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 […]
Tag: Stories
Some Favorite Foods of Famous, and Infamous, People by Ken Bayliss
They say we are what we eat, yet if you look at what some famous people ate, you would wonder. For instance, Charlie Chaplin had a very difficult childhood and ended up famous and very rich. Yet one of his favorite foods was tripe, the stomach of a cow. Not only that but tripe stinks….
Italy’s Easter Eggs & Easter Friday
In Italy, there are no Easter egg hunts, no marshmallow Peeps and definitely no jelly beans. Instead, there are chocolate eggs — massive, elaborately decorated, beautifully wrapped chocolate Easter eggs that fill shop windows across the country. The sweet treats are considered Italians’ food gift of choice at this time of year; each one comes…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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….
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!
