In This Edition Of Our Somewhat Weekly Magazine:
- Time Capsule: Food Trends, The 90’s
- The Varnum’s Food Fare
- Bacon Nut Stuffed Celery
Our Favorite Quote Of The Week ~ “Question reality, especially if it contradicts the evidence of your hopes and dreams.” – Robert Brault
Time Capsule: Food Trends, The 90’s ~ As the countdown to the big flip-over to the great Y2K began, so did the countdown to stocking up the pantry. Survivor food and the notion of preparedness were the thing of the 90’s. Interestingly, at the same time as we were concerned with going without, our focus on dieting and diet-related illness increased drastically. Even a certain well-known fast food chain, realizing it needed to get in line with the concerns of the moment, added lean burgers to its menu. This time in the modern life of food could also be called, “the Food Network Era.” Celebrity chefs were the faces of reality TV in the 90’s. The likes of Mario Batali and Rachel Ray enter American food culture at this time, and with them a new awakening to the pleasures of the table.
The Varnum’s Food Fare: Two eggs, please ~ One look at the cover and we could not wait to take a peek inside this book. Author Sarah Weeks and Illustrator Betsy Lewin present a tale about difference and tolerance through playfully illustrated storytelling, all within the confines a little diner. Eggs are the premise, and what a fine choice that is! Do we not all love variations of the same breakfast classics? Different, yet similar. “In times like these, it’s good to be able to give children a message of tolerance,” remarks The New York Times Book Review. Choosing animals as characters to tell this story was a clever and fitting move. We rarely question the differences between say, a mouse and a rhinoceros. We just see them for what they are. See for yourself at The Varnum Memorial Library, or at your local library. PS: And how do YOU like your eggs?
Bacon Nut Stuffed Celery ~ PB and celery is a classic, yet also an acquired taste. This bacon infused celery snack is certain to hit the classic list as well, and probably certain to win over even the most discriminating taste buds. Ready? In a bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 3 TBSP finely chopped assorted nuts (or more if you wish) and 2 TBSP honey. Mix well. You should have enough to fill 8 celery stalks. Garnish generously with finely chopped bacon from 3 cooked strips (more if you can’t resist). Pre-cut celery to bite size portions to serve as an appetizer, or just because fanning these around a dish looks rather attractive. This mixture also makes a mean croque-monsieur, or you can use it on cucumber slices or even rolled into lettuce leaves.
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