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: story
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…
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….
Culinary Reflections “Travels Through Christmas” by Jackson Stones
“Travels Through Christmas” by Jackson Stones Through my work and holidays I have been lucky to have traveled to many countries. Some of these were during the Christmas period, so I thought of recalling some of those memories here. I remember some of the Christmas dinners, yet as I was writing this I noticed how…
“Boston” The Oldest City? Paul Revere? or a Little Black & White Pug? Rethink: Creme Pie!
Though there are a few myths about its origin, Boston Cream Pie, the definitive dessert of the named fair city in Massachusetts, was first whipped up at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. The Boston Cream Pie was originally a pie consisting of white cake with custard filling topped with a thick layer of chocolate…
Scones, Biscuits & Crumpets: For the Love of Muffins
Blueberry, corn, cranberry, or oatmeal raisin, just to name a few. We fill our much-loved, portable breakfast indulgences with sweet fruits, grains and creams. Often times making them healthy, often times not. Yet, our satisfying breakfast delicacies possess an origin and a past… The word muffin comes from the French word moufflet which is often…
Once Upon a Spice 