A Gastro Windmill in Spain
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History Spain
"What giants?" said Sancho Panza. "Those thou seest there," answered his master, "with the long arms, and some have them nearly two leagues long." "Look, your worship," said Sancho; "what we see there are not giants but windmills, and what seem to be their arms are the sails that turned by the wind make the millstone go." "It is easy to see," replied Don Quixote, "that thou art not used… Read
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Recipe for Mexican Chiltomate Sauce
Filed Under Food History, Recipes Mexico
Do you know where tomatoes come from? They first grew in the western part of South America, and were subsequently cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas over a thousand years ago before being introduced into Europe during the Sixteenth Century. Hailing from Mexico's Yucatan region, Chiltomate is considered one of the world's oldest tomato sauces. It is both easy to make and delicious, and is traditionally served with grilled meats.… Read
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Mardi Gras Treats
Filed Under Food History, Special Occasions France, Italy, USA
It's Mardi Gras, the last day of Carnival in European countries, the day before heading into the austere Lenten season. This generally means indulging one last time before swearing off the good stuff like sweets, alcohol, and meat. There are tons of fabulous Mardi Gras treats - many of them liquid - to be found around the world. We're feature a few of our favorite Mardi Gras pastries. Celebrate Carnevale… Read
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Tamales, Tamales!
Filed Under Food History, Special Occasions Mexico, USA
The tamal or tamale dates back to as early as 7000 BC in ancient Mesoamerican history when Aztec women would tag along as cooks during battles. Because battles were long and far from home, sustainable food that was portable and easily heated was required and because tamales could be premade in large quantities, they quickly became popular. According to history, tamales were originally buried in hot ashes. Later the Aztecs… Read
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Food for Thought
Filed Under Food History, Travel Tips Italy
We get many travelers looking for a farm to table vacation or a cooking vacation that supports sustainable agriculture. But what is sustainable agriculture? Sustainable agriculture focuses on the techniques used during the production of food, animals, fiber or other plant products to protect the environment, human communities, animal welfare, and public health. The farm of one of our favorite chefs in Puglia, Peppe, embodies the idea of sustainable agriculture.… Read
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Homemade Ancient Grain Pasta with "Sugo Finto"
Filed Under Food History, Kitchen Tips, Recipes Italy
We're visiting one again with our favorite new chef, Andrea of our Living the Real Tuscan Dream cooking vacation in Italy. Andrea not only shares his recipes - he shares his passion for food and his knowledge as a food historian. The Pasta Andrea explains: "The Mediterranean Diet - the name says it all - originates in precisely those countries that face the Mediterranean basin. This model of nutrition was… Read
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