Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a time of preparation leading up to Easter observed by Christians around the world. It lasts for approximately six weeks and is marked by self-denial and abstaining from various foods. Meat is traditionally forbidden during this time. Fasolada, or Greek bean soup, is served during Lent because it is meatless but full of protein and nutrition. While this dish is perfect for the Lenten season, it is often enjoyed year-round and has a rich and ancient history. Continue reading
Category Archives: Bon Appetit Wednesday
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Stay Warm With Fasolada, a Lenten Bean Soup Courtesy of Ancient Greek Farmers
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Public Life, Religion
Tagged Ancient Greece, ancient history, ancient recipes, AntiquityNOW, Ash Wednesday, beans, Bon Appetit Wednesday, fasolada, Lent
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Ancient Bitters, Modern Cocktails
When you think of the five basic tastes – salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami, a more recent addition approximating a savory or “meaty” flavor – bitter probably isn’t your favorite. And you’re not alone if you’d prefer salty, sweet, sour or savory. The debate over whether bitter is bad has raged since prehistory. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Healing Arts, Science and Technology
Tagged alcohol, amaro, ancient history, AntiquityNOW, bitters, bitters tonic, Bon Appetit Wednesday, cocktails, flavors, umami
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Ancient Russian Blini: Oh So Savory and Oh So Sweet
It’s the second week of the Winter Olympics being held in Sochi, Russia and the competition is fierce as each country strives to up their medal count before the closing ceremonies. Maybe you’re planning a big closing ceremonies party or maybe you just need something to munch while you cheer on your favorite athlete. Perhaps you’re in a festive mood. Maslenitsa is a traditional holiday in Russia celebrated from February 24th – March 2nd. We’ll get to that in a bit. Either way, this week’s recipe is sure to please. In honor of Mother Russia, we’re exploring the ancient origins of Russian blini. We’re going to give you two modern blini recipes, one savory and one sweet, so you’ll be prepared no matter what you’re craving. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Holidays, Public Life
Tagged ancient history, AntiquityNOW, blini, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Maslenitsa, pancakes, Russia, savory and sweet, Winter Olympics
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Celebrate an Olympic-Sized Love with Ancient Cheesecake
It’s that time of year again. Love is in the air as candied hearts and boxes of chocolates pack the shelves. This year Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the Winter Olympics. Maybe you and your sweetheart are looking to celebrate love as you continue to cheer on the international athletes. We have the perfect dessert for you! Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Public Life, Sports
Tagged ancient history, ancient recipes, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, cheesecake, Greece, Olympics, Rome, valentine's day
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Butternut Squash Soup With Maple Roasted Chickpeas
As the polar vortex spins and the Arctic blasts march on, much of the world is looking for a warm pair of slippers and a nice hot meal to fight chill. This easy slow-cooker soup is the dish to satisfy and it just happens to be a beautiful pairing of old and new. Chickpeas, an ancient ingredient, provide a perfect garnish for the butternut squash which is said to have originated in the 1940s. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Pork Dumplings for the Year of the Horse
Image courtesy of FamilyFun magazine.
Chinese New Year is right around the corner and we thought we’d serve up a dish full of ancient symbolism. This recipe for pork dumplings is a perfect way to start the New Year with a savory fare that’s been enjoyed for thousands of years. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Time to Break Out the Aztec Chocolate Caramel Popcorn
It’s the end of January and that means National Popcorn Day is upon us! The actual date is contested with some sources saying it’s the 19th (last Sunday) and others claiming it falls on Super Bowl Sunday. We’ve decided to compromise and celebrate right between these two dates. So whether you’re celebrating retroactively or preparing in advance for February 2nd, this Aztec Chocolate Caramel Popcorn is sure to please. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient history, AntiquityNOW, Aztecs, Bon Appetit Wednesday, chocolate, National Popcorn Day, Peru, popcorn, Superbowl
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Spaghetti With Olive Oil and Italian Fish Sauce
Photo courtesy of MattBites.com.
Fish sauce has long been a staple of Southeast Asian cooking. Made from fermented fish with sea salt, it has a strong, distinct flavor that enhances all the delicious flavors in Asian cuisine. Easily recognizable as a truly Eastern condiment, it’s fascinating to learn it has ancient roots in Western Europe as well, specifically in ancient Rome. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient history, ancient recipe, Ancient Rome, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, colatura, East Asia, fish sauce, garum
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Savory Pre-Columbian Tamales With Black Beans
Image courtesy of Joel Luks.
Did you know that tamales are not simply a delicious Mexican creation, but actually an ancient food staple? Created by the Aztecs using maize, their most important food, tamales were often filled with beans that were second only to maize in dietary importance. Other popular fillings included chilies, amaranth seeds, maize flowers, honey, beeswax, turkey, eggs and cherries.[1] Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient food, ancient history, AntiquityNOW, Aztecs, black beans, Bon Appetit Wednesday, epazote, maize, Mexican food, tamales
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Ring in the New Year With a Lucky Foods Repast
Happy New Year! For a fortuitous upcoming 365 days, we’ve compiled a dinner spread that bodes well for 2014. Here’s a quick description of some holiday foods—with ancient ingredients—that are considered to bring good fortune: Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Holidays, Public Life
Tagged ancient history, AntiquityNOW, Bon Appetit Wednesday, culinary, lucky food, New Year
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