Catsup or Ketchup? The Victorian Era Cure-All & Some Other Saucy Claims

The British-based “ketchup” or American-named “catsup” is a tomato-based table sauce used for dunking fries, spiraling on hot dogs and glazing meatloaf…on and on. However, in the Victorian Era, it held some pretty saucy claims. European traders were first introduced to the thick red pottage while visiting the Far East in the late 17th century….

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Northern Italian Peasant Fare: Tuscan Rosemary Lemon Chicken

This is a quintessential example of vintage Northern Italian Peasant fare. Since we have fountains of fresh rosemary flourishing in our Arizona garden and are always searching for ways to put this pungent, woody, citrusy herb to good use, I decided to showcase a Mama Carmela classic. This luscious, lemony, herb-packed delight was my mama’s “go to” Sunday chicken dish…

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Guest Chef Wednesday! Mamul by Lynn from Lynz Real Cooking!

Mamul is a baking masterpiece offered by my dear friend Lynn of LynzRealCooking. She’s an amazing women with extreme diverse culinary talents whom I hold in high regard and close to my heart. Please check out her blog–it’s nothing short of incredible! Lynn says, “Mamul is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that is made for the Eid…

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The Best Pound Cake Recipe & First Pressed Vintage Recipe Dated 1796

Pound cake got its name from its original recipe, dating back to 1796, which called for a pound each of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. A successful pound cake should be moist, buttery, dense yet light and full of flavor. Here’s the recipe I have used for years and the one that gets the most requests,…

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Balsamic: The Real Deal or Knock Off?

Did you know that real aged balsamic vinegar actually costs anywhere from $75 to $400 or more? Here are a few reasons why: Balsamic vinegar is NOT like other vinegars. What defines vinegar is the fermentation of alcohol — typically wine but also beer or cider — into acetic acid. Red wine vinegar, white wine…

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Dutch Baby: The Eggsellent, Super Easy, Delectable, Dutch Delight

This Pennsylvania Dutch cross between custard, pancake and semi-sweet popover is puffy and roundish on the the outside and flat in the center offering the perfect nest for sliced fresh fruit, jam, preserves, apple butter or a combination. This “baby” is airy, light and makes a beautiful presentation with a little added whipped cream. The…

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Make Something Beautiful: Apple Walnut Maple Custard Tart

As Juliet may have lamented from the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet,” “A rose by any other name would smell as an apple?” No, we won’t taint Juliet’s plea, but I am here to let you know that an apple is that of a rose, at least it is of the same family. Apples, quinces,…

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Happy New Year Blessings From Once Upon a Spice!

A new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write your fresh, beautiful story. Counting my blessings and wishing you more. Hope you enjoy the New Year in store. Have a joyous New Year, my Dear Friends!      

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The Magical Properties of Herbs & Spices: The Mysterious & Prosperous 6

We’ve devoted a post to foods that boost  good luck and fortune for the New Year. Even an appetizer recipe as a formula for good luck , but what about herbs and spices?  Ancient Pharaohs laid in their final resting places filled with spices of various kinds blended by the perfumers’ art.  Plumes of ritualistic, burning…

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