Perhaps the most haunted castle in Ireland is “Leap Castle” and according to legend was built on a Druidic site. The O’Carroll family once lived here, and they were vicious murderers, who would throw the bodies of their victims down a hole in the wall called an “oubilette.” There is a small windowless room below…
Category: Stories
“A Tale of Ireland” by Jackson Stones: Sure to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart
This is a true personal account drawn from the memory of my dear British friend, Jackson Stones. We thank you, Jackson for your time, warmth and generous contribution. “It was a few years ago now, but I remember it well. Galway, is a tiny city in the far west of Ireland. A small university town…
Three Day Quote Challenge…Day 3
Recently, I was nominated and challenged by my dear friend Lynne from LynnesRecipeTrails.com to participate in the Three Day Quote Challenge. Thank you, Lynne! If you haven’t already, please treat yourself to a trip to her lovely blog where she performs marvelous culinary magic! Quote Challenge Day 3…”There’s no place like home— the magical self…
Quote of the Day Challenge–Day 2
Recently, I was nominated and challenged by my dear friend Lynne from LynnesRecipeTrails to participate in the Three Day Quote Challenge. Thank you, Lynne! If you haven’t already, please pop on over to her lovely blog! Quote Challenge Day 2…”The Inner Child Emerging” A Tribute to Roald Dahl Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a…
Quote of the Day Challenge – Day One
Happy Thursday Everyone! 🙂 Recently, I was nominated and challenged by my dear friend Lynne from LynnesRecipeTrails to participate in the Three Day Quote Challenge. Thank you, Lynne! I am honored & privileged! Placing all accolades aside, I asked myself, “How can I pull this off?” My self simply retorted “just do it!” If you…
Should Tucan Sam Follow His Nose? Fruit Loops: The Scoop, Cereal & Krispy Treats Recipe
“Follow your nose. It always knows. The flavor of fruit! Wherever it grows!” In truth the scrumptious, psychedelic colored O’s that make up Froot Loops don’t actually coincide with the jingle fruits “orange, lemon and cherry.” Sorry to burst your breakfast bubble, but according to Kellogg’s, all of those lip smacking loops are the same…
Cacao as Currency & An Aztec Hot Chocolate Recipe
As I write today’s entry, the early 70’s song “For the Love of Money” by the O’Jays rings loudly in my head. “Some people got to have it, Some people really need it” but where did it all begin? Chocolate history starts in Latin America, where cacao trees grow wild. The first people to use…
Celebrate National Pretzel Day! Pretzel’s Past & An Amazing Soft Pretzel Recipe
Did you know that the twists in pretzels are meant to look like arms crossed in prayer? See the resemblance? Twins! According to Folklore, pretzels were created by a monk around 610 in Italy. According to The History of Science and Technology, the monk baked strips of dough that he folded into a shape resembling…
Mrs. Weinstein’s Traditional Potato Latkes
In the early 90’s, I was fortunate enough to live in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh. There I encountered many wonderful Jewish families and their incredible, authentic beliefs and recipes. One precious experience that still resonates with me today was given to me by a kind, yet strong elderly woman named Mrs. Weinstein. She claimed…
Why Do Crackers Have Holes? The Origin of Saltines & EASY Sweet & Saltine Toffee Bark
Thar’s holes in them thar hills! Well, I believe the term originally stated “gold” but I’m on a roll, cracker roll 🙂 Saltines, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Ritz Crackers, grahams, you name it — there’s hardly a cracker anywhere that doesn’t have a pattern of little holes in it. And no, the 18 holes in a…
Once Upon a Spice 