-
Heirloom Tastes Better
What is an Heirloom Tomato?
An heirloom is generally considered to be a variety that has been passed down, through several generations of a family because of it’s valued characteristics.
Commercial Heirlooms: Open-pollinated varieties introduced before 1940, or tomato varieties more than 50 years in circulation.
Family Heirlooms: Seeds that have been passed down for several generations through a family.
Created Heirlooms: Crossing two known parents (either two heirlooms or an heirloom and a hybrid) and dehybridizing the resulting seeds for how ever many years/generations it takes to eliminate the undesirable characteristics and stabilize the desired characteristics, perhaps as many as 8 years or more.
Mystery Heirlooms: Varieties that are a product of natural cross-pollination of other heirloom varieties.
How cool is that!
-
@FoodiesFestival London Event
When the sun actually does come out, London is absolutely fantastic in the summer. I took a trip to the west and spent the weekend at Battersea Park for the London Foodies Festival. Now, there may not be a patio hanging out on the streets of London, but it appears you can drink literally anywhere outside, including a bus.
But that’s not all! They even had ice cream chocolate bars. FOR FREE! I’m freaking out. The ice cream Snickers bar gave me a food-gasm.
But beyond all the free food everywhere, you can actually learn a thing or two about making your own food. This guy had some audience members come up and cook with him. Fortunately I didn’t volunteer or we’d be stuck on a toilet for the rest of the night.
Did you know that the English love their sausage? I had no idea how many ways they can be made. The selection on street dog stands seriously need an upgrade.
Oh yeah, one more thing. Forget Strongbow. There’s a massive selection of Magners ciders — my fave is pear! Soooo refreshing.
If you missed it this weekend, check out the website for more locations near you.
Until next time, Cheers! @missamandachen
-
Pecans……Just Not Another Nut!
Ways to Incorporate Pecans into a Healthy Lifestyle
Pecans are easy to add to your eating plan; simply grab a handful! Pecans are healthy and delicious, and just a one-ounce serving (15- 20 pecan halves) packs more than 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein to keep you going. They’re a perfect snack for both children and adults. Often associated with indulgences and occasional treats, pecans can also be eaten in healthier forms and cooked or baked in a wide variety of foods to add flavor and nutrition. Delicious recipes can be found or created using pecans for breakfast, salads, entrees and side dishes.
Warm Pasta Salad with Pecans and Spinach
Check out these recipes at http://ilovepecans.org/
Romain, Pecan and Pear Salad
Heart-Healthy Pecans
Nearly 60 percent of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated and another 30 percent are polyunsaturated, leaving very little saturated fat in pecans. The unsaturated fat in pecans is heart-healthy fat meeting the new Dietary Guidelines that recommend Americans keep intake between 20 and 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from heart-healthy sources like fish, nuts and vegetable oils. In addition, pecans contain no trans fat.
Nutrient-Dense Pecans
Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. Pecans are also a natural, high-quality source of protein that contain very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol. Pecans are also naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.
For much more information on Pecans go to http://ilovepecans.org/
-
National Ceviche Day- June 28th!
My poor Colombian taste buds are going to hate me by the end of this post. But I found it important to share with all food junkies:
JUNE 28th is National Ceviche Day!
As if things could not get any better- a few restaurants across the US will be celebrating! With a healthy mix of this delicious Latin-Asian dish-it is a day not to miss!
Zengo: Richard Sandoval Restaurants in New York, Denver, D.C., and Santa Monica will be participating! Here is a sample of one the menus:
New York:
Mahi-Mahi: Fermented pepper, citrus, napa cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, red onion, nori
Shrimp: Poached shrimp, red onion, pomegranate, chives, avocado, dashi, leche de tigre
Tiraditos
Hiramasa: Scallions, fresno pepper, cilantro, avocado, popcorn, citrus
Seared Scallop: sesame, ume, serrano, red radish, kaiware sprout, tequila ponzu
Tiradito (Zengo NY) Pampano: Chef Lucero Martinez-Richard Sandoval Restaurants in NY
(209 East 49th Street, New York, NY – even easier for you guys to find! )
Will be serving:
Camaron: Shrimp, lime, avocado, chile habanero
Atun: Big eye tuna, pear tomatoes, cilantro, serrano, ginger and cucumber broth
Halibut: Halibut, cilantro, mint, mango
Mahi-Mahi: citrus tomato, chile serrano
Pulpo-a la Parilla: grilled octopus, cactus, tomato, queso fresco, black olive caramel, lemon vinaigrette
Chicharron de Camaron: crispy rock shripm, coconut-guajillo, avocado vinaigrette
Ceviche Tasting (Pampano) Finally…only because I don’t think my stomach could handle any more descriptions.
Costanera: Cocina Peruana- Chef/Owner Juan Placencia in New Jersey!
Ceviche: marinated in leche de tigre and aji chilies and served with red onion, cilantro, yams and chocolo:
Pescado: fluke
Mixto: fluke, octopus, shrimp, squid
Costanera: crab, arctic char, shrimp
Tiradito: similar to ceviche but the fish is cut sashimi style and the aji chilies
Tradicional: fluke with aji rocoto and cilantro
Nikkei: arctic char with aji amarillo, avocado and soy-lime dressing
Ceviche de Pescado (Costanera) For a more extended menu check out- Ceviche Day!
So please if you don’t do it for yourself, do it for my taste buds and rumbling stomach! Jot it down- and go out – June 28th Ceviche Day!!
-
@VillageVoice’s #ChoiceStreets Recap
The weather took a break from being completely crappy for just a bit to welcome The Village Voice’s Choice Streets last Tuesday. Thank goodness, because the event was slated to happen, rain or shine!
We New Yorkers love our food trucks, and this was definitely a celebration of the food truck, with 20 trucks offering sample-sized items from their menus.
It was held at the Intrepid Air & Sea Museum, which has a scenic location on a pier on the Hudson River. The museum is actually a retired aircraft carrier with fighter jets and other aircraft (and now the space shuttle Enterprise) perched on top and around it.
Unique venues like this are one of the things I like most about Village Voice’s events. Previous events were held at an armory and an historic bank tower.
DJ Finger on the Pulse provided the soundtrack for the night. For $30 general admission and $50 VIP, this sold out event was a great deal.
Here are some of the highlights of Choice Streets.
A line had already formed 10 minutes before the doors opened!
From left: Bongo Brothers Cuban Food, Mexico Blvd, Solber Pupusas
From left: Valducci’s Original Pizza, Red Hook Lobster Pound, The King Falafel & Shawarma
Spicy Diablo hot dog from NYC Healthy Bites
VVeev, the world’s first acai spirit. They donate 1% of their sales to rain orest preservation.
Taim Mobile
From the top: Frites ‘N’ Meats, Morris Grilled Cheese Truck
Svedka
Choice Eats under the NY skyline
These tacos by Mexicue were especially tasty!
Jägermeister
Apparently I’m not the only one who love this place! (Wafels & Dinges)
Yum, Pisco cocktails!
Funky tights!
This blew my mind! Bacon maple cupcake from Cupcake Crew. It was as good as it looks.
Ewwy, gooey steak & cheese sandwich from Phil’s Steaks
Shock Top Beer
A beautiful night, but don’t let it fool you–it was cold and windy! -
Fashion you can eat up with @Babblefood
Babble.com writer Jenn Gimbel has posted up some amazing shots that will be sure to make you hungry (for food & to go shopping). Check out her blog post Project Yumway, and let us know which one you crave the most. These looks have been inspired by fall 2012 fashion shows!
Oxblood Hues | Red Velvet Nutella Cake in a Jar
Winter White | Meringue Snowflakes
Crazy Hats | Hat-shaped Marshmallow Pops
Mini Florals | Flower Cupcakes
Sharp Black and White Suiting | Oreo Pudding ParfaitWhat do you think of these delicious styles? Go to Project Yumway to check out even more looks and recipes!
Babble is a revolutionary online magazine for a generation of new parents.
Check them out on Facebook as well as on Twitter – @Babblefood
