Rain clouds disappeared for the 3rd annual Tacos “N Tequila Fiesta, where Greenville bartenders and chefs exemplify, just how good this Mexican food pairing can be. Tacos originated in the Mexican silver mines of the 18th century. “Taco” refers to the small pieces of paper, wrapped around gunpowder, and used as an explosive device, within the mining cave. Which is very similar to meat being placed in a dough tortilla and dribbled with hot sauce. First produced in the 16th century, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, primarily found in the city of Tequila, Mexico. Tequila is a type of mezcal (a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any…
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7 Tips For Spring Edible Gardening
It is almost April 15th and where I call home, it is time to begin my spring edible garden! I kinda get a chuckle, at my expense when it comes to gardening. When I was much younger, in grammar school, my parents had a garden. We grew corn, beans, and a few other vegetables. We had a huge apple tree and prosperous grape vines; so I grew up knowing where food comes from. When I was 10 years old, we moved and no longer had a garden at our house, however, my grandparents still had thriving gardens. They enjoyed all sorts of greens, beans and squash. During my teenage years,…
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Impressive Greenville Cantina 76 Brunch
Columbia, South Carolina based Cantina 76 has grown to five locations state wide in just ten short years. Founded by four college friends, the inspiring, elevated Mexican menu, accompanied by fresh craft cocktails has proven to be a delicious combination for diners. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying their new brunch menu:, which is served every Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 p.m. The brunch menu is full of classic dishes with a Mexican spin created by Executive Chef, David Grillo. Tasty libations are also served during brunch, like the honeysuckle mimosa, peach mimosa and bloody Mary. Cantina 76’s Brunch Menu Plenty of delectable choices abound the brunch menu. Typically, I…
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Asian Mexican Fusion Chicken Recipe
As you may know, I am really working on losing a few extra pounds – ok – A LOT of extra pounds. I have been seeking recipes using Asian inspired spices, which have incredible health benefits. While searching these out, I discovered a fellow blogger’s recipe for Sazon Goya (thank you from the SkinnyTaste.com). It is a type of seasoning salt found in Mexican markets. I decided to play with it a bit and use turmeric for some Asian inspiration. You are going to love this chicken recipe, which include healthy ingredients, but maintains a simplistic approach for a quick weeknight meal. I promise this Asian-Mexican fusion chicken recipe will…
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Prediabetic Food Choices
While attending the Farm to Institution Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, I was slapped with a staggering statistics: 86 MILLION ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE PREDIABETES That is one in every three adults. And 90% of those adults, do not know they have prediabetes. Although our own individual genetic disposition plays a key factor in developing diabetes, health and lifestyle decisions increase the chances of developing the condition; including Obesity A sedentary lifestyle Bad eating habits Determine if you are at risk for Prediabetes or Diabetes The American Diabetes Association has a test, to determine if you are at risk for either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (your body does…
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The Connection Between Your Cholesterol and Food
As we get older, our cholesterol levels change. Doctors are not really sure how aging affects the composition and function of HDL, aka high-density lipoproteins levels; however, research has proven there is a significant change from our youth, and the food we eat plays an intricate part. Cholesterol in the body Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body’s cells. It’s carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. Our LDL or low-density lipoproteins, build up within the walls of our blood vessels and narrow the passageways, as we age. Significant…
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Introduction to Cooking With Wine
A wine labeled “cooking wine” is usually an inferior wine that would not be drunk on its own. It typically lacks distinction, and ironically, flavor. Sometimes they are loaded in salt and preservatives. A good home chef will never use these products, but instead use a good quality wine, they would drink on its own. Be sure to use wine which compliments the food with which it is paired. That being said, there is no need to spend a fortune on wine destined for sauces and stews. Some of those $10 bottles can taste delicious and will make a significant difference in your cooking applications. Alternative to wine If you…
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Assessing Your Vitamin D Level for Weight Loss Success
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Everyone knows the most popular new year resolutions are… …lose weight …eat more healthy …exercise more. My 2019 resolutions? ALL OF THE ABOVE! Today, I made my bi-annual trip to my internal medicine physician and my cholesterol numbers were slightly elevated; however, my HDL, or good cholesterol had also increased! My doctor strongly advocates starting cholesterol medicine, or statins. I know several people who are currently taking statins and they are suffering from the horrible side effects. Also, statins can destroy your liver, especially those under 60 years old. Therefore, I will continue my attempts at lowering my LDL cholesterol numbers through nutrition and exercise. Incorporating…
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Cocktail Crawl in Greenville, South Carolina
***This is a sponsored post. Greenville, South Carolina has been ranked as one the fastest growing culinary destinations in the United States, but what about all the great libations and mixologist working at the many restaurants in the area? These masters of mixology are creating some of the best cocktails and I am going to tell you about five of my favorites. First and foremost, if taking a cocktail tour of Greenville, make sure to make driving arrangements in advance. Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle Co would be happy to escort you, or a group to whichever delicious destinations you choose, without the worry of being arrested or endangering other drivers. …
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Cheddar Cheese is the Perfect Ingredient
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular types of cheeses of all time and it is absolutely my favorite. Did you know, the orange color of cheese dates back to the 16th century England, when cheese makers would pass off a lower quality of cheese by adding saffron, then eventually, ANNATTO. In former times, only affluent Cheddar lovers could afford the expensive full-cream cheeses with its creamy-yellow color. By adding the coloring agent, cheese makers could take low fat cheese and sell it as full fat cheese. It is the fat that gives the color to the cheese. ANNATTO is derived from the seeds of the Achiote tree, which is…
