by B.L. Unkel | Dec 14, 2024 | Baking
Today is National Roasted Chestnuts Day. So, cue the music and let’s sing. Wait. Before we get to the singing, let’s talk chestnuts. The Plant Chestnuts have been around for over 4,000 years. And, as you might guess from the song lyrics, they are edible nuts....
by B.L. Unkel | Nov 16, 2024 | Baking
Cinnamon was once an extremely expensive commodity. Today, this spice is a staple found in most kitchens around the world. The Food Connection Cinnamon has a long and delicious history. It’s one of the world’s oldest spices. In the U.S.—and much of the...
by B.L. Unkel | Nov 2, 2024 | History
Frankincense, Myrrh, and Saffron are all good guesses. But they’re not correct. Try good old Cinnamon. It was one of the rarest spices in the ancient world. What is it? Cinnamon originated in the ancient country of Ceylon—now known as Sri Lanka—an island...
by B.L. Unkel | Aug 24, 2024 | Everything Else
I don’t know where you are, but here in Texas it’s H.O.T. Since last Thursday was Daffodil Day, I decided to cool off with the first flower of Spring. The Greek Myth The daffodil’s botanical name is narcissus and comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus and Echo....
by B.L. Unkel | Aug 17, 2024 | Baking
I just love nice surprises, don’t you? Recently, my family had an unexpected one. We discovered mustangs in our front yard. No, not horses. I’m talking about wild Texas grapes. The Surprise Because I mow the yard, I knew there were “berries” growing high in a...