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.”
Category Archives: Food, Culture and History
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”
Días de los Muertos: Food, Culture, and History
Discover the rich tapestry of Día de los Muertos, where food, family, and memory intertwine to honor those who have come before us. This blog dives into the delicious traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, exploring cultural rituals, the significance of ofrendas, and the history behind favorites like tamales and pan de muerto. WhetherContinue reading “Días de los Muertos: Food, Culture, and History”
Diwali: The Festival of Lights—History, Culture, and the Taste of Samosas
Celebrate Diwali, the vibrant Festival of Lights, through a journey of food, culture, and history. This blog and companion YouTube video explore how Diwali’s ancient traditions—lighting diyas, creating colorful rangolis, and gathering for prayers—symbolize hope and renewal. Readers who love cultural food storytelling will enjoy learning about traditional dishes like samosas, barfi, and gulab jamun, alongside a simple homemade samosa recipe perfect for first-time cooks. Discover the deeper meaning behind Diwali rituals and how food connects families across generations. On the ItsNickyLynn YouTube channel, experience these flavors and stories come to life with step-by-step cooking visuals and festival highlights. Ideal for audiences passionate about global food culture, culinary traditions, and heritage-inspired recipes, this Diwali feature blends history and taste into one heartwarming celebration. Join the community to cook, learn, and explore — where every recipe tells a story of light, love, and cultural connection.
It's Nicky Lynn 