Tag: cooking

Top Food Trends for 2022

The pandemic has changed the way we cook, and it’s given rise to new challenges and opportunities to reconnect with our kitchen. You may have gained a more refined palate while you mastered making silly mini pancakes. During this period, many of you also took on a serious social and racial equality stand. You also supported the efforts of local communities that are reclaiming food sovereignty.

After years of studying the trends for 2022, we decided to focus on what matters most to you now: what makes you happy and how we can make better food and beverage choices better for the planet.

Condiment Obsession

According to a survey conducted, 92% of American families plan on continuing to eat at home. However, cooking fatigue is real. If you’re not cooking as often because you don’t have the energy, then it’s time to step away from the kitchen and take a deep breath.

Due to the endless variety of food companies offering bold and diverse flavors, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to satisfying your hunger. Condiments are a great way to enhance taste and introduce bold flavors into family favorites. 

The New Green Kitchen

A lot of people start their eco-friendly lifestyle in the kitchen. There are plenty of sustainable products out there that will make your life easier and less cluttered. One example of this is Stasher, a company that makes reusable storage bags.

Food waste is a large contributor to waste in the US, comprising 21% of all landfill. This is why composting is so important to reducing food waste.

The Food Network has launched a campaign called Combating Food Waste, which encourages people to turn their organic waste into something that can be used in their gardens and houses.

Underground Ordering

During the height of the pandemic, almost 8 million people were out of work. As a result, many states loosened restrictions so that people could sell “cottage food” directly to their customers. This was the key to Eric Huang, who was able to save his family’s restaurant after transitioning to a direct-to-consumer model.

Expect more restaurants to start using social media platforms to connect with their customers and expand their reach beyond the traditional restaurant model. 

Fishless Fish

People are starting to understand the environmental impacts of illegal fishing. Due to the rising cases of ocean pollution, the term sustainable seafood has become outdated and unreliable.

According to a study conducted by the Yale Center for Communication, the carbon footprint associated with farming tilapia and catfish are equivalent to that of beef.

There are plenty of options out there that are both fish-free and plant-based. These products could be considered sustainable alternatives to traditional seafood.

Grocery Loyalty Pays

In the new world of grocery shopping, we’re using apps to order and pay for our food. While some basic items are cheaper, the cost is increasing due to the rising cost of food.

With grocery prices increasing at a 3.5% rate, many companies are revamping their loyalty programs to give members even more benefits. These plans can be found at Walmart, Albertson’s, and Kroger.

Some apps are also giving users exclusive perks, such as free shipping and delivery. They also have various bonuses, such as double gas points and discounts on prescriptions.

Tips For A Healthier You In 2022

After a challenging year, many Americans are ready to start making resolutions for the coming year. While many of them are focused on improving their mental and physical health, many others are planning on improving their diet and exercise. Thankfully, all of these go hand-in-hand. Below are some tips for a healthier version of you in the next year.

Get Exercise Regularly

There are numerous benefits of getting regular exercise. Being physically fit can help improve your mental and cardiovascular health. It can also reduce depression and improve your mood. Being active can help prevent mental health issues during the pandemic and during normal years.

Eat Healthy Meals

In addition to eating lots of vegetables and fruits, a diet low in red meat can help prevent chronic diseases and boost your blood cholesterol levels. It can also improve your risk of cancer. Aim for protein in the morning to keep your blood sugar in check and prevent it from getting too high. This can also help control appetite and prevent diabetes.

Get Enough Sleep

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people’s sleep patterns, it’s still important to get at least eight hours of sleep a night to prevent infection and keep you mentally well. Try to set and keep a regular sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine and electronics before you head to bed.

Protect Yourself From Viruses

Getting a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot is the first step in the prevention of illnesses. If you feel sick, stay home so you can rest and avoid spreading the illness to others. Be sure to wash your hands often and wear a mask when around crowds of people.

Make A Plan

No matter what resolutions you set for the new year, it will be easier to stick to them if you make a plan and follow it. Create incentives, tell other people, write down goals and own up to what you want to change. All of these will help you stay accountable.

Most Americans are more than ready to say goodbye to this year. It has been difficult to stick to resolutions while going through the pandemic. Following some of these tips will help you get and stay healthier in the coming year and beyond.

Cookbooks Across Europe

This month I thought we could feature Irish cooking for St. Patrick’s Day and then go on to feature cookbooks from Europe!

1. The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook (Love Food) Hardcover – January 15, 2019 

Pubs in Ireland are the cornerstone of their communities, relaxed places where locals and visitors can experience the best of traditional Irish hospitality. Many pubs have also become the place to go for a great meal, with a choice of both traditional and contemporary dishes. In recent years Irish cooking has been transformed, with skillful cooks making the most of wonderful fresh local produce to create delicious new dishes and giving a twist to many classics. This collection includes the best of both worlds – with best-loved favorites such as Irish Stew and Split Pea and Ham Soup and also newer recipes, like Scallop Chowder or Oatmeal and Raspberry Cream to set your taste buds tingling. So just open this book to enjoy the best of traditional and contemporary Irish pub cooking.

2. French Cooking for Beginners: 75+ Classic Recipes to Cook Like a Parisian

From Paris direct to your table―the complete French cookbook for beginners 

The French may not have invented cooking, but they certainly have perfected the art of eating well. In this definitive French cookbook that’s perfect for beginners, you’ll discover how to make the timeless, tasty cuisine served up at French dinner tables and in beloved bistros and brasseries.

Author François de Mélogue breaks down classic French cookbook dishes like Duck Confit with Crispy Potatoes, Bouillabaisse, and Coq au Vin into easy-to-follow steps perfect for the newcomer. Along the way, you’ll learn how to put together a cheese board any Parisian would be proud of, fry the perfect pommes frites, and pair food and wine like a pro. Let’s get cooking the French way! Bon appetit!

3. The Complete Italian Cookbook: Essential Regional Cooking of Italy

From the heart of Italy directly to your table―110 authentic regional recipes 

Italian cuisine’s abundance of flavor, high-quality ingredients, and regional diversity make it one of the most popular in the world. Unlike some other Italian cookbooks, The Complete Italian Cookbook will help you make beloved dishes in your own kitchen with more than 100 authentic recipes from all over the country.

4. 1,000 Spanish Recipes

From one of the most influential experts on the subject, a cookbook culminating her 40-year career and lifelong love affair with Spanish cuisine.

Penelope Casas was one of the premier authorities on Spanish food. She taught Americans about jamón serrano, Manchego cheese, and chorizo, in addition to countless dishes, from patatas bravas to churros. She wrote several acclaimed books, and 1,000 Spanish Recipes is her final work and legacy. It is a very special addition to the award-winning 1,000 Recipes series.

5. Grandma’s German Cookbook

Whether it’s crispy fried potatoes, steamed dumplings, or a creamy jelly roll stuffed with raspberries, no one makes food as good as a German grandmother — that is, until now! 

Featuring eighty-five classic recipes, from soups to Sunday roasts, and desserts to Christmas favorites, Grandma’s German Cookbook is loaded with recipes any German grandmother would proudly serve her family.

They’ll also discover charming profiles of German grandmothers and their takes on classic dishes, for added authentic inspiration.

Best Keto Diet Cookbooks

21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge: Recipes and Workouts for a Slimmer, Healthier You Paperback – August 28, 2018

by Rachel Gregory MS CNS ATC CSCS (Author), Amanda C. Hughes

The 21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge is the first targeted meal plan and exercise guide to help you lose weight fast on ketogenic diet.

Real weight loss is a combined approach of diet, exercise, and a healthy mindset. The 21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge combines the ketogenic diet with effective wellness strategies for a results-driven, kick-start plan to lose weight permanently.

This 21-day ketogenic diet challenge tells you what to eat and when with a clear, easy-to-follow meal plan that includes more than 100 keto-friendly recipes. To complement your diet, The 21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge also offers guidance on other fundamental elements of weight loss, including exercise, sleep, and stress management.

The Big Book of Ketogenic Diet Cooking: 200 Everyday Recipes and Easy 2-Week Meal Plans for a Healthy Keto Lifestyle Paperback – September 4, 2018

by Jen Fisch (Author), Julie Smith (Foreword)

The Big Book of Ketogenic Diet Cooking is the ultimate bible to maintain a healthy keto lifestyle with the biggest selection of recipes, meal plans, nutritional information, and more!

The biggest thing to happen to the ketogenic diet since fat bombs, The Big Book of Ketogenic Diet Cooking is an unmatched reference with the largest collection of recipes and meal plans yet for keeping up with the ketogenic diet.

Simply Keto: A Practical Approach to Health & Weight Loss, with 100+ Easy Low-Carb Recipes Paperback – December 12, 2017

by Suzanne Ryan (Author)

The ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat way of eating, is remarkably effective at transforming people’s lives, helping them shed pounds and find relief from common health conditions. No one knows this better than Suzanne Ryan. In her quest to overcome her lifelong struggle with her weight, she stumbled upon the ketogenic diet and decided to give it a shot. In just one year, she lost more than 100 pounds and reclaimed control over her health and well-being.

Keto for Life: Look Better, Feel Better, and Watch the Weight Fall off with 160+ Delicious High-Fat Recipes Paperback – May 29, 2018

by Mellissa Sevigny (Author)

The ketogenic lifestyle has been proven to aid in weight loss and to help people achieve better overall health. Mellissa Sevigny, the voice behind the highly acclaimed food blog I Breathe, I’m Hungry, has been a leader in low-carb, ketogenic living for many years and understands the key factors to achieve lifelong success. In her new book, Keto for Life, she delivers a complete road map to adopting and sustaining a ketogenic diet. Keto for Life is a book for real people with busy lives, picky family members, and moderate budgets. Mellissa firmly believes that budget, time, and eating with loved ones should not be deterrents to living a keto lifestyle, feeling great, and enjoying the food you’re eating. Keto for Life gives readers tools and recipes to thrive on keto.

Keto Comfort Foods: Family Favorite Recipes Made Low-Carb and Healthy Paperback – May 2, 2017

by Maria Emmerich (Author)

The ketogenic diet is all about nourishing and healing your body with nutrient-dense whole foods, as international bestselling author Maria Emmerich has demonstrated in her previous books, including The Ketogenic Cookbook (with Jimmy Moore) and The 30-Day Ketogenic Cleanse. But food is more than just nourishment; food is tradition, food is love, and most importantly, food is a celebration. The mere thought of eating a particular meal or the smell of a favorite childhood dish can evoke positive memories, whether it’s a simple Sunday dinner with family or a major life event.

5 Great Spring Cookbooks

Edita Kaye shares her picks for great springtime cookbooks. Click through her presentation to see which books have made the list.


new year cooking space Edita Kaye

A New Year is a Great Time to Plan a New Cooking Space

The beginning of a new year is all about doing away with the old and improving your life. For anyone with a love of food and cooking, an upgrade to your kitchen might be just the thing you need! Here are a few books to get you started and give you ideas to fit your culinary needs.

The Kitchen Bible: Designing the Perfect Culinary Space, 2014 by Barbara Ballinger

This book is a step-by-step guide to creating your perfect kitchen. There are hundreds of photographs and abundant inspiration for layouts, advice for speaking to a contractor, checklists and more.

New Kitchen Idea Book (Taunton’s Idea Book Series), 2016 by Heather J. Paper

If you’re looking for kitchen upgrades that focus on layout, lighting and storage without breaking the budget, this book is a great option. It features photos and step-by-step instructions to help you create a kitchen that is both gorgeous and functional.

Kitchen Ideas, 2009 by Better Homes and Gardens

This gem offers hundreds of inspiring ideas, including a survey of kitchen trends, ideas for enhancing your existing floor plan, advice on mixing and matching materials, and making it all happen affordably. It’s great for transformations big and small.

Country Living 500 Kitchen Ideas: Style, Function & Charm, 2014 by Dominique DeVito

DeVito’s 2014 book is a revised edition of her bestselling book. Every page is packed with innovative ideas to make a kitchen both inviting and efficient. You can find advice on appliances, colors and patterns, walls, storage, windows, accessories and more.

House Beautiful Kitchens: Creating a Beautiful Kitchen of Your Own, 2012 by Lisa Cregan

Input from some of the country’s finest designers are included in this book, including Johnathan Adler, Jeff Lewis and Carole Lalli. The various styles and tips in this book are sure to point you in the direction of a kitchen you’ll love.

The kitchen is often the most loved and used space in the house, so why not make yours a priority in 2019!

Celebrating Cooking With Coconut

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