National Food Holidays

What better way to the year off with a bowl of healthy homemade soup. Even if you live somewhere it is warm in January there are plenty of recipes for delicious cold soups.

Many food historians believe that soup was one of the first meals ever cooked and probably the first item served in restaurants. Soup came from the word ‘Sop’ which was broth poured on top of bread was called during the middle ages. Supper also comes from the word Sop as in those times the evening meal was the lightest meal.

Soup is the perfect comfort food and has many health benefits such as helping us recover from illnesses quicker and giving us a feeling of fulness on less calories.

Here are some soup recipes to try:

• Tofu Squash Soup
• Quick And Easy Chunky Tomato Soup
• Soup In A Pumpkin
• Bluberry Orange Soup

The origin of the Cream Puff is not completely certain. Many food historians believe that they existed in England during the 16th century. The believe the English got it from France and the french aquired cream puffs from Italy. Wherever they came from they are now a popular dessert all over the world. The fillings may either be ice cream, whipped cream or pastry cream. They are delicious plain but the possibilities of toppings are endless such as chocolate sauce, fruit or powdered sugar (icing sugar).

Here is a basic Cream Puff recipe. Use your imagination to create a cream puff masterpiece!

Whipping cream is made by whisking air into cream that has between 30-36% fat. Whisking the air into the cream creates a soft solid. There are also many Whipped Cream Chargers on the market that use nitrous oxide to create the whipped cream. Cool whip or whipped topping is an immitation of whipped cream; It contains no cream or dairy.

The history of how whipped cream came to be is unknown. Perhaps it was noticed when people tried to make butter in a hurry? 

A simple recipe to make whipped cream is:

• Whip 1/2 pint of cream (make sure it is cold) in a bowl. Be sure not to over mix or you will end up with butter.
• When cream begins to thicken add 3 tbs of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.
• Stir and refridgerate.