The first time I ever watched an American Thanksgiving dinner on TV, I remember thinking, “Why is everyone gathered around this giant bird and cheering like they won the World Cup?”Roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, pies lined up like trophies—there was something magical about it. A celebration filled with warmth, gratitude, and… unforgettable food. Fast forward to now, many of us love the meaning behind it: pausing to say thank you, to gather with loved ones, and of course, to enjoy good food. And because we’re food lovers here, let’s explore some fun and tasty Thanksgiving facts you may not have heard before! Did You Know? Thanksgiving Edition 1. The First Thanksgiving Didn’t Have Turkey Yes, you read that right! The...
It was October 23rd, a seemingly ordinary day. But in the kitchens and food labs of history, something quietly remarkable was happening. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a bustling workshop in early 19th-century France. Candles flicker, wooden barrels line the walls, and a determined inventor kneels over a strange bowl, sealing jars of food in glass containers. That inventor: Nicolas Appert, the pioneer of food canning. Born in 1749–1752, Appert would eventually publish his findings after 14 years of trial, error and persistence and play a crucial role in how we preserve food today. Meanwhile, across the ocean and closer to what we might call comfort dessert territory, another food story was unfolding. Because yes, on this...
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...
