Use of Spices Explained for Foodies by Chris Donald (Guest Post)

To make the food good and very much palatable you will need to use the spices as well as various condiments. These spices will make the food more appealing and for sure there is no way that you can eat food which is bland and non-spicy.

The herbs and spices that need to be added to the food to make it tasty will be based on two things and these are the freshness of spices as well as proper quantity.

Proper mix or proportion is very important for the addition of spices. Most of the spices come in the powdered form or in the leaves form.

The compatibility of spice with certain types of food is a must to know. You should know which spice to use with which food. This operates on the same principle as the wine does which is you should know what wine to serve with what kind of food.

There is no sure shot method of the quantity which can be used in the food. Your help for the quantity is the online food sites as well as recipe books available all over. Make sure that you do not add more spices because more is generally not acceptable but less is acceptable.

If you are reading the recipe books they generally tend to border on the more commercial side of things which means the quantities and styles are more over the top. You may need to use your own estimate for the home cooked food.

For keeping the freshness intact of the spices make sure that you buy the good brands which have good packaging as well as make sure that once you have opened them that you seal them properly to retain the flavor and the aroma.

• Article Credit:

Donald, Chris "Use of spices explained for foodies." Use of spices explained for foodies. 17 Feb. 2009. uberarticles.com. 8 Dec 2012 <uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/use-of-spices-explained-for-foodies/>.

Suggested spice storage products:

• wall mounted spice racks;

• under counter spice racks.

My Dollar Store Hack to Organize My Spice Cabinet https://t.co/2alyUdGWP9 via @flipboard

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

Food Trivia Quiz: Everyday Exotic Spices https://t.co/6Bc0IW3OiL via @virilycom #Takethequiz

— Treathyl Fox (@cmoneyspinner) November 12, 2019

Tips About Using Everyday Exotic Spices https://t.co/c8S5yMBv6f via @virilycom

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

3 Obvious Reasons Why People Love Herbs and Spices https://t.co/2va47ZXuQM via @virilycom #foodanddrink #foodandcooking #cooking #food pic.twitter.com/ad95p2L4Wj

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

Food Blog Spotlight: Home Cooking Presented by Hilda's Touch of Spice

Spotlight on another awesome food blog. This one has been save in my bookmarks for forever! It's called “Hilda'sTouch of Spice”. The blog is published by Hilda Mascarenhas. Her recipes include a wonderful sampling of European, Asian and American cuisines, and categories are for holidays, by countries, vegetarian versus non-vegetarian, desserts, side dishes, soups and salads, and more! The best way to describe her blog is using her own words:

"Mouth watering recipes & essential cooking advice, helping you to add the right Touch of Spice to make simple home cooking special!"

That's the description from her Facebook page.  In 2013 her page reached 1,000 Likes.  As of today (2016), it has over 5,000 Likes!  Isn't that marvelous?

Since it's the holiday season you're going to love this share. It's her Christmas Special menu, followed by a few more selected blog posts that I like. Enjoy!

Christmas Special Menu - Hilda's Touch Of Spice

(Click here to view all of Hilda's Christmas recipes.)

Christmas Special Menu

This year Christmas is going to be filled with traditional sweets at our home.

* * *

Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake

Popularly known as "Japanese Cotton Cheesecake" due to its cotton texture this beautiful baked cheesecake is delicately soft. Very famous years ago on the net, you will find several recipes to this delicious cake.

* * *

Steamed Momos

Steamed Momos

The weather in Pune is chilly & cold in the nights.

* * *

Carrot Coconut Ladoos / Gajar Nariyal Ladoos

Carrot Coconut Ladoos / Gajar Nariyal Ladoos

Two of my eternal favorites... Carrots and Coconut. Just can't do without them! 🙂 They bind beautifully to form into gorgeous,sweet and yummy ladoos. A perfect ball of melt in the mouth goodness to satiate that sweet craving.

* * *

Chicken Handi (Murg Handi)

Chicken Handi (Murg Handi)

Rustic and full of flavor this delectable Chicken/Murg Handi is so succulent. Like many who love this dish, we are no exception. There are many good restaurants in Pune who prepare this dish really well. Making an almost authentic, traditional Murg handi at home is an experience to be savored.

Other food bloggers highlighted by Food Ways:

• JovinaCooks Italian.
• CiaoFlorentina ~ Easy Italian Recipes
• Flaming Vegan

If you are learning to cook, do you know your caviar?

So tell me. What do you know about caviar? Well? In the old movies I like to watch people usually always have champagne and caviar. Caviar looks like little small beads and comes in different colors. And uumm … only rich people eat caviar because it's really expensive! But if you search online you can find quality but inexpensive caviar that you can give as gift. 

Uh huh.  You know as much about caviar as me.  Cool!  We can learn together.  ☺

Happy #WorldVeganDay! Why And How To Eat Spirulina - MyHealthyDessert (Reblog)

Have you ever heard of spirulina? A friend and fellow food blogger has introduced me to it and  I'm passing along the info she shared about this food product and some more links to her fabulous vegan recipes.

Why And How To Eat Spirulina - MyHealthyDessert

Spirulina And Coconut Chocolate Truffles

Vegan Black Sesame Ice Cream

Vegan Cashew Cream

Homemade Bounty Ice Cream

Spirulina Image credit: By Music4thekids (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Follow My Healthy Dessert on Instagram

History of Spirulina

Spirulina is thought to have been a food source for the tribes of Mexico in 16th century as it was Naturally grown. Later on it was palliated and harvested in Lake Texcoco. The tribes called it Tecuitatl, which means stone’s excrement. #spirulina #fitness pic.twitter.com/cM218HdEah

— caradora.in (@CaradoraI) April 13, 2020

Foodie Friday: Awesome Food Bloggers in the Bloggy Moms Network

Spotlight on food bloggers who are members of the Bloggy Moms Network

I have been a member of this network since 2015 and receive regular eMails which advertise:

• events and meetings where blogger moms and mompreneurs get together, and 
• paid blogging opportunities.

The BM Network is also a great place to find recipes, cooking tips, meal ideas, and all kinds of food-related information. Below are excellent blog posts. Since the holiday season is here (I start celebrating in September ☺), the first share is about preparing a wonderful and healthy “healthier” Christmas feast. Some of the links were found at the Bloggy Moms site and others at blogs found listed in the blog directory at the BM site. Enjoy!!

6 Recipes For A Healthier Christmas Feast
(Don't worry. The meal is not just salad. But I love that picture! Don't you? If that's a part of the meal, wonder what the rest is going to be!)

6 Recipes For A Healthier Christmas Feast - Bloggy Moms

By Judy Pistolese How do you make your annual Christmas feast? My colleagues at Inner West Orthodontics are convinced that Christmas might just be the unhealthiest time of the year but with minor alterations, you can definitely prepare a delicious and healthy Christmas feast for the whole family!

* * *

How to Cook for a Week without Even Thinking About It

How to Cook for a Week without Even Thinking About It - Bloggy Moms

Here are a few things that give me a serious case of the sads: daily grocery store trips, half-empty boxes of pasta in my freezer, beautiful veggies aging before my eyes. I'm always trying to cut back on waste, especially as the holiday season picks up and time and funds become more limited.

* * *

Colorful Bow Tie Pork – Delicious!

* * *

Soup for Thanksgiving!

Soup for Thanksgiving! - Adriana's Best Recipes

This post is also available in: Español Thanksgiving is almost here and this time of the year calls for old-time favorites and today I am sharing easy Thanksgiving recipes using seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes.

* * *

Thanksgiving Mini Pies - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

Every Thanksgiving I want all the pies! There are so many delicious pies to enjoy Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Cherry Pie, Apple Crumb Pie, and don't forget pumpkin cheesecake and all the other desserts that come with Thanksgiving.

* * *

Pumpkin Shaped Bread Rolls - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

I received an e-mail from Better Homes and Garden with a recipe link for these adorable Pumpkin-Shaped Meatball Biscuits. Although they looked so festive and delicious I know I do not need another appetizer this Thanksgiving, we always have too much food.

* * *

Treats that are Changing Halloween! - Bloggy Moms Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Vloggers, YouTubers

Halloween is in the air! Whether you're a trick or treater or not, October rolls around and you don't have to look far to grab a piece of chocolate. In the bank, the doctor's office, all around you are offerings of candy.

* * *

Apple Pecan Chia Pudding – #SecretRecipeClub
(Dessert for breakfast? No wonder it's a secret!)

Apple Pecan Chia Pudding - #SecretRecipeClub

There are not many puddings that can be breakfast or dessert but this is one of them. Apple Pecan Chia Pudding is flavored with maple syrup and apple cider and topped with cinnamon apples and pecans for the ultimate sweet healthy treat. Wow!

* * *

Foodie Friday : Indian Food: Hot n Spicy Samosas (Reblog)

My foodie Friday topic is "samosas". Here is a link to a fun post published at one of my other blogs. It's sort of a Bollywood movie pick with an introduction to a fun food that the people of India love to eat: Hot n Spicy Samosas. To this link, I'm adding some more fun links below.

How many samosas can you wolf down!?

Image below: Scene from the movie Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Stars:  Actors: Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma

A delightful romantic comedy.  Enjoyable to watch

but you may find yourself craving samosas. 

How to make Crispy Vegetable Samosa Indian Style Snacks Recipe

Crispy Vegetable Samosa is a good starter or snacks recipe to cook. Recipe is almost prepared across all states of India, though there might be little difference in the way they make it. ...

A Star in the Frozen Food Aisle: Kitchens of India Crispy Samosas filled with Potatoes & Green Peas

I've tried a lot of Indian convenience foods lately and some of the best Indian food of this type has come from Kitchens of India. Of all their products, my favorite is their Samosas. Filled with steaming, spiced potatoes and green peas, the crust is the best part of Samosas.

How to Make Samosas

A samosa is a popular snack in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. To make your own samosas, start by making the dough. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Prepare the filling in a large saucepan. Allow the filling to cool. Divide the...

10 Best Samosa Recipes

steaming chai or coffee, munch on those deep-fried tidbits and let the pitter-patter transport you to another world.For those who think it's not the time for crispy fried bhajjis, pakoras or onion rings, we've got one of the most loved snacks of the nation that needs no introduction and certainly no special occasion to be served on to your plates - the samosa.

Baked veggie samosas | Jamie Oliver

JamieOliver.com is your one stop shop for everything Jamie Oliver including delicious and healthy recipes inspired from all over the world, helpful food tube videos and much more.

A sampling of other #FoodieFriday posts? Candied Jalapeño Peppers  Chinese New Year Recipes and Dishes  Pesto Around the World  Experiencing the Joy of Salsa   Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon  It's Flipping Foodie Friday!  Raw Coconut Fig Slice (Reblog)  Winter Salad Binging  Banana Brownies - Back for Seconds  Cool Foodies and Food Lovers Celebrating Their “Firsts” on Twitter

First Food and Drink Experiences: Chai Tea

I was binge-watching a Turkish television series, set in 19th century Istanbul, and in one of the scenes, the man offered a drink to the two ladies at the table with him. Neither lady trusted him but they didn't want to be rude, so they accepted the cup that he poured. He said that people should be willing to experiment and try new things and that he wanted to introduce them both to a new drink he discovered from India. Chai tea!

As I'm watching the program, I'm going: “Oh! Oh! Chai tea! I know what that is!!”

Photo by René Pollock on Unsplash

My husband is from The Bahamas, but he needed to stop drinking coffee for health reasons and started trying different types of teas. In the course of his experimentation, he discovered chai tea and introduced it to me.

I must say it does have an exotic flavor. I like it!

~ Any chai tea drinkers out there?

~ Are there different ways you choose to enjoy this delicious combination of herbs and spices in drink form?

I found a turmeric-chai-latte recipe.

Do you have you own chai tea recipe?  Recipe Sharing.

• 'Chai tea is delicious. Why not chai cake?'  

Turmeric Chai Latte https://t.co/S0i1MV3EMO via @savorysimple #tea #teadrinkers #tealovers #chaitea #exotic #foodanddrink @EverydaySpices

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) September 3, 2019

Do you like CHAI TEA? I only learned about this wonderful drink a few years ago. Come to find out ... it's only been around for an eternity! Do you have your own special #chai #tea #recipe? It turns out ... many people do! https://t.co/bFCo31akKe #teadrinkers #tealovers pic.twitter.com/wf6HP4pCKo

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) August 29, 2019

* More "First Food Experiences" *

First Food Experiences: Zucchini Muffins ~ https://t.co/Jfnd7fARW3 ~ Do you have an experience or memory of the first time you ate something? #Food #recipe #recipes #FoodAndDrink #Foodies #HealthyEating #eatyourveggies pic.twitter.com/VP64cId9sG

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) September 3, 2019

First Food Experiences: Baked Potato Topping ~ https://t.co/BUAjubXhCy ~ What's your favorite baked potato topping? #food #foodandrink #foodies #toppings @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/jx7wl9KJqY

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) September 3, 2019

First Food Experiences: Roasted Pig (Lechòn) ~ https://t.co/3K4fUx6owf ~ #Christmas #Christmasfood #HolidayFirsts #Food #foodanddrink #Cuba #Florida #memories #traditions #holidaytraditions @Medium @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/bUYZ0pMOdw

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) September 3, 2019

Exotic Fruit: Do You Heart Pomegranates?

Do you love pomegranates? I know I do! I would even like to start a movement with the goal of adding pomegranates to the traditional American Thanksgiving cornucopia.  (Care to participate in the Thanksgiving cornucopia POLL and cast your vote? )

Pomegranates are so exotic and enjoy an exotic history!   Indeed it is the food of myth and legends.

They are the wonder food of ancient civilizations like Persia and Israel.  

In fact, in ancient Greece, pomegranates were considered an aphrodisiac.  

Two respected modern publications - The Globe and Mail, “Canada’s #1 national newspaper” and The NHS in England – both claim that the claims that pomegranates are a “superfood” can be proven.

Pomegranate: A ‘superfood’ that goes straight to your heart http://t.co/ALDCAjjmVN

— Globe Health (@Globe_Health) December 4, 2013

Pomegranate: superfood or fad? We investigate http://t.co/XHGc474ppv pic.twitter.com/oxIgzXk3Ej

— NHS Choices (@NHSChoices) February 2, 2015

Shared the link via my post stream on Google Plus stream, but in case you didn't see it there, view it here. If you are on Pinterest, please visit my pinboard dedicated to POMEGRANATES? Started the board a couple of years ago and to date, it has 100 pins: recipes (food and drinks), beauty and healthcare products, etc. 

Related articles

• Pomegranate Health Benefits For Men - Be Well Buzz(bewellbuzz.com)

  ---

• Schizandra Pomegranate Kefir(theepochtimes.com)

  ---

• 3 wonder sauces you need in your kitchen cupboard right now: from zhoug to pomegranate ketchup(standard.co.uk)

  ---

• Pomegranates in Art as Symbol and Metaphor.... Guest Blogger: Deborah Hickey-Tiernan(gailcreativestudies.wordpress.com)

  ---

Blueberry Pomegranate - $5.00 Our Blueberry Pomegranate tea has a round fruity taste with a sweet and slightly tart finish. A wonderfully refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion! Floral, Sweet, Fruity

Green Pomegranate - Award Winning - $5.00 Select organic green tea hand tossed in a large wok, dried to perfection, then carefully blended with organic raspberries and essence of pomegranate. Sweeten the senses with a tart and tangy rush to the palate. Also available in our Eco Pyramid Teabags here. Fruity, Sweet, Tart

© Photographer: Svetamart | Agency: Dreamstime.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?

* * *
Original source Forum Coin.

Health : Control Your Appetite : It's All in Your Head

Another discovery has been made in the study of food, health, and science. Credit is being given to Professor Kazuyoshi Ukena of Hiroshima University for identifying NPGL, a protein in our brain which “apparently aims to maintain body mass at a constant, come feast or famine”.

The professor's finding eliminates the excuse of not being able to lose weight and stop yourself from overeating because you don't have any willpower because the mechanisms for appetite control are literally ... all in your head. :)

• REF: "New Appetite Control Mechanism Found in Brain." ScienceBlog.com. N.p., 28 Apr. 2017. Web. 09 May 2017.

♦ ♦ ♦

More Interesting Links and Recommended Reading:

Frohlich, Thomas C. "25 Cities With the Healthiest Diets." 247wallst.com. AOL-HuffPost Money & Finance, 03 May 2017. Web. 09 May 2017.

Fox, Treathyl. "Do You Know What Gives You Energy?" My Shopping Channel. BlogJob.com, 06 May 2017. Web. 09 May 2017.

Kostyo, Mike. "Datassential: 15 Flavor Trends to Watch in 2017 and beyond." SmartBrief. N.p., 12 Dec. 2016. Web. 09 May 2017.

Insurance Mart and Insurance Smart shares general health info.
For general info purposes. Not to be substituted for medical advice.

* * *

Related articles

• Overeating is killing us - so here's how to cut down on what you eat(telegraph.co.uk)

  ---

• When you eat may be just as important as what you eat, according to a new study(businessinsider.com)

  ---

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

Fabulous Food Finds on Twitter ~ What's Being Tweeted for "Foodie Friday"

I love the post series I publish at this foodie blog that is tagged "Foodie Friday".  These are my 3 favorite posts so far.

Let's Do Sushi! Keep It Kosher!

Raw Coconut Fig Slice (Reblog)

World Cuisine : Japan’s 10 weirdest ice cream flavors (Reblog)

For this Foodie Friday I decided to share what other bloggers posts on Twitter.  #FoodieFriday is a very popular hashtag.  Hope you like my shares.  Do you share content on social media with this hashtag??  Let me know in the comments.

*

Burger patties made from insects seem to be gaining popularity in #Germany – drawing the most interest from vegetarians and the environmentally conscious. Now there are even food trucks that sell these protein-packed #insektenburger. https://t.co/JvBRjF8Uz6 #FoodieFriday

— DAAD USA (@DAADnewyork) July 12, 2019

*

Happy #FoodieFriday! Thanks for all of the great posts🍣 @pitugraphy @foodndrinksta @betterthanskinnyfeels @ranktheplate pic.twitter.com/C6EPhYPCgR

— SUNDA (@Sunda) July 12, 2019

*

Keto fried chicken wings.
2.5 scoops of Whey Isolate approx 1.8g of carbs. #ketodiet #ketogenicdiet #KetoLifestyle #chicken #FoodieFriday pic.twitter.com/mI0lrQQTyf

— Walter Kong (@walterkong) July 12, 2019

*

This is called "Nungu delight" made with Avacado and Palm fruit. How's this?? #food #foodtravelchat #FoodieFriday #foodie 🌴 😎 pic.twitter.com/BoeTLS2fWX

— Cookploration (@cookploration) November 10, 2016

*

#FoodieFriday: Question 10: A traditional SA Christmas dessert of layered cake, fruit, jelly and cream. pic.twitter.com/AokxRVNifV

— Zomato South Africa (@ZomatoSA) July 15, 2016

*

Here's three #vegan recipes for #foodiefriday! Traditional French cuisine is, in fact, focused on simplicity, seasonal eating and finding a balance between savoring and appreciating food, but eating it in moderation. Here's a taste of Vegan French cooking. https://t.co/FCyRtVlmNn pic.twitter.com/JES9mJIiis

— Denise Landis (@TheCooksCook) January 11, 2019

*

#FoodieFriday #AfricanAmericans love the taste of their #soulfood. But it's not good enough to die for! #diabetes #hypertension #hearthealth ~ So "momma's recipes" are being modified & changed into healthier versions. https://t.co/5zaIHNXgpw ~ Enjoy #JoieDeVivre! 😍 pic.twitter.com/ed6iIsCEZl

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) July 12, 2019

*

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

* * *

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