History
There’s a well known expression, “born with a silver spoon in her mouth.” This expression dates back to the Middle Ages, where peasants and those of low-birth status had scant access to quality dining ware, if at all. By contrast, the “let them eat cake” class not only had spoons, but those spoons were made out of silver and handcrafted with the family crest or other decorations. Maybe that’s how the notion of silverware as a formal, luxury item became part of the culture. But, even in today’s era, surveys shows that customers are willing to pay more for a meal served with high-quality silverware.
Welcome to the World of Pinole, aka pinol or pinolillo, the ancient grain from the Aztec era that is experiencing a resurgence in the food industry today. Made from a blend of purple corn maize (the predecessor to modern corn) and raw cacao, the ingredients are slow roasted together and then ground to form a powder (in yesteryear, they were hand-ground by stone).
A few years ago, we wrote about food trucks in a blog entitled, “Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Starting Your Own Food Truck.” In truth, we weren’t prescient enough at the time to know quite how explosive the trend would be. Street food in general and food trucks in particular have become a huge business.
Hardly a new trend, but apparently here to stay, street food has been increasing in popularity for the past several years, and food pundits are predicting that in the next few years it will go mainstream and even upscale. Street food can now be seen at catered events. at posh hotels, and in conference centers, offering stylish menu ideas that go beyond burgers and fries or soups and sandwiches.
There’s no denying that French fries are the most awesome of side dishes and that they’re impossible to resist or to have “just one of.” They’ve been around the United States for about 200 years and, contrary to popular belief, a few fries with ketchup are not fatal. While the combination of carbs, sodium and fat may not be ideal, a few fries on the side won’t destroy a diet forever or add an immediate 10 pounds to your waistline.
Every mathematician’s favorite holiday is quickly approaching! Yes, we’re talking about Pi Day, the annual celebration of the world’s most famous mathematical ratio. But while Pi Day — observed every March 14 — may be about math to some people, to others it’s about something much more delicious: an excuse to indulge in flaky, fruity, nutty, chocolaty, or cream-filled pie.