Ingredients 1 large napa cabbage (about 2–3 pounds) 1/4 cup non‑iodized salt (sea or kosher) Water (enough to dissolve salt and cover cabbage) 1/4–1/2 cup Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), to taste 6–8 garlic cloves, minced 1–2 inches fresh ginger, minced 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, helps fermentation) 2–3 green onions, sliced 1 small carrot orContinue reading “Salt, Spice, and Survival: The Origin Story of a Korean Staple”
Category Archives: Food, Culture and History
Taco-Papusa Night
A simple taco night quickly took a flavorful detour, turning into an adventure with spicy pupusas—an improvised dish rooted in thousands of years of Latin American history and culture. It was a regular Tuesday afternoon. The kitchen was clean, groceries were getting low, and I just knew Tacos were my best chance at filling theContinue reading “Taco-Papusa Night”
Bolo de Rei – A spin on a cultural tradition.
During Christmas Portuguese tables around the world will hold a special place for the Bolo de Rei, or Kings Bread. It’s a tradition to commemorate the Epiphany- the day the three kings found the baby Jesus and presented him with the gifts of gold, frankincense, and mur. Also traditionally the final day of the 12Continue reading “Bolo de Rei – A spin on a cultural tradition.”
Spinach Dip and Bread: The Must-Have Dish at Every Gathering
An Irresistible Offering In my family, there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to make an appearance at every gathering—my aunt’s Spinach Dip with Bread. Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or a simple Sunday get-together, as soon as the door opens and I see her arms full of bread and that unmistakable bowl wrapped in foil, IContinue reading “Spinach Dip and Bread: The Must-Have Dish at Every Gathering”
Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Casserole—my aunt’s holiday specialty, a dish made just for me every Christmas.
Every Christmas Eve, our family would attend Mass together and then gather at my aunt’s house for a festive dinner and exchanging gifts. Since I was in middle school, my aunt has gone out of her way to make a spinach, mushroom, and cheese casserole just for me—a dish I look forward to all year.Continue reading “Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Casserole—my aunt’s holiday specialty, a dish made just for me every Christmas.”
Arroz Doce: A Family Tradition from the Azores-Sweet Memories and Cinnamon Patterns
Arroz Doce: Rice, Memory, and Portuguese History History and Origins Rice pudding itself can be traced to ancient Asia, and sweet rice concoctions traveled westward during medieval times, spreading along trade routes through India, Persia, and into Moorish Spain—a journey that eventually touched Portugal during the Moorish period beginning in the 8th century. Rice wasContinue reading “Arroz Doce: A Family Tradition from the Azores-Sweet Memories and Cinnamon Patterns”
A Craving, a Survivor, and a Kitchen Adventure
As the week wore on and the leftovers from Halloween dwindled, there sat one last small pumpkin on my counter—stranded, almost forgotten, and definitely too cute (and tasty) to toss. Meanwhile, a different kind of craving was simmering: I wanted something bold and Asian for dinner, but not the usual suspects. I wasn’t after ChineseContinue reading “A Craving, a Survivor, and a Kitchen Adventure”
Plum Cobbler Crisp with Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
Sometimes, Southern hospitality arrives in the form of a box of freshly picked fruit. When our neighbor handed my husband a box brimming with ripe, dark plums, it was clear these beauties deserved a dessert that honors their vibrant flavor and our family’s inherited sweet tooth. In true Southern tradition, we decided to whip upContinue reading “Plum Cobbler Crisp with Hazelnut Coffee Creamer”
Ancient Royal Greens
Molokhia, also known as jute mallow or Jew’s mallow, is a beloved leafy green vegetable and soup with deep roots in Egyptian history dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Revered as “the food of kings,” this nutrient-dense green earned its name from the Arabic word “mulukiya,” meaning royal, reflecting its status as aContinue reading “Ancient Royal Greens”
All Souls’ Day — Remembering Through Food, Culture, and Shared Stories
Food as Memory and Ritual Food is more than nourishment—it’s a vessel of memory, ritual, and identity. The flavors that fill a kitchen carry echoes of those who came before us: a grandmother’s recipe, a scent rising from the stove, a meal prepared on a sacred day. Across time and cultures, food has remained humanity’sContinue reading “All Souls’ Day — Remembering Through Food, Culture, and Shared Stories”
It's Nicky Lynn 