It’s that time of year! Warm spices, sweet, tangy citrus, and freshly baked yeast bread that permeates the house… The seasons have changed, and the holidays are here. I’ve always considered Halloween the kick-off festivity. Even in countries where Halloween isn’t as prominent, this time of year is as significant all over the world.Continue reading “How to make Pan de Muerto with Updates and Tips”
Author Archives: Summer
Is Gluten that Bad? Which Flour Should I Use?
Why should we care about gluten? While many of us have a love/hate relationship with gluten due to gluten sensitivity or other issues, gluten is vital in bread making. Don’t get me wrong, it is possible to make a good gluten-free bread; however, unless you are unable to digest the gluten protein, you should beContinue reading “Is Gluten that Bad? Which Flour Should I Use?”
What if Gluten Intolerant while Baking during the Pandemic
My Year in a Nutshell You know the saying, “When life gives you lemons…” So, here’s my lemonade, I’m back with more and some changes! I took an unexpectedly long break from blogging with my last post at the end of January. I have returned in full force with a new YouTube Channel to goContinue reading “What if Gluten Intolerant while Baking during the Pandemic”
Lunar New Year: Hua Juan (Flower Rolls), Steamed Fish, and Homemade Noodles
I thought I would NEVER get through this meal… preparing it, that is. Don’t get me wrong, the flower rolls, fish, and noddle dish were all good but time consuming (as most of my weekend meals of late have been). Let’s get to the reason for the weekend. As mentioned and described in detail inContinue reading “Lunar New Year: Hua Juan (Flower Rolls), Steamed Fish, and Homemade Noodles”
Happy (Lunar) New Year’s Eve! Try a Traditional Dish this Weekend…
Having taught international middle and high school students over the years, I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of Lunar New Year. From year to year the date changes, but those years when New Year’s Day is held during the workweek, we find our friends native to Asian cultures a little tired, aContinue reading “Happy (Lunar) New Year’s Eve! Try a Traditional Dish this Weekend…”
Filipino Ensaymada Rolls #2: Savory and Sweet Variations to Individual Tastes
After my last post (Jan. 20th) on the Ensaymada bread rolls and reflecting on how versatile this bread can be in treating it like a cinnamon roll with flavored layers, I decided on a follow-up post with flavor combination suggestions for individual preferences. This dough easily lends itself to both savory and sweet variations toContinue reading “Filipino Ensaymada Rolls #2: Savory and Sweet Variations to Individual Tastes”
Philippines on our minds: Filipino Ensaymada Bread and Lumpiang Sariwa
It has been a bittersweet time for the Philippines these recent weeks. First, I want to acknowledge the elephant in the room at this time of celebration… The Taal Volcano eruption that occurred one week, January 12, 2020, before the biggest annual celebration on the island. This volcano is known as the world’s smallest yetContinue reading “Philippines on our minds: Filipino Ensaymada Bread and Lumpiang Sariwa”
Zanzibar Sesame Flat Bread with Calamari Curry and Coconut Rice
This past Sunday, January 12th, marked Zanzibar’s Revolution Day when in 1964 the Sultan was overthrown following the independence from Britain (1963). Zanzibar (small speck at the end of the arrow) is an island (comprised of small islands) located just off the coast of Tanzania (highlighted in green) in eastern Africa. It’s considered a semi-autonomousContinue reading “Zanzibar Sesame Flat Bread with Calamari Curry and Coconut Rice”
Rye Bread and New Year’s Day Traditions
New Year’s Day traditions are specific to different cultures around the world. A new year, a new beginning, and hopes for a healthy and prosperous year seem to be common themes for us all. I’m not a new year’s resolution kind of person as I try to modify my life as I see the need;Continue reading “Rye Bread and New Year’s Day Traditions”
Italian Panettone
The Italian Panettone is an iconic Christmas sweet bread. While similar to fruitcake containing some of the same ingredients, it really isn’t the same. In fact, many people like this Italian version as it is a lighter yeast bread than fruitcake and full of dried fruit, citrus zest, lots of butter, eggs, and sugar. It’sContinue reading “Italian Panettone”