September 29th is National Mocha Day. What is mocha (MO-kuh), and where did it come from? The coffee bean, which was first discovered growing wild in Ethiopia, was not extensively cultivated until the 15th and 16th centuries. Then, extensive planting of the trees was undertaken in the Yemen region of Arabia (the history of coffee). […]
[1] Pecan pie with whipped cream and caramel corn (photo courtesy Edwards Desserts). [2] Chocolate tart à la mode with chocolate sauce and a salted peanut counterpoint (at Le Colonial | New York City). Pumpkin pie with an easy garnish: caramel sauce and walnuts (photo courtesy King Arthur Flour). [4] Pumpkin pie with a bit […]
Another cake following on the heels of yesterday’s pound cake recipe? Yes, because September 28th is National Drink Beer Day. We’re not only suggesting a beer to drink; we’re giving you a cake recipe that uses the same beer, witbier. Belgian witbier, also known as white beer, bière blanche, or simply witte (photo #3), is […]
[1] Pineapple pound cake recipe (photos #1 and #2 plus recipe courtesy Hannah Kaminsky | Bittersweet Blog). [2] If you don’t use a glaze, serve it à la mode. [3] (photo courtesy Produce Marketing Guide). Since the pineapple first reached Europe in the 15th century, it has been considered a symbol of hospitality. Pineapple […]
Americans love melted cheese: on burgers, nachos, pizza, sandwiches, in fondue and queso dips. On the elegant end of the melted cheese menu is a gratin (grah-TAH, although Americans say GRAH-tin), a casserole that is topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and cheese, which is browned. Potatoes au gratin is a popular rendition, but your favorite vegetables […]
[1] Mushroom toast. Serve it any time of the day, including with a leisurely glass of wine or beer (photo courtesy Edwards Dessert Kitchen). [2] A wealth of mushrooms from which to choose (photo courtesy Good Eggs). [3] Lobster mushrooms. If you can find them, they add color to the plate (photo courtesy Baldor Food). […]
The fourth week in September is National Wild Rice Week. Did you know that wild rice isn’t rice? A COUSIN OF TRUE RICE Wild rice is a member of the Poaceae family, genus Zizania; it is a cousin to true rice, the genus Oryza. Like Orzya, it grows in in shallow water. Instead of […]
[1] A cup of chai, garnished with star anise. You can re-use one of the stars used to brew the concentrate (photo courtesy The Prairie Homestead). [2] A hearty masala chai spice blend (photo courtesy Spice Station). [3] Enjoy your Indian tea in an elephant tea pot (alas, this one from Houzz is no longer […]
A few weeks ago, we received a pitch promoting particular wines for International Châteauneuf du Pape day, held on the third Friday in September (today). It inspired us to write about the wine, one of our favorite reds. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (pronounced pop) isn’t a wine common to American wine lists these days. It’s pretty pricey, with […]
[1] An American classic: pepperoni pizza (photo courtesy Mantry). [2] Handmade pepperoni (photo courtesy DeLallo). [3] Got pepperoni? Use the extra to garnish a Bloody Mary (here with blue cheese cubes at Murray’s Cheese Bar). September 20th is National Pepperoni Pizza Day, and we have a surprise for you: Pepperoni is a cured dry […]