Whether the veggies are cooked or eaten raw in a salad, they are so tasty. 

Methi Sprouts Salad Recipe - Delicious Diabetic Snack by Archana's Kitchen

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Anybody who says that salad is just  an refuses to eat  is missing out. 

Kale Sprouts and Apricot Dressing | Sproutpeople

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Final share.  I know some people don't like kale. They complain that it's too tough and chewy for a green leafy vegetable. So, just in case you don't like eating kale, here are some “kale substitutes”.  Use them instead of sale and enjoy your salad anyway!

The Best Simple Kale Substitutes | Stonesoup

Similar Posts at This Blog:

• Choose Sides: How Do You Like Your Green Salad? Fruit or No Fruit

• Winter Salad Binging

"Pickled Ginger Salad with Wasabi Dressing is packed with citrus, and is an explosion of spicy, sweet and fresh flavors. It’s mind-blowingly delicious!"

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.

Food Blurb: Why I Like Black Food

Black jobs might be a figment of former President Trump’s imagination but black food is real! It is both delicious and nutritious.

AI_Generated Art Using DreamUp Free Art Tool

I never liked black food. Unless it’s ice cream. Just kidding.

When I used to think of black food I thought people were saying that the food was burnt. But that’s not so. I discovered that there is black ice cream, there are black vegetables, and people intentionally add certain ingredients, like charcoal or squid ink, to make the food black.

Doing research I discovered that in London, they have a Black Food Festival. But don’t be confused. The food isn’t the color “black”. It’s called Black Eats Fest and it celebrates food from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. It’s a celebration of culinary diversity.

This content is about food that is the color “black”. It’s a brief introduction by way of sharing fun facts, which are the reasons why I like black food.

(1) Black foods are not just a novelty; they have great nutritional value. So when people tell you “eat the rainbow”, be sure to add black veggies to your diet. Learn more: Exotic Vegetables: Do You Include Black Veggies When You Eat the Rainbow?

(2) At one time, in ancient China, there was black rice (some say dark purple), which was also known as “forbidden rice”. It wasn’t forbidden to everyone. The emperors could have some and of course, the wealthy. But these days, it’s available to the masses and even shows up in U.S. restaurants. Black rice is the “perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for additional protein”. Learn more: What Is Forbidden Rice? | Eating Well

(3) Black sesame seeds are not the lighter sesame seeds that are colored black. The black color comes from anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Plus, they are a great source of calcium and magnesium. Learn more: What is Black Sesame, Actually? | Sporked

22 Black Foods That Taste Amazing And Are Super Good For You
Black foods are anything but bland; they are full of nutrients and antioxidants! So if you're a fan of this classic…www.sidechef.com

Food Blurb: Substitute Turkey for Pork?

Several years ago, I had to make changes to my diet because of my late husband's health condition. There was no way I was going to prepare separate meals: a meal for him and a meal for me and the kids. It was easier to adjust to eating the type of food that was healthiest for my husband to eat. To my surprise making the adjustment was not that difficult. 

Have you ever tried JENNIE-O® turkey products? Jennie-O offers a wide range of turkey products, including whole turkeys, deli meats, sausages, and ground turkey. Jennie-O Turkey Store has been in business since 1940 and is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Willmar, Minnesota. Its products are distributed in over 49 countries.

Lots of people love to eat ham or bacon. But these are usually pork meats and there are lots of people with special dietary requirements who can not eat pork!  An important reason for many is that their particular religion forbids this food in their diet. This is a huge diet change for people like me. I really missed the taste of ham or bacon until I discovered turkey ham and turkey bacon.  If you have enjoyed eating ham or bacon but can no longer indulge, then try JENNIE-O® turkey products. The taste is very similar to pork only it really is made from turkey, a healthier poultry choice.

I have been using this pork substitute for over 10 years.

But you don't have to have a special diet. Taste these products and you will love them! I like to cut up the turkey ham in chunks and put the ingredients in my bean soups. Use the turkey bacon for the traditional BLT sandwich (BLT=bacon, lettuce, and tomato).

Visit the official website and find lots and lots of recipes.

>

If you can not find these products in your local grocery store, it is sold on Amazon.

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Original source

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

Food and Drink : Veggie Spotlight : Veggie Substitutes

Is there a particular dish that you would absolutely love IF ONLY …

If only this particular recipe did not have this particular vegetable, I'd eat it all the time!

Face it. When it comes to vegetables, there are certain veggies you either love 'em or hate 'em.

I'm that way about okra. Oh yeah! I know all about fried okra, gumbo, and all those wonderful recipes where okra is the main ingredient.

For years, there were certain dishes I would avoid just because of the okra. Since I didn't really get into cooking until I got married and had to cook for my family to live, I never really thought too much about varying recipes or changing things up a bit.

Hey! Gumbo is made with okra. IT'S THE LAW!! Right?

Of course, when I look at it I realize that I was just not being flexible. Common sense. Some people have food allergies. They have to learn how to substitute certain foods for other foods.
~ Substitution Guide


But even if you don't have a food allergy, there are just some veggies you don't like! PERIOD!! And you're not flexible when it comes to that specific vegetable.

So! For me … since I don't really like (slimy) okra all that much, I found that zucchini is a great substitute veggie. Whenever I see a dish I want to try and it says okra, I go right out to the grocery store and buy zucchini! LOL.

(NOTE: Others have recommended asparagus or broccoli florets as okra substitutes. I respectfully disagree.)



Which veggies do you like to substitute?

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Original source Forum Coin.

Food Blurb: Strawberry Chocolate Cake

I watched this time travel Korean drama where an acupunturist from the past (Joseon, 400 years ago) traveled to the future and met a lady doctor, a heart specialist. They fell in love and in one of the scenes, they were at a restaurant in Seoul. She told him to try the strawberry chocolate cake. She said it was one of the most popular desserts.  I have never had a strawberry chocolate cake, so that comment sent me searching for a recipe. Found one very easily published at one of my favorite food blogs. This looks like a dessert that should be made for a holiday or a special occasion.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe | two peas and their pod

Have you ever had strawberry chocolate cake?

Was it a holiday or special occasion? 

Were you dining out or dining in?

RELATED POST: Korean Drama TV Series: Live Up toYour Name (2017)

While you're here, check out some of my other food blurbs:

Japanese Fun Food

Zucchini Flowers

Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?

What Should Kids Drink?

WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!

Five (5) healthy and holistic ways to get more energy

Seafood: Which is More Nutritional? Salmon or Trout?

Seafood is included in the diets of people all around the world because of its nutritional value.  Everyone will probably agree that trout and salmon are both highly valued food. Either that or the fishmonger at the local grocery store is charging a fortune for cheap goods. Just kidding. Love my local grocery store. There’s always lots of fresh quality foods and the free samples offered at the Cooking Connection and at other stations in the store are delish! Though we may agree that the price we pay is reasonable, we may not agree on the real value of this seafood. 

Do we know how these type of fish contribute to the human diet, nutrition and well being?

Seafood is not my specialty so bear in mind that the information below is not being supplied by an expert. It’s just tidbits gleaned from a little bit of research. OK. Here we go!

Trout versus Salmon. A few quick facts.

May the best fish win!

Quick Nutrition Facts About Trout

“Trout is one of the healthiest fish you can include in your diet, says Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Farmed trout, especially farmed rainbow trout, is a better choice than wild lake trout since farmed trout are raised in freshwater ponds and raceways that are protected from environmental contaminants.” (Source Number 11)

Per professor Paul Addis, University of Minnesota Department of Food Science and Nutrition, lake trouts are known to be the most beneficial sources of omega-3 fatty acids and niacin. A 98 gram serving of trout provides 40% of our daily protein requirement and the RDA or Recommended Dietary Allowance for humans is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (assuming the person is not overweight). Regards fat content: The average lake trout has 6 grams of total fat: 1.4 grams of saturated fat, and 60 milligrams of cholesterol in each 3-ounce serving.

Quick Nutrition Facts About Salmon

“The term “salmon” refers to a variety of species that are all “anadromous” fish, which means they are born in freshwater rivers and streams, migrate to the ocean to mature and spend much of their adult life, and then return to the streams and rivers in which they were born to spawn (reproduce) and then die. Six types of salmon are consumed in the United States including Atlantic, Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye Salmon. Of these, five species (Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye) are harvested from wild fisheries in the Pacific Ocean and one type, Atlantic salmon, is primarily farmed raised.” (Source ~ Archived content.)

Similar to lake trout, salmon from a lake (or river) is also a tremendous source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, salmon provides more total fat and less cholesterol in a 3-ounce serving. A 100 gram serving of consists of 231 calories, 25 grams of protein, 85 milligrams of cholesterol, and 3.2 grams of saturated fat. A 3-ounce serving consists of 10.5 grams of total fat and 54 milligrams of cholesterol. 

Conclusion of the Comparison 

Trout is more nutritional than salmon, in terms of total fat content and saturated fat content. But salmon consists of vitamin D which is the very vitamin trout lacks. Eat trout for your B vitamins and salmon for your D vitamin. In other words, neither one is better than the other. Me personally? I like the taste of trout better than salmon. But if you invited me to your place for lunch or dinner and served salmon, it would be gladly received with thanksgiving. As long as my seat isn’t next to the bear. 

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Additional Sources:

1. Trout Nutrition Facts | A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness
2. How much protein do you need every day? | Harvard Health Publications
3. The health benefits of… salmon | BBC Good Food
4. Is Trout Good for You? | Healthy Eating | SF Gate

Original source

Diet and Nutrition: Do You Know What Gives You Energy?

When it comes to being health and fitness conscious, making quality of life choices, and developing healthy living habits, citizens of Austin, Texas, set the example for everyone else to follow; including the Californians. { IMHO ☺}

Do you know which foods give you energy or what you can do to get more energy?

(No. Eating donuts and watching TV are not on the list.)

Sharing a recap of key facts to pique your interest and some information links on health, wellness, fitness, diet, nutrition, and exercise for further reading and research.


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According to Tori Jarzabkowski, Austin Fit Magazine, there are five foods that fuel the body or give you energy. 
(1) Matcha Tea 
(2) Bone Broth 
(3) Fermented Foods 
(4) Coconut Sugar 
(5) Seaweed Snacks
♦ REFERENCE: Jarzabkowski, Tori. "Nutrition Trends for 2015." Austin Fit Magazine: Best of 2014 Issue Jan. 2015: 22-23. Print. AFM Issue #207. Est. 1997. Official website: https://www.austinfitmagazine.com/ 


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Lynnis Woods-Mullins, CEO of Praiseworks, Inc. offers her advice on ways you can get more energy.
(1) Water-hydration 
(2) Exercise (just a brisk walk) 
(3) Super foods 
(4) Detox green smoothies 
(5) Aromatherapy  

♦ REFERENCE: 5 Ways To Get More Energy - NOW! 

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I don't know about you but it would be very easy to get into the healthy habit of drinking green smoothies (or any smoothie for that matter) in the morning for breakfast and then enjoying a delightful cup of green tea in the afternoon or the evenings.

RAW VEGAN On The Fast Lane: The 60-Second Power Smoothie Handbook

Similar or Related articles:

The World’s Most Caffeinated Cities

What’s the Next Kale?  Food Trends

California Cuisine – History, Features and Facts

Healthy Donuts Do Exist

Anti-Aging Beauty Products

Five Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer on a Budget

Mushroom: Real Food of Fantasy and Fairy Tales

When one says the word “mushroom” it might provoke various thoughts. Psychedelic dreams.  Fantasy and fairy tales.  Tiny homes for whimsical creatures.  A meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians.

For me, it provokes a memory of a romantic dinner date.  My first experience tasting a mushroom was when my late husband (my fiancé at the time) prepared dinner for me.  Steak with mushroom gravy. 

Before meeting my husband, I avoided mushrooms for two reasons.

~Number 1:  My mother never used them in any of her recipes.  Mom didn’t cook them. (???)  Maybe they don’t taste good.  (O.o)

~Number 2:  The way people describe mushrooms.  Fungus.  Toadstool.  They don’t make the mushroom sound appetizing or visually appealing.

However, many cooks and chefs use the mushroom as the main ingredient in their recipes.  Foodies are happy to share photos of amazing dishes where mushrooms are the star of the show.  

As for being visually appealing, mushrooms are quite beautiful. 

Artists often use them to illustrate fantasies. 

Nature photographers go insane! They capture incredible pics just roaming through the woods or the fields.

My first time eating mushrooms was over 40 years.  But from that day forward, I didn’t need convincing to make mushrooms a part of my diet.  However, in case you do, perhaps this health article by Popular Science will persuade you.  “4 reasons you should eat more mushrooms”.


It's good to know these reasons why, but the most important thing everybody needs to know about mushrooms is that some of them are NOT edible.  No doubt you will find these information links useful.

10 of the World's Deadliest Mushrooms - WorldAtlas.com

14 Types of Mushrooms and their Uses – Epicurious

glitter-graphics.com

Did You Know There is Such a Thing as a BLUE MUSHROOM?

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

Content first appeared at Virily.com

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Food Blurb: Much Ado About Mushrooms

If you have been following this foodie blog then you know that my love affair with mushrooms began the same time that I started dating my late husband, I shared those details in this blog post:

• Mushroom: Real Food of Fantasy and Fairy Tale.  

Geyee Vintage Mushroom Poster Fungus Wall Art Prints Rustic Mushroom Wall Hanging

This short post (or food blurb) is just an add-on to tell you more things I have discovered about this wonderful fungi!  Did you know that there is such a thing as a Mushroom of Immortality?

“Reishi/lingzhi has been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. as a supplement used to improve human health.” It is called a Mushroom of Immortality and you can grow it on your own. They're quite tasty. Just don't believe for one minute that they will make you live forever.  

😊  Read more: What Is The 'Mushroom Of Immortality'? 

Here is a wonderful veggie soup will get you through the winter months. Totally comfort food!  It includes a variety of mushrooms:  cremini, shiitake, and reishi. 

Reishi Mushroom Veggie Soup | CBC Life  

Also, if you love Asian noodles, you'll love this Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

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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Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 2 of 2)

Mystery of the Spice Islands Revealed

(Continuing from Part 1).

• The East India Company Ltd – reborn and renewed The East India Company today is reborn as a vibrant, inspiring company that acknowledges its heritage to never stop exploring and pioneering, to discover the world’s finest foods, products, and services.  The products they sell include teas, coffees, chocolates, and other fine foods.
• Manas: History and Politics, East India Company Read more about the History and Politics of the East India Company; its humble rise to good fortune and its decline from political and economic power into dissolution by the Crown.

After being fought over for years, in 1814 the Dutch traders finally beat out the Spanish, Portuguese and the British for the monopoly of the spice trade and these islands came under Dutch control. The Spice Islands, along with other territories in the area now governed by the Dutch were all consolidated under one name: Dutch East Indies. They were under Dutch government from 1814 to 1942. During World War II, the Japanese conquered the Dutch West Indies and occupied them from 1942 - 1945. In 1945, Indonesia was proclaimed a republic, and the islands which were formerly known as the Spice Islands are now known as the Maluku Islands (also called the Moluccas or Moluccan Islands). The Moluccas are included with a group of islands between Southeast Asia and North Australia, that comprise the Malay Archipelago.

But you don't have to travel to Indonesia or circumnavigate the globe and risk death to go on an exotic spice adventure. Just follow the spice trails at Everyday Exotic Spices.

* India Tree Pepper Mélange is a premium blend, containing Tellicherry black, Madagascar green, Malaysian white and allspice berries; use the same way as black pepper.

** Kefta spice blend is an authentic Moroccan recipe which includes: Coriander, Cumin, Spearmint, Paprika, Cayenne, Marjoram, Garlic, and other spices.

*** Sumac is a very popular condiment in Turkey and Iran, where the ground fruits are liberally sprinkled over rice. Mixed with freshly cut onions, it is frequently eaten as an appetizer.

[ Content first published at Blogjob May 2017. ]

Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 1 of 2)

Europeans embarked upon voyages around the world.

~ Hundreds of years ago, Europeans sailed all over the globe to bring back various spices from the East. Spices were not just used to flavor food, but were for medicinal purposes and enjoyed also because of their exotic aromas. As such, they were highly valued commodities.

~ To trace the spice trails taken by the Europeans, track backwards from the Greco-Roman world to Egypt then Africa, and travel through Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) until you reach India. 

Image Credit: Bowls of Spices from Above, Agra, India ~ Bill Bachmann ~ Allposters.com

“The economically important Silk Road (red) and spice trade routes (blue) blocked by the Ottoman Empire ca. 1453 with the fall of the Byzantine Empire, spurring exploration motivated initially by the finding of a sea route around Africa and triggering the Age of Discovery.”

[Image Source: By Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpg: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Centerderivative work:Splettederivative work:Bongan - Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpgSilk_route.jpg, Public DomainWikimedia Commons]

The Year is 1608

The original spice routes started in India.

As is usually the case with precious commodities, nations sought to control the spice trade. The British fought the Dutch and the Portuguese. Fast forward through history to the year 1608; ships belonging to the East India Company arrived in India, at the port of Surat. This company had been given monopoly privileges on all trade with the East Indies by the British parliament, but their control did not last forever. In 1857-8, there was a rebellion which led to the end of the East India Company.

The dissolution of the East India Company had no impact on the integral role of India in the global spice trade. Though India is not the only country that exports spices to Europe and the United States, this "land of spices" does continue to be a major exporter of spices to Europe, the USA and various other parts of the world.

Based on the substantial growth of spices exports during the last five years and particularly during the period 2010-2011, the SPICES BOARD INDIA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India reported: " India can now boast as the monopoly supplier of spice oils and oleoresins (naturally occurring mixtures of an oil and a resin) the world over. In the case of curry powders, spice powders, spice mixtures and spices in consumer packs, India is in a formidable position."

Spices introduced by India include cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, turmeric, and many more. Cardamon is even referred to as the "queen of spices". (Saffron is known as the "king of spices". FYI.) These everyday exotic spices are an important contribution to the quality of our daily living.

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet 

with Everyday Exotic Spices

[ Content first published at BlogJob May 2017). ]

Zucchini Flowers Are Edible Wonders

Zucchini flowers are also known as squash blossoms. Ming Tsai was the first TV chef I saw who used them in a recipe. My additional research disclosed that lots of countries include them in their recipes and they have awesome health benefits. 

Zucchini flowers are enjoyed in various cuisines around the world, each with its own unique preparation methods. Here’s a look at how different countries use them:

• The Greeks stuff zucchini flowers with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, and then baked.
• The Italians make a dish known as fiori di zucca fritti. Zucchini flowers are stuffed with ricotta or other cheeses, then battered and fried. Squash flowers are also a key ingredient in many pasta dishes.
• Zee French use zucchini flowers as a garnish, a sort of decorative touch for gourmet dishes. But they also add them to soups.
• Lastly, in United States, zucchini flowers are popular in upscale restaurants and gourmet dishes, which explains why I didn't know about them. Usually not on the menu at fast food restaurants. LOL.

A quick list of some of the health benefits include:

• Low in calories.
• Provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rich in antioxidants.
• Anti-Inflammatory.
• Good source of dietary fiber.
• Has vitamin C which helps boost the immune system.
• Has potassium which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

Zucchini Flowers are elegant and every part of the bloom are edible. There are male and female blossoms. You can eat them raw. But most people like to fry them. Be sure to gently wash the flowers under cold water and pat dry before using in a recipe. It's best to eat them fresh but they can be frozen and will keep for several months in the freezer. Below are some recipes from my favorite food blogs.

Traditional Italian Fried Squash Blossoms and Zucchini Blossoms Recipe | Christina Cucina

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms an Italian Classic | Chef Dennis 

6 Ways to Cook with Zucchini Blossoms | Food & Wine 

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