Garlic 4 Ways: How and Why?

Garlic is one of those ingredients that take on human qualities. It can be an introvert in one situation and an extrovert in another. I think most of us (all) are like garlic. Depending on our environment, we can shine brighter than necessary or hide like a hermit crab but still be present. Either wayContinue reading “Garlic 4 Ways: How and Why?”

How to make Pan de Muerto with Updates and Tips

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”

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…”

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”

November belongs to Panama: Part 2- 2nd Bake

November is Panama’s month. Since there are so many patriotic days of celebration in Panama this month, I wanted to spend more than one post talking about it and making more than one bake. Part 2 accompanying dish inspiration: I admit, I probably should have made the Sancocho (Chicken Soup- Panama’s national dish); however, sinceContinue reading “November belongs to Panama: Part 2- 2nd Bake”

November belongs to Panama: Part 1- Bake only

November is Panama’s month. There are many celebrations in Panama during November, all of which are related to patriotism. November 3rd is Panama’s Independence Day from Columbia, November 4th is Flag Day, November 10th celebrates the country’s first cry of independence from Spain, and November 28th is the official Independence Day from Spain (with helpContinue reading “November belongs to Panama: Part 1- Bake only”

Let’s all remember like Mexico: Día de los Muertos Part 2

As promised, here’s Part 2 of Mexico’s weekend bake. Pan de Muerto summarizes the celebration of Día de los Muertos. It includes the bones to represent us all at death and our loved ones who’ve passed on from this life. And, of course, it is food from which smells and tastes evoke many memories fromContinue reading “Let’s all remember like Mexico: Día de los Muertos Part 2”

Let’s all remember like Mexico: Día de los Muertos Part 1

Why Mexico now? In deciding on the country to bake this past weekend, it was clear it needed to be Mexico. Having taught French for many years now, I’m accustomed to being around and hearing all about Día de los Muertos from my department colleagues, i.e. Spanish educators. In fact, I think my French studentsContinue reading “Let’s all remember like Mexico: Día de los Muertos Part 1”

Happy 66 years of freedom Laos!

Can’t ignore Laos… Although Laos celebrated Independence Day from its so-called union with France on July 19 and will celebrate its National Day on December 2, the date it became a democratic republic, the country gained its FULL independence from France on October 22, 1953. This is a time for remembrance; a time to revelContinue reading “Happy 66 years of freedom Laos!”