Sometimes the best food comes from regional areas. This is known as down home cooking and it has many different forms. It could be recipes that sprang from backwoods cooking or 300 year old recipes that haven't changed. These are the foods that have been on the American palate from the country's earliest days. Sometimes it mixes indigenous foods with early English cooking techniques. Yet no matter what the era or the century , it' still tasty and filling.
One of the best known recipes is burgoo. This is a stew that had everything in it from squirrel (a major component in this type of cuisine) to mutton. Mostly it is now made with the last meat along with pork and chicken. Red pepper is added to it for seasoning and it is slow cooked like chili and served in a bowl much like it. Burgoo's name could come from two sources - a shortening of the phrase "bird stew" or barbecue. No one is really sure. It is mostly eaten in northern Kentucky and southern Indiana and is a staple of some restaurants.To be honest it's easy to make and you can make it in the morning for dinner that night.
Another down home dish is barbecue. No, not the meats and veggies you toss on the grill but actual spicy sweet barbecue. It's sometimes called pulled pork. This is an amazing dish , usually served best on hamburger roll ( this is known as a "soak")Barbecue starts off with a slow cooked pork butt or shoulder, usually mixed with onions. It is cooked to the point where the meat is so tender you can easily shred it with your fingers. The barbecue is then liberally doused with vinegar its' own juices and any favorite commercial barbecue sauce. It is then put on a hamburger roll or any soft bread. Usually it can be served with fresh, crunchy cole slaw.A better side is extra salty potato chips because they bring out the sweetness of the barbecue and the meat.
What's a perfect ending to this? Why, cobbler , of course. You could also make brown Betty, grunt or buckle. These are all fruit desserts from the Colonial era that came with the colonists. They had to substitute English pears and apples with native American fruits and came up with these yummy desserts (although cobbler was eaten throughout the day). They are easy to make with the fruits of the season such as blackberry or blueberry. A cobbler always tastes best when it has fresh cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.
This is the food that fed America from the 1600's to today/ . Nothing fancy but filling and flavorful. They have survived through the Colonial era getting enjoyed by modern Americans.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Caribbean Cooking
Island cooking is perfect for this hot weather. There's nothing like the spices of the Caribbean to get you through a heat wave. They can stir you up, rousing you from a boring summer of mayonnaise sandwiches and iced tea.
The Caribbean encompasses the area from the Atlantic to the coast of Sounth America. The heritage is wildly varied.It was one of the first fusion cuisines, blending flavors and techniques from Europe , Africa. mid Asia and the islands themselves. The most notable contributors are the e Dutch , French and Spanish with the Brits and East Indians also lending a recipe or two. Jerk is one of the most popular island dishes. This is a fiery kind of spiced meat (mostly goat) that is redolent of chili peepers oregano and ginger. There is also callaloo , the island stew which has both crab and salt pork in it. Conch is another big meat on the lands. You can get tit in a fritter, or a chowder (similar to Manhattan clam chowder) everywhere.
Our barbecue comes from the islands where the native Arawak Indians used to grilled meat on sticks over open fires. The settlers, explorers and even pirates loved this an quickly incorporated it into their diets. It became a staple at dinners large and small.
Caribbean cooking is a great way to cope with the summer heat. Try some interesting recipes to liven up a dull meal or barbecue.
The Caribbean encompasses the area from the Atlantic to the coast of Sounth America. The heritage is wildly varied.It was one of the first fusion cuisines, blending flavors and techniques from Europe , Africa. mid Asia and the islands themselves. The most notable contributors are the e Dutch , French and Spanish with the Brits and East Indians also lending a recipe or two. Jerk is one of the most popular island dishes. This is a fiery kind of spiced meat (mostly goat) that is redolent of chili peepers oregano and ginger. There is also callaloo , the island stew which has both crab and salt pork in it. Conch is another big meat on the lands. You can get tit in a fritter, or a chowder (similar to Manhattan clam chowder) everywhere.
Our barbecue comes from the islands where the native Arawak Indians used to grilled meat on sticks over open fires. The settlers, explorers and even pirates loved this an quickly incorporated it into their diets. It became a staple at dinners large and small.
Caribbean cooking is a great way to cope with the summer heat. Try some interesting recipes to liven up a dull meal or barbecue.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
A Foodie Shower Gift List
What to get about to be married foodies? To be honest the list is endless. You can go anywhere from high end to low, from a food processor to a simple whisk. You can buy them kitchen sponges or fine china. The options are many.
Luckily there are a range of stores that you can visit. Most couples will already be registered at stores such as Macy's, Target, Williams and and Sonoma and if you're on the East Coast, Fortunoff's. Remember that the mothers or bridal party wail give the big stuff like the china and possibly pots and pans. This leaves buying food processors, linens, gadgets and utensils up to the guests. You can vary it though. If the couple loves Oriental cuisine or Indian then a wok or rice steamer is a must buy. Finish this with some exotic spices and a cookbook and you're set. Some foodie brides to be love baking . Then it's easy to pick up some new silicon pans and spatulas along with a cake icing kit. Also include some sprinkles and candy decorations.
Remember that every couple needs a well stocked kitchen. A frying pan or a bain marie may not be the most glamorous gift but it is the most useful. When shopping think back to when you were starting out. What would you have liked to have or what did you use the most. Even if you buy the couple knives and forks, remember that these things are utilized every day. If they get two set s of utensils, each set will be used eventually.
If you're strapped for cash remember there are a few ways to deal with this problem. One, shop during sales. You can get a number of different items for a lot less. Sometimes there's even vast reductions on name brand goods. Secondly consider the local dollar store. This is a great place to pick up utensils and glasses , gadgets and even towels . You can create a nice basket of different , but useful items that the couple can use.
It's can be easy shopping for a foodie's shower. Just use some basic strategies to get the gift that will be memorable and cherished.
Luckily there are a range of stores that you can visit. Most couples will already be registered at stores such as Macy's, Target, Williams and and Sonoma and if you're on the East Coast, Fortunoff's. Remember that the mothers or bridal party wail give the big stuff like the china and possibly pots and pans. This leaves buying food processors, linens, gadgets and utensils up to the guests. You can vary it though. If the couple loves Oriental cuisine or Indian then a wok or rice steamer is a must buy. Finish this with some exotic spices and a cookbook and you're set. Some foodie brides to be love baking . Then it's easy to pick up some new silicon pans and spatulas along with a cake icing kit. Also include some sprinkles and candy decorations.
Remember that every couple needs a well stocked kitchen. A frying pan or a bain marie may not be the most glamorous gift but it is the most useful. When shopping think back to when you were starting out. What would you have liked to have or what did you use the most. Even if you buy the couple knives and forks, remember that these things are utilized every day. If they get two set s of utensils, each set will be used eventually.
If you're strapped for cash remember there are a few ways to deal with this problem. One, shop during sales. You can get a number of different items for a lot less. Sometimes there's even vast reductions on name brand goods. Secondly consider the local dollar store. This is a great place to pick up utensils and glasses , gadgets and even towels . You can create a nice basket of different , but useful items that the couple can use.
It's can be easy shopping for a foodie's shower. Just use some basic strategies to get the gift that will be memorable and cherished.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Month OF Sundaes
This is the weather for ice cream and in particular sundaes. There's nothing as neat as one. Where else can you combine all the good stuff into one gooey treat?
Sundaes are as American as apple pie and popcorn.it was create din th elast tw o decade sof the 19th Century in Illinois or Wisconsin (there are two stories here). because ice cream sodas were prohibited fromb being sold on Sundays,soad jerks took out the soda which just left ice cream and syrup. Voila the sundae was born and named for the day it was invented.
What makes a good sundae? Any base of ice cream wail do. Plain vanilla is fine but chocolate chip mint will also do. Some foodies like to put two flavors as their sundae base. it doesn't matter, Sometimes just sticking with plain old vanilla or chocolate work. You could vary and have an all fruit base combining peach and strawberry or homemade blackberry with cherry.
As for toppings, anything is possible. I usually just like chocolate syrup on top, but som e like it with thick fudge or caramel sauce. Fruits such as pineapple cherry, and strawberry are also good toppings. These taste better fresh so have it on hand when you intend to make your treat. You can add nuts or cookie crumbs to give it some texture and crunch.Finish with whipped cream, sprinkles or even the e proverbial cherry on top.
This is the weather to indulge in a cold, creamy treat like the sundae. Create one that is perfect for your tastes
Sundaes are as American as apple pie and popcorn.it was create din th elast tw o decade sof the 19th Century in Illinois or Wisconsin (there are two stories here). because ice cream sodas were prohibited fromb being sold on Sundays,soad jerks took out the soda which just left ice cream and syrup. Voila the sundae was born and named for the day it was invented.
What makes a good sundae? Any base of ice cream wail do. Plain vanilla is fine but chocolate chip mint will also do. Some foodies like to put two flavors as their sundae base. it doesn't matter, Sometimes just sticking with plain old vanilla or chocolate work. You could vary and have an all fruit base combining peach and strawberry or homemade blackberry with cherry.
As for toppings, anything is possible. I usually just like chocolate syrup on top, but som e like it with thick fudge or caramel sauce. Fruits such as pineapple cherry, and strawberry are also good toppings. These taste better fresh so have it on hand when you intend to make your treat. You can add nuts or cookie crumbs to give it some texture and crunch.Finish with whipped cream, sprinkles or even the e proverbial cherry on top.
This is the weather to indulge in a cold, creamy treat like the sundae. Create one that is perfect for your tastes
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dinner For One
It's not easy being a single foodie. You don't have anyone to share that magnificent risotto with or split a hazelnut brownie. Some nights all you want to do is open a can of tuna and sit down by yourself. Don't despair. Dining for one can be fun. Just treat a meal alone as time to wind down and savor everything, including life.
Sometimes it's the surroundings that may make you fully aware of being by yourself. If that's the case then go out to a fancy restaurant , hide behind some glamorous shades and pretend you're an A-Lister. Another idea is pack all your favorite foods in to a hamper or cooler and have yourself a picnic in your favorite spot. It can be the beach or under a tree. Bring something really indulgent , whether it's gourmet potato chips or a designer root beer. Savor the time by yourself. Bring a book or magazine and just unwind.Take a brief snooze of you feel sleepy afterwards. It's time just meant for you and you alone.
If you're cooking for your lone self, then splurge every now and then. you don't have to eat just a bowl of cereal and milk or throw a Lean Cuisine special into the microwave. Grilling steak or chicken is easier than ever these days. You can also steam veggies and serve with a premade orange ginger sauce for a neat Chinese dinner.
Salads are easy and fun to make . There's all sorts of neat ingredients you can add and enjoy by yourself. French toast is easy to make any time and you can just had Cool Whip and sliced berries. A lot of groceries sell premade Belgian waffles that all you have to do is heat in the toaster and you can serve with anything - egg on top along with ham or just syrup and butter.
Just because you;re eating alone doesn't mean you can't have fun. Be creative with where you eat and what you eat. Sometimes you can be the best company in the world.
Orange Ginger sauce.
1 tablespoon freshly shaved ginger.
2-3tablespoons orange juice
1 small clove garlic minced
salt an d pepper.
Mix all ingredients together and pour on grilled chicken and steamed veggies.
Sometimes it's the surroundings that may make you fully aware of being by yourself. If that's the case then go out to a fancy restaurant , hide behind some glamorous shades and pretend you're an A-Lister. Another idea is pack all your favorite foods in to a hamper or cooler and have yourself a picnic in your favorite spot. It can be the beach or under a tree. Bring something really indulgent , whether it's gourmet potato chips or a designer root beer. Savor the time by yourself. Bring a book or magazine and just unwind.Take a brief snooze of you feel sleepy afterwards. It's time just meant for you and you alone.
If you're cooking for your lone self, then splurge every now and then. you don't have to eat just a bowl of cereal and milk or throw a Lean Cuisine special into the microwave. Grilling steak or chicken is easier than ever these days. You can also steam veggies and serve with a premade orange ginger sauce for a neat Chinese dinner.
Salads are easy and fun to make . There's all sorts of neat ingredients you can add and enjoy by yourself. French toast is easy to make any time and you can just had Cool Whip and sliced berries. A lot of groceries sell premade Belgian waffles that all you have to do is heat in the toaster and you can serve with anything - egg on top along with ham or just syrup and butter.
Just because you;re eating alone doesn't mean you can't have fun. Be creative with where you eat and what you eat. Sometimes you can be the best company in the world.
Orange Ginger sauce.
1 tablespoon freshly shaved ginger.
2-3tablespoons orange juice
1 small clove garlic minced
salt an d pepper.
Mix all ingredients together and pour on grilled chicken and steamed veggies.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Picnic Time is Summertime
Nothing is quite so much fun as a summer picnic. You can have a fun one in the sand and surf or a civilized one under the stars. Food can be as simple as heroes and chips or as sophisticated as cold chicken with pesto sauce and champagne. The fun part about picnics is to be creative. Have old standards mix with new favorites.
Before you even being to buy your food, make sure you have a good cooler. There are several to choose from these days. Luckily most places like Target and K-Mart have them on sale. Pick one that you can easily haul with you to the beach or the park(something on wheels and can fit into your car's trunk is probably the most desirable).Make sure that it can carry not just food but drinks as well. There are some high tech ones that have radios and I Pod stations for music. However sometimes just sticking with the simplest is best. For more elegant picnics there are the traditional wicker hampers. These come with china and utensils as well as napkins and ground coverings. This is great if you always want to eat "out" in style however fully stocked hampers can range from $200 to $300.
Once you've bought your cooler then you can plan your picnic. Make sandwiches that day so they're fresher tasting. A lot of people make them the night before and somehow they become soggy after ten hours the fridge Heroes are always preferred. They're fun to eat plus you can put a medley of diff rent cold cuts and veggies on them. As far as as dressings, mustard and ketchup are your safest bets along with oil and vinegar. Mayo is fine if you have a good cooler that will keep the sandwich chilled (otherwise it's a quick run to the ER - a difficult maneuver if you're in the woods or at the beach).If you're thinking about bringing salads then make these the night before. Instead of mayo, think about a tangy raspberry vinaigrette for your slaw or Italian dressing with sliced peppers and onions for your macaroni sandwiches. Pack chips, popcorn or tortilla chips. Keep drinks simple with juice boxes or canned soda.As for dessert, another keep it simple course. Have fun blueberries, strawberries or even cookies that the kids can grab and munch. Leave out Popsicles and ice cream bars which can be messy.
For a more elegant picnic, think cold meats. The English have this cornered with their hampers full of sliced ham and cold roasted chicken. You can also indulge in a Tuscan outdoor meal. Pack prosciutto or mortadella along with a loaf of crusty Italian bread. What's a good side with any of these? A crisp string bean and minced onion salad in a vinaigrette dressing. Also have on hand sliced tomatoes.This is the kind of meal that calls for champagne. If you want bring it along with a cooler and plenty of ice. Keep dessert simple with melon slices and shortbread cookies.
This is the season for a picnic. You can make it as all American as a hero with chips or as elegant with cold chicken breast and chilled drinks. Just make sure it's fun time out in the fresh air.
Before you even being to buy your food, make sure you have a good cooler. There are several to choose from these days. Luckily most places like Target and K-Mart have them on sale. Pick one that you can easily haul with you to the beach or the park(something on wheels and can fit into your car's trunk is probably the most desirable).Make sure that it can carry not just food but drinks as well. There are some high tech ones that have radios and I Pod stations for music. However sometimes just sticking with the simplest is best. For more elegant picnics there are the traditional wicker hampers. These come with china and utensils as well as napkins and ground coverings. This is great if you always want to eat "out" in style however fully stocked hampers can range from $200 to $300.
Once you've bought your cooler then you can plan your picnic. Make sandwiches that day so they're fresher tasting. A lot of people make them the night before and somehow they become soggy after ten hours the fridge Heroes are always preferred. They're fun to eat plus you can put a medley of diff rent cold cuts and veggies on them. As far as as dressings, mustard and ketchup are your safest bets along with oil and vinegar. Mayo is fine if you have a good cooler that will keep the sandwich chilled (otherwise it's a quick run to the ER - a difficult maneuver if you're in the woods or at the beach).If you're thinking about bringing salads then make these the night before. Instead of mayo, think about a tangy raspberry vinaigrette for your slaw or Italian dressing with sliced peppers and onions for your macaroni sandwiches. Pack chips, popcorn or tortilla chips. Keep drinks simple with juice boxes or canned soda.As for dessert, another keep it simple course. Have fun blueberries, strawberries or even cookies that the kids can grab and munch. Leave out Popsicles and ice cream bars which can be messy.
For a more elegant picnic, think cold meats. The English have this cornered with their hampers full of sliced ham and cold roasted chicken. You can also indulge in a Tuscan outdoor meal. Pack prosciutto or mortadella along with a loaf of crusty Italian bread. What's a good side with any of these? A crisp string bean and minced onion salad in a vinaigrette dressing. Also have on hand sliced tomatoes.This is the kind of meal that calls for champagne. If you want bring it along with a cooler and plenty of ice. Keep dessert simple with melon slices and shortbread cookies.
This is the season for a picnic. You can make it as all American as a hero with chips or as elegant with cold chicken breast and chilled drinks. Just make sure it's fun time out in the fresh air.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Lemon Zesty
Lemons are a part of the summer. We use them in ades, ices, dressings and marinades. We even use it as a summer beauty products to lighten hair and to soften rough skin. They are the perfect fruit for just about everything. Use them for everything and anything.
Lemons were first introduced into European cuisine via Arab traders during the start of the Middle Ages. The plant was originally a hybrid of the lime and citron.It was used for centuries by sailors to protect them from scurvy. Columbus brought it to the New World with him while French explorers carried sacks of lemons with them to to Canada. At the court of Louis XI lemons were given out as favors along with oranges at balls.The Spanish on the other hand thought they were evil and even had them excommunicated (because they thought they were misshaped oranges). They are now commercially grown in California although many SoCal homes have them in their gardens
Lemons are excellent for a daily dose of Vitamin C. Remember to take a mix of honey and lemon juice if you have a cold or sore throat. Lemons are also good for stomach aches . My grandmother always had one with her to suck on to relieve digestive problems. I still prefer having lemons or lemon juice when I have a virus. Even fresh made lemonade can help with stomach problems. The fruit also possesses a large quantity of potassium as well as smaller amounts of calcium and magnesium.
Anything lemon is good. You can make a nice fruity lemonade by adding sliced lemons and strawberries to it. Freeze it for some lemon pops. This is the season to take advantage of lemon ice, whether you make it at home or buy it at any gelateria. Remember that lemon juice adds zing to marinade so add a few tablespoons to make your steaks and chickens pop. Also spritz on kabobs before grilling for a zestier taste. They add a zing to the veggies, making them more flavorful.
Lemons are the perfect summer fruit. They're versatile to go from dinner to dessert and liven up any taste. Not only that they'll protect you from those dreaded summer colds.Amp up your Vitamin C intake this season by adding a few lemon to your summer dishes and desserts.
Lemons were first introduced into European cuisine via Arab traders during the start of the Middle Ages. The plant was originally a hybrid of the lime and citron.It was used for centuries by sailors to protect them from scurvy. Columbus brought it to the New World with him while French explorers carried sacks of lemons with them to to Canada. At the court of Louis XI lemons were given out as favors along with oranges at balls.The Spanish on the other hand thought they were evil and even had them excommunicated (because they thought they were misshaped oranges). They are now commercially grown in California although many SoCal homes have them in their gardens
Lemons are excellent for a daily dose of Vitamin C. Remember to take a mix of honey and lemon juice if you have a cold or sore throat. Lemons are also good for stomach aches . My grandmother always had one with her to suck on to relieve digestive problems. I still prefer having lemons or lemon juice when I have a virus. Even fresh made lemonade can help with stomach problems. The fruit also possesses a large quantity of potassium as well as smaller amounts of calcium and magnesium.
Anything lemon is good. You can make a nice fruity lemonade by adding sliced lemons and strawberries to it. Freeze it for some lemon pops. This is the season to take advantage of lemon ice, whether you make it at home or buy it at any gelateria. Remember that lemon juice adds zing to marinade so add a few tablespoons to make your steaks and chickens pop. Also spritz on kabobs before grilling for a zestier taste. They add a zing to the veggies, making them more flavorful.
Lemons are the perfect summer fruit. They're versatile to go from dinner to dessert and liven up any taste. Not only that they'll protect you from those dreaded summer colds.Amp up your Vitamin C intake this season by adding a few lemon to your summer dishes and desserts.
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