A Summer Taco Spread

 Everyone loves a good taco. Imagine a taco party then instead of a barbecue. Guests can have fun creating their own. It just starts with a few basics nd goes from there.

Genevieve Ko wrote about this along with giving  the basics in yesterday's New York Times Food section, Her inspiration was Alejandra Graf who threw a taco party for her son's soccer team. Thye loved it thanks to the variety and the joy of customizing their tacos. This also gives the host time to mingle while guests are creating their own meals. There should be big flavors, spicy , fresh and savory . Chef Ko also looks to Esteban Castillo author of the cookbook Chicano Eats  and the upcoming Chicano Bakes  aand his family's experiences. The family would throw carne asada on the grill but to also vary the taco fillings there would be Cornish game hens, chicken, chorizos , cebollitas or scallions and white onions. Theere would be tables groaning with guacamole, arroz rojo, red rice, pico de gallo and salsa molacito  along with frijoles charros and tortillas that his aunt made. It also pays to get everyone involved too. There should be extra handsin the kitchen to help witht eh chopping and prep.Prepare before time.Some dishes like chicken tinga, chicken with adobo sauce  and lamb birria, a kind of spicy lamb braise takes days to creare as do frijoles de olla.

Another important aspect is the tortilla.Make sure they're warmed before serving You could do what Ms Graf did, heating them on a comal or griddle (even a crepe plate works), They 're then wrapped in a warm towel to retain their tenderness.For a really big party CHef Ko suggests buying a tortiellero a large basket that retains their warmth. (you can buy this on Amazon or at a Mexican grocery).  Lightly char them as Mr. Castillo does or make your own,  She includes a carne asada recipe that has a spicy steak sauce and red rice.  The steak seasoning is a fiery one  full of  dried chilis and  spices such as cumin and  coriander. Black pepper gives it extra kick. There is also a marinade that features  orange and limes juices along with Worcester sauce. The red rice has tomato sauce and a host of spices too.Make sure there are plenty of drinks. You could have buckets of iced Corona  but agua fresca is  also good. Have large pitchers of this refreshing Mexican drink on the table. You can create them in a variety of such flavors as cucumber and watermelon. Make sure there's good music too for a relaxing time too.

A fun summer party involves tacos with fresh ingredients. Throw one that's full of delicious fillings followed by tasty drinks. There's nothing like a night full of good Mexican party food.

Buying Rejects

 Can home chef get a break on food? Yes! it's easy if they're in the vicinity of a salvage food store. These can provide decent meals plus even discounted treats for everyone watching their budget - which is eveyone. Never mind the dents and dings The food at these marts are worth it.

Regular contributor Kim Severson wrote about these stores in today's New York Times Food section, Salvage food stores are where damaged goods wind up. They're also the last stop where failed products that just didn't get enough popular appeal go too. It used to be just frugal shoppers at grocery stores like Sharp Shopper, Dented Can and Stretch-A-Buck, but now it's growing into the general public. It makes sense thanks to grocery prices rising 13.1 per cent higher than last year. They operate in what's known as a grey zone, somewhere between food banks and big discount chains like the German and popular Aldi and Dollar Store.Many of them don't even have checkout scanners or take credit cards. They're small in size too.Yet their impact is large. There are even a handful of waste conscious companies that have taken the salvage store concept online. They offer bargains on meat and dairy as well as buying produce farmers are ready to throw out.

It's the salvage stores themselves that are changing the landscape of American food shopping. There are even TikTok clips that show shoppers showing off their loot. In March one TikTok video sent hundreds of people to an unprepared Oklahoma City salvage store where the shelves were stripped bare. The store closed shortly afterwards. One fan of the store, Thaln Tran didin't carte about the sell by dates. It's the nose that tells when the product is bad which is true. Most  shoppers know that sell by dates along with best before and expires on stamps  means nothing. These are only added to help stores and merchandisers control inventory while letting know when a product is at its' peak quality. The federal government doesn't require or regulate dates on any food except infant formula, Many states have rules about food dates but they vary widely. Last year Congress started to consider a national rule that would only have two phrases : "Best if used by'  to indicate  foods quality and "use by" to indicate when food is unsafe to eat. This would ensure more  stores to keep prodcuts on shelves, eliminating waste. In the meantime the salvage stores will thrive, and as one owner Stephanie Hunter of  Hunter's Salvage Grocery in Trennon Georgia sees her as an extension of food banks. She can offer her customers very low prices like a dollar for five can of formula to a desparate father.

Salvage stores are a salvation to shoppers these days. tehy offer good quality food at next to nothing prices. The goods may be expired or a few days past their sell by date but they're still worthy of the kitchen and table.

That First Apartment Kitchen

 Many college seniors are now in the process of miving off campus or moving to on campus dorms with kitchens. This is a crash course in not only easy cooking but home cooking too. How do you stock a beginner's kitchen? Not with love as you might think but with knowledge.

It's always good to check out the major appliances of any rental. Many landlords usually go for the cheaper stoves and fridges and these may not work well. Check for gas leaks and if the burners and oven work correctly. As for the fridge, make sure it's both cooling and freezing. If there's a sweet odor coming from it two to one it's leaking freon. Talk to the landlord about replacing the refigerator or possibly buying a new one.(the cost should be deducted from the rent). Space in the kitchen is also important. Air fryers and microwaves are must haves. is there enough room for thm (or at least for one. Air fryers can easily be tucked under the kitchen table) What else is needed? A crock pot is another necessity. These are great on those long days in class when you can't spend the day cooking tomato sauce or chili. Immersion blenders are another kitchen must have. Theseare great for making smoothies but they even better for  blending and smoothing out chunky soups.what about pots and pans? Get three pots, an eigh quart stock pot for boiling pasta and making soups, a two quart and one quart for cooking rice and creating sauces. A frying pan and griddle are vital for frying up steaks or indoor cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.

What about stocking up that first pantry? Soup is a must because it's easy to microwave and eat.A cup of it with crackers makes for a filling lunch or dinner. Canned veggies should also be added to the list. They not only make for great sides but also tasty salads too.Beans and tomatoes of any sort should also be added. These make for a great crockpot chili  and the last is the backbone for tomato sauce.Olive oil is a must because it's not only good for you but also  versatile to cook with (but get  vegetable oil for baking).A small bottle of either red wine or apple cider vinegar can also be added. They  not only are crucial to vinaigrettes but some recipes call for a splash of vinegar. Bread , eggs and any kind of milk are also high on the list. Always have some kind of fresh fruit or veggie in the kitchen as well. These give you the nutrients and vitamins. A piece of fresh fruit is also a good between classes snack. Your first kitchen is also a good place to start a spice rack. Get small bott;es of cinnamon, garlic ,and onions powders. Rosemary and oregano are kitchen must haves as is chili powder.Old Bay seasoning should lso be included if your'e into seafood.

A first kitchen can be daunting.However it can be a dream  if it's well stocked and prepared.It'll mske for fun creating ,cooking and baking.

Feast of The Assumption

 Today is the Feast of the Assumption when the Virgin mary ascended into Heaven.It is a holiday throughout Catholic Europe, South America and here in Norht America. It's also a time of feasting and celebration.

Each country celebrates differently. The Germans bless herbs anf then put them in both sweet and savory dishes. Lavender is one of the plants blessed and it can be used in shortbread dough. Other savory herbs such as rosemary and oregano can be used in salad. Chives or schnitlau cn be chopped and mixed with sour cream or butter for barbecued baked potatoes or steak. This was also popular in pre-Reformation England where people brought their curative herbs to be blessed by the parish priest. The Italians take this day seriously foodwise.It is the start of holidays throughout the contry and many people celebrate at seaside resorts. They usually have a seafood lunch or dinner to commerorate Our Lady's Rising. Since its' also the beginning of the early harvest season so fruits and vegetables are blessed and eaten as well. Many start with a simple summer carpaccio of either meat or fish with burata and freshly picked basil. Chicken with peppers is also a popular Ferragosto dish.Some celebrate the day with an outdoor picnic of good cold cuts , bread and cheese.

Both Muslims who recognize the Virgin and Christians in Syria celebrate the day as well. The have wheat and small triangular cakes. These are made with semolina , a popular cake ingredient in the Middle East. At the Monastery of the Virgin near Damascus , there is merry making ,feasting and even horse racing. All this is heald in the Monastery courtyard where The Virgin first appeared to Justinian. The Greek Orthodox also celebrate it, The Dormition of Theotokos is when they make the meat dish yiorti. This is a mix of goat meat, onion and wheat eaten to break the fast before. The goat meat is cut up and tossed into a cauldron where the meat is boiled for two hours. Dirt and fat are then skimmed off. Chopped onions and wheat are added to this, creating a porridge.The bones are discarded when they float to the top and a priest blesses the dish. It's then spinkled with pepper and served to the entire parish. If you want to celebrate, then think of it as a fruit harvest celebration. Have strawberries or bluebrries, the color of the Virgin's robe. You could also try peaches or nectarines with a splash of white wine.

The Feast of the Assumption can be celebrated in a variety of ways. You can have it as a harvest of summer fruit or special dishes as yiorti or semolina cakes. It's honoring The Virgin in your way.

A Summer Veggie Treat Zucchini Boats

 Zucchini is one of those versatile summer vegatables.It can be cut into coins and sauted in oil and garlic. It can even be put into breads, cakes and muffins. The best way of having it is in stuffed boats. These are just delicious with a simple stuffing. Best of all they're relatively easy to make

Zucchini boats can have any stuffing you want. I chose just a simple one of breadcrumbs, oil, scooped out zucchini flesh and cherry tomatoes.Melt plant butter is slathered on the zucchini to make the stuffing stiick. It also gives the boats more flavor.

It's then slicing them in half lengthwise and scopping out the flesh witha melon baller. Save the flesh.

Keep in mind zucchini flesh is really solid and and at times tough. Yet a melon baller is your best bet in hollowing it out

It's then chopped into little pieces and adding  chopped grape tomatoes to them.

Mix these with  about a quarter of a cup of  olive oil and a cup of bread crumbs.

Then it was time for the seasoning. I used oregano and garlic powder but you can use anything, from coriander to cumin or even chili powder for some zing and flavor.

Mux all thix together in a large bowl.The  veggies should be moist from the oil and nicely coated with crumbs.

Unfortunately these were too big for my air fryer so they were cut in half.

Cook first for 360 degrees F for four minutes. Check on them, The zucchini flesh should be a green white halfway through.

Cook for four more minutes at the same temperature 360 degrees Farenheit. The skins should be a bright vibrant green and the breadcrumbs a nice golden brown.

These tasted so good. The tomatoes and zucchini worked well together , especially with the spices. I loved these and plan on making it again , maybe with vegan pepperoni or bacon.They're also good as appetizers for barbecues and pool parties too.

Zucchini boats are a treat during this squash season. Jump aboard and enjoy them. They're a great dinner or even party appetizer.

Recipes For The Campfire

 One of the best vacation experiences is camping. There's something about being out in the fresh air, enjoying all the aspects of nature. Another plus is food cooked out on the fire. There are some great recipes that are satisfying and tasty, perfect for the great outdoors.

Before you go make sure you have the necessary utensils and cooking apparatus. Pots and pans are a must as are spatulas and stirring spoons. A small chopping board is another must bring and a good chopping knife. You could bring a paring knife too.Also pack a colander for rinsing and pot holders  for lifting red hot pots and pans. Bring matches too. Sometimes rubbing two sticks together doesn;t always bring about a fire. A cooler to store drinks and perishables like eggs and bacon is also necessary. as for food yourself, look into the local farms. They not only will have fresh fruit and veggies but also honey, eggs, and a wide variety of baked and pickled goods. some may even have dairy like fresh milk, butter and cream. A plus is writing down eveyone's requests. You know s'mores are going to be on the list as hamburgers. Chopped meat is a must. You can not only make easy to cook  hamburgers but also loaded nachos. This is a great dish cooked in a Dutch oven.This also has easy to carry black beans and cheese.It's hearty and tasty, perfect after a day of kayaking or hiking.Mexican street corn and tacos are easy makes too and fun for a lunch.

Grilled foods are a must on a camping trip. Try chicken layered with cherry tomatoes and chunks of  bell peppers and onions. Marinate in a mix of olive oil and lemon  juice and serve with Greek tzatziki sauce. Foil packets are excellent for campfire cooking. Cleaning is minimal because these are made in aluminum foil packets. (and please bring that and Saran wrap too for storing). You can create one with shrimp and andouille sasuage for a Cajun twist. Try one with chicken ,black beans and chili powder for a tasty spicy dinner.Surprisingly you can also make a tasty pot of pasta on your camping holiday, Baked mac is the perfect dish on a cool night.It has steamed pasta with cheese poured over it. The cheese mixes with the water to form a sauce. You can also make a yummy pasta primavera too.It's first chopping up veggies such as tomatoes , squash and zucchini and lightly sauteing them. They're taken out and then the pasta is cooked with water. the two are combined once the pasta is all cooked. Add a creamy cheese like a goat one  to creat the Alfredo sauce.Desserts can also be made. Bananas boats are an easy make.Split the fruit in half and fill with eveyrhing form chocolate to fruit to caramel. Top wiht nuts for crunch. You can also make an easy peach cobbler too using a Dutch oven.

Cooking on the campfire is a fun, tasty adventure. You can make anything, from savory to sweet. The food is fresh and good, perfect for those al fresco meals.

Pizza With A Spicy Spin

 Can pizza be improved? Yes, especially when given a Mexican twist. Philadelphia pizzarias are creating a new fusion food that's taking off like crazy.It's a new and international spin on a Neopolitan favorite.

Regan Stephens,a freelnace food and travel writer wrote about this in yesterday's New York Times Food section.It's not just a fusion of different cusines but of cultures. South Philly's traditional Italian neighborhoods have now been welcoming Mexicans since the early 1990s. This means  Mexican restaurants and groceries are also coming in with this new wave.It comes as no surprise that Italian dishes will be influenced by them. The pizza is not what Taco Bell offers on occassion., Tostadas layered with spicy beef and beans and shellacked with a top layer of cheese.Nor is it the Midwestern taco pie which is a pizza topped with deconstructed taco. This is a pizza with tomatillo (tomato's cousin) chorizo, corn, fresh poblanos - mild chili peppers and fresh avocados. The makers of this, Margarita Jeronimo and Adam Del Rosario make this kind and others at their Philly eatery Rosario, People are liking it as they're liking their ElPastore, a pizza topped with pineapple chunks, achiote  marinated pork ,onions and covered with guajillo pepper sauce.

Other Mexican restaranteurs are following suit. Three blocks south of them, San LUcas Pizzeria has been selling Mexican pies since a few months after opening in 2005. Valentin Pallilero and his wife Eva Mendez spent years managing other peoples' pizzarias (Most Mexxican immigrants work at other ethnic restaurants before opening their own according to Professor Stephen Alvarez who teaches a taco literacy ?? course at St John's UNiversity ). They named theirs after the town they  both grew up in and have made a brisk business of selling the traditional kind of pie. Yet Chef Pallilero wanted his own signature one.His daughter Jacqueline had said that he wanted to make one with the feel of a taco.A slice of the Mexican pie went out with every Italian one. Customers raved about it and it became a number one seller. Another pizzeria, Mr. Taco onwed by Carlos Gomez opened. Chef Gomez who worked at various pizzerias before opening his wanted a Mexican eatery to reflect his Hildalgo upbringing. New York has this too.Italian restaurants in Jackson Heights sell tamales. LA and Washington DC also have Mexican pizzerias with LA having Asada Pizzeria.

Will Mexican pizza bemore popular than the original? Yes.People love fusion foods and this includes two of the countries most popular cuisines.