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An Engaging Event, Chicago, IL (2025)

02/06/2025

Happy World Nutella and National Fondue Day !

What a day to celebrate this dynamic duo!
Fondue is a Swiss culinary invention. Though theirs was primarily cheese, they came up with the concept of fondue in the 1800s — thus paving the way for chocolate fondue to come later. Chocolate Fondue found its way into our hearts in the 1960’s. And, with it also being World Nutella Day, what a beautiful combination, Nutella is a combination of coco and hazelnuts. Founded in Italy, Nutella has become synonymous with the sweet chocolaty taste of pure heaven. So, do not wait until Valentine’s Day to celebrate love, start today with Nutella Fondue!

02/05/2025

Happy World Nutella and National Fondue Day !
What a day to celebrate this dynamic duo!
Fondue is a Swiss culinary invention. Though theirs was primarily cheese, they came up with the concept of fondue in the 1800s — thus paving the way for chocolate fondue to come later. Chocolate Fondue found its way into our hearts in the 1960’s. And, with it also being World Nutella Day, what a beautiful combination, Nutella is a combination of coco and hazelnuts. Founded in Italy, Nutella has become synonymous with the sweet chocolaty taste of pure heaven. So, do not wait until Valentine’s Day to celebrate love, start today with Nutella Fondue!

02/04/2025

Happy National Soup Day

The word ‘soup’ itself originated from the French word ‘soupe,’ which means broth. This French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word ‘suppa,’ which means a piece of soaked bread.
Soup has remained a popular dish throughout the globe for many years. Soup dates back as far as about 20,000 B.C. to before the time humans used modern cooking equipment or techniques. Boiling was a common practice in terms of how food was prepared and served. After the discovery of waterproof containers made out of clay, boiling became even more common and humans started cooking plants and animals. A vital element of their diet was liquid containing chunks of vegetables and/or meat.
I find it to be the perfect “comfort food.” Easy to make, it touches all of the senses. I love using my crockpot to slowly simmer my soup into a memory of pure deliciousness. What’s your favorite soup? Chicken Soup? Won Ton Soup? Corn Chowder? Vegetable Soup? Simple, easy and doesn’t have to cost much. You probably have all of the ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry to make a delicious soup!
My homemade Corn Soup!

02/04/2025

Happy National Medjool Date Day

Medjool dates, like many other delicious fruits, have existed in this world for centuries. Although dates originated around 5000 to 6000 B.C., they took time to spread worldwide. The two most popular dates are Medjool (aka “The king of Dates”) and Deglet Noor (“The queen of dates”) Medjool are softer and sweeter with a caramel like in flavor.

Advances in transportation technology enabled the global delivery of the fruit. Medjool dates, originally from Morocco, were introduced to Nevada in 1927. Introduced by Walter Swingle in the 20th century. Swingle was tasked by the U.S. government to identify exotic crops globally from there, the plantation grew in abundance.

Because of globalization and cultural exchanges, dates have gained recognition as a widely popular fruit. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, Medjool dates are rich in dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, B- family vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, and calcium. They provide energy and key minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Dates also contain vitamin K, sodium, and iron. They are great stuffed or eaten by themselves. Add them to your charcuterie board.

02/03/2025

Happy National Carrot Day

National Carrot Cake Day, on February 3, celebrates one of our favorite desserts. Carrots contain a natural sweetness that’s just perfect for cake. Many historians believe the cake originated in the Middle Ages when sugar and other sweeteners were scarce. (Carrots were used as a substitute.) The earliest known recipe for carrot cake can be found in a French cookbook published in 1827. Carrots contain lots of beta-carotene, which the liver converts to vitamin A, then converts to rhodopsin in the retina — and that gives you better night vision.

01/28/2025

Lamb Loin Chops with Fig Balsamic reduction. Marinated with Fig Balsamic Vinegar and Dry Rub Honey Killer Bee seasoning. I added fresh minced garlic and shallots. Seared with butter I added more seasoning and garlic, brown sugar and then deglazed with white wine. I let the lamb loin simmer with the lid on simmer for 6-8 minutes.

01/26/2025

I had a taste for steamed okra and tomato’s with caramelized onions and shallots. Perfect for Sunday dinner. ©️Donna Hodge

11/25/2024

I enjoyed making this multi layered hummus dip. The bottom layer is roasted red pepper hummus, I added extra roasted bell peppers. The middle is roasted garlic hummus and the top layer is Boursin cheese mixed with cream cheese mixed with seasoned chopped spinach. Served with Trader Joe’s crackers. A quick and easy appetizer to make. It’s the perfect holiday dish. appetizer

10/17/2024

Made a quick dinner tonight. this wonderful Trader Joe’s one time dumpling soup with bok choy, steamed carrots, baby Bellas, garlic, light, coconut milk with chicken broth, sautéed steamed bok choy with garlic add a little Trader Joe’s Thai Yellow Curry sauce, shoyu and a pinch of brown sugar. I tossed in Trader Joe’s, cilantro and chicken wontons so delicious quick and easy and healthy.

09/26/2024

It’s been a long while since I’ve posted on IG. But tonight I made teriyaki salmon with devil spinach and a wonderful salad with gochujang sauce by ShredHappens

07/11/2024

I enjoyed creating this wonderful dish broiled Lake superior whitefish seasoned with my new favorite Loisa salt, free adobo seasoning with extra Arlich, onion powder, and paprika. Drizzled with Chinola Mango liqueur. Drizzled with mango coconut curry sauce over jasmine rice, and sautéed asparagus. My tastebuds did a happy dance! Bon Appetit!

07/09/2024

Had a taste for Latin and Asian seasoned shrimp with soba noodles sautéed bell peppers with Vidalia onions, fresh garlic and steamed broccoli. What can I say! It was a memorable dish.

06/10/2024

Happy National Iced Tea Day

As the days get longer and the Summer solstice peaks around the corner, this marks the official greetings for Summer and all of its bounty. Along with the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables comes the soaring heat. What soothes the blistering heat besides a dip in the pool, lake or ocean....a nice glass of iced tea. Let's celebrate with a soothing glass of iced tea. Do you prefer sweetened or unsweetened? History records it that an English merchant by the name of Richard Belchynden brought the beverage to popularity during the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis temperatures began to soar. Belchynden served it hot but realized he had to change strategies and served it with ice.

Today, iced tea is enjoyed with many flavors. So enjoy a glass of iced tea instead of a carbonated beverage or a "cup of joe." Tea boasts more antioxidants and is so refreshing with or without a slice of lemon.

06/09/2024

Happy World Gin Day!

Gin's colorful history spans a vast timeline dating back to the Middle Ages. Beginning as medicinal now boasts a plethora of cocktails with a vast number of distilleries. The Juniper berries or conical shaped seeds are what give this spirit its unique flavor. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill preferred gin Martini's as well as Ernest Hemingway who liked his cocktail served in a frozen glass with more gin than vermouth while Churchill his elixir chilled with a ice and then strained into a glass. No matter, enjoy a sip of gin whether you prefer "shaken or stirred" or even neat.

05/06/2024

Happy Crêpes Suzette Day!

What is a Crêpes Suzette? This delicate dessert is a very thin pancake. One version of history says this iconic dish was created by mistake by a 14 year old assistant waiter Henry Carpentier (1880–1961) in 1895 at the Maitre at Monte Carlo’s Café de Paris. He prepared a dessert for the Prince of Wales, the future king Edward 7th (1841-1910) of England. Originally named Crêpes Princess, the Prince of Wales asked him to change the name to Suzette after a very distinguished guest at the table.

With a grand tableside presentation, Crêpes are usually eaten with different toppings such as Nutella, banana, confiture, or a sprinkling of sugar & lemon. If you want to do it the French way, try the Crêpe Suzette (with a sauce made of caramelized butter, sugar and orange juice, and flambéed with Grand Marnier!) Voila! Bon Appetit!

05/03/2024

Today is National Chocolate Custard Day!
Celebrate this wonderful and delicious pudding-like dessert enjoyed by many. Whether its in an elegant glass topped with chocolate shavings or stuffed in a sublime eclair - savor the moment of this simple yet delight dessert! Psst- drizzle a little chocolate liqueur in the dessert!

05/02/2024

Today is National Truffle Day

N. Petruccelli of Chambery, France is believed to be the inventor of the chocolate truffle in December 1895. Truffles became much more prevalent in 1902 after the Prestat Chocolate Shop opened in London. In fact, Prestat still sells "Napoleon III" truffles made to the original recipe. Traditionally, chocolatiers most commonly make this sweet confection with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate, icing, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or coconut. Oftentimes, you will find them filled with cream, melted chocolate, caramel, nuts, fruit, nougat, fudge, toffee, mint, marshmallow, or liqueur.

Oh, perhaps you were thinking of the other Truffles, considered the "real truffles." Truffles are actually a mushroom that grow underground near truffle oaks. They look similar to a small brown rock. These priceless underground mushrooms for about 4,000 years. They are mostly found in Italy, southern France, and Croatia. Truffle dogs and truffle dogs are specially trained to find truffle. Connoisseurs have their own Truffle Shaver. A real delicacy, they can be pricey, Truffle Oil tossed on french fries is a little easier on the wallet. Either way, whether its the sweet chocolate confection or the underground mushroom, Enjoy!

05/01/2024

May is National Egg Month

Enjoy them boiled, baked, fried or do you prefer scrambled. They are full of protein and are essential for baked goods. Who doesn't like Deviled Eggs! Any time of the year...Memorial Day is around the corner.

Eat Responsibly
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