European Flair For The US Home

  Is it time for plaid? The association of tartan with Christmas is amplified because of the Scots, specifically those descended from the Celts who celebrated the winter solstice. Commonly referred to as Yule, the festivities which covered a period of days as opposed to one single day were said to bring light to dark winter days and to please the gods so that the sun can return. The festivities involved the burning of the Yule log and kissing under the mistletoe (a fertility rite). The decorating of trees and the use of the holly flower were also said to be made popular by the Celtic pagans

  Weekend Cocktail - Irish Whiskey On The Rocks! Choices, choices! Whiskey versus Whisky what’s the difference? Drinks made in the United States and Ireland use the e, Scotland, Canada, Japan drop the e.

  Chickpea Curry with Basmati Rice: Ingredients: 1 cup of basmati rice  1 teaspoon turmeric 1 large onion or three small onions 2 cloves of garlic 3 tablespoons of curry powder (yellow or madras) 1 lb of canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 1 can of coconut milk (whole or light) 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (tomato puree) 4-5 drops of hot tabasco sauce (substitute ¼ teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes)  2 tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper Optional additions: ¼ cup of raisins or golden sultanas, chopped fresh apple or canned chopped pineapple. Method: Cook rice according to package instructions but add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to the water to turn white rice a beautiful yellow color. Meanwhile: Slice the onions Finely chop two cloves of garlic Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.  Add the onions and cook on medium low for about 6 to 8 minutes careful not to brown them. Add the chopped garlic for 30 seconds and then add all three tablespoons of ...

  The Spice Chest: Spices originating from Arabia were a valuable trade commodity in the Roman Empire. Owning spices was a symbol of wealth and spice chests were built in the 18th Century to store them. Brought to the American colonies by the Welch and English, the spice chest was prominently placed in homes to display affluence. Early examples of these pieces were built by Welsh craftsmen in Chester Pennsylvania. In today’s home, the spice chest still remains an elegant and useful piece.  Place one in an entrance hallway to store gloves, hats, scarfs and other odds and ends or in the kitchen to store spices, cutlery and linens.

  Weekend Cocktail - Classic Dry Martini  The first written recipe for a Dry Martini appeared in 1904 in American-Bar Recettes des Boissons Anglaises et Américaine written by Frank Newman who was a bartender with the Ritz in Paris.  Pour 2oz gin, 2oz dry vermouth, 3 drops of orange bitters over ice. Stir and serve. 007 preferred it shaken not stirred. Garnish with an olive.

  Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Ingredients: 2 cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste (optional if you’re not a fan) Juice of one lemon 1 tablespoon of champagne vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar) 1 teaspoon of worcestershire sauce ⅔ cup of plain mayonnaise ⅓ cup of Heinz salad cream (substitute with ⅓ cup mayo if you can’t get this)) ½ cup fresh grated parmigiano reggiano cheese Salt and black pepper Method: Place all in a blender and blend until creamy History: Caesar Salad was invented by an Italian chef Caesar Cardini at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. It is one of the most popular salads in restaurants and homes in the US today.  Classic caesar salad dressing uses a raw egg and anchovies.  This version uses neither so there is no risk of Salmonella and it can last longer .Also its extremely easy to make. Bon Appétit!