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Sunday, October 4, 2026

Exotic Fruit: Do You Heart Persimmons?

Fuyu persimmon is a fruit that ripens in the fall season and should be included in the American cornucopia or “horn of plenty”. 

It is sweet and has a beautiful color! It makes for a beautiful ornamental plant. It attracts birds, so you might want to put a cage around it.


Fuyu Persimmon Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu'
~ Other Common Name(s): Fuyu Kaki


There are two other varieties of the persimmon that I know of: Cinnamon Persimmons (also called Percinnamons); and Hachiya Persimmons. This fruits is native to China and Japan.  But there is also an American persimmon.

persimmons
  • According to folklore, if you crack open a persimmon seed from a ripe fruit and the shape inside (called a cotyledon) looks like a fork, winter will be mild; if you see a spoon, there will be a lot of snow, and if there is a knife, winter will be bitingly cold and “cut like a knife.” (Source: Farmer's Almanac)

You can make cookies, pies, breads, and jam with it. Slice or dice them like apples, and you can put them in salads if you like fruit in your salad. Instead of apples with your roasted pork, substitute persimmons. You can dehydrate them and eat them like chips!
  • FUN FOOD FACT: You can freeze persimmons whole. Then, when ready to eat, take them out of the freezer, let them stand for 20 minutes to soften up, cut off the top, take a spoon, and DIVE IN!
Here are some wonderful recipes collected by Yummy Mummy Kitchen and Martha Stewart.

20 Persimmon Recipes  

12 Persimmon Recipes Everyone Should Make This Fall
 
~ 





Friday, October 2, 2026

FOODIE FRIDAY: Who Do We Thank for Inventing the Doughnut?

FOOD HISTORY: Who Invented Doughnuts?

(REF:  Kennedy, Lesley. “Who Invented Doughnuts?” HISTORY, 29 Sep. 2026, https://www.history.com/articles/doughnuts-invented.)

A truly excellent question. Donut lovers want to know who to thank. LOL.

No one knows who truly invented the doughnut. However, the doughnut hole is often credited to Hanson Gregory, but the claim is disputed. They say Captain Hanson Gregory invented the ring-shaped doughnut in 1847 by cutting a hole in the center of fried dough to ensure it cooked evenly. Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't.

(“Captain Hanson Gregory - The Inventor of the Doughnut.” Turtle Bunbury Histories, 2 Jun. 2023, https://turtlebunbury.com/document/doughnut/.)

Here's what we know.

Fried dough dates back thousands of years in many cultures, including Chinese, Greek, Roman, and Turkish cuisines. Modern doughnuts evolved from Dutch "oil cakes."

Adolph Levitt invented a doughnut-making machine in 1920, and doughnuts became a national American favorite sweet treat.

(GENGER, BY ARYEH. “The Mouthwatering True Jewish Story of Adolph Levitt and His Marvelous Donut Machine.” St. Louis Jewish Light, 20 Nov. 2023, https://stljewishlight.org/jewishfood/the-mouthwatering-true-jewish-story-of-adolph-levitt-and-his-marvelous-donut-machine/.)

They became a breakfast staple because they paired well with coffee and are now a major part of American food culture.

In the USA, the most popular doughnut brands are Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts.

My favorite? A custard-filled donut with chocolate frosting is a classic pastry, commonly known as a Boston Cream Donut, featuring a soft, yeast-raised dough injected with vanilla pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze.

Boston Cream donut

I usually buy them from a grocery store. But here's a recipe if you want to make your own.

Hope you enjoyed these fun facts about “doughnut food history”.



glitter-graphics.com


PREVIOUS FOODIE FRIDAY POSTS:

Thursday, October 1, 2026

How Do You Like Them Apples? Like 'Em? I Love 'Em!

In the USA, October is the month we celebrate Halloween, pizza, and apples. 

I especially like the fact that October is National Apple Month. 

It was founded as National Apple Week in 1904 and later expanded to the entire month of October. Apples are such a delightful fruit and come in numerous varieties. There is a variety for practically every letter of the alphabet, including the letter Z. The variety is called Zestar. 


Apples in Legends, Myths and Folklore

  • Ever Hear of Johnny Appleseed?

From childhood, I have heard all kinds of stories about apples. The story I remember vividly is the one about Johnny Appleseed. As a child I remember hearing the story about a man who walked everywhere in America and everywhere he went, he dropped apple seeds on the ground and apple trees grew. That’s not really true. It is true that he was a real person and not a legend. His real name is John Chapman (1774 – 1845) who became known as Johnny Appleseed. He introduced apple trees to various parts of America such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. It’s not just the fact that he planted the trees which contributed to the environment. He was also a very kindhearted man and became known for his acts of charity, as well as his conservation efforts. It made him somewhat of a folk hero.

Image Credit:  John Chapman (1774 –1845), aka Johnny Appleseed


Other Legends and Myths About Apples

  • Is it in the Bible?

An apple is not mentioned in the Garden of Eden. Neither the Old or New Testament specifically state what the forbidden fruit was that Adam and Eve ate. However, for years people have insisted that it was an apple. Eating it caused them to be driven out of the Garden of Eden. An apple? Not sure why. (O.o)

Non-Biblical Myths

In Greek mythology, it was said that a golden apple is what caused the Trojan War. “The war originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, after Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, gave them a golden apple, sometimes known as the Apple of Discord, marked 'for the fairest'.”
In Norse mythology, it was believed that apples held the key to immortality. The name of the Norse goddess who was the keeper of the apples was Iðunn. Her name means “ever young”.
The Celtic people buried apples with the dead. To the Celts the apple was sacred and it was associated with rebirth. Excavators have found graves dating back 5,000 years that had petrified apple slices.
In ancient Silesia (now modern-day Poland), people believed if they slept under an apple tree, it would induce dreams; and if a young woman put an apple under her pillow on New Year’s Eve, she would dream of her future husband.


How Do You Like Your Apples?

Apples can be eaten raw. Just pick them right off the tree. Bake them in pies, make cobblers, cookies, brownies, put them in salads, turn them into jelly, and more. My favorite way to enjoy apples? Apple pie. YUM! What about you?

Content previously published via 100Springs. (site shut down.)


glitter-graphics.com



QOD (Question of the Day): Homemade Pizza or Buddha's Delight?

In America, October is National Pizza Month!

Watched parts of two new cooking shows and was torn between them because both brand-new episodes aired at the same time on different channels. (NO! I never learned how to program a VCR! And now it no longer matters.)
  • On one show, a guy who lives on a farm was making pizza. He had milked the cow that morning and used the fresh milk to make mozzarella cheese from scratch.
  • On the other show, a woman was visiting a farm and preparing dishes using freshly picked produce. One of the dishes she served was a vegetable platter featuring all kinds of root vegetables sliced paper-thin like potato chips, only raw instead of cooked.

QOD (Question of the Day):

If you had to choose between pizza and a veggie delight for your last supper, which would you pick?

Some folks call an all-vegetable platter Buddha's Delight.  Check out this recipe for 
Buddha's Delight Pizza. Since a veggie delight can be converted into a pizza, the question becomes: homemade or delivery?

If it's my last supper, even though I know there's a veggie delight pizza, I'm going with a pizza LOADED with meat and veggies!  Extra large. Extra cheese.  Also, it wouldn't be homemade because I prefer to leave pizza-making to the experts.  It's my last supper, and I'm not going to screw it up by trying to make the pizza myself!  Homemade pizza has never been my specialty.  Keepin' it real!

And finally, I'm not sharing!🍕
☺   


Four (4) Fun Facts About Pizza:


(1)  While modern pizza was born in Naples, Italy, people in ancient civilizations were eating flatbreads with toppings long before that. The Greeks, Romans, and Persians all had their own versions.

(2)  The word "pizza" was first recorded in Italy in the year 997.

(3)  Before pizza became a worldwide favorite, it was considered simple street food for ordinary people in Naples.


REFERENCE:
Cartwright, Ollie. “Where Did Pizza Originate? The Naples Story.” Let’s Foodie, 22 Jul. 2026, https://letsfoodie.com/what-is-the-history-of-pizza/.


(4)  Did you know this pizza was named after a queen?
According to a popular legend, in 1889 a Neapolitan pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito created a pizza to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples. The queen supposedly liked that particular pizza so much that it was named after her. And so, in conclusion, it was named after Queen Margherita of Italy. The toppings, tomatoes (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green), were said to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Whether the story is completely true or not, it's still one of the most famous pizza tales around.

REFERENCE:
Segan, Francine. “The True Story of Pizza Margherita, a Food Fit for a Queen.” La Cucina Italiana, 14 Dec. 2021, https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/italian-food/italian-dishes/the-true-story-of-pizza-margherita-a-food-fit-for-a-queen.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Foodie Nuggets: Frozen Meals - They May Not Be the Most Popular Brand, But I Trust Them

Frozen dinners in the United States were pioneered through several stages, beginning with military and airline meals in the 1940s before C.A. Swanson & Sons popularized the iconic "TV Dinner" in 1954.

These days, you can go to the grocery store and see many different brands of frozen dinners – Marie Callender, Michelina, Hungry-Man, etc. 

I always go for the cheap brand. BANQUET!! 

(ConAgra acquired Banquet Food Company in 1980.)

It's not the healthiest way to eat, but sometimes I'm just too lazy to cook. So I pop a frozen meal in the microwave oven. One of my favorite gourmet meals, courtesy of Banquet, is the Salisbury Steak meal. Don't ask me what's in the meat. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!! LOL.😂😂  

Just kidding.  It's chicken, pork, and beef.  It says so right on the box.

WHY BANQUET?

Yes. I buy that brand because it's cheap!  Even though the BANQUET brand DID NOT make the list of most popular frozen meal brands, I'm OK with that because I've eaten this brand for years. This food company launched its frozen food product line in 1953. I've been eating their meals (including pot pies, which I count as a meal) - literally - for over half a century. Popular or not, they have earned my trust.👍👍 


9 Popular Frozen Meal Brands, Ranked | Chowhound

*** 

MORE FOODIE NUGGETS:

Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?

Herbs and Spices: Za-atar Spice Blend on Flatbread

Indian Food for Diabetics

Japanese Fun Food

Basil, the Sacred Herb

Health and Honey

Much Ado About Mushrooms

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: Za-atar Spice Blend on Flatbread

I just recently discovered Za'atar. My friends from the Middle East say it's very common in their cuisine.


Here is a fun fact for foodies.

It is said that evidence of flatbreads has been found at ancient sites in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and the Indus civilization. Also there are historical records that indicate Persian soldiers baked a flatbread on their shields and covered it cheese and dates.

Baked it on their shields? Now that's genius survival skills!



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Friday, September 25, 2026

Chinese Mooncake Festival (Mid Autumn Festival)

Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节) in Chinese, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival, is one of China's biggest holidays**. 

For 2026, it will be celebrated on Sep 25, 2026.

[**The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, although some countries have developed distinct names and traditions for the holiday.]

Similar to American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Mooncake Festival these days is about family reunions and good eating, where mooncakes are a traditional food gift.  Would just like to point out a significant event that can be traced back to the 14th century, when China was ruled by the Mongols.  The event really gives cause for celebration.
"Planning a rebellion against the Mongol emperor, Chinese rebels came up with the idea of hiding a secret message inside mooncakes, which the Mongols did not eat. These mooncakes told rebels to rise up on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The uprising was successful, and henceforth the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with mooncakes everywhere in China."  
(Source: Mooncakes in Mid Autumn | Desserts First)

Recycling a post from my lifestyle blog, Joie de Vivre Magazine and embellishing it a little bit more.  There are lots of people participating in the festivities, so finding related or similar articles was super easy.  Hope you like the content shared.







https://varugab.tumblr.com/post/96456695851/asian-art-history-finals-infographics

Mid Autumn Festival 2017 - 20 Mooncakes That Even Chang Er Will Love

It's almost Mid-Autumn Festival again, the 15th day of the eight month on the lunar calendar (which falls on October 4 this year) when the moon is full. The traditional way to celebrate this festival is by indulging in mooncakes. Every year, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the mooncake flavours available.


Why Chinese People Eat Mooncake During This Time of the Year

The Mid-Autumn Festival (also the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival) is considered to be one of the most significant festivals for Chinese people. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar, the 3,500-year old tradition is commonly observed all over the world to worship the moon, celebrate the harvest season, ...


Monday, September 21, 2026

Peach and Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe Variations — Easy 3‑Ingredient Dessert for Cozy Fall Flavor

In my kitchen cabinet, I have a box of cake mix, a can of peaches, and a can of mashed pumpkin.  What can I do?

Those 3 ingredients might not look like much on their own — but together, they’re pure nostalgia in a bowl. There’s something magical about opening your pantry and realizing you’ve got the makings of comfort food just waiting to happen. Think cozy kitchens, warm ovens, and the sweet scent of fall drifting through the air. These humble ingredients are about to become your new favorite shortcut to happiness.

You can make shockingly good desserts with just those three pantry ingredients — no eggs, no oil, no fuss. The combo of cake mix + canned fruit is a classic “dump cake” formula, and pumpkin works beautifully as a moisture‑rich binder.

  • You can make a peach‑pumpkin dump cake, pumpkin‑peach muffins, or a spiced cobbler‑style bake — all with only these 3 ingredients.

Ready to stir up some memories? Let’s dive into these easy peach‑pumpkin recipes that prove simple really can be spectacular.

vintage kitchen


🍑 Peach–Pumpkin Dump Cake (the easiest option)

What it is: A cobbler‑like dessert where the fruit goes on the bottom, pumpkin enriches the filling, and the cake mix becomes a crisp, golden topping.

How to make it:

  • Peach layer — Pour the canned peaches with their juice into a baking dish.

  • Pumpkin layer — Spoon the mashed pumpkin over the peaches and swirl lightly.

  • Cake mix topping — Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.

  • Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes until the top is browned and the fruit is bubbling.

Why it works: The peach juice hydrates the cake mix from below, while the pumpkin adds body and a subtle autumn flavor.

🎃 Peach–Pumpkin Cake (two‑ingredient style)

What it is: A moist, dense cake similar to banana bread.

How to make it:

  • Mix 1 box cake mix + 1 can pumpkin until smooth.

  • Fold in chopped peaches (drain first).

  • Bake in a loaf pan at 350°F for 45–55 minutes.

Texture: Soft, tender, slightly spiced depending on your cake mix flavor.

🧁 Peach–Pumpkin Muffins

What it is: A portable version of the two‑ingredient cake.

How to make it:

  • Combine cake mix + pumpkin.

  • Stir in diced peaches (drained).

  • Scoop into a greased muffin tin.

  • Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Tip: If your peaches are very juicy, pat them dry so the muffins rise better.

🍂 Spiced Peach–Pumpkin Breakfast Bake

What it is: A warm, pudding‑like bake that works as breakfast or dessert.

How to make it:

  • Mix pumpkin + peaches (with juice).

  • Stir in half the cake mix to thicken.

  • Pour into a dish and crumble the remaining cake mix on top.

  • Bake at 350°F for ~40 minutes.

Texture: Soft, custardy, lightly sweet.

vintage pantry

Want to Have More Fun?  Let’s play pantry roulette! 

If we swap out your original trio for something new, here’s a fun combo to spark creativity:

Flour, peanut butter, and honey.

That’s all you need for a rustic, old‑fashioned treat — think chewy peanut butter cookies or a quick skillet bread with a sweet glaze. It’s the same spirit as your peach‑pumpkin experiment: simple ingredients, big comfort payoff.

Here’s a cozy, old‑fashioned recipe that turns flour, peanut butter, and honey into a chewy, golden treat — perfect for a vintage kitchen vibe.

🍯 Peanut Butter Honey Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour (all‑purpose works best)

  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

  • ½ cup honey

  • Optional: pinch of salt or cinnamon for warmth

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix ingredients in a bowl until smooth and thick.

  3. Scoop tablespoon‑sized balls onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

  4. Flatten gently with a fork for that classic crisscross pattern.

  5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until edges turn golden.

  6. Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

🍪 Notes

  • These cookies are naturally sweet and protein‑rich — no refined sugar needed.

  • For a nostalgic twist, drizzle a little extra honey on top while warm.

***

Other playful trios you could try:

  • Oats, applesauce, cinnamon — instant breakfast bars.

  • Coconut milk, cocoa powder, sugar — creamy stovetop pudding.

  • Cornmeal, cheese, jalapeños — savory cornbread muffins.

Would you like me to build a recipe around the peanut butter trio or one of the others?


BEFORE YOU GO!

INTERESTING FOOD FACTS:
🎃 Pumpkins are grown in the summer.  But they are mainly a fall harvest crop, though a few can be harvested in late summer.
🍑 Peaches are a summer fruit. Although some peach varieties are harvested in late August and early September, regions with long growing seasons can continue harvesting peaches through September and October.  (REF: Ward, Hemant GohilDaniel. “Late August and Early September Peach Varieties – New and Standard.” Plant & Pest Advisory, 3 Sep. 2025, https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/late-august-and-early-september-peach-varieties-new-and-standard/.)

Thanks for visiting.  Hope you enjoy the recipes.


Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Mango Plus Rose Water Equal Refreshing Earthly Delight

Almost everyone loves roses. But these flowers have a special meaning to me because of my late mother's rose bush, which was the centerpiece of the front yard of my childhood home. Every time I see a rose, it's impossible to disassociate it from this childhood memory. 

Also, I grew up in Miami, Florida, where we had a small mango tree in our backyard, and our neighbor had a big mango tree in their backyard.  Have you seen the price of mangos at the grocery store?  I miss being able to just go into the yard and pick a mango off the tree.  Our neighbor was very generous and allowed us to come into their yard and pick mangoes off their tree as well.  It's hard to disassociate mango from my childhood memories too!



My Facebook friend is knowledgeable about holistic health and alternative remedies, and she published a wonderful article about rose water, which she refers to a Grandma’s Secret Weapon. She explains the benefits of using it for skin care and suggests it be a part of aromatherapy. That sounds fabulous.  Unfortunately much of her content was unpublished so I found similar content elsewhere on the web.  (See below.)

Did you also know that you can drink rose water?


Following me so far? 

  • You're probably thinking: 'Hurry and get to the part about the mangos!'

Mangos (or Mangoes) - My Other Childhood Memory


Did you also know that you can mix mango juice and rose water?

Here is a link to a quick and easy recipe that is sure to delight you, found in the Cooking Section of the New York Times.


In case you've never seen or heard of a “lassi”, here is a clear definition found in Wikipedia:

“Lassi (pronounced [ləs-siː]) (la-SEE) is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian Subcontinent and originates from the Punjab. ... a blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit.”

The definition does not specifically mention “rose water”. But it does say “water,” and that's good enough!  :)

Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz


The malandel is a product of France.
  • Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers.

  • Not only is it great in a smoothie, but it can be added to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies, and biscuits.
  • Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation.
  • In the Middle East, it is used to flavor baklava (or filo desserts) and sherbets, and Turkish delight candies.








Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz - $15.99
Add a splash of rosewater to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to make a simple dessert elegant. Rose flower water also marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies, and biscuits. The next time you dollop creme friche over your dessert, add a teaspoon of rose flower water beforehand. Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation. Add some saffron threads and a couple of drops of rose water. A fantastic combination! It can also be used to flavor baklava and other filo desserts. Used widely in the Middle East, especially to flavor baklava and sherbets as well as Turkish delight candies. Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers. The malandel is a product of France.



https://mybackgroundnoize.tumblr.com/post/827945973422702592/how-rose-water-has-become-a-secret-potion-for-an

https://mybackgroundnoize.tumblr.com/post/827946060343394304/the-cult-of-the-rose-the-historical-significance

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Foodie Nuggets: Health and Honey

Health and honey. No doubt you're thinking: How many times are people going to say how great honey is for your health?

My answer? Not talking about health and honey is like saying the world has enough silly love songs.  The world doesn't have enough silly love songs OR people singing the praises of honey for your health.  LOL. 😊

Think about this, and it is a proven scientific fact.  

Honey is immortal.  


honey

Honey isn’t just for tea.

Nature’s sweetness has always been more than a treat. It’s a pantry staple with a long history in home remedies:

• A spoonful can soothe a sore throat. • A dab of raw honey calms minor skin irritation. • Mixed with warm water, it offers gentle digestive comfort.

🍯

Spotlight on Manuka Honey

Most people know you can stay healthy with honey. Most people may or may not know that not all honey is the same. I didn’t know it. Then I learned about manuka honey. It's from New Zealand. It's so good that they use it in hospitals as a skin-healing treatment for burn patients. That's amazing! Manuka honey is like olive oil. Be careful! Some products are not what they claim to be. This article shares info links that explain how to identify genuine manuka honey and more. 

proverb about honey
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