Famous Flavors

Sichuan Peppercorns: A Fiery Departure Sichuan Peppercorns: A Fiery Departure (image credits: wikimedia) Sichuan peppercorns, known for their unique numbing sensation, have been a staple in many international cuisines. However, the US-China trade war has significantly affected its availability. The tariffs imposed have made importing these peppercorns expensive, leading to a decline in their presence in American markets. Restaurants that once prided themselves on authentic Sichuan dishes are now scrambling for alternatives. This has not only affected the culinary landscape but also the farmers in China who rely on exporting these peppercorns. The complexity of trade negotiations has left many … Read more

1. Avocado: The Green Gold 1. Avocado: The Green Gold (image credits: pixabay) Avocados have become a staple in many cuisines, especially in the United States. However, tariffs on Mexican avocados could lead to a significant price increase, making them less accessible. In 2022, the U.S. imported over 3.3 billion pounds of avocados from Mexico, which accounted for 80% of the country’s supply. If tariffs rise, restaurants may opt to remove avocados from their menus to avoid passing costs onto consumers. This could lead to a decline in popular dishes like guacamole and avocado toast. The potential disappearance of avocados … Read more

The Spider Skimmer: Asia’s Gift to Global Kitchens The Spider Skimmer: Asia’s Gift to Global Kitchens (Image Credits: Wikimedia) A spider (simplified Chinese: 笊篱; traditional Chinese: 笊籬; pinyin: zhàolí) is a type of skimmer prevalent in East Asian cuisine in the form of a wide shallow wire-mesh basket with a long handle, used for removing hot food from a liquid or skimming foam off when making broths. The name is derived from the wire pattern, which looks like a spider’s web. This deceptively simple tool has become a favorite among professional chefs because of its reliability and versatility. It has … Read more

Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries – The Windmill Empire Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries – The Windmill Empire (Image Credits: Flickr) Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries was founded in 1915 as a Los Angeles potato chip stand by Theodore J. Van de Kamp, his sisters Marian and Henrietta, and Henrietta’s husband Lawrence L. Frank, all recent transplants from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first stand was operated from an eight foot frontage at 236 ½ South Spring Street adjacent to the Saddle Rock Café – the very heart of Los Angeles at the time. Due to a potato shortage … Read more

The Power of Berries in Blood Sugar Management The Power of Berries in Blood Sugar Management (Image Credits: Pixabay) Wild blueberries are considered a low glycemic index fruit, with a score of 53. Fresh strawberries, blackberries and raspberries typically have glycemic index scores below 40, while blueberries have a score around 53. This makes them exceptionally beneficial for people managing blood glucose levels. Commonly consumed berries, especially cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, ameliorate postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in overweight or obese adults with insulin resistance, and in adults with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In non-acute long-term studies, these berries either … Read more

The Rise of Plant-Based Diets The Rise of Plant-Based Diets (image credits: unsplash) Over the past few years, plant-based diets have been gaining significant traction. From 2004 to 2019, there was a whopping 300% increase in the number of Americans who identified as vegan, as highlighted by the Vegetarian Resource Group. This shift has sparked interest in meals that are both nutritious and flavorful. Enter oven-baked falafel pitas – a perfect fusion of health and taste. They offer a delightful meal option that is easy to prepare at home while providing the same satisfaction as dining out. What Makes Falafel … Read more

Rise of Plant-Based Diets Rise of Plant-Based Diets (image credits: wikimedia) The surge in plant-based diets is impossible to ignore, with many people opting for vegetarian and vegan options. As reported by the Plant-Based Foods Association in 2022, the plant-based food market in the U.S. has reached a notable $7 billion, marking a 27% growth from the previous year. This shift is not just about health but also about sustainability and ethical eating. Seitan, known for its meat-like texture and versatility, has become a frontrunner among meat alternatives. At summer food festivals, seitan skewers are becoming a hit, aligning with … Read more

Chocolate Avocado Mousse Chocolate Avocado Mousse (image credits: rawpixel) Chocolate mousse has long been a favorite indulgence, but by adding avocados, it transforms into a dessert that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for mental health. Avocados are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins, which have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. As noted in the *Journal of Nutrition*, omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in avocados, are linked to lower depression levels. To create this nutritious treat, blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder, honey, and a splash of vanilla extract. This creamy mousse not only … Read more

Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Classic (Image Credits: Wikimedia) Born in the lean postwar years, this casserole had worked its way so deeply into the middle-class kitchen that by the 1970s it barely needed an introduction. It’s easy to see why, as it relies on ingredients that could survive in a suburban cabinet for months – egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and canned tuna, as well as a topping of crumbs, cornflakes, or potato chips gave it crunch as it baked. Today, it’s still one of those recipes that every family … Read more

Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc (Image Credits: Unsplash) The amount of sodium lurking in processed foods would shock most consumers. Americans consume more than 3,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, on average. This is well above the federal recommendation of less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily for teens and adults as part of a healthy eating pattern. This excess isn’t coming from your salt shaker at home. Adults in the United States consume up to 70% of their sodium from processed foods such as soups, tomato sauce, condiments and canned goods. … Read more