WHAT IS A BAZLAMA? This is a traditional flat bread native to Turkey. In appearance it’s similar to an Indian naan. In their native Turkey, villages will cook them over a wood fire. Interestingly the size of the wood fire is not consistent, and varies in proportion to the size of the family. Much like […]
Blog
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Campari Tomato
WHAT IS A CAMPARI TOMATO? This cocktail tomato hybrid is a relatively new member of the tomato family. It was created in the late 20th century not in Italy but in Holland by a Dutch seed company! Sometimes mistaken for cherry tomatoes, the Campari is different in a few important ways. It’s larger in size, […]
TOP 10 “LADY & THE TRAMP” RECIPES FOR SHARING
10. Fusilli Carbonara with Frisee and Lemon This recipe from Martha Stewart is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The mix of red, yellow and green colors makes this a dish that just grabs your attention. If your budget is a little tight and a good quality Parmesan cheese is just too expensive, try […]
FOOD FIGHT!! CACAO – Arriba vs Trinitario
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the week! In the category of Culinary Boxing here at Chef’s Mandala, we have weighing in at 3 ounces from Trinidad and Tobago, please welcome Trinitario! His opponent, also weighing in at 3 ounces from Ecuador, please welcome Arriba! LET’S GET READY TO RRRRR…….HAVE A SPIRITED DEBATE ON […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Rutabaga
WHAT IS RUTABAGA? The name comes from the Swedish word rotabagge which means “baggy root.” Also sold under the name Swedish turnip, this root vegetable is a member of the cabbage family. A cabbage-turnip hybrid, it tastes like a richer, more mellow-flavored turnip. Available in a number of colors ranging from purple to white, it’s […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Raspberry
WHAT IS A RASPBERRY? First created in the 1600s in Europe, these “berries” are actually edible fruits. They’re in the same family as bananas, avocados and cucumbers. The raspberry is technically not a berry but rather a cluster of drupes a.k.a. stone fruits. This ingredient’s name applies to both the fruit and the plant itself. […]
TOP 9 “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN” RECIPES FOR GOING TO THE BEACH
9. California Turkey Club Wrap From the website Tastes Lovely comes this recipe which is 1930s and 40s classic! Like a burrito, wraps are a ready to eat, one-handed meal delivery system for your mouth. Feeling a bit classy, cut your club into bite-size portions and whip out the toothpicks. 8. Cous Cous and Roasted Asparagus Salad […]
FOOD FIGHT!! PASTA – Spaghetti vs. Bucatini
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the week! In the pasta category of Culinary Boxing here at Chef’s Mandala, we have weighing in at 17.6 ounces from Gragnano, Italy please welcome spaghetti! His opponent, also weighing in at 17.6 ounces from Naples, Italy please welcome Bucatini! LET’S GET READY TO RRRRR…….HAVE A SPIRITED DEBATE […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Red Radish
WHAT IS A RADISH? Also known as the European radish, this root vegetable has become the ambassador for all turnips. With its red skin, white flesh and circular to oblong shape it provides a beautiful color contrast to any recipe. They are an annual crop that grows quickly (3 to 4 weeks) in moderate temperatures. […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Peanut Pumpkin
WHAT IS A PEANUT PUMPKIN? To some this pumpkin might look like it’s in desperate need of a dermatologist. But this French heirloom is actually one of the most unique and delicious pumpkins around! With a delicate pink hue and an almost bark-like covering of “peanuts”, it has some of the sweetest flesh of any […]
TOP 7 “FORREST GUMP” JOGGING RECIPES
7. Sweet Potato & Kale Breakfast Salad The refreshing change of flavor and burst of carbohydrates make this recipe from Isabel Eats a delicious reward after wrapping up a nice jog! 6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites This recipe from My Fitness Pal is great as a finger food for a lazy winter weekend snack or for […]
FOOD FIGHT!! TRUFFLES – Fresh vs. Oil
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the week! In the category of Culinary Boxing here at Chef’s Mandala, we have weighing in at 4 ounces from Italy, please welcome truffle oil! His opponent, weighing in at 6 ounces also from Italy, please welcome fresh truffles! LET’S GET READY TO RRRRR…….HAVE A SPIRITED DEBATE ON […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF SEAFOOD – Sturgeon
WHAT ARE STURGEON? These gigantic, armored fish can grow over 11 feet (3.3 meters) tall and weigh over 1,000 lbs (453 kg. most of which is muscle), and live for up to 100 years. Made famous due to their eggs being the basis of caviar, this fish is like the rhino of the sea. Covered in […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF MEAT – heart (chicken)
WHAT IS A CHICKEN HEART? This muscle while smaller in size beats up to 4 times faster then a normal human heart. It has 4 chambers much like a human heart with smoother ventricles to minimize friction under the higher pressure. While this bird’s heart is technically not considered offal, it’s labeled as such. Offal is defined […]
FOOD FIGHT!! HOT SAUCE – Shark vs. Rooster
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the week! In the category of Culinary Boxing here at Chef’s Mandala, we have weighing in at 24 ounces from Thailand, please welcome Shark Sriracha! His opponent, weighing in at 28 ounces from California, please welcome Rooster Sriracha! LET’S GET READY TO RRRRR…….HAVE A SPIRITED DEBATE ON FOOD!!! […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Cortland Apple
WHAT IS A CORTLAND APPLE? This McIntosh variety thrives in cold-weather climates and can be found mostly in New York State and Canada. Originally bred in the early 1900’s, it’s a cross between a McIntosh and Ben Davis apple. They tend to be sweet with a hint of sourness and beautiful snow-white flesh. Their hardiness […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – One-Too-Many Pumpkin
WHAT IS A ONE-TOO-MANY-PUMPKIN? Also known as the Bloodshot Eyeball, One-Too-Many Pumpkin is named for its similarity to a drunken visage. Famous for their creamy white coloration streaked with shades of red or orange, they grow up to 20 lbs (9 kg.) in size. With an appearance radically different from classics like the cheese pumpkin, […]
FOOD FIGHT!! TOMATOES – Sicily vs. Campania
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the week! In the category of Culinary Boxing here at Chef’s Mandala, we have weighing in at 4 ounces from Campania, Italy, please welcome San Marzano tomatoes! His opponent, weighing in at half an ounce from a remote southern island, please welcome Sicilian cherry tomatoes! LET’S GET READY […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Red Bliss Potato
WHAT IS A RED BLISS POTATO? With their bright red skin and smooth white flesh this potato has become a favorite ingredient in soups and baked dishes. This is because red or waxy potatoes tend to be much lower in starch then many of their cousins. High starch tubers like the Idaho are popular in […]
ARCHAEOLOGY OF BREAD – Arepas
WHAT IS AN AREPAS? Arepas are also known as corn pancakes. For thousands of years, this Latin American recipe has consisted of maize kernels soaked, ground then formed into patties and cooked. Created several hundred years ago by the Timoto-Cuica, this recipe was a staple among the tribes of Venezuelan and Colombia. Today this pancake […]
