Every bite of a hot cross bun is more than just warm bread and sweet raisins. It’s a story baked into dough, a symbol of tradition, and a reminder of how food connects us across generations and cultures. The History Behind Hot Cross Buns Hot cross buns go back hundreds of years. Originating in England, these sweet, spiced buns marked with a cross were first baked to honor Good Friday in the Christian calendar. The cross represented the crucifixion, while the spices symbolized the spices used to embalm Jesus. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I even tried to ban them — except on Good Friday, Christmas, and for burials because they were considered too “special” for ordinary days. But the...
June 17th is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s National Strudel Day! And if you’ve ever bitten into a flaky, golden crust filled with warm apples, spiced meats, or creamy cheese, you already know that strudel is a slice of comfort wrapped in delicious layers. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or totally new to this European classic, today is the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the most satisfying pastries the world has ever known. What Is Strudel, Anyway? The word strudel comes from the German word for “whirlpool,” which is fitting since the classic strudel looks like a roll of dough swirling around its flavorful filling. Although strudel is most closely associated with Austrian and German cuisines,...
I tasted baked scallops for the first time at a cozy family dinner, the kind where the air is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the irresistible aroma of spices warming in the oven. My aunt, a passionate home cook, had perfected her baked scallops recipe—golden, buttery, and infused with a rich blend of spices that made every bite melt in my mouth. That dish was more than just seafood; it was an experience, a balance of textures and flavors that turned a regular evening into something unforgettable. And that’s the magic of baked scallops. Why Baked Scallops Deserve a Special Day Every year on March 12, we celebrate National Baked Scallops Day, a tribute to this elegant yet simple...
If happiness had a flavor, it would probably taste like strawberries. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with goodness, strawberries are more than just a delicious fruit—they’re a symbol of love, warmth, and the simple joys of life. And guess what? February 27th is National Strawberry Day! A Strawberry Surprise Last year, my niece, Tolu, visited from boarding school. She had one request: "Aunty, can we make something fun and yummy?" I opened the fridge, and there they were—a fresh batch of bright red strawberries waiting to be turned into something magical. Tolu’s eyes lit up as we brainstormed ideas. "Strawberry milkshake?" she suggested. "Strawberry pancakes?" I countered. "Ooooh, strawberry-infused zobo?" That was it! We blended fresh strawberries with hibiscus petals, added a...
Every year, on October 22nd, nut lovers around the world come together to celebrate National Nut Day. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating these tiny powerhouses of nutrition that bring joy, crunch, and a splash of flavor to our meals and snacks. This year, let's take a crunchy journey that highlights the unique role nuts play in our diets, particularly in African cuisine, and how you can spice things up with Flourish Spices! Growing up, I was a picky eater, and nuts were definitely not on my list of favorites. But as I got older, I started to appreciate the unique taste and texture of almonds, walnuts, and cashews. I even discovered peanut butters, which made a delicious spread for...
