How to make Pan Micha: Blend of 2 Countries

The new year has begun. Adios 2020 and never return! Well, I think most of us feel this way; however, the never-ending, ever-so optimist in me recognizes there was some good in 2020… you just have to look a little harder than normal. 😊 A new year represents hope and optimism. With the optimism ofContinue reading “How to make Pan Micha: Blend of 2 Countries”

How to Make the Classic Italian Panettone

Holidays are here but not for long. Don’t forget to make a great little Christmas bread for your holiday feast! Why not learn how to make the classic Italian Panettone with tips? I just love this bread and all things about the Panettone. The flavors and shape remind me of all things Christmas. Here’s myContinue reading “How to Make the Classic Italian Panettone”

Fall, Football, and Food Equal the Mexican Bolillo

The Mexican Bolillo is the perfect fall tailgating sandwich bread and chili dunker. Forget the fancy, dainty croissant rolls. Fall and football need a standout bread or roll to resemble the season and withstand fall flavors and hearty dishes. For this post, I wanted to revisit the Mexican Bolillo and add some highlights since itContinue reading “Fall, Football, and Food Equal the Mexican Bolillo”

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…”

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”