The Perfect Parfait

 This is the time for cool treats and nothing says that better than a parfait. It could be a lovely way to start the day? It can be a cool treat after a barbecue .Anyway you have it 's a nice treat on a hot August day,,

As expected the parfait  was created by the French around 1890. The original recipe was the basis for our frozen custards of today. French chefs cooked eggs sugar and cream together as a custard then frozen. There are two versions. the french one which is made with whipped cream, simple syrup and any kind of flavoring, namely fruit. It's then poured into a tin, much like its' Italian cousin the semifreddo. Egg yolks are added , much like the original recipe to give it body. The American version is more layered like a sundae. There is also a Japanese one with a base layer of cornflakes! it also has more whipped cream and gelatin cubes than the American one. A breakfast parfait is a different and fun way to start the day. Use Greek yogurt which is thicker and has more body than the American and layer with different ingredients.Add old fashioned oats and for more nutrition and good helping of chia seeds. You could add frozen fruit but fresh is better especially now with all the harvests happening right now. Layer with sliced peaches and strawberries for a tasty treat.Sliced bananas and blueberries also work. Keep in mind that you can have this as a mid afternoon snack too. Add chocolate chips for some flavor and a boost of energy.

An ice cream parfait is a lovely way to use the fruit of the season along with good ice cream., As for the ice cream , you can make it yourself or get a good brand . A simple yet elegant one is layers if vanilla ice cream and fresh cut fruit. Try a French vanilla with pitted and chopped cherries is also good. You can do the same with other fruit for the season like peaches and strawberries. If you want more layers, add  crumbled vanilla wafers like Lidl's or Nabiscos and top with whipped cream. Of course a chocolate version is also  doable and delicious. Layer chocolate ice cream with strawberries or chopped , pitted cherries. Add a good chocolate syrup such as U-Bet or Fox's. (Hershey's also work well here).Top with a blob of whipped cream and more fruit. You can add a layer of cookie or even chocolate cake here too. A decadent dessert is a tiramisu su one. It starts with a homemade ice cream made from a mix of mascapone cheese and evaporated milk. Beat together until stiff peaks form and freeze until ready to use. You can also use coffee ice cream too. Cake is the base here and it's soaking either vanilla or chocolate pound cake in espresso. Layer the ice cream and cake, sort of like mini trifles .You can also sprinkle on cocoa powder too to give it a mocha flavor. Top with whipped cream and more powdered chocolate.

Beat the heat with the perfect parfait. You can make one for a breakfast treat or have one after a barbecue. Either way they're cool and delightful.

A Lenten Bonus For Your Diet

 If you're observing Lent then you're forgoing meats and some dairy until Easter. Doing such may be a nutritional bonus .The less red and fatty meats eaten, the less problems you have. Eating more fish and veggies can even lead to a pescatarian or vegetarian diet.

Salmon is usually the gateway fish for those fishless Fridays.It's an easy fish to cook and can be prepared in a variety of different ways. It is also a good source of protein and only two hundred calories.It's high in Vitamin B12 and potassium along with iron and vitamin D. One of the easiest ways to cook it is pan seared. Add melted plant butter like Melt along with salt, pepper and a squirt of fresh lemon juice. Some recipes add a touch of honey however that can make it a bit sweet. Dill works best with the flavor but you could also use rosemary and oregano too. Think about making salmon croquettes if you want to get the kids on board. These are a mix of  canned salmon along with flour and panko bread crumbs for body. Bell peppers, garlic and salt give it flavor. Mayonnaise provides moisture as does eggs. You can add Worcestershire sauce and cilantro for zing and color.It's then cooking them in olive or avocado oil as you would hamburgers. You can also make these in an air fryer .You can also go with a favorite - cod too.It can be prepared as the other. It's the basis of fish and chips which is an easy make ,especially if you use an air fryer. They're also good shredded in tacos too.

You can also try your hand at bean dishes too for Lenten Friday suppers.Bean tacos can be a tasty change up. You can do a mix of black and kidney beans for a more flavorful filling. They can be good cold or warmed in the microwave. Top with Greek yogurt , lettuce tomatoes and homemade guacamole for a substantial meal. Beans also work in a burrito too. Anyone can copy Taco Bells' recipe for it. The filling is a mix of red kidney beans, finely chopped onions and tomato sauce. Garlic salt and cumin are added for flavor while shredded Cheddar or American cheese adds creaminess to the texture What gives it that tang? Two teaspoons of  red wine vinegar. It's then mashed and spooned into microwave warmed tortillas. You could added chopped tomato and avocado slices to imitate Taco Bell's Grande version. You can also use this for tacos too. Another idea is using vegan "beef"crumbles for this too. Plant based "meats' are the rage right now. You can easily make a meatloaf  using Beyond Beef , complete with a mushroom gravy. Gardein has a wide variety of plant based meats, including cod filets and crab cakes.

Lenten Friday may actually help you and your family in eating healthier. Try a meatless meal one day a week then ramp it up to two or three. You'll still eat delicious but also better.

A Tasty Twist On Macaroons

Passover may be three weeks away but it's always good to think about what to serve ahead of time. One of the most traditional American foods is the coconut macaroon. This flourless treat has been gracing tables for decades. Now there's a new twist on this much beloved cookie.

Coconut macaroons are always a treat  and now Manischewitz has two new flavors, Cold Brew Earl Grey and Birthday Cake.

I like these new flavors.

The Earl Gray one has a delicate flavor - not overpowering and perfect for after dinner or a snack with  - what else - a  steamy cup of Earl Gray.

I also like the birthday cake.It has more of an almond-y flavor with the surprise of multicolored sprinkles inside. It was a bit sweeter than the Earl Gray flavor but not too sugary sweet.

Both are perfect as desserts for the seder and for gift giving. Manischewitz also has other updated flavors such as red velvet, chocolate chip mint, carrot cake and hazelnut chocolate chip. There are also the traditional flavors too such as almond, coconut, chocolate and chocolate chip.

This is the time to start thinking about hope and Spring holidays such as Passover. Think about the addition of Manischewitz's latest flavors, Cold Brew Earl Gray and Birthday Cake to your holiday table. They're a fun  delicious treat, perfect for family and guests.

Your Easter Recipe Guide

Easter  is fast upon us and it's this week, Holy Week, that should be a balance of observance and preparation. Do you have the main curse settled? What about the sides? Will it be an Easter brunch or a potluck? Holiday dinner or  barbecue. Then there are the desserts.Is it all up to you or will it be a group effort? Will there be an egg hunt with treats too? It's time to start deciding and writing up lists.

One of the most important decisions is the main course. The most traditional choices are lamb and ham. The first is big in Mediterranean households, namely Italian and Greek.  Do you cook a whole lamb (which is not for the squeamish) or leg? If it's a small gathering , then a leg of lamb would be the best choice. Your butcher and some groceries can debone and butterfly it.Keep in mind that there are difference between New Zealand and American bred kinds.The American sort is meatier, fattier and sweeter than the other.You could also go with lamb chops too or the slightly tougher shoulder of lamb. Remember that lamb can also be barbecued.What should you serve with them? Fresh spring greens such as asparagus and peas. Ham is another beloved Easter main course. If you feel that it may take over your oven , then assign sides to guests .Another question to ask yourself, do you want it as part of a formal holiday meal or a brunch? That changes the sides. A more traditional dinner would have sides of roasted baby beet salad and possibly green beans with shallots and hazelnuts.Peas with mint are another lovely  side that's both fragrant and tasty. A brunch would not only have the ham as the centerpiece but also veggie laden quiches filled with asparagus and dandelion greens. Also make sure that there are mimosas and bellinis for the adults and juice and seltzer sparklers for the kids.

Easter is more a time of sweets, more so than savory bites. If you have the time, you can bake and ice a lamb cake.It is labor intensive work ( as my previous pictorial posts demonstrate) and it's easier to do if there are two people. Another festive and a bit easier  project is an Easter egg cake.It's just a one layer cake decorated with three or four dyed icings.  You can also buy an Easter egg cookie decorating set. Stop & Shop sells these and they come with already baked shortbread cookies, icing and candies for decorating.  This can also be part of the holiday activities for the kids. There is also the Peeps Coop  which has six already baked cookies to be assembled and decorated with bright yellow icing.  Sprinkles and jelly beans can be added for more dazzle.  As for the young ones, think about making Rice Krispies chicks and bunnies. It's making a whole sheet of the treat and then cutting the shapes with a cookie cutter. The mix can be tinted with food coloring  to make the pops more festive. Cake pops are another fun bite. Coat them in the various chocolates and dip in festive yellow and pink sprinkles. If the dinner is just adults , then end it with a light yet sophisticated lemon jelly roll dusted in confectioner's sugar. A raspberry trifle is also a sweet classy end to a ham or lamb dinner.

This is the time to make decisions for the holiday ahead.  Choose what dishes and treats will work for you and buy their ingredients. Then shop for the dinner ahead. It'll be easy with a list and a clear vision of what you want to make and bake,

A Marriage Of Tastes

When Meghan Markle married her prince. it was not just a marriage of souls and hearts but a marriage of tastes. Yes, we have a lot in common with the Brits including some foods. Not much though. It should be interesting to see the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex adapt to each other's cuisines.

The one thing Harry and Meghan have in common cuisine wise is the big breakfast. We got the whole idea of eating meats with eggs along with griddle cakes or pancakes. Most countries around the world, especially on the Continent, start the day with just a roll and coffee.We have adapted some of that here, thanks to Starbucks, offering us versions of cafe au lait and cappuccino. Yet we still turn to the UK for our morning inspiration, with mounds of bacon, ham and sausage gracing a dish of eggs. Lunch is a mash up of American and British. The newest royal couple probably had the treat of McDonald's hamburgers and fries growing up but Meghan was also influenced by SoCal living . Her mother is a yoga instructor so there was probably a push for healthy food with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables. She probably continued this with fresh salads or smoothies for lunch.The English Sunday lunch would never work in a town where appearance is everything. Even an every day lunch consisting of fatty sausages in flaky pastry would be too rich  and caloric.This is not an arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon.

Will Meghan ever adopt to the lush English suppers? These are lavish meals, rich with roast beef and gravy soaked Yorkshire pudding. This last is a popover made with three eggs and the beef's drippings. There are veggies, usually the meal is called meat and two veg. These are typically carrots, Brussels sprouts and potatoes. The last is a staple and is cooked in a variety of ways..The most popular is chips, our French fries ,fried in fat. They're best served with fish, usually cod or plaice coated and fried in - what else - chip fat or lard. Do the English  eat California healthy at times? Yes, chicken but it is served but with mashed potatoes and gravy.Meat pies are another British  favorite. Pot pies, which is where ours come from,are usually filled with steak and kidneys, or fish. The last is popular in the romantic , sea surrounded county of Cornwall (of Poldark fame) Stargazey pie which would create shudders in the States is a pie of sardines, eggs and potatoes. Little fish heads, namely pilchards , stick out of the crust, gazing at the sky - hence the name. Will Meghan like it? Or ever taste it? Maybe , if she and Harry head off to Truro or Mousehole in Cornwall.

Meghan and Harry have married each other 's lifestyle's and eating habits too. Let's hope the California girl adds more fresh fruits and veggies to the prince's diet. It'll be a nice change up from traditional fare.

Fall Food Trends

As with fashion food also goes through trends. Fall brings a variety of new flavors or spins on classics It's an exciting time  for foodies and gourmands alike.Apples are hot right now and oatmeal gets a new twist.

One of the best new trends is the brioche loaf. This is a take on the classic French  roll or bread, enriched with egg and a ton of butter.I first found this at the Super Foodtown in the Atlantic Highlands on a quick stop from the beach. I had never seen this before and had to buy it. The loaf was one of the best loaves I've ever eaten.It was phenomenal with Bonne Maman jam. Even though it has a sweet taste, it was still good supporting sliced London Broil in a sandwich the next day. Luckily my local Stop & Shop also carries a version of brioche bread, so I don't have to make the trek down the shore to get it.(although there are plenty of beach days left,so I probably will be visiting that particular Super Foodtown).Another trend is a returning one - pumpkin spiced lattes,both hot and cold.The hot is comforting , but I have qualms about a cold one. Coffee giant Dunkin Donuts is jumping on the apple bandwagon with a caramel apple cronut. This confection is stuffed with apples and then drizzled with caramel.There's also salted caramel coffee that combine's salty and sweet. This works for caramels and in ice cream but coffee is another matter (who wants  salty joe anyway?)

Another coffee giant,Starbucks isn't rolling out a new coffee flavor this fall, but a new oatmeal (!). It's a dark chocolate and caramelized banana flavor. You'd think it would be a kind of tart but no, It's not even made with fresh bananas but it's kind of like a gooey baby food. Chunks of dark chocolate and roasted almond are also added Unfortunately it has to be assembled by the diner too. It would just be better if it had been a tart layered with the other ingredients. Tamer offerings are their pumpkin cheesecake bar and a caramel apple pound cake. Apple seems to be everywhere, although it is the beginning of autumn. Stop & Shop also has jumped on the bandwagon. They're featuring their own brand of apple cinnamon waffles, that would be good with a drizzle of caramel and a puff of whipped cream or a pat of butter and a puddle of maple syrup.Apple cider vinegar will also be a big thing, not so much for the apple but it's a probiotic. It contains micro organisms that help in digestion along with stabilizing gut flora. Use it when making another fall culinary must have : Korean kim chee. This classic cabbage dish is making waves on all the autumn menus, with traditional galbo or American steaks.

Fall 2016 is coming soon. The trends, some delicious,some eye opening, are here already. Taste and embrace for an interesting .

The Freedom Of Hot Dogs

Happy July 4th everyone! This will be a short Foodie Pantry  because there are fireworks and cupcakes to enjoy!

Enjoy today but remember the freedoms our ancestors and forefathers worked hard for during that hot summer in 1776. Their quest and fight for freedom opened the doors to the immigrants who brought us our culinary  staples, hotdogs and hamburgers from Germany, pizza and spaghetti from Italy , croissants and  coq au vin from France,chow mein and wontons from China, curry and samosas from India , okra and  yams from Nigeria and Ghana, grape leaves from Greece saffron buns from Sweden and Norway, paella and green olives from Spain vodka from  Russia, pierogies from Poland, and tempura and sushi from Japan. every country , every person  has contributed to the  patchwork quilt that is the American diet. Our biggest contributors , of course were the indigenous peoples who , not only sacrificed their land to us but also their crops and hunting methods. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for so many reasons.

Enjoy today! Munch on that dog or burger, wash it down with a beer or a Coke. You have the freedom to do so, thanks to our founding fathers.

Thanksgiving Wishes

To all my American readers at home or abroad, have a good an peaceful Thanksgiving. Eat as much as you can of your favorite foods. Count your blessings for having that food and a job to buy it. Also be thankful for those who made it or helped you make it. Be thankful for their time and consideration. Be thankful for having a varied diet that has important vitamins and minerals as well as being thankful for having three square meals a day.

Consider those who do not have what we have , whether on a local or global basis. Include them in your payers and pray that the upcoming season and year will be a good one for them.

Enjoy the day but also enjoy all the blessings and luck that have come your way. Say thanks for them.

America - The World's Food Capitol

i was surprised to hear about direct from China kids who know about Oreos. that quitessential American cookie. They even dip them in milk - again surprising yet stores all over Asia sell these chocolate treats. American food is everywhere and has been for a long time . It seems not only do other countries want our stars and our fashions, they also want our food.

Britain has long been an outpost for American foods. Look at any Brit TV show and there's always some American stuff on the table. I know they;re big on Kellogg's and Mars bars (in fact they even fry them over there). south America is also big on some Yankee foods. Our sodas like Coke and Pepsi have taken over the globe, much like the British Empire did two centuries ago. Go anywhere in the world, from Rome to Munich, from Qatar to Chile and there' our brand of American colas. In fact, sometimes. it's the safest thing to drink.

American fast food is just as popular. there's Pizza Hut and of course Mc Donalds,. in every big city on the planet. What kid hasn't demanded a sandwich and fries from Mickey D's .They love this American classic. the same goes for KFC, Pizza Hut and Burger King. There;'s even a Chili;s in Paris - Paris - gourmet heaven . can you imagine? I've even seen that famed New York bakery The Magnolia has a branch in Dubai. it's that popular thanks to reruns of "Sex And The City" being shown there.

America has long ago taken over the world. That's obvious in the international love of our movie stars, our films, our cars and our lifestyle. It should be no wonder that our food is also loved too.

A Southern Christmas

The American South is known for its' variety of different dishes. This also means Southerners have a large choice of what they eat for Christmas. There are all sorts of meats , sides and of course desserts. The cuisine is a mix of African, Creole, English, Cajun and Spanish cooking. It is full of down home love with local ingredients. All this makes Christmas a special holiday a true feast for the senses.

Most Southerners appreciate a good ham to cook. This tradition has gone back to Colonial times when farms had plenty of pigs and hogs to spare. Fried turkey is another meat that;s on everyone;s dish on Christmas Day. There;s also that odd and bizarre creation of turducken where a chicken is stuffed inside a duck that in turn is stuffed inside a turkey. Of course there are home made biscuits to either dip in gravy or spread with butter. Sides usually consist of yams , okra, collard greens and green beans.

For Christmas parties there's always egg nog and non alcoholic punches.With this come a variety of sweets from pecan pies to snowflake pudding, a vanilla pudding riddled with coconut flakes. There is also the usual fruitcake. soaked in bourbon or whiskey as well as small butter cookies. Thanks to the French traditions. Louisianians have buche de Noel, a traditional holiday cake baked in the shape of the Yule log. There are also pralines for the kids to nibble on as they play with their new toys.

Christmas in the South is a unique experience, full of native foods and centuries old recipes. They make Christmas not only fun but full of tasty treats.

Holiday Feasting

Tomorrow is the day when American foodies go wild and feast like crazy. However there are some parts of the world that also have great dinners, full of delicious meals and sumptuous courses. All account for memorable meals and enjoyable times.

Maybe it's from their Etruscan ancestors or Roman influences but the Tuscans of central Italy know how to put on a good feast. Not only do they have pasta but also roasted boar and piglet to round out the meal. There are also soups and salads as well along with various flatbreads the Tuscani are known for.

On the other side of the world the Indians make luscious feasts too to celebrate weddings. There is always nan, along with a multitude of curries and kabobs. Chicken is done up several ways , in creamy sauces or sometimes grilled. There are Indian sweets to finish the meal off with.

Of course in America we're a country of foodies. We love any opportunity to throw a party whether it's for the Super Bowl or Christmas party. We love our summers of endless barbecues where four or five different meats are grilled or birthday parties where favorite foods are given to the birthday boy or girl , then finished off with a gooey cake. It's just who we are I guess.


Enjoy tomorrow's feasting. Take it easy and savor all that's on your table. Most of all be thankful for what you have.