February 28, 2013

Cilantro is Coriander

Cilantro.... it seems that people either love it or hate it.

Cilantro is an herb with flat,
wide lacy green leaves and of course that strong flavor.
The seed of the cilantro plant is known as coriander.
Although cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, their flavors
are very different and shouldn't really be substituted for each other.

Coriander was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians.
The Bible actually mentions coriander in Exodus 16:31
"The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like
coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey."


Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants and is
used for herbal medicines along with soup broths, salsas,
wraps, tacos, bread, dips, garnishes & so much more!


Zestfully, Let's Cultivate Food


February 27, 2013

Coleslaw

The word "coleslaw" comes from the Dutch word, "koolsla", "kool"
meaning cabbage and sla, meaning salad.

This recipe will serve about 3-5 people as a side dish.
If you're looking for an easy and DELICIOUS coleslaw recipe... this is it!

Ingredients:

1 bag coleslaw mix (found in the produce section already shredded)
1/4 - 1/3 of medium sized red onion diced up really small - (almost minced)
1/3 cup (maybe 5-6 heaping Tbs) of Mayonnaise
drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1.5 Tbs of Agave Nectar or sub 4-5 Tbs white sugar or grate in half an apple
if you're staying away from sugar
1 .5 tsp white vinegar
sprinkle of salt (sea salt for best flavor)
sprinkle of poppy seeds (optional)


Zestfully, Let's Cultivate Food


February 25, 2013

El Limon

El Limon is located on Fayette Street- 
right in down town Conshy...  Conshohocken, PA.
If you want DELICIOUS tacos, quesadillas, sopas or "ships"  this is the place to go.
The seating is very limited but it's so worth the wait.
The food is all made to order and you will certainly be craving it the day after.
You literally hear other people raving about the food after they take a bite
of their food.... because it is that good!





They have Mexican Coca Cola which looks pretty much the same as regular Coca Cola
but has less carbonation. When you get there you also want to check out their other bottled
drinks in the cooler. They have a bottled apple drink that is carbonated and is great also!

They don't advertise it but they also have free Margaritas that are crazy strong....
and yes they are free!

El Limon is one of my favorite make to order taco and quesadilla places.

I give them a 2 thumbs up! Check them out the next time you are in Conshohocken.


Zestfully, Let's Cultivate Food

February 3, 2013

In Home "Dumplings" Cooking Party

Let's Cultivate Food's most recent "In Home Cooking Party" was with a group of
6 fabulous women who got together and  learned some tips and tricks in the kitchen.
The hostess chose several different dumplings from an array of 12 different types.


This class was not only about making dumplings but about pairing a different wine with each and every dumpling!  Hmm... which wine goes best with steamed tofu kimchi dumplings or pan fried 
Peking ravioli dumplings?



After learning several different ways of how to fold the dumplings- the ladies were busy 
folding and competing with whose dumplings were prettier...  (friendly competing of course!)
  
Here are a few steamed chicken dumplings....

The Peking ravioli dumplings...   (hmm I wonder what is in there?.... I guess you'll have to host a cooking party or a cooking class lesson to find out what makes these ravioli dumplings so yummy!)

Next we had some deep fried beef and veggie dumplings....
(that we dipped into some sauces we made)

The tofu kimchi dumplings were steamed as well....

We also learned how to make a dessert dumpling-- the apple banana fritter

Then---- there was more wine pairing....


  This party was serious on the wine pairing!

 
Here is part of the spread the wonderful ladies made!  This in home cooking party class was tremendously
fun because the ladies were so great and who doesn't love dumplings right!?!



Zestfully, Let's Cultivate Food