We all know what pasta embodies, but have you ever wondered what “carbonara” means? Carbonaro means charcoal in Italian, but to this day, the connection to this savory, flavorsome dish remains uncertain. Some food historians believe this pasta may have been popular among charcoal makers working in the Apennine Mountains; or perhaps it is called…
Tag: history
Southern Smothered Chicken Breasts with Onion Gravy & Food Facts of the Old South
This week’s recipes will be dedicated to the Rich South where regional cuisine developed local food supplies and blended with the varied cultural backgrounds of its cooks. The rural agricultural South produced vegetables, fruits, nuts, rice and corn. Game was plentiful: deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds and ducks of all kinds. Oysters, crabs, shrimp, saltwater and…
The BEST, EASY Fluffy Made From Scratch Pancakes
It’s National Pancake Week and we kicked off the week with a favorite of Abraham Lincoln’s, the Johnnycake. Now I’m bringing you the history behind pancakes and the best, fluffy,made from scratch recipe…ever! It’s said that the origin of pancakes can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks who made a form of pancake known…
Johnnycakes, Hoecakes, Corncakes: Preferred Victuals of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln
In honor of President’s Day and one of America’s Favorite Presidents, today’s offering on this sixteenth day of February are a couple of victuals desired by our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. According to the sixteenth President’s last bodyguard, Colonel William H. Crook, “Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln breakfasted precisely at nine AM. Mr. Lincoln was a…
Mardi Gras King Cake: Recipe & History
The sweetest tradition of Mardi Gras is the vibrant, multi-colored King Cake. January 6th kicked off the Mardi Gras season for 2015. Staying true to Mardi Gras culinary tradition one must bake and serve this colorful, nut-filled wonder each year. Similar to coffee cake, this ring-shaped confection is as rich in tradition and history, as…
Brilliant Boneless Buffalo Bites Guest Chef Gina’s Healthy, Fabulous & Under 400– Gluten Free!
If I remember correctly, Buffaloes don’t have wings, right? However, what’s the scoop on these spicy, delectable bite’s origin? There is some dispute about who came up with the original hot wing appetizer, but most credit the Anchor Bar in where else but Buffalo, New York. The historic creation date for Buffalo Wings was October…
Money Money Money Mon-Ay, Chocolate! & The 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…
Pretzels: The Legend & BEST 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…
Thar’s Holes in Them Thar Hills! Why Crackers Have Holes & Sweet & Saltine Toffee Bark Recipe
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…
Hello, Sir Would You Like a Cup of Tea? The First Teabag was a Faux Pas & How to Brew a Perfect Cup of British Tea
Thomas Sullivan, an American tea merchant, with his love of labor-saving devices, was the first to develop the teabag. In around 1908, Sullivan, a New York tea merchant, started to send samples of tea to his customers in small silken bags. Some assumed that these were supposed to be used in the same way as…
Once Upon a Spice 