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

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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.

Image credit

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!

• This food blurb was inspired by a wonderful article published by food blogger, Rana Madanat titled Best Za’atar Manakeesh.

“This manakish with za’atar is a soft, fluffy flatbread topped with a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices called Za’atar. Za’atar on manakish is a classic combination. The aromatic spices are slightly subdued and perfectly…” — Rana Madanat https://t.co/30LYI0YgID pic.twitter.com/0yfzNyDjrb

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) September 30, 2022

Za'atar (Zatar/Zaatar/Zahtar) Seasoning Blend/Recipe

Buy Za'atar on Amazon

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Cabbages (Without Kings)

African Food: What is African Salad?

More about Mushrooms

Indian Food for Diabetics

Zucchini Flowers

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Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?

Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Sharing a Soup Recipe That Soup Lovers Will Love

Name the Sexy Spices

Traditional Meal on the Sabbath

The Key Ingredient in Nigerian Food

6 Spices For Indian Cuisine

5 Exotic Spices

100 Healthiest Foods ~ Is Your Favorite Food on the List?

WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!

Top 10 List of Superfoods

What Should Kids Drink?

Gourmet Sleuth is an Excellent Cooking Resource

Medical Advice About Super foods

Exotic Fruit: CUCAMELON

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.

Holidays and Festivals :
Chinese Mooncake Festival

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, ...

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.

🍑 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.

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.

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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.

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.

• Mango Rose Water Lassi

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.

Mangos from The Fruit Company

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.

Related articles

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• 10 International Cakes That Will Have You Embarking On A World Dessert Tour
• Fruit Infused Water: Mango-Lime-Basil Refresher 🥭🌿🍹 | The Fruit Company® Blog

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

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 basically never spoils; archaeologists found 3,000‑year‑old honey still edible.

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. 

ChatGPT AI image

• How to properly use manuka honey (and where to find it) – NaturalNews.com ~ https://www.naturalnews.com/035959_manuka_honey_healing_medicine.html 

• How to Use Manuka Honey for Best Results | Hilltop – Hilltop  Honey ~ https://lovehilltop.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-manuka-honey

• 15 Best Manuka Honey Recipes That You Need to Try – Happy Body Formula - https://happybodyformula.com/manuka-honey-recipes/

FOODIE FRIDAY: Enjoy Spicy Food? Just Add Gochujang. Thank Me Later!

Watched a food-themed K-drama, and the chef insisted that Gochujang had to be added to the bowl of rice to make it flavorful. Then I watched a short cooking video, and the person said their daily quick go-to meal was a bowl of rice with spicy Korean tuna. 

Korean tuna? 😲 What's that? So I looked it up, and basically it's tuna flavored with Gochujang. I'm like, there's that Gochujang again!😳 

Gochujang (Hot Pepper Chili Paste)

However, spicy Korean tuna is kind of expensive. But it so happens I have lots of canned tuna in my pantry. So I decided to just buy the Gochujang and add it to my rice bowl with the tuna from my pantry. Also, the spicy Korean tuna was chunk light, and I prefer chunk white. (You know. Like some people like the dark meat of the chicken and others like the white meat.)

Anyway! For my lunch, I warmed up rice in a bowl, pop open a can of chunk white tuna, and added 2 tablespoons of Gochujang. It's quite tasty. 😋😋 

[P.S. It's optional, but you could add a drizzle of sesame oil.]

Where would we be without Korean dramas and cooking video shorts for our meal inspiration? 

LOL. 😊

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More FOODIE FRIDAY FUN!

Recipe Sharing | Sweet Potato Mash with Brown-Butter Pecans

Thanksgiving side dish that serves one or two (or three or four if you're not a big eater 😊).

I made an accidental discovery when grocery shopping. Never knew they had instant mashed sweet potatoes. Easy to make as a side dish if you're cooking for one or two people.  Below is an easy recipe.

Betty Crocker Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes, 4.5 oz, 8 Pack

🍠Sweet Potato Mash with Brown-Butter Pecans

Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Serves: 3–4

This cozy side dish starts with Betty Crocker Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes and turns it into something that tastes totally homemade—thanks to a quick brown-butter pecan topping.

Ingredients

• 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes
• 1 cup Water (per package directions)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup or honey
• Pinch Salt

For the sweet potato mash

• 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes
• Water, milk, and butter as directed on the package
• Optional: pinch of salt and cinnamon to taste

For the brown-butter pecan topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the sweet potato mash

1. Prepare the Betty Crocker Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes according to the package directions.
2. Taste and, if you like, add a pinch of salt and cinnamon to deepen the flavor.
3. Keep warm over low heat while you make the topping.

2. Brown the butter

1. In a small skillet or saucepan, add the butter over medium heat.
2. Let it melt, then cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn—once you see brown specks and smell a toasty aroma, it’s ready.

3. Make the pecan topping

1. Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped pecans to the brown butter.
2. Toast the pecans in the butter for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 30–60 seconds until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy.
4. Remove from heat. If it looks too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water to loosen it.

4. Assemble and serve

1. Spoon the warm sweet potato mash into a serving bowl.
2. Drizzle the brown-butter pecan mixture over the top.
3. Serve immediately while everything is warm and silky.

Tips & Variations

• Extra cozy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the mash for a richer texture.
• Savory twist: Skip the brown sugar and cinnamon; add fresh thyme and a sprinkle of flaky salt instead.
• Make it a meal: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or a simple pan-seared salmon.
• Crunch factor: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if that’s what you have on hand.

🍽️🍽️🍽️
My Sources of Inspiration for This Blog Post:

• Best Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes Recipe at Terri Whobrey blog
• Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Andie Mitchell
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Greek Yogurt
Favorite Root Vegetable: Sweet Potato ~ Grown and Loved Around the World

A Basil Lover’s Guide: From Sweet to Spicy Varieties (A Companion to “Basil, the Sacred Herb”)

After sharing my thoughts on basil’s cultural and culinary significance in my post titled “Basil, the Sacred Herb”, I realized there was even more to say. Basil isn’t just one plant — it’s a whole family of vibrant, fragrant varieties worth celebrating.  This follow‑up post focuses on the different types of basil you can cook with, grow, and enjoy.

🌿 Sweet & Italian Basil (Classic Mediterranean)

• Genovese Basil — Large leaves, classic pesto flavor; most common culinary basil.
• Sweet Basil — Mild, slightly peppery; used in Italian and American cooking.
• Napolitano Basil — Huge crinkled leaves; sweeter and less spicy.
• Lettuce Leaf Basil — Very large, ruffled leaves; great for wraps.

🌶️ Thai & Southeast Asian Basil

• Thai Basil — Spicy, anise‑like flavor; purple stems; used in curries and pho.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi) — Clove-like, medicinal; used in Thai stir-fries and Ayurvedic tea.
• Lemon Basil — Citrus aroma; common in Indonesian cuisine.

🍋 Citrus Basil Varieties

• Lemon Basil — Bright lemon scent; delicate leaves.
• Lime Basil — Strong lime aroma; great for cocktails and desserts.
• Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil — Intensely citrusy heirloom variety.

🌱 Spicy & Specialty Basil

• Cinnamon Basil — Warm cinnamon aroma; purple stems.
• Greek Basil — Tiny leaves; compact plant; strong flavor.
• African Blue Basil — Perennial hybrid; camphor-like aroma; ornamental.

💜 Purple Basil Varieties

• Purple Ruffles — Deep purple, frilly leaves; mild clove flavor.
• Dark Opal Basil — Rich purple color; used for vinegar and garnishes.
• Red Rubin Basil — Dark burgundy leaves; stronger flavor than Dark Opal.

🌿 Small‑Leaf / Dwarf Basil

• Spicy Globe Basil — Compact, round shape; peppery flavor.
• Greek Basil — Tiny leaves; strong aroma; great for container gardens.

🌼 Fragrant & Ornamental Basil

• African Blue Basil — Highly ornamental; purple-veined leaves.
• Camphor Basil — Strong camphor scent; used more for fragrance than cooking.

Quick Comparison Table

Type	Flavor Profile	Best Use
Genovese	Sweet, classic	Pesto, Italian dishes
Thai Basil	Spicy, anise	Curries, pho
Holy Basil	Clove-like	Stir-fries, tea
Lemon Basil	Citrus	Southeast Asian dishes
Purple Ruffles	Mild clove	Garnish, vinegar
Cinnamon Basil	Warm spice	Desserts, teas

I don't know about you, but I'm curious about dessert recipes that use basil as a key ingredient. There's a bunch of 'em!  But I honed in on these three (3).

Lemon Basil Yogurt Cake: A moist snacking cake featuring finely chopped fresh basil mixed into a zesty lemon batter.

Basil Olive Oil Cake: An earthy, rich olive oil cake baked with fresh basil leaves and often served with sweet whipped cream or macerated strawberries. 

Limoncello Basil Posset: A simple, no-gelatin cooked cream dessert where fresh basil is simmered with heavy cream, sugar, and lemon before being whisked with Limoncello.

THE BASIL KITCHEN: 100 Recipes for the World's Favorite Herb

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If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:

• Pesto Around the World
• Green Leafy Herbs are the Unsung Heroes
• Thyme: The Herb of Courage

As always, thanks for stopping by.