The average life expectancy for men was 47 years old. Americans spent 1/3 of their income on food. Children remained under their parents’ roofs until they were married. Fuel for cars was only sold in drug stores. Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub. Only 8 percent of...
The turkey came originally from America and was first domesticated by the Aztecs in Mexico. The Spanish introduced turkeys into Europe and they soon became a popular choice in France, Italy and Britain. When early settlers from Britain, France and Holland crossed the Atlantic to North America, the vast flocks...
Saffron Highly prized as a dye, medication and culinary spice since Greek and Roman times, saffron is the stigma of a type of crocus, Crocus sativus, which was once grown all over Europe, including in England. It has a distinctive and lasting aroma, and a pleasant pungency if used sparingly....
Red Split Lentils The lentil is one of our oldest foods and a staple in many countries around the world. It originated in Asia and North Africa, and continues to be cultivated in those regions, as well as in France and Italy. Lentils are hard even when fresh, so they...
Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) has become a lively and fun commemoration of Mexican culture. The history behind Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war (1861-1867). Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in...
Culinary Adventures Part II We finally get to Paris and have to pick up our luggage. If you know me at all I do NOT travel light. Just one of my many shortcomings. Mr. G. is never really too happy about having to pick up my heavy bags all of...
Tiny New York Kitchen Is Away On A French And Italian Culinary Adventure! I will be checking in from time to time sharing photos and adventures from Brittany, Normandy and Rome.
Eggplant Essentials Eggplant (also known as Aubergine or Melongene) is an egg-shaped vegetable with a typically dark purple, shiny skin, though some are yellow or white. Eggplant was so named because the delicate white varieties that resemble eggs. Eggplant grows on a plant (Solanum Esculentum) in the nightshade family and...
Feast of Saint Medard June 8th is the Feast of Saint Medard. “Should Saint Medard’s day be wet It will rain for forty yet; At least until Saint Barnabas The summer sun won’t favor us” This is a saying in France, and in particular in Picardy, where Saint Medard was...
Feast of Corpus Christi The Feast of Corpus Christi (The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ) goes back to the early 1200s in medieval Europe. However, in 1264, Pope Urban IV decided to extend the Feast of Corpus Christi to the universal Church. He wanted to strengthen faith in...
