Tradition Meets Ancient History No Christmas morning in my childhood home was complete without a spread of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sweet coffee cake, and—most important of all—my stepmom’s Salsa Verde Cheese Grits. Creamy, savory, and comforting, this dish traces back nearly 35 years in our family. But the roots run even deeper: grits themselvesContinue reading “Salsa Verde Cheese Grits: An Accidental Christmas Morning Classic”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Bread: The Loaf That Traveled With Humanity
Bread is one of the oldest prepared foods in the world, and its story begins long before farms, cities, or ovens. Archaeologists have found charred, flatbread-like crumbs at a site in northeastern Jordan dating to around 14,400 years ago, showing that hunter-gatherers of the Natufian culture were grinding wild einkorn and roots into flour andContinue reading “Bread: The Loaf That Traveled With Humanity”
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”
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.
A little back story about my family heritage
My grandmother Theresa was born in the Azores Islands of Portugal in 1941. She was the 5th child of 9 kids. Born and raised on the island of Faial, Theresa aspired to become a Carmelite Sister. On her 18th birthday Theresa, her parents, and her 8 siblings left the Azores and emigrated to the UnitedContinue reading “A little back story about my family heritage”
It's Nicky Lynn 