- - "The longest pizza delivery was from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney, Australia."
- - "Scientists report that eating pizza once a week can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. It's the tomatoes and olive oil in the pizza."
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Life stages simplified: Growth and development? Youth and adolescence. Procreation and maintenance? Young adult – 20 something plus 30...
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
October is National Pizza Month ~ Let's Celebrate!
October is National Pizza Month. Let's start the celebration with these fun pizza facts.
- - "The longest pizza delivery was from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney, Australia."
- - "Scientists report that eating pizza once a week can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. It's the tomatoes and olive oil in the pizza."
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- - "The longest pizza delivery was from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney, Australia."
- - "Scientists report that eating pizza once a week can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. It's the tomatoes and olive oil in the pizza."
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Saturday, October 7, 2023
Everyday Exotic Spices: Zanzibar Spices & Heritage Centre: The Continuing Story
A few years back, stumbled across an article detailing a delightful business success story about the efforts of Mzee Foum Garu aka Foum Ali Garu, a spice farmer in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar and Pemba, its sister island, have a reputation for their spices. Spice farm tours are conducted for travelers to Tanzania. Tourists learn the origins and history of the spices produced in Zanzibar, their culinary and medicinal properties, and the traditional local uses. They also get to sample some delicious local dishes and a tasty “Tea Masala”. Natives and foreign students are invited to enroll at the Kizimbani Agricultural Training Institute of Zanzibar to learn even more via an internship or a volunteer project. Mr. Garu played an integral role in promoting and developing these tours and training courses.
The organization founded by Mr. Garu was mentioned in the 2013 write-up as “Zanzibar Organic Spice Products”. It is currently operating under the name “Zanzibar Organic Spice Growers (ZOSG)”, and also recognized by the name “Zanzibar Spices & Heritage Centre”. Mzee Foum Garu combined his experience, knowledge and skills for farming spices with several other small-scale farmers and they grow a wide range of cash crops. In addition to spices (cardamom, vanilla, betel nut, turmeric, cinnamon, curry leaves and nutmeg), they cultivate many tropical fruits and vegetables (such as hairy litchi, durian and jack fruit), and plants and trees (such as moringa, the henna plant, and the lipstick tree). There is a growing European market for these food products cultivated by the zanzibari farmers.
Image credit: Zanzibar Spices & Heritage Centre
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar and Pemba, its sister island, have a reputation for their spices. Spice farm tours are conducted for travelers to Tanzania. Tourists learn the origins and history of the spices produced in Zanzibar, their culinary and medicinal properties, and the traditional local uses. They also get to sample some delicious local dishes and a tasty “Tea Masala”. Natives and foreign students are invited to enroll at the Kizimbani Agricultural Training Institute of Zanzibar to learn even more via an internship or a volunteer project. Mr. Garu played an integral role in promoting and developing these tours and training courses.
Image credit: Spice farm, Zanzibar by Mark, on Flickr
The organization founded by Mr. Garu was mentioned in the 2013 write-up as “Zanzibar Organic Spice Products”. It is currently operating under the name “Zanzibar Organic Spice Growers (ZOSG)”, and also recognized by the name “Zanzibar Spices & Heritage Centre”. Mzee Foum Garu combined his experience, knowledge and skills for farming spices with several other small-scale farmers and they grow a wide range of cash crops. In addition to spices (cardamom, vanilla, betel nut, turmeric, cinnamon, curry leaves and nutmeg), they cultivate many tropical fruits and vegetables (such as hairy litchi, durian and jack fruit), and plants and trees (such as moringa, the henna plant, and the lipstick tree). There is a growing European market for these food products cultivated by the zanzibari farmers.
The article that inspired this post was dated 2013, however, Foum Ali Garu began his work in the 90s. It's great to read that Garu's success has continued and that other local farmers are also benefitting from the agricultural initiatives he started and the entire region is profiting.
Interesting Food History: The first spices plantations were established by the Oman Sultan Sayid Sa’id in the 19th century. ~ "Seyyid Said." Encyclopedia of World Biography. . Encyclopedia.com. 16 Oct. 2017 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.
Ingredients in this spice mound:
Coriander, mustard, fennel, turmeric, cumin, sweet paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cloves and white pepper.
7 Natural Aphrodisiacs to Spice Up Your Sex Life! by Melisa Marzett (Guest Post)
Spices are a real treasure. They excite the taste buds, add an interesting taste to food, and remind us of other worlds, and the existence of miracles and beauty. Many spices are known for their stimulating effect. It is difficult to explain the nature and origin of this effect, but it exists. Spices are very strong natural aphrodisiacs. They are able to awaken desire and passion. Use spices and color your sexual life!
Organic Cloves
Yes, spices have many useful qualities. Use them and enjoy nights (or days) full of passion and romance!
* (Information above is general and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.)
Natural aphrodisiacs for women
- Saffron. This spice adds new flavors and colors in dishes cooked from rice. Saffron is very expensive as it is difficult to collect and ship this precious spice. However, you will need just a tiny bit of this spice, two or three stamens will be enough in order to make your dish incredibly delicious! Excessive use of saffron can actually ruin the dish. Scientists say that even a tiny amount of this spice increases sexual desire. In addition, saffron contains zinc, selenium, potassium, magnesium, and has antioxidant properties.
SPICE Spotlight: Saffron
Everyday spices for everyday cooking. Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience.
- Fenugreek. Fenugreek seeds are popular in eastern ethnic cuisines. It is impossible to imagine many Indian dishes without this spice with intriguing flavor. Recent research showed that fenugreek is an aphrodisiac, thus, it is able to increase sexual desire in men with low libido. In addition, fenugreek contains elements that help to reduce sugar levels in blood and to enhance lactation.
Fenugreek Leaves
- Fennel. This plant looks a bit like celery, but the taste is quite different. Fennel successfully helps to cope with digestive problems, stimulates lactation and helps to clean bronchial passages of mucus. Many people do not like fennel because of its specific flavor and sweetish taste, but maybe you will risk to try it if you take into account the fact that the ancient Egyptians used the fennel to increase women’s libido. (Fennel for women. Fennel for men.) Try to grind fennel seeds and add them to your food, its active chemicals that increase sexual desire are found in the seeds of this plant.
SPICE Spotlight: Fennel
Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience. Shop for exotic herbs and spices online 24/7.
- Cloves. This slightly sweet spice increases blood flow to organs and slightly raises the body temperature. Eastern medicine claims that cloves can increase the body's energy, and its flavor cleans breath. The strong and sensual fragrance is the feature which brightens sexual life.
Organic Cloves
- Garlic. Not many people will appreciate "garlic" breath which can ruin the whole date. Nevertheless, regardless of the fact that garlic makes your breath unfresh, it contains a lot of allicin, a substance that enforces blood flow in the genitals, this quality actually makes garlic an aphrodisiac. And parsley easily eliminates the smell of garlic breath.
SPICE SPOTLIGHT: Garlic
Everyday spices for everyday cooking. Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience.
- Nutmeg. Fragrant nutmeg has long been used in India as a natural aphrodisiac, in Africa it is also known as "Viagra for women". Studies have shown that it really affects people's sexual behavior.
Spice Farming in Zanzibar
Mzee Foum Garu is a descendant of slaves and comes from a long line of spice farmers. He is the founder of Zanzibar Organic Spice Products; a small plantation, three acres that yields cardamom, vanilla, betel nut, turmeric, cinnamon and two very potent spices - curry leaves and nutmeg.
- Basil. This plant has a sweet taste and aroma, and that is what is known to be the simplest means to stimulate the libido. In fact, the Italians call basil the grass of kisses, and ancient Greeks fed stallions with basil before the "date". Try to add some basil to the salad wait for a pleasant surprise!
Large Leaf Italian Basil Heirloom Seeds
Yes, spices have many useful qualities. Use them and enjoy nights (or days) full of passion and romance!
About the author:
Melisa Marzett is a well-known blogger and talented writer. Melisa works on such topics as healthy lifestyle, cooking and psychology, and writes for essaywritingservice-reviews.com.
* (Information above is general and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.)
| English: Spices in Mapusa Market, Goa, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Natural aphrodisiacs for women
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Edible Fruit Bouquet Arrangements: Home Made or Ready Made?
Don't know about you but every year one of my Top 10 New Year's Resolutions is to eat more fruits (and veggies; especially the green leafy kind). But thinking about it. Not only is it a good idea to eat more fresh fruit, but since there are holidays, birthdays, and special occasions all throughout the year, giving fruit as a food gift is also a good thing.
Don't you love receiving fruit baskets and edible arrangements?
Do you prefer to make your own or purchase these gifts ready made?
Fabulous How to Video:
Make Edible Fruit Bouquet Arrangements!
But if you're still not into making these arrangements or you don't have the time, there is a convenient way to order online and have this lovely edible gift delivered.
Don't you love receiving fruit baskets and edible arrangements?
Do you prefer to make your own or purchase these gifts ready made?
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Fabulous How to Video:
Make Edible Fruit Bouquet Arrangements!
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But if you're still not into making these arrangements or you don't have the time, there is a convenient way to order online and have this lovely edible gift delivered.
Edible Arrangements Coupons
Fruit Bouquets: Deliver delicious fruit bouquets to share!
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Thursday, September 28, 2023
Food Blog Spotlight: Custom Cakes by Rainbow Nourishments (Raw Vegan Cake Maker)
Was watching a health infomercial and the gentleman was supplying a recipe for a cake. He showed the cake and then said we wouldn't believe what the ingredients were. Have to admit when I saw the recipe I thought that cake was the best disguise I've ever seen. Indeed, until I had to change my eating habits, it never occurred to me that so many foods that I loved to eat could be prepared in a completely different way and still be enjoyed. Who knew?
Evidently, the vegans knew and were way ahead with this knowledge. In one of my previous posts, I shared my love of cake ("Which Cultures Make the Best Cakes?"). Today while surfing the Internet, stumbled across these wonderful creations by a food blogger named Anthea, who published a blog is RainbowNourishments.com. She makes custom cakes. Sure! There are a lot of custom cake makers out there. But this lady specializes in raw vegan cakes that are indescribable!
Amazing Cake Stand Multifunctional Cake and Serving Stand For weddings,events, parties, 4-in-1 Crystal Cake Dome
HABIBEE 6-in-1 Acrylic Cake Stand Multifunctional Serving Platter and Cake Plate With Dome (6-in-1 Cake Dome)
Evidently, the vegans knew and were way ahead with this knowledge. In one of my previous posts, I shared my love of cake ("Which Cultures Make the Best Cakes?"). Today while surfing the Internet, stumbled across these wonderful creations by a food blogger named Anthea, who published a blog is RainbowNourishments.com. She makes custom cakes. Sure! There are a lot of custom cake makers out there. But this lady specializes in raw vegan cakes that are indescribable!
Pink dragon fruit layer cake
Pink dragon fruit layer cake
This recipe captures pretty much everything that I love about cakes. I love taking a bite of a sponge cake and squashing the air out of it in my mouth (ok, that sounds weird and confronting, but it's the truth so I'll stick with it). I love the simplicity and smoothness of raw cakes.
Amazing Cake Stand Multifunctional Cake and Serving Stand For weddings,events, parties, 4-in-1 Crystal Cake Dome
Acai Bowl Cheesecakes
Smoothie bowls are a staple in my diet as they are quick to make, delicious and can be made out of pantry/freezer ingredients. Smoothie bowls are normally thick smoothies poured into bowls, made with some sort of frozen fruit, and topped with things like granola, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, coconut...
HABIBEE 6-in-1 Acrylic Cake Stand Multifunctional Serving Platter and Cake Plate With Dome (6-in-1 Cake Dome)
Rainbow nicecream cake
Whoever invented nicecream (aka icecr eam made of blended bananas) is a genius.I thought: what if I could combine my current favourite food (nicecream) with my favourite concept (rainbows) into something that could enjoy at ANY time of the day. This marbled nicecream cake reminds me that adults CAN have fun with their food.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian
A general review of the History of the Exotic Spice Trade will eventually lead to Indonesia.
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Related Links:
"One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian
- During the years 1602 to 1942, what is now the Republic of Indonesia was a Dutch colony. ... The tradition of Indonesian food known today as Rijstafel, which means Rice Table, was started by the Dutch. ..."
Read more at: Indonesian Food History – Rijistafel
The concept of rijsttafel is a way to sample the many different spice-laced dishes from various regions of Indonesia. The Dutch likely drew inspiration from a similar Indonesian multiple-dish meal known as nasi padang.
References:
Brennan, Georgeanne. “Rijsttafel: The Dutch-Indonesian Rice Table.” The Cook’s Cook, 29 Sept. 2017, https://thecookscook.com/features/rijsttafel-dutch-indonesian-rice-table/.
“Rijsttafel | Indonesian, Spice, Variety | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/rijsttafel.
“Indonesian Food History - Rijistafel” Daily Two Cents, 10 May 2015, web.archive.org/web/20170803143846/http://dailytwocents.com/indonesian-food-history-rijistafel/."Rijsttafel" by Jan Willem van Wessel from Rotterdam, Netherlands - Rijsttafel 13. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
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Related Links:
Friday, September 8, 2023
Chinese Mooncake Festival (Mid Autumn Festival)
Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节) in Chinese, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival, is one of China's biggest holidays.
For 2023, it will be celebrated on Sep 29, 2023.
Similar to American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Mooncake Festival these days is about family reunions and good eating, where mooncakes are a traditional food gift. Would just like to point out a significant event that can be traced back to the 14th century when China was ruled by the Mongols. The event really gives cause for celebration.
"Planning a rebellion against the Mongol emperor, Chinese rebels came up with the idea of hiding a secret message inside mooncakes, which the Mongols did not eat. These mooncakes told rebels to rise up on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The uprising was successful, and henceforth the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with mooncakes everywhere in China."(Source: Mooncakes in Mid Autumn | Desserts First)
Recycling a post from my lifestyle blog, Joie de Vivre Magazine and embellishing it a little bit more. There are lots of people participating in the festivities so finding related or similar articles was super easy. Hope you like the content shared.
Mid Autumn Festival 2017 - 20 Mooncakes That Even Chang Er Will Love
It's almost Mid-Autumn Festival again, the 15th day of the eight month on the lunar calendar (which falls on October 4 this year) when the moon is full. The traditional way to celebrate this festival is by indulging in mooncakes. Every year, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the mooncake flavours available.
Why Chinese People Eat Mooncake During This Time of the Year
The Mid-Autumn Festival (also the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival) is considered to be one of the most significant festivals for Chinese people. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar, the 3,500-year old tradition is commonly observed all over the world to worship the moon, celebrate the harvest season, ...
Friday, September 1, 2023
Foodie Friday : Pesto Around the World
Going to take aim at pesto for my foodie Friday topic. Another wonderful delight for enlivening salads, adorning sandwiches, dressing pasta … you name it! Always sing the praises of salsa. This time, doing a song and dance routine for pesto.
Hear the word pesto and one usually always thinks Italian. Right? But different cultures have their own version of pesto. Africa. Mexico. Australia. This link is an awesome foodie find! Not only does it tell you the main ingredients in everybody's version but it introduced me to a new word. “Permaculture”.
Preserving With Pesto - It's Not Rocket Science
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Hear the word pesto and one usually always thinks Italian. Right? But different cultures have their own version of pesto. Africa. Mexico. Australia. This link is an awesome foodie find! Not only does it tell you the main ingredients in everybody's version but it introduced me to a new word. “Permaculture”.
Preserving With Pesto – It’s Not Rocket Science
Preserving With Pesto - It's Not Rocket Science
Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral
Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral
Here is a quick recipe for Raw Wheatgrass Pesto, using our premium, organic, raw super food powder. This will m ake your taste buds go wild! Adds a good dose of vitality to any diet. Made in a blender there is virtually any preparation to do! Just the way we like it!
Mexican Pesto Recipe by emilie_ 1 - Key Ingredient
Thai Basil Pesto
Thai Basil Pesto
This one's for my Thai lovers. But before I even start talking Thai basil pesto, I feel moved to have a little rant about how much I love Thai food. It's like an instant exotic vacation right in my kitchen.
Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl
Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl
This raw vegan semi-dried tomato and macadamia pesto is super easy and seriously delicious. Just throw everything into your food processor.
African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto
African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto
Combine all ingredients, except cheese, in bowl of food processor. Process, adding additional oil or water, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in cheese. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. (Tip: pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays.)
Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy
Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy
Chimichurri Pesto Sauce combines Italian parsley, cilantro and basil with jalapeño and parmesan cheese. It is vibrant, nutty and tangy. Perfect for pasta. I will never forget the first time I tried Chimichurri Sauce. It was at my incredibly talented friend Bibi's home. She had me over for dinner and prepared the most mouth-watering steak.
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