Prior to 2014, U.S. states and Canadian provinces each had separate systems for grading their maple syrup. The objective was to quantify the syrup’s distinct range of colors and flavors as the sugaring season progressed. Early in the season, sap tends to yield a lighter, more delicate syrup with vanilla flavor notes. As the weeks go by, darker syrup with stronger, deeper flavor is produced. Whatever the color and flavor, all pure maple syrup has a maple sugar content of 66.9%.
Where there used to be three grades (A through C), all pure maple syrup is now considered Grade A, and consumers must shift their attention to the descriptive language found after the letter grade. Those adjectives have also changed to give more detail.
Golden Color & Delicate Taste: The lightest and most delicate syrup, best enjoyed in poured-over form; formerly known as “Fancy.”
Amber Color & Rich Flavor: Amid-season syrup, darker and more robust. Good for glazes, baking, and stirring into cocktails or over hot cereal; formerly known as Dark Amber or Grade B.
Very Dark & Strong Flavor: The darkest and most intense of all the grades, it’s suited to use in recipes that call for molasses. Until recently, this syrup wasn’t sold to consumers: it went to candy and commercial food producers for maple-flavored products. Formerly known as Grade C.
“Work With What You Got!”
©Tiny New York Kitchen © 2018 All Rights Reserved
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 Mexico. In the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen © 2016 All Rights Reserved
HONORING ALL VETERANS ON THIS VETERANS DAY 2015 Today, and every day, we thank you. I honor my father, who was in the Air Force stationed in Morocco, which is where my parents met and my life began. I honor all of those who have served (and continue to serve) our nation and my Revolutionary War ancestors, who helped create this great nation.
Thank you all!”Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen © 2015 All Rights Reserved
The Vineyard Open Land Foundation maintains an organic cranberry bog in the hills of Lambert’s Cove. The bog is a rarity because only about 1 percent of the U.S. and Canada’s cranberries are grown organically. Old wooden machines are still used to harvest, winnow, and sort the berries.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen © 2015 All Rights Reserved
Flag Day
In America, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the United States flag, which happened on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on this date. Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day. In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress, however Flag Day is not an official federal holiday.
On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdate.
New York Statutes designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.
Possibly the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is in Fairfield, Washington. Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the “Centennial” parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events.
Quincy, Massachusetts has had an annual Flag Day parade since 1952, and claims it “is the longest-running parade of its kind in the nation.”
The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York, which bases its parade on the Quincy parade and typically draws at least 50,000 spectators.
The Three Oaks, Michigan Flag Day parade is held annually on the weekend of Flag Day and is a three-day event. They claim to have the largest Flag Day parade in the nation as well as the oldest.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen All Rights Reserved
In Remembrance Of Those Who Protect Us!
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, but is also associated with popular symbols such as eggs, candy, bunnies and food. Here is a look at the origins of these beloved symbols.
The Easter Lily
The white blossoms of the lily symbolizes the purity of Jesus. The trumpet-shaped flower that blooms in the spring also symbolizes new life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. People use the flower to celebrate and enjoy the very essence of the Easter season.
Hot Cross Buns
A favorite during spring and the Easter season. Hot cross buns are a sweet, yeast leavened, spiced roll made with currants or raisins. They have long been a symbol of Good Friday. Each bun has an icing cross on top to signify the crucifixion.
The Butterfly
The butterfly’s unique life cycle is meant to symbolize the life of Jesus Christ. The first stage, the caterpillar, stands for his life on Earth. The cocoon stage portrays the crucifixion and the burial of Jesus. The final stage, the colorful butterfly, represents Jesus rising from the dead and the resurrection.
Easter Baskets
In Germany, children made nests in which the “Osterhase” or Easter Bunny could lay his colored eggs. The nests were replaced with baskets once the tradition was brought to the United States and the Easter contents were expanded to include candy and other treats.
Easter Ham
In the United States ham has become a traditional Easter dish. In the early days, meat was slaughtered in the fall. There was no refrigeration so the fresh pork that wasn’t consumed during the winter was cured for spring. This made ham a natural choice for the celebratory Easter dinner.
Easter Egg Hunts & Rolls
The first official White House egg roll took place in 1878 under the presidency of Rutherford Hayes. Egg hunts and rolls have no religious connection, but some will point out that the roll is a symbolic act for the removal of the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb.
Easter Parade
The origin of Easter parades dates back to the mid-1800’s in New York City. The wealthy used Easter as an opportunity to show off their new spring wardrobe by walking up and down Fifth Avenue after church. Soon the less fortunate started showing up to watch the spectacle and a tradition was born.
Easter Candy
Second only to Halloween in candy sales, Easter is a holiday for children and adults with a serious sweet tooth. Chocolate eggs and candy shaped like bunnies or eggs are extremely popular. Also, jelly beans are often associated with the holiday due to their egg-like shape.
The Egg
Easter eggs are likely linked to pagan traditions, but eggs have long been used to celebrate spring and the idea of renewal. It’s not unusual that in almost all ancient cultures, eggs are held as a symbol of life. At the Passover Seder, a hardboiled egg dipped in salt water symbolizes both new life and the Passover sacrifice offered at the Temple of Jerusalem.
The Easter Bunny
The cute furry creature is certainly not mentioned in the Bible, but has nonetheless become the most well-known symbol for the spring holiday. The Easter Bunny’s origins are not entirely known, but some stories date his arrival in the United States back to the 1700’s when German immigrants brought their tradition of an egg laying hare called “Osterhase” to the country. Much like children leave cookies for Santa, boys and girls leave carrots out for the Easter Bunny in case he got tired from hopping around all night.
My Birthday Present! I have wanted a decked out picnic basket for years! One of my favorite things to do is travel around the U.S. and Europe packing little picnics. Now I can do it in style!
Today is Labor Day and I am going on a picnic with my new picnic basket.
The menu is:
Fried Chicken
https://www.tinynewyorkkitchen.com/olympic-fried-chicken/
Green Olives
Boston Baked Beans
https://www.tinynewyorkkitchen.com/boston-baked-beans/
Picnic Perfect Pasta Salad
https://www.tinynewyorkkitchen.com/picnic-perfect-pasta-salad/
Fresh Blueberry & Mango Cake
https://www.tinynewyorkkitchen.com/fresh-blueberry-mango-cake/