Fall has some of the best produce in my opinion. Apples, pumpkins, and peppers oh my! Fall is a great time to try a new recipe or food! Recently, I tried a new way to make sweet potatoes. That was surprisingly easy! It's a time to make great desserts like pumpkin pie and apple pie, baked goods like chocolate chip pumpkin bread, and savory dishes like soups and chili.
Melting Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes sliced in medallions
4 TBSP butter, ghee, or coconut oil melted and cooled
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes in 1 in thick rounds.
Place in a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with butter and toss to coat. Arrange in single layer with 1/2 in between each round. Roast for 20 minutes. Using tongs flip and roast an additional 20 minutes.
Tip: 20 min actually burned mine so I would start with 10 min on each side and go from there.
Pumpkin Pancakes
1 1/4 C flour
2 TBSP light brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 C whole milk
1/3 C canned pumpkin
2 TBSP melted butter
1 large egg
In a large bowl whisk together flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together milk, pumpkin puree, butter, and egg until combined. Fold pumpkin mixture into dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Avoid over-mixing. Let batter sit for 15 minutes while griddle heats up. Cook over medium heat using 1/4 C of batter per pancake. Cook approx. 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with butter and syrup. A great addition would be to use cinnamon butter.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
6 garlic cloves
1/2 C fresh parsley
1 lb dried spaghetti
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 C olive oil
1 TBSP salted butter
1 C parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 3 TBSP Kosher Salt. Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, Add the crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and cook until garlic starts to turn golden, be careful not to overcook. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 C of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir in the cooking water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to low and add the salt. Cook until reduced by 1/2. Turn off the heat and toss with parsley and shredded parmesan. Serve immediately.
This is one of my favorite pasta dishes. It is so flavorful and so easy to make. Pair with a good wine and some breadsticks and salad for a complete meal. You could even twist this up by adding things like chicken. A couple tips: use a good quaity olive oil and freshly shredded parmesan.
When you plan your next vacation there are some foodie destinations around the world that have a lot to offer. Some are cities and some are countries, but you can't go wrong with any of these destinations when planning a vacation and there are plenty of things to see outside of the food, so you really get an experience of a lifetime! Like the USA list I will give a top 10 and then provide a list of honorable mentions.
1. Paris, France
France is known for its food landmarks as well as its physical landmarks. When I went to Paris, the food was one of the exciting and interesting things about the trip in some unexpected ways. On this trip, I enjoyed a chocolate croissant in the shadow of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, sandwiches near the Eiffel Tower, and Quiche Lorraine near our hotel. I also experienced a unique dish called Raclette, which is similar to fondue but is a way of melting cheese. All were fantastic. What was surprising was the amount of ham used in their foods. It was difficult to order a meal it seemed without it. Even their pasta had ham in it. The bread was so good, and I loved how they made their sandwiches with butter instead of mayo or mustard. No one ever said it was the healthiest foods, but they are among the tastiest. There are many ways to experience the food in Paris from street side cafes to food tours.
2. Italy
It's hard to narrow down one area of Italy that has the best food, so I am just going to say the country as a whole. Who doesn't love pasta and pizza. Italy offers cooking classes and food tours as well as some of the world's best food found at restaurants across the country. Some of our best ingredients originate in Italy like olives, tomatoes, wine, cheeses, and the truffle. If you want a really good pizza you need to head to Naples. For a good wine, try Tuscany. This is definitely a place I would love to tour from the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany to Rome.
3. Tokyo, Japan
If you are a fan of sushi, then Tokyo is where you need to go. Tokyo has the freshest and best Sushi in the world. Tokyo also has the izakaya's. They are great if you want to be a bit adventurous. There is also the Tsukiji outer market that is a must see in Tokyo. You will find unique foods and drinks and will get to sample a lot of different things. Another unique food experience in Tokyo is a traditional tea ceremony.
4. London, England
London is considered the food capital of the world...why? No where will you find the diverse options of international food, dining experiences, and food activities than in London. You can find every type of cuisine in London, it's not just fish and chips. On top of all the different cuisine you have all of the afternoon tea choices as well. London has markets like the Camden Market, and street food at Boxpark.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Who doesn't love Mexican food! And a trip to Mexico City gives you a chance to try authentic Mexican food. You can have a unique experience like making tortillas by hand. You can attend a cooking class and go on a market tour. If I ever make it to Mexico City, I am going to get Tacos Al Pastor. I've made them at home, but I want to try the real thing in Mexico.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Thai food is one of the most popular foods around the world. In Bangkok you can experience thai food as it was meant to be enjoyed, at night market from a street vendor. Bangkok also offers cooking classes, food tours, street food, and Michelin star restaurants. They even have floating markets outside of town if you want something unique. Street markets can be found everywhere in Bangkok so there is likely one nearby regardless of where you are staying. The street food is where it is out in Bangkok and bonus it is cheap and delicious.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Popular local cuisine you will find in Barcelona is paella, croquettes, and gazpacho. Barcelona's most famous food market is La Boqueria and dates back to the 1200's. Of course, no visit to Spain is complete without Tapas. You can actually go on a Tapas Tour in Barcelona. Tapas are not from Barcelona though so for a real Barcelona experience you should go to a Catalan Bodega. This is the closest thing that is authentically from Barcelona to Tapas. Churros are also a traditional treat in Barcelona. Barcelona is also known as the best place to get great charcuterie. The most famous local dessert is the Crema Catalana a local version of Creme Brulee.
8. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is one of the most coffee centric cities in the world. There are also hipster cafe's dotted around every corner. Melbourne is known for its Parma. An Australian take on chicken Parmigiana. It's a schnitzel topped with Napoli sauce, ham, and a thick layer of mozzarella all melted together. Queen Victoria Market is a must do and an interesting fact. It was built over an old burial ground. It is renowned for its fresh produce, high-quality meat, and baked goods. Food trucks have become a sensation in recent years and the best place to sample the food truck fare is at Food Truck Park.
9. Munich, Germany
Food in Munch is not just beer, pretzels, and Oktoberfest. One of the most popular places to visit is the Viktualienmarkt. They have a 2-hour food tour, and it is the best way to explore the market. It is Munich's largest food market covering 240,000 sq ft and has 140 stalls. A must eat street food in Munich is the Bavarian sausage or wurst. It is served hot dog style. It's a great way to check out what's fresh and in season and to meet the producers of meat in the region. Typical German cuisine focuses heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat. In Munich, beer is considered a food. So, a trip to Munich would not be complete without a visit to a local beer garden. Munich has over 200 and many have been around for hundreds of years and serve locally brewed beer. The largest beer garden in the world is in Munich, called the Hirschgarten and can seat over 8000 patrons. Another great dish to try is spaetzle. It is a type of egg noodle. Is it any wonder that Munich has become a popular destination for foodies?
10. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has all kinds of food stalls, restaurants, and dishes with many different cultural influences. Food tours are one of the best ways to experience the food of Hong Kong. Hong Kong will give you the chance to try a lot of different foods you've never even heard of. The most iconic food in Hong Kong is Dim Sum. Another popular dish is roast goose. I will leave it up to you if that sounds good or not. I have had the opportunity of having food in Hong Kong, but only in the airport. I'm sure it was not the best the country had to offer.
When you are thinking about a travel destination the food may not be a reason most of you choose to go somewhere. However, there are many places right here in the US that have become a popular destination because of its food. Some places are popular because of regional foods that they offer. Some are popular because of the diverse options available at any budget. Some are popular because of popular festivals where food really shines. Today's post is all about foodie destinations found across the USA. If you are looking for inspiration for your next vacation look no further! I will provide 10 popular places as well as some honorable mentions.
1. New York City
New York City is a melting pot of cultures and that really shines through in the cuisine. You can enjoy any type of cuisine within the 300 square mile radius of NYC. You can find great cuisine from Chinatown to the Jewish delis. The city also boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. New York is known for its pizza and bagels especially. Not only is New York known for its great food, but it's also known for iconic restaurants. There is so much more to a great iconic restaurant than just great food. One of the places I've been that I loved was Tavern on the Green in Central Park. They serve rustic fare, and the setting was just beautiful. The setting and the environment play an important role in an iconic restaurant and NYC is rumored to have over 24,000 iconic restaurants. That is what makes NYC such a great foodie destination.
2. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA is a city full of cuisine influenced by French, Spanish, African, German, and Cajun cultures. New Orleans not only has great restaurants and food to experience, but food is also part of the travel experience. You can go on culinary history tours, sidewalk food tours, destination kitchens, and tastebud food tours. New Orleans is also home to renown Chef Emeril Lagasse. I have not had the pleasure of going here yet, but it is on my list. I especially want to try the Beignets at Cafe Du Monde. It is the most famous restaurant to find these doughnut-like specialties.
3. San Francisco, CA
San Fransisco is a top travel destination because of its culinary ingenuity. It was the birthplace of the Impossible Burger, and the first city to embrace farm to table cuisine. It is also the place where sourdough bread was perfected. The Bay area has more than 50 Michelin- star rated restaurants. The city also has a large diverse offering of restaurants of all types. The city has excellent food tours and learning experiences available. San Francisco is also a leader in using local and sustainable food sources. Some even extending their sustainability commitment to their building and furnishings. The Bay area is also home to the Culinary Institute of America one of the premiere cooking schools.
4. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has been a pioneer in California cuisine and fast-casual fare. LA has incredible produce and talented chefs. LA is known for its tacos, Korean barbeque, and its Armenian grilled meats. It's the sandwich though that shines. Every neighborhood has at least one sandwich of note, and many that are famous. LA is both culturally and ethnically diverse and its dining scene rivals NYC. LA is home to the famous In-n-Out Burger. It also has great street food scattered across the city.
5. Portland, OR
Portland mixes fresh local ingredients with a great community of adventurous chefs. Portland has been known as the "foodie capital of America" and "Best food city in America". Portland's food scene is not just found in the restaurants. Portland has incredible food carts and farmers markets. Portland is known for its pods. These are a group of food carts or trucks that form a group and stay in one place. Many pods now have real dining areas, some including fire pits, tables, and even stages for live music.
6. Chicago, IL
Being from Illinois, I've always heard about the Chicago style pizza, and I have tried it as a kid. I never realized how big the hot dog was in Chicago cuisine. Not just a regular beef hot dog either, premium hot dogs like the Wagyu hot dog. Anthony Bourdain was noted to admit that Chicago's hot dogs beat out the New York City hot dog. Makes me want to try one! Tip: never ask for ketchup on a Chicago style hot dog! I also never realized there were two types of Chicago pizza, the popular deep-dish pizza and the more regularly consumed tavern style which is a square cut thin crust pizza. Chicago offers more than the two types of pizza. Pizza is really something that Chicago excels at. Street food is a vital part of the Chicago food scene. Chicago is also home to the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world- Kasama.
7. Charleston, SC
I have always heard Charleston as synonymous with great food and it is on the top of my travel wish list. Also known as the 'lowcountry', it celebrates the bounty of its surroundings. It is influenced by Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies. Standard ingredients are oysters, rice, okra, crabs, and grits. Seafood is a must in Charleston. A well-known dish is the popular Shrimp and Grits. The lowcountry boil is another popular dish- a combo of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and old bay seasoning. Charleston has the largest number of fine dining options per capita.
8. Miami, FL
Miami has a melting pot of cultures with a diverse food scene reflective of the cultures it contains. Latin American and Carribean cuisine are found throughout the city, with Cuban food shining. Little Havana is the epicenter of the Cuban cuisine in Miami. One of the most popular sandwiches, the Cubano, is a local spin on a ham and cheese sandwich. The food in Miami has a heavy emphasis on seafood and tropical fruits. Miami was named Bon Appetit's 2023 Food City of the Year.
9. San Diego, CA
San Diego is a blend of Spanish and American cuisine. It is well known for its seafood and tacos. There is a diversity of cuisine available and seasonal produce and seafood are bountiful. Known as 'the land of laid-back dining' due to its year-round availability of outdoor dining. Restaurants are dedicated to the farm to table philosophy. Tacos are big in San Diego with everyone having their favorite style and shop. San Diego is also home to the 2nd largest Filipino-American population and offers plenty of traditional and progressive Filipino cuisine.
10. Austin, TX
Known as the epicenter of oak-smoked barbecue and Tex-Mex. Austin is also a popular food truck locale. Food trucks are used to test new dishes before introducing them to physical restaurants. They source their ingredients locally. Austin is known as the foodie capital of Texas. Inspired by food from Mexico, American, Indian, Thai, Asian, and the Caribbean it has become one of the most interesting places to eat in Texas.
I bought some blackberries at my local produce stand on a whim and thought it would be a great way to try a buckle I had been wanting to try. I was surprised how quick and easy it was to make!
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter melted
1 1/4 C sugar
1 C flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 C milk
2 C blackberries rinsed and dried
2 TBSP sugar
I added 1 TBSP cinnamon and 1 TBSP hibiscus powder as well.
Recipe:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter.
Whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in large bowl.
With a large spoon mix in the milk and butter until just incorporated.
Spray 9 in pie pan or square pan and pour in batter.
Sprinkle the blackberries over the top evenly.
Combine 2 TBSP sugar and cinnamon and hibiscus powder in small bowl.
Sprinkle the top of the buckle with 1 TBSP of the sugar mixture.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Sprinkle the additional 1 TBSP of sugar mixture and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
The next giveaway drawing will be on Sept 4th. In this drawing is one of my favorite cookbooks featuring Green Beans Amandine and Cherry Almond Crisp! This giveaway also includes the salt and pepper cellars from Joanna Gaines line, Hearth and Hand, found at Target. I love these cellars especially for the ability to easily add salt and pepper to cooking. To be entered please like the post on Facebook and invite a friend to the group.
I love a good quiche and am always trying new recipes and I have made my best one so far...in my opinion. It was so good! I tried a couple things different this time. First, a mixture of part milk and part heavy whipping cream and second, I shredded the cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded cheese from the store. I also tried a different type of cheese, and it was a hit! I also cooked a good bacon instead of using the premade bacon pieces from the store. It really made a difference!
To go with the quiche, I made a homemade potatoes O'Brien. I used red potatoes, diced green and red bell pepper, and diced onion. I had never made these homemade but had all of the ingredients and needed a side for the quiche. This was such an easy side to throw together and allowed me to use up some of the veggies that I needed to use.
For the quiche, I used some bacon and smoked gouda. Why smoked gouda? I thought it sounded good and it was the cheese I had on hand. I could have also added some peppers to this but since I had them in the potatoes, I just left it basic. I did want to add some seasoning and decided on rosemary. Some of my favorite breakfast places have used rosemary with their eggs and it really made the quiche smell amazing.
One tip I have read recently is about shredded cheese. I've read it's better to shred your own rather than buying shredded from the store. It melts better for some reason. I have been shredding my own more often and am so glad I did for this. It melted perfectly and gave the quiche a nice brown top. For as basic as this quiche was it really tasted amazing. I make quiche pretty frequently it is just so easy to make. I did make this one crustless since I need to watch my carbs and I didn't have any crust on hand and didn't feel like making any.
The recipe:
Bacon- cooked and crumbled (I found the air fryer cooked the bacon the best) Smoked Gouda Cheese- shredded
6 eggs
2 C heavy whipping cream
1 C milk
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
rosemary - fresh or dried would work- I used dried from Burlap and Barrel
I greased the dish since this was going to be crustless. I scrambled the eggs, added the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of rosemary in a bowl. I then, in the pan I greased, added bacon in a layer then topped with the shredded cheese. Then I poured the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese. I then added a bit more rosemary to the top to cover any bare spots. Then baked the quiche at 350 degrees in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes. I first set for 50 minutes and checked but it was not set yet, so I added another 30 minutes, and it was perfect. Every oven is different so I would start with the 50 minutes then increase if needed.
This really has been my best quiche made to date. I will definitely be adding this to my recipe favorites. I didn't even miss the crust! The stars of this recipe for me were the rosemary and the smoked gouda. You can use other cheeses of course but the smoked gouda really gave it a nice flavor.
August in Illinois is always exciting as we get ready for the IL State Fair! And of course, one of the things that you do at the fair is consume different types of food. What are your favorites, what new things are you wanting to try? What can you learn about how we get our food, and will you visit the Farmer's Market?
The IL State Fair is held annually in August in Springfield IL. It first started in 1853. That is crazy! The IL state fair has been going on for 170 years! The central theme of the fair is agriculture. Its purpose is to showcase Illinois agriculture.
A little bit of food trivia-
The IL state fair played a key role in the popularization of the corn dog, starting in 1946.
Did you know that the butter cow is actually hollow? It is actually butter applied to an armature. But it still contains 500lbs of butter!
So, what food do you have to get at the fair?
For me it starts with the Mini Donuts (or Tom Thumb donuts). These surpass the funnel cake and elephant ear, in my opinion. My family will buy a bucket to share, and the kids love them!
Another favorite of mine is the Cheese on a stick, I know most everyone wants a corndog but for me give me the cheese! If it is cooked well, it is just melty enough without being runny and the batter is so thick.
No trip to the fair is complete without the Culler's fries with malt vinegar. And a great addition to go with your cheese on a stick (or corndog).
I also love visiting the Village of Cultures and all of the different food booths there. The Cajun booth is one of my favorites. I love their Jambalaya. The village of cultures has 12 different food booths all serving cuisine from a different area. This year they will have Small Plates Big Tastes where you can buy sample sized items for $3.
I also love the ribeye sandwich from Taft's.
What new things would you like to try this year? Not sure? Me either! If you want to research it though the IL state fair Facebook page has been doing a vendor spotlight on Mondays for Munchie Monday. I think the one I've seen so far; I'd like to try is Ben's Soft Pretzel's. They will be on Central Ave.
Some interesting things I've tried and enjoyed in the past were the chocolate covered bacon, the alligator, the fried pickles, and the porkchop on a stick. If you want to try something but not sure if you will like it, share it. Then if you don't like it it's not a huge waste of money or food.
