Month: August 2023

“If You Have a Lemon, Make a Lemonade”- Dale Carnegie Lemons are a citrus fruit known for their distinctive tart and acidic taste. They are a common ingredient in cooking used for their health benefits and as a natural cleaning agent. Lemons are typically small, oval-shaped fruits with bright yellow skin and a juicy, pulpy interior. Lemons are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and were introduced to the Mediterranean region by the Arabs in the 10th century. Today, they are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, Italy, Spain, and South Africa. One of the most notable characteristics of lemons is their high vitamin C content. One medium-sized lemon contains about 30-40% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, making it an excellent sourc...

In 1989, Applebee’s opened their 100th restaurant. By 1998, they’d opened their 1,000th. I was born in 1992, near the start of this novelty boozy, sometimes-cold-in-the-middle, Tiffany-lamp-adorned explosion in the American restaurant scene. It was during this period that I ate a lot of chicken fingers. As a family, we tested the waters of the full casual dining spectrum—Applebee’s, Bennigan’s, Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays, Friendly’s, Perkins… They all had fingers. I rarely had to look at the menu to point a finger.  Sometimes crunchy, sometimes crumbly, and always served with a sugar-buzzed sauce that could almost double as dessert, chicken fingers were the lifeblood of my Pennsylvania youth. They went by many names, but they were always “fin...

All About Bay Leaves Bay leaves, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, are aromatic leaves from the bay laurel tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. These leaves have been used for centuries in cooking, herbal medicine, and religious ceremonies. In addition, they are a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, known for their unique flavor and aroma. Bay leaves are typically dried before use, and their flavor is most potent when fresh. They have a subtle, slightly bitter taste and a strong, pungent aroma. They are often used to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces, and they are also commonly used in meat dishes, such as pot roasts and braises. Bay leaves are a key ingredient in classic French and Mediterranean cuisine and are also used in ...

Coconut Miso Salmon Curry: A Flavorful Fusion Delight My daughter found this salmon curry with coconut miso recipe on the N.Y. Times website and enjoyed it so much that she made a video on how she prepares it for me. She makes it for us whenever she visits. Let's look at some of the ingredients. Miso Miso is a traditional Japanese ingredient that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique and complex flavors. It is a thick paste made by fermenting soybeans and other grains, like rice or barley, with a koji starter culture and salt. This fermentation process can take weeks, months, or even years, resulting in different types and intensities of miso. Miso offers a savory umami taste, known as the fifth basic taste, which adds depth and richness to dishes. It has a dis...

Frikadeller - A Danish Meatball That Looks Like a Tiny Hamburger As a kid, frikadeller was one of my favorite Danish meals my mom made for us. Although Danes might say they are flattened meatballs, my mom's reminded me of small, fancy hamburgers.   My mom was from Denmark, and when we were young, most of our meals were of Danish cuisine. My brother, sister, and I loved some of it, but some meals we struggled with. Another favorite is pan-fried flounder with new potatoes. What Is Frikadeller? These delectable meatballs hold a special place in Danish culture and are a beloved comfort food cherished for generations. Their unique flavor and versatility have made them a staple in Danish households and a favorite among locals and visitors. Frikadeller, pronounced "free-kuh-...