With fast food joints on every corner, billboard and television adverts displaying the unhealthiest of treats, and ever increasing junk food aisles popping up left, right and centre in the grocery store, eating a nutritious diet is a goal that is becoming more and more difficult to achieve. Including more fruit and vegetables in your diet can seem like an almost impossible task, as sugar cravings and fatty temptations are often too much to bear. Luckily, there are a few simple ideas that can show you exactly how to eat a nutritionally balanced diet that’s rich in the vitamins and minerals your mind and body need to thrive. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of today!
Get Blending
One of the best things that you can do to add more fruit and vegetables into your diet is to get blending. Blending fruit and vegetables together along with a few other healthy ingredients can create a whole host of tasty meals, snacks and drinks! Whether you want to make a warming winter soup or a satisfying summer sorbet, using a blender can give you the opportunity to create your own healthy alternative from scratch. You’ll be aware of every ingredient that goes into making your morning smoothie or after dinner ice cream, as all you need to do is find the best flavor combination using the freshest produce. There are so many fruit and vegetable based recipes online that encourage you to use a blender, so don’t be afraid to start your search for the perfect plate. Blending can also help to mask the flavor and texture of certain fruits and vegetables that you may not particularly enjoy, so this is a great way to get the benefits of eating nutritious food without the usual taste.
Make It Fun!
Making mealtimes fun can allow you to eat many more fruits and vegetables, as the usual opinions associated with eating a salad or any other healthy dish are often described as bland and boring. Adding a little flavor and flare to your meals and snacks will allow your food to take centre stage, grabbing your full attention as you devour the delectable flavors (and nutrients!) that your healthy dish contains. Spices can be a great way to change the taste of any fruit or vegetable, so why not experiment and see which combinations work well for you? It’s also important that you can make the plate fun in an aesthetic sense too, as you eat a meal with your eyes before you even taste it in your mouth. Learning how to cut a cucumber and other salad items in a creative way can make it much more attractive, so let your artistic vision run wild!
Including more fruits and vegetables in your diet has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above!
If you’re a true foodie, your passion for food is probably one of the few things dragging you through this testing time. However, even a true enthusiast may find that their optimism has taken a hit after the past few months. It’s time to inject some fun and excitement back into cooking, and we’ve got five great ways to do it. So, don your chefs hat and prepare yourself to rediscover the recipe for success.
Learn New Asian Recipes and Techniques
We’ve all enjoyed a trip to our favorite Asian restaurant or treated ourselves to a classic takeout. Most people assume that cooking those delicious foods takes years of practice. In reality, these simple Asian recipes prove otherwise. Whether it’s a family meal, home date night, or showing off to friends doesn’t matter. Your Asian-inspired cooking will be a big hit. Moreover, it’s almost certain that those recipes will find their way into your repertoire or regular treats. They’re convenient, cheap, and versatile. Perfect.
Try A Food Meal Kit Service
The concept of food boxes getting delivered to your home is nothing new. Still, the digital age has taken it to a new level, allowing major companies to raise the bar of expectation. The idea is that they deliver the ingredients and instructions for you to create a new meal you’ve never tried before. The hardest task is finding the right service. A battle of Hello Fresh vs Home Chef is the best place to start as they are the two most recognized brands. The new customer offers mean you have very little to lose. I have also enjoyed using Martha Stewart’s Marley Spoon and Blue Apron in the past as well.
Go For a Picnic
Social interactions remain somewhat limited due to Covid-19. Thankfully, a picnic in the park (or even in your own backyard!) is something you can enjoy without any guilt or concern. The great thing about this is that you can build a picnic that’s suited to your needs. Whether it’s gluten-free foods, vegan options, or any other dietary requirement doesn’t matter. It’s a cheap and convenient meal that also allows you to get outside and spend valuable time with the best people in your life. The ability to bring people together is truly the best thing food has to offer.
Treat Yo’self To A New Kitchen Gadget
If your love of the kitchen has nosedived during the last few months, you’re not alone. Nonetheless, you need to rediscover that love of cooking, and new gadgets are a great way to do it. They’ll encourage you to try new recipes while also improving the quality of the meals you already make. This could extend to finding the best pizza ovens for the home or garden. The Ooni Koda vs Pizzacraft reviews will provide telling insight. If pizza isn’t your thing, many alternatives are available on the market.
Let Someone Else Cook
Last but not least, you need a day off. You’ve probably spent more time in the kitchen over the last few months than ever before. Whether it’s your parents, grown-up kids, partner, or friends, accept their offer. You won’t regret it – even if their cooking skills don’t match yours! Or, just order Ubereats and call it a day.
We have days of the year dedicated to everything. From special occasions to national holidays and those dedicated to specific events of historical significance. But did you know that the world’s uniquely crowd-pleasing, impressible delectable, and most interesting crustacean, the lobster, has its very own National Day?
That’s right! Your favorite buttery-sweet seafood has an entire day on the calendar each year dedicated to this interesting crustacean, practically begging for celebration. This guide will take you through the history of National Lobster Day, uncover interesting facts about your favorite shelled seafood, and provide you with fun, creative and exciting things you can do to celebrate this day.
Let’s dive in!
What is National Lobster Day?
Held on September 25th each year, this holiday celebrates what was once considered “trash” food fed to prisoners. You read that right. Once upon a time ago, lobster was NOT considered the savory delicacy it is celebrated as today.
National Lobster Day was established not only to celebrate this funky looking crustacean but to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work in the industry, as well as the rich and storied history of the lobster’s ‘rags to riches’ heritage.
Fun Facts About Lobsters
Did you know that lobsters (the ones that don’t get caught and end up in a stove pot) can live for up to 100 years?!
Other Fun Facts:
In Colonial times lobster wasn’t so glamorous and was often fed to livestock such as goats and pigs
In the ocean, lobsters aren’t typically red. Rather they come in a wide range of colors from blue, to yellow and green, turning red only after being cooked.
Historically, lobster was once fed to prisoners in New England due to their perceived low value and the generous lobster population at the time
On a “no carb” or “low carb” diet? You’ll be excited to know that lobster tails contain zero carbohydrates and pack a whopping 27.55 grams of protein per cup
Lobster is a great source of omega-3 healthy fatty acids, calcium, vitamin A and selenium
History of National Lobster Day
Originally, National Lobster day was set as June 15th, however, the origin of this date remained in mystery, even to co-founder Marlo Anderson.
In 2015, Senator Angus King and Susan Collins of Maine co-sponsored a bill that changed the date from its original June 15th designation to September 25th. However, an interesting fact is that the bill has not officially passed, meaning that each year a new resolution needs to be renewed to proclaim the new Sept. 25th date as the day of observance.
The good news is that lobster fans technically now get TWO DAYS to celebrate these scrumptious crustaceans.
How can You Celebrate National Lobster Day?
1. Pack up the Bags and Hit the Road!
Have you ever wanted to visit Maine? National Lobster Day is a quirky excuse to give the state a visit and celebrate the holiday in its home state. While there, don’t forget to check out the Maine Lobster Museum in Bar Harbor. Of course, while you’re there, you’ll be inundated with deals and specials on the course of the occasion, enabling you to take delight in the freshest lobster in the world.
2. Have a Lobster Extravaganza of Your Own
Although Lobster might seem like an intimidating dish, YouTube and the internet is full to the brim with easy, step-by-step recipes that even the most novice chef could tackle with ease.
Consider a lobster-themed meal, including a range of interesting options.
Need Some Ideas to Get Started?
Lobster Bisque
Lobster Salad
Lobster Risotto
Lobster Roll
Lobster and Mac & Cheese
A Cobb Salad
And so much more!
Need more ideas or the perfect place to order high quality, right out of the ocean-fresh, lobster? Check out the Maine Lobster Specials at Lobster Anywhere. Since 1999 they have been dedicated their business to making fresh lobster readily available and accessible to everyone.
3. Go Out and Feast at a Seafood Restaurant
Most seafood restaurants offer a myriad of specials and interesting dishes to celebrate this day. Feast on sweet, succulent lobster and satisfy your hunger…all without having to lift a finger. But don’t forget to call ahead. This day is a notoriously busy one for seafood restaurants from fine dining establishments to chains like Red Lobster. Placing a reservation and/or calling ahead ensures you’ll be seated without the extended waiting time.
4. Throw a Lobster-Themed Party or Event
National Lobster Day is a perfect occasion to get together with your friends and/or family for a fun event you’ll all remember. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Sites such as Pinterest and others have some really interesting ideas on how you can decorate, and of course, lobster should be the main dish when its time to feast.
Have kids that need entertaining or want to get quirky? Consider renting or buying a lobster costume to top things off and give your guests something they’ll never forget.
Are you ready for the Big Day this year?
With a little preparation and ingenuity, you too can find creative ways to enjoy National Lobster Day. Follow the tips in this guide to get the ideas flowing and celebrate this delectable crustacean and the people who work hard day in and day out to make sure we always have a fresh supply of the ocean’s sweetest delicacy.
Over the last few months, the diet and health industry has been alive with the vegan buzz. However, being a Vegan is more than just a diet. Many people on a plant-based diet don’t have the same strict rules as a true vegan. Veganism is a lifestyle where you remove anything that has derived from an animal out of your life. This includes any makeup or clothing too.
While I’m not vegan by any means, I can’t deny that having plant-based meals / days is good for my body. We have lived by the belief that humans are supposed to be meat-eaters. Vegans need protein, and the best source of that is through meat. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Legumes, which make up a family of products rich in protein are often used as part of the feed we let our cows feast on. Have you seen a cow? They are muscles on legs. Legumes are highly rich in protein and are far less harmful to your body than meat.
Recent studies have proved that by reducing your meat intake, you can control several chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. There is also a reduction in certain types of cancer in those that follow a plant-based diet. This alone is enough to make you consider switching over to a whole-food, vegan diet.
There are other benefits too. Recently several major athletes and weightlifters have switched to a plant-based diet reporting they have more energy, fewer injuries and reduction of inflammation. Lewis Hamilton, the British, five-time Formula One Champion is just one of a recent influx of athletes who have changed their diets for improved performance and resistance.
With demand, supply has increased, and now there are a number of plant-based alternatives across many restaurants and supermarkets, even the corner shops have stepped up and offered a far more varied product range for the consumers. You can also buy vegan mince or vegan sausages made from natural, and non-meat derived ingredients. This makes it easier for us to live a plant-based diet, even when we are on the road or trying to navigate a busy lifestyle.
If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle but have shied away from vegan diets because you don’t have an issue with wearing leather and you quite enjoy a steak from time to time, then maybe you could consider a plant-based diet with a little cheat from time to time. They say a bit of everything is good for you. Perhaps moderation is the key. You could look at mixing the plant-based and the 5:2 diet. Eating no meat during the week and then allowing yourself fish or chicken on the weekend.
There are multiple ways we can incorporate the benefits of a plant-based diet into our daily lives without making huge sacrifices every day of the week. The benefits from your vegan-only days will probably make you feel so good about yourself that you will naturally stick to a plant-based diet. Why not give it a go today?
There are very few drinks that come with their own specific brand of drink ware, but everyone knows that if you order a Moscow Mule, it better come in a frosted copper mug. Since Moscow Mules are probably my favorite cocktail (I just love me some ginger beer), I own a couple of copper mugs, and I’ve noticed that unless i’m making a mule of some sort, they sit in my bar collecting dust, which is just such a shame. Copper mugs are so pretty, and so I decided to come up with some ways you can use your copper mug starting from the moment you wake up, to right before you go to bed.
**Note, the good people at Moscow Muled sent me this copper mug to try out, so I’m going to use their mug exclusively for this post**
Morning
Iced Coffee
Why have your morning iced coffee or cold brew in a regular glass when you can take it up a notch and enjoy it in a copper mug? Here’s a quick cold brew recipe: In a mason jar or small pitcher, combine 3/4 cup coarsely-ground coffee and 4 cups of water and stir gently. Let sit out on the counter for 8-12 hours or in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Use a coffee filter to strain out the coffee grounds and enjoy your cold brew over ice. I like mine black, but you can also make a simple syrup using equal parts sugar and water, boiled until the sugar dissolves. Boom. Starbucks ain’t got nothin’ on you.
Bloody Mary
If you prefer something a little boozier in the morning (hey, I ain’t judging), a bloody mary is a perfect beverage to enjoy in your copper mug. You can make your own mix or use a tried-and-true pre-made mix (like Charleston’s Own!) and then get creative with your toppings. Keep it simple with celery or go crazy and use a skewer to add anything from pickled okra to boiled shrimp to even a whole biscuit. The world’s your oyster (hey, why not throw some oysters in there while you’re at it).
Smoothie Bowl
I love a good smoothie bowl, and they couldn’t be easier to put together. All you need is some fresh or frozen fruit, protein powder (if you want, this is definitely optional), some water or juice, and whatever toppings you’re into. Here’s my normal smoothie recipe: 1 cup frozen mixed berries. 1-2 scoops whey protein powder. Enough water to cover the fruit (usually about a cup to a cup and a half). I sometimes will add a tsp of turmeric if I want to feel extra healthy, or açaí if I happen to have some. Blend and pour your smoothie into a copper mug. I usually top mine with fresh berries, unsweetened dried coconut, hemp seeds, and cacao nibs, crushed walnuts. Bonus, it’s so beautiful you almost won’t want to eat it. (Almost).
Afternoon
Iced Sweet Tea
Hi, I’m Sydney and I love sweet tea. I might make some fellow southerners clutch their pearls when I say this, but usually I brew my tea without sugar and instead make a separate thing of simple syrup and add it to the tea when I pour it into my cup. The tea will keep longer, plus sometimes I want more sugar than other times, so when I want it a little sweeter, I can make it happen. I also like to make different flavored simple syrups which makes it seem like i’ve made different teas and keep me from getting bored. I usually have raspberry, rosemary, and mint simple syrups (as well as a plain, unflavored one) in my fridge that I use when I want to mix things up.
Grits
Y’all. Grits are so good. The key to really great grits is to not use instant grits and then add in a bunch of cream, garlic, salt, and cheese. Let it cool a bit and then pour it into your copper mug (copper mugs really transmit heat, so you’ll want it to be cool enough to handle or else you’ll burn your hand). I usually top my grits with more cheese and some sliced scallions (and maybe a finishing salt if I’m feeling fancy). It really makes your grits feel a lot more elevated than normal.
G+T
I. Love. Gin. ilovegin. If you don’t love gin, you’re wrong. One thing I learned from my grandmother, is that it’s important to celebrate happy hour every day right at 5pm on the dot with a gin and tonic (or in my case, a gin and Topo Chico, another obsession of mine). She and my grandfather were both really particular about their gins (he would only drink Beefeater and she will only drink Tanqueray). I am not as particular (although Hendrick’s is probably my favorite), and there are few things more refreshing than an afternoon G+T. I make mine with some Topo Chico and a splash of simple syrup (rosemary simple syrup is my fave).
Evening
Margarita
Tequila and I used to be really good friends, but we had a falling out after college. Nowadays, I really only like tequila in a margarita or a paloma (or something else that hides the flavor of the tequila). I prefer my margaritas on the rocks rather than frozen, although either way lends itself really well to being served in a copper mug.
Chocolate Milkshake
End your day by treating your sweet tooth to something a little special. Make yourself a sundae or a chocolate milkshake (in a blender, add chocolate ice cream and a few splashes of milk. Or vanilla ice cream, a few splashes of milk, and chocolate syrup). I like to top mine with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Caring for your copper mug:
This brand of copper mug is made with 100% food-safe copper, lined with stainless steel. The outside will get a patina on the outside because of the oxidation, but you can get it back to shiny with a slice of lemon and some salt. Simply sprinkle a pinch of salt on a slice of lemon, allow the salt to dissolve, and then gently rub it on the surface of your mug. The lemon and salt will form a mixture that will naturally remove the patina and restore the copper’s shine. Once done, rinse with water and dry well. Handwashing is best so opt for that, with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, instead of the dishwasher.
However you decide to use your copper mug–whether for food and drink, decorating your home bar, or holding pens or supplies on your desk–you’ll love your high-quality copper mug from Moscow Muled!
Although social distancing may have put a dent in large group gatherings and summer parties, we can still celebrate the summer in our own special way. Whether you’re roasting a pork loin in the oven, grilling steaks out back, or frying chicken on the stove top, these 2 side dishes are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasing complements to whatever you cook up this summer–without the sweat and stress!
The problem with a lot of salads is that they are missing a sparkle. It may be easy to simply chuck some lettuce, tomato, and cucumber into a bowl and call it a day, but that gets a little boring after a while. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot to produce an impressive salad. Waldorf salad is particularly tasty and works really well with pork. So, how do you make it?
Start off getting a big salad bowl and placing a lot of lettuce inside. For the dressing, you’ll need to grab a separate bowl and mix together two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and six tablespoons of mayonnaise. Season it with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of fresh ground pepper to taste. Take two sweet apples, core them, and chop them up. Add this to the lemon-mayo mixture. In addition to this you are going to add a cup of red seedless grapes and a cup of slightly toasted walnuts (these need to be chopped up too). Pour the mixture on top of the bed of lettuce and you are ready to serve!
Roast Potato and Artichoke Hash
A potato dish is always a safe bet… who doesn’t love a potato?! Rather than a boring old baked potato, this dish will give you a taste of something a little different. Once your friends and family have tasted this Allyson Gofton recipe, you can be sure they’ll be asking for it again and again!
In order to cook this dish, you should start by cutting up six potatoes into medium chunks. Then, chop up a large onion into eighths. Get yourself a bowl and pour in three tablespoons of olive oil and five crushed garlic cloves. Mix this together and then add the potatoes and the onions and toss them around in the oil and garlic mix. Baked this in the oven at 400 for about 15 minutes. Whilst the potatoes are cooking you need to cut four marinated artichokes in half. You also need to slice six sundried red peppers. Just as the potatoes are starting to look a bit brown, add the artichokes and sundried peppers to the dish and allow it to cook for another five minutes. Once it is ready take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle some chopped fresh rosemary and marjoram on top.
What are some of your favorite summer side dishes? Let me know in the comments!
If quarantine has put you in a position where you need to start cooking, but you don’t know where to begin then don’t worry, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Learning how to cook can take time and dedication. Luckily, there are lots of ways in which you can ensure your skills are improving each and every day. From starting with super simple recipes to asking your friends and family for advice, the more you’re doing to improve your skills the better. With that in mind, here are 5 top tips for first-time cooks:
Start With Some Simple Meals
One of the best ways to ensure you’re not overwhelmed by cooking is to start by doing simple meals. Whether that means cooking an easy chicken pasta or a simple Ceaser salad, starting small will give you a chance to practice your technique. Not only that, but it will give you the time you need to get used to reading recipes. For chicken and pasta recipes, you can visit this site here.
Ask Friends And Family For Inspiration
If you know that your friends and family love to cook, you may want to consider asking them for advice. Whether they share some of their favorite recipes or they teach you some of the absolute basics, you will be able to pick up lots of tips and tricks from those around you. If you need help with a specific recipe, it might be worth getting them to talk you through how they would make it.
Research Lots Of Recipes Online
Another great way to help when it comes to learning how to cook easier is to research lots of different recipes you would like to try online. Although you may not try them all right away, having a list of different things you would like to try as you improve your skills will definitely help when it comes to motivation. If you need tips and tricks when it comes to following recipes, you may want to out this website.
Make Sure You Have The Right Utensils
If you’re going to be cooking each and every day, you need to ensure you have the right utensils. From pots and pans to spoons and strainers, the more you have the better.
Stock Up On Store Cupboard Essentials
Finally, you also need to ensure you have all of the store cupboard essentials. Whether that means stocking up on spices or always having fresh garlic, you need to decide what is essential to you. Usually, it’s the stuff you use time and time again.
With lots of simple ways to start improving your skills as a first-time cook, you can be sure you’re off to a good start. What will you be cooking first? Did we miss any tips and tricks off the list? Let us know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.
During this time of uncertainty, many of us are trying to become better home chefs so as not to order delivery every single night. Cooking is a wonderful skill to have, and it’s a lot of fun too. Cooking is something that can be fun because it allows you to create delicious things for you and those around you to eat. However, if you are new to the cooking scene and you are looking for some advice, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Start With The Basics
The first thing that we suggest is that you start with the basics. Start with what you know, and if that’s nothing, then you need to look up the basics of cooking so that you can get started. There are a few basic things that you are going to need to be able to do before you can start creating culinary masterpieces. One of these is how to cut properly. As you know, cooking involves a lot of sharp knives, so knowing how to cut food is important. The best thing you can do is use the bridge technique if you are a beginner to make sure that you don’t cut your fingers in the process. To do this, you simply place your hands like a bridge on the item and then cut in between. It’s simple and means that you are less likely to get hurt. Youtube is a great resource when trying to learn new knife skills or other cooking basics.
Of course, there are other basics that you need to know, so you can look these up to make sure that you are well prepared for the life of cooking.
Recipes Will Help
The next thing that we advise you to do is look up recipes like the ones that you can find on blogs such as Giadzi. The reason for this is that they are going to help you figure out what kind of meals you like, even if you have never tried them before. Beware, though, sometimes you will look at a recipe and think that the mixture of ingredients sounds gross, but really it is delicious. If you think the meal sounds nice, and you like what is in it, then you should try and make it to see what it’s like. For example, plenty of people don’t like celery, but there is celery in a lot of food, and you just don’t notice when it is blended with all the other flavors.
Experimenting Is Awesome
Finally, experimenting is so much fun, and it is one of the best parts of cooking. Once you get used to following recipes, and there are a few things that you can make, you might want to start experimenting with certain flavors or types of dishes. You’re the one who’s going to be eating them, so make sure that it is something that sounds appealing to you. When you are experimenting, you also want to take notice of smell because this can give you a good indication of what’s going on in the pot. Not everything smells nice though, so while you should take notice, don’t hang everything on it.
Always Try To Learn New Things – Even If You’re Quite The Expert
You’re never going to know everything in this world. Even celebrity chefs who have been there and done it will have areas that they’re not comfortable with due to a lack of knowledge. If you continually enter cooking as though you’re a beginner, then you’ll actively choose to soak up all the right knowledge. Even some of the ideas that you would have never thought of like asking ‘can you air fry a pizza’? The more things like this that enter your mind, the more competent you’ll be overall.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now have some advice for if you are going to start being a home chef. Enjoy yourself, and share you recipes below!
When all of your favorite fruits are in season, it can be so hard to find the opportunity to taste them all. Far too few people know how to enjoy fruit by incorporating it into their daily meals, as you really don’t have to consume raw, untouched produce when you can opt for an alternative that maximizes flavor. Whether you want a sweet treat for breakfast, a nutritious and filling lunch or a light bite for dinner, there’s always a way to include your favorite fruits! So, if you want to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of today!
Breakfast
Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day for several different reasons, and those of you who skip breakfast or even opt for a processed snack to fill your hunger will no doubt feel the effects as the morning progresses. Opting to include fruit in your morning meal will be the perfect end to your over night fast, as the slow release of energy will no doubt set you up until lunch time.
Blueberries and raspberries work well in transforming an otherwise dull bowl of porridge, whilst a smear of strawberry jam and sliced banana can take your toast to a whole new level. If you’re after a liquid start to the day, say good bye to the processed, sugar filled venti iced latte that you might usually go for and dig out a blender to fill with frozen fruit for the perfect vitamin kick.
Lunch
There’s no better feeling then clocking out to go and eat a delicious homemade lunch after a long and stressful morning, so don’t devalue your health and head to a fast food outlet to curb your cravings. Luckily, there are many ways that you can incorporate fruit into your lunchtime meal, even if you’re after a more savory snack.
Slice an apple into dipping size chunks and pair with a pot of peanut butter for protein packed side, or add pomegranate seeds to your salad to spice things up and add a pop of color. Pasta with lemon and avocado is another delicious idea that you might like to try, as there are many ways that you can incorporate fruit and pasta for a really tasty meal.
Dinner
Your evening meal should be the smallest meal of the day, as you no longer need to fuel up to power through any work or other responsibilities. One of the best ways that you can include fruit in your evening meal is to provide yourself with 2 small courses to offer a savory break from all of the sweetness, to then finish off with a small but yummy dessert that can give you one of your 5 a day.
An amazing dessert idea that you might want to try is this mini fruit tart recipe, as you can have as many different types of fruit and berries that you like to create a colorful and unique pastry dish.
Get ready folks because we’re just about a month away from the kick off of my favorite time of the year: The Charleston Wine + Food Festival! This year’s festival is slated to be bigger than ever, and while I’m always excited to see my favorite Charleston chefs, having moved to DC recently, I am especially excited to get to meet all of the out-of-town chefs coming in for the festival.
And to see all my friendsssss
In that vein, I took the time to speak with James Beard Award semifinalist Reem Assil of Reem’s in California. Reem is a Palestinian-Syrian chef who uses her blended heritage to and talent for baking to bring together her three passions: food, community, and social justice. I had a wonderful time speaking with her and can’t wait to meet her in person at the festival!
Growing Up On Hummus and Mac + Cheese
Reem: I grew up in Palestinian-Syrian household. My parents emigrated in the early 80s. Mom grew up in Lebanon most of her life… that’s where my parents met. My household was very Arab growing up, but I lived in a little suburb outside of Boston. It was a fascinating juxtaposition of Arab and Americana. I always say that I grew up on hummus and macaroni and cheese.
Reem: I grew up with that traditional value that you go to school to be a doctor or an engineer… so my parents were very concerned when I said that I wanted to be a baker. Originally I got a job at a non-profit but, food has always been the backdrop of everything I did. I got into baking recreationally and then decided to quit my job and pursue it full time. I enrolled in a baking & pastry 2 year program and landed a job about 1 year in at a bakery co-op where I learned how to be both a baker and an owner. I aways knew I wanted to start my own thing and used everything I learned in those contexts to learn about my own cuisine and how those techniques overlap.
Reem: Going to Lebanon and seeing the bakeries there… I just fell in love with that feeling. Those street corner bakers are anchors in the community. The matriarchs in the family were always the alchemists, creating something out of nothing. That’s what baking is all about. The thing that really sets the bakeries in Lebanon apart is the theatrics of everything. It’s like a party. You go into a bakery and it’s not serious, it’s an extended part of your family, very communal, something that is rare to find in the US anymore.
Reem: Bread is my inspiration because every culture has some way of breaking bread. It’s a lifeline in the history of my culture, but there are so many elements of bread that transcend any culture: the smell, generations of people going in and waiting for their pastries, kneading dough… you see those things in a lot of cultures. I wanted to create that in a way that spoke to my culture specifically.
Reem: When I started, we were in farmers markets. It was literally an open kitchen in front of everyone, and I think part of the attraction is getting to see your food being made from scratch, You see people stretching the dough, putting it on a pillow, and then cooking on the griddle, and then you wrapping it around fresh veggies. Customers get to see everything happening and all the workers working together, with the Arabic music playing… it’s very immersive. We wanted it to be accessible to more people but still be a very high level, high quality food experience.
Reem: When I started, I was very intentional. Having come from a social justice background, I’ve seen how people, especially immigrants from the Arab world, were hiding their food and marketing it as Mediterranean to be more palatable to American sensibilities. I made a conscious decision to market my food as Arab, which some people think of as being a “bad word,” but I really wanted to emphasize that it’s not a bad word and make Arabs feel proud to be Arab and celebrate our culture. I feel like I succeeded in helping to make the word “Arab” more mainstream. For better or for worse, we’re in a time when people really want to work for social justice and become galvanized. We now have allies and supporters and we’ve benefited from people wanting to understand the intersections between food and culture and social justice. I have a platform. My food is not just the food, it’s everything around the food: the story behind it, the spaces I create, it all makes a difference.
Reem: I’m really looking forward to my trip to Charleston. This region of the country is super fascinating to me. I took a trip to the deep south when I was young, and I am so fascinated by the history, the struggles, and especially how that history is told through food. I haven’t met a lot of folks through the food world from that area, so I’m really looking forward to that. I’m excited to be having these harder conversations about food and access and race–these timely conversations that people are starting to have–and to be able to have the space and avenue to share my perspective is very exciting. These events are always interesting, as you never know what to expect. All of these opportunities, I use to learn and grow as a person and a chef. I hope to learn and be inspired and bring that back with me to my restaurants.
