Did You Know-Conversation Sweethearts
The History of Conversation Sweethearts It all started in the 1840s when a Boston pharmacist named Oliver Chase invented a machine that made it easier to create apothecary lozenges. Chase’s lozenge cutter is credited as the first American candy machine. He started off making medicinal lozenges for sore throats and bad breath, but later turned to creating candy. These candy […]
1950’s New England Clam Chowder Recipe
For Christmas I received a recipe book called Nostalgic Recipes. This easy hearty Clam Chowder recipe was from the 1950’s and it uses canned evaporated milk. It would make a nice cup of soup or a bowl of soup as a meal. Drain the clam liquid into a measuring cup. Add enough water to give you 1-1/3 cups total. […]
Did You Know – Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaffeinated coffee is made by removing caffeine from green, unroasted coffee beans. This is done by different common decaffeination methods which I show below. Think you don’t get any caffeine, think again! Solvent-Based (Direct & Indirect) Direct: Beans are steamed and then directly rinsed with a solvent to pull out the caffeine, followed by another steaming to remove residue. […]
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Most people would make this an appetizer, I made it a meal! Full of cream cheese, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, garlic, herbs and seasonings topped with more parmesan cheese. Thirty minutes in the oven and it’s ready to eat. Spray an 8” oven safe dish with cooking oil. Put spinach into a large bowl, cover and microwave on […]
Did You Know-Caramel
The process of caramelization primarily consists of heating sugars slowly to around 170 °C (340 °F). As the sugar heats, the molecule’s break down and re-form into compounds with a characteristic color and flavor. A variety of sweets, desserts, toppings, and confections are made with caramel, including tres leches cake, brittles, nougats, pralines, flan, creme brûlée, creme caramel and caramel […]
Bread Made In A Bag
Do you think you can’t make bread? Well you can make this white bread. All the ingredients go into a resealable bag that you combine and knead by squeezing the bag. Spray cooking oil onto the sides and bottom of a bread pan. In a resealable bag add 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar and rapid rise yeast. […]
Did You Know- Salt Production
Salt is ubiquitous in today’s culinary world, but there was a time when it was a scarce and valuable commodity. In the era preceding the Industrial Revolution, salt mining was a perilous and labor intensive task, often relegated to slaves and prisoners. The hazardous conditions, including the risk of rapid dehydration from continuous exposure to salt and inhaling salt dust, […]
Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Bacon
Who doesn’t love delicious baked macaroni and cheese? I elevated the flavor by adding cooked bacon, two kinds of cheese and topped with buttered Panko Crumbs for a delicious flavor. Whether you eat it as a side dish or a meal, your family will love it! Using a fork, combine melted butter with panko crumbs then set aside. Crumble bacon […]
Happy New Year 2026 – Slow Cooker Pork Roast & Sauerkraut
May the coming year bring you the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to chase your dreams, and the love that enriches your life. Happy New Year! Today I will be making my Slow Cooker Pork Roast & Sauerkraut. Slow Cooker Pork Roast & Sauerkraut http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
Did You Know – New Year’s Pretzel History & Recipe
My mom always bought New Year’s Pretzels. We had a wonderful bakery that made them but they have closed. Popular in German-American communities like Pittsburgh and Sandusky, Ohio. ORIGINS & MEANING GERMAN ROOTS: The tradition comes from German immigrants, linking to the pretzels historical ties to religious observance and blessings. SYMBOLISM: The pretzels twisted shape signifies arms folded in […]