The history of lasagna is a perplexing and much debated topic among culinary historians and experts worldwide. While there are a few theories as to its origins, some believe that the word ‘lasagna’ comes from the Greek word ‘lasagnum’ which is actually the word for the vessel the pasta was made in! The Greeks then…
Tag: history
Pasta or Spaghetti Sauce: The Nectar of the gods? Could be!
Spaghetti or pasta with tomato sauce, also known as marinara, is a staple of southern Italian cookery or almost anywhere that southern Italians live today. However, spaghetti with marinara hasn’t always been a pillar of southern Italian cuisine. It’s actually a relative newcomer. Let’s briefly touch on pasta. Once upon a time every school child…
The “Sandwich” by Any Other Name…
Old, but New – Panini, Crostini & Bruschetta As I mention in yesterday’s post, throughout the past, we Italians have always eaten bread with everything. In the history of Italian breads the concepts of a sandwich or as some know them “sangwich or samwich” most likely started out as peasant fare….
Ciabatta, Filone, Focaccia, Muffuletta, Vastedda, Ah pane!
Ciabatta, Filone, Focaccia, Muffuletta, Vastedda, Ah pane…“A bread by any other name would smell as sweet. I can sense Sir William Shakespeare rolling over in his grave as I write this… Today, I want to briefly delve into a little history of another Italian staple; Bread or as we Italian’s affectionately call it…
Polo’s Pasta? e “No!” A Few Words About Italy’s Staple
Since most all of my recipes will be centered around “Italy” now through the Easter celebration, today, I would like to share a bit about pasta; its origin, uses and some of my fondest childhood memories surrounding them. Nothing says Italy like its food, and nothing says Italian food like pasta. Wherever Italians immigrated they…
Solstices & Equinoxes: The Mystical Meaning Throughout History
Solstices & Equinoxes: The Mystical Meaning Throughout History Solstices and equinoxes were not celebrated as purely physical events. They also held vast ritual and spiritual meaning in many cultures. The life cycle of the sun finds its parallel in the lives of solar deities and spiritual figures around the world and in the legends of…
Spring; The Vernal Equinox, What Pleasure It Will Bring…
Ah, spring! This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna. The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Days and nights are approximately equal everywhere and the Sun rises and sets due east and west. Spring is also the time when worms begin to emerge…
The 411 on Saint Patrick, 3-17 and a wee More!
While much of St. Patrick’s life is clouded by legend, there are some generally agreed-upon facts. Most historians agree that he was born in Scotland or Wales around 370 A.D and died on March 17, 461. So, our celebration of Patrick is on the day that he died. His, birth name was Maewyn Succat, born…
Is There Really a Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow?
Picture of Sedona Rainbow Dating back to Old Ireland, the legend of the pot of gold is claimed eagerly by the Irish. They’ll tell you tales of fairies putting gold there and that leprechauns guard it from us humans. The leprechauns decided that humans could not have the gold because of what our greed would…
Leap Castle of Ireland: The MOST Haunted in the World!
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…
Once Upon a Spice 