Vintage recipes and closing out my time on @Foodtoktv

by

For the last few years I was participating with a Tiktok channel called Foodtoktv as well s running its website and blog as some of you are aware. But with Spring around the corner and starting up my more food focus channel on TT under @KitchenBearSF ( in addition to my original profile Frank_Mentorsf) as a way to come back to BiteTheRoad.com more.

I choose to step back from the collab activity recently, and  did my last “Live” for them last Thursday, wanting to keep at my retro inspired theme with several dishes I could knock out in an hour.

During my Lunchtime Live that week I did several recipes:

The first two you confined on the blog for FoodtokTV (you can still many of the previous lives on the Foodtoktv Youtube channel here)

and two others I will be sharing here this week for

  • Vintage 1960’s Grandmother’s Potatoes
  • Italian inspired White Beans & Tomato with fresh oregano salad/Bruschetta

Here is a quick peak at the all and stay tune for more of the recipes soon.

 

 

Benefits of fermented Garlic and Honey

by

Every wonder what some food you can eat that may help you feel better? Well some fermented foods can help many aches and pains. Sherry recent Garlic & Honey Journey is a great example. Checkout her latest tiktok below on the benefits of fermented Garlic and Honey or visit her story on Garlic and Honey Fermentation.

@sherry_skinner @sherry_skinner Dont Run Out Of Fermented Garlic and Honey #cookingwithbamaw #foodtoktv ♬ original sound – Bamaw Sherry

My Latest version of the traditional Easter Pizza Rustica or Ham Pie

by

As some of you know I am on Tiktok these days on my original account @Frank_MentorSF, and my newly launched, more food focused @KithchenBearSF. While I work to get @KitchenBearSF up to its minimum followers to go live, I go live from my original one and weekly noon 12:00 noon PST on @foodtoktv collaborative account.

On Saturday I took a rare few hours and went live on my account to make my annual “Ham Pie” that I do most easter weeks. I have blogged about this in the past, but sharing below the latest version of the recipe. See this post for more step by step https://bitetheroad.com/easter-ham-pie-aka-pizza-gaina/ .

Full Recipe for the Filling- (enough for 4-6 pies depending on size)
1/2 lb whole milk insalada (or Insalata) ricotta, aka Ricotta Salata  (Firm salty ricotta cheese. – you can substitute any of your favorites or what you can find locally)

◦ 1/2 lb Pepperoni (Use the traditional sticks or the larger slicing one.)

◦ 1/2 lb Prosciutto (optional)

◦ 1/2 lb HOT Capicola or Hot Soppressata,

◦ 1/2 lb hard salami

◦ 1/2 lb Genoa salami

◦ 1/2 lb Procuittini (You can substitute this with any other pepper coated ham they have)

◦ 1/2 lb Abbruzese

◦ 1 lb Basket Cheese if available or use fresh Mozzarella cubed

◦ 1/2 lb Provolone (Other recipes use ricotta Salato etc.) or both

6 – 12 Large Eggs ((see notes for quantities))

For The Dough – 3 – 8” pies

• 1 tsp Ground Pepper (or more to taste for dough)

• 6 large Eggs

• 3/4 cup (or 12 tbsp) Shortening

• 4 1/2 cups All purpose flour

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tsp Grated cheese (Parmesan) (for dough)

• 2 tbsp ice water (as needed)

 

Read these Notes first

  • Depending on where you live – some of these meats won’t be as available. Its totally fine to switch them out for your favorites or use more of one than the others.
  • When buying your meats and cheese – you will save time by asking the deli to slice it in 1/4’ slices for you.
  • The filling for the full recipe will make 1- 9 inch pie- (in a springform pan) and 1 foil or 3 –  8’ in foil round pans. depending on how much you fill them. I also like to use foil loaf pans.
  • I often make the first batch of dough, knowing I will have leftover filling. Then a few days later make another batch for the freezer. When freezing, cool, wrap in plastic, then foil then place in a ziplock bag
  • By volume, the foil pans take about 6-7 eggs worth of the whisked eggs and the springform will take up to 12 – 13 eggs depending on the size eggs you use. (Lessons Learned – have extra eggs handy just in case)
  • If you use a springform pan – be sure and give it a foil “condom”  around the bottoms and bake on a sheet pan in case it leaks

Pre-preparation

  • Cut all the meats and cheeses into small cubes. 1/4 to a 1/2 inch mix. You can do this several days before in resealable bags or containers.

Making the Dough

    • You can make the dough several ways.
      1. My usual method is in a large flat bowl (or on your counter if you have the room)- sift together flour and salt. Add eggs, ground pepper and grated cheese. This also works in a stand mixer with the dough attachment.
      2. If you use a food processor – its super fast and the dough will be softer. A few tips  include dice up the shortening and don’t over mix. If you make the full version, you’ll likely have to finish mixing it by hand, but if you use the half batch,  you will be able to process it right in the food processor
    • Add in the shortening and work in quickly. Use a pastry cutter if you have one.
    • Crack and break up the eggs. Add the eggs to the flour mixture and mix, adding up to 2 tablespoons of iced water as needed to bring the dough together.
    • Dump it on the counter and knead it until it comes together and form into a ball. DO NOT OVER WORK. Wrap in plastic or cover until ready to use.
    • You have two options now:
      1. You can divide the dough in 4, shape into discs and wrap and chill for 30 min or overnight  or
      2. Divide the dough and roll out and fit into your pans, pressing up the sides. Cut off at any extra to save as decoration on the top.

For the filling (wet mix first)

    1. Crack and whisk the remaining eggs
    2. Add pepper, grated cheese
    3. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of the Basket cheese (if using) and gentle loosen it into the batter. This will add some moisture when cooking.

Assembling the Pie

    1. Preheat your oven*
    2. Roll out the dough, large enough to extend beyond your pan several inches as you will want the sides to hang over. You want it thin enough to be flexible
    3. Using either a 9in spring form pan (or an 8 inch one will do – but use less of everything) or simple foil cake or loaf pans
    4. Lay the dough in the pan and gently press into place and make sure all the corners and sides and flattened smooth.
    5. Sprinkle some grated cheese ( about a tablespoon) on the dough at the bottom of the pan.
    6. Place 2 cups (for foil pans) or 3 1/2 – 4 cups (for spring form pan) of meat and cheese mix in each prepared pan and spread it out. It should be no more than 3/4 of the way up the sides.
    7. Pour the wet batter over the meat and cheese. Using the back of a wooden spoon gently mix in. Essentially you want to barely cover the meat mixture. (If you run short of eggs, whisk up a few more and top off)
    8. Take the leftover dough and add any decorative topping you want (i.e. a cross hatch or cut out shapes), flute the edges.
    9. Brush with an egg or cream wash
    10. Sprinkle with more grated cheese
    11. Bake in a preheated oven* 350 degrees for 60 – 75 minutes
    12. When they are a golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Take them out of the over and let them cool on a rack, in the pan until cool to the touch
    13. Once cooled some, remove them from the pan  and let finish cooling on the rack (remember they will still be hot inside)
    14. You can serve these warm, room temp or cold.
    15. Once fully cooked ns cool – wrap in plastic wrap, then foil to keep. They freeze great!

*Baking Temperature & Times

  • My mom prefers to use 350 degrees for 60 – 75 minutes or until the toothpick comes out dry for the foil pans (my oven was dead on at 60 minutes. (For the larger springform – plan for another 20 min).
  • My original version https://bitetheroad.com/easter-ham-pie-aka-pizza-gaina/
  • Several other versions I have tried and liked include
    • https://cookingwithmamalombardo.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/another-easter-classic-pizza-gaina/
    • http://www.afamilyfeast.com/easter-pie/
    • http://www.food.com/recipe/pizza-gain-aka-pizzagaina-pizza-rustica-italian-easter-ham-pie-293899#top

 

How to Make Better Diet Choices for Your Health

by

With the start of the new year, your thoughts have likely turned to how you can improve your life and health. Remember, your dietary choices not only affect your weight and physical health but also affect your mental health, reproductive health, and ability to avoid disease as you age. Here are a few ways to make better diet choices to improve your health. 

Eat Complex Carbs

One change that you can make to your diet to improve your health is to eat complex carbs instead of refined carbs. Complex carbs consist of long chains of sugar molecules and contain lots of nutrients. On the other hand, refined carbs are full of sugars and refined grains and all nutrients, bran, and fiber have been removed from them. 

Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as whole unprocessed grains, beans, starchy vegetables, peas, and brown rice. Including complex carbs in your diet will help you to feel full, energized, and satisfied when you eat. Instead of avoiding carbs altogether, make sure you’re eating healthy carbs, like complex carbs. 

Reduce Fatty Meats

Another healthy diet choice that you should make to improve your health is to reduce the fatty meats in your diet. While all kinds of meats include protein, which is essential to your health and development, some types of meat are quite fatty. 

A few examples of fatty meats are red meats such as pork, beef, and lamb, particularly fatty cuts such as bacon. Eating lots of fatty meats can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of developing diseases such as heart disease. Eating more lean meat can improve your heart health and reduce issues as you age.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

When you’re trying to improve your diet, don’t forget to eat more fruits and vegetables. The majority of adults don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which can be quite detrimental to your health. Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients that are essential to the growth and development of your body. Even if you take daily vitamins and supplements, you likely won’t receive the amount your body really needs. Eating more fruits and vegetables each day can lower your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and other issues. It can also improve your digestion and energy levels. If you have difficulty eating fruits and vegetables, find creative ways to work them into your diet. 

So, if you’ve realized that you need to take your health into your own hands, remember these healthy diet choices you should be making. Try to eat complex carbs instead of refined carbs, reduce fatty meat intake, and eat more fruits and vegetables. These are just a few changes that you can make that will have a huge impact on your long-term health.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: Who is the Paleo Diet Best For?

Where to Go for the Best Food Outside the U.S.

by

Food is one of the best things about traveling. Different cultures offer a rich variety of various cuisines, tastes, and textures to explore. Here are some of the absolute best locations for trying some of the best local food in the entire world outside of the United States.

Italy

When it comes to European cuisine, it’s hard to beat Italy. While some places on the continent can offer choices that lean a bit bland (hello there, England), Italian food is world-renowned for a reason. It also happens to be quite far removed from cheaper American equivalents. 

What makes Italian food shine is the freshness and quality of its ingredients. You’ll find pasta that’s been hand-stretched by a chef who’s been making it his whole life. You’ll find tomatoes, garlic, wine, and olive oil that’s produced locally and also happens to be some of the best in the world. 

Mexico

Mexican food is similar to Italian cuisine in the sense that the American version doesn’t hold a candle to the authentic, homegrown reality. Mexico offers an incredible variety of delicious foods. Even options that might sound familiar—burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and chimichangas–will often be radically different from what you’re used to seeing. 

Other foods that aren’t as well known in the states merit a shoutout; chilaquiles, elotes, and mole definitely deserve your attention. Visit major cultural centers to get the very best options. Mexico City is a fantastic choice. Punta de Mita in Mexico has many great restaurants that serve great local cuisine. Make sure to try some local drinks as well!

Japan

From the American perspective, Japanese food might not always seem the most accessible. Common food like sushi or seaweed can sometimes be off putting to some of the pickier eaters in the west. But you will never regret trying to widen your culinary horizons in Japan. Why? Every region has unique, seasonal delights. Everywhere you go, the food is unusually high quality. The street vendors at festivals may have options that you find unfamiliar but you will never regret trying them at least once. Both the savory and the sweet are exemplary–and Japan has mastered the use of the elusive umami flavor.

 

The U.S. has great cuisine–there’s no doubt about it. We contain a wide variety of foods from a huge range of international countries. New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia–we could go on and on! But it simply is not the same as getting the authentic option on the shores of the country itself. 

 

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Who is the Paleo Diet Best For?

How to Get a Better Grasp of a Country’s Culture

by

Traveling abroad is one of the greatest experiences you can have. The opportunity to explore a new country and culture is a great learning experience and it can help you expand your view of the world. When you travel, there are a few things you should do to make sure you get a full experience of the culture.

Experience Local Arts and Entertainment

Local art and entertainment are great ways to experience a country’s culture. Art is shaped and influenced by the cultural happenings around it and learning about the local art can give you a great insight into the history of a country and what they value. Different cultures value and produce different forms of art, so make sure you take in a variety of experiences. 

Entertainment is also a great way to see what is important to the people who live in different countries. You can often find performances that are meant to introduce tourists to different forms of dance, singing, and other performing arts. These are great opportunities because they include explanations of what you are experiencing.

Understand the Local Food Culture

Food is a unique experience while traveling and one that many people love. Having the opportunity to try locally prepared cultural dishes is a great way to expand your taste buds. While traveling, try to avoid fast food. Look for local places that are popular and well-established restaurants that focus on authentic food. 

You should also expand into the less touristy areas to find food that is truly local and less of a tourist trap. If you enjoy cooking, you can also attempt to make some of the popular local dishes. Taking a cooking class can help you learn how to use fresh local ingredients. It can also help you figure out how to replicate your favorite recipes once you return home.

Talk to the People You Meet

One of the best things you can do to learn about the places you are visiting is to talk to the people around you. Many people are willing to talk about the things unique to their home. They want to have a conversation with you! If you try to experience a country’s culture without talking to anyone, you will likely miss out on some of the wonderful things that aren’t as obvious, or you may form an incorrect impression. If you are a little worried about talking to strangers, look up local tour guides. Not only will they be great at helping you understand the area you are visiting, but they can also give you tips for the best places to visit on your trip.

 

Make sure to take the opportunity to learn about the cultures around you while you travel. The world is a wide and fascinating place, and you never know what you may encounter. You may find your new favorite food, or you may find somewhere you want to retire to when you are older.

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Signs You Need to Make Changes to Your Diet

How to Avoid Letting Meat Go to Waste

by

Approximately 22% of all meat purchased in the United States goes to waste and is thrown away. This is not only a waste of good food but also a waste of money, especially since meat is one of the more expensive food items to buy. By being more conscious about the meat you buy and how you store or use it, you can cut down drastically on meat waste. 

Find Creative Uses

One of the reasons why you might be letting meat go to waste is because it can be overwhelming sometimes to cook a full-on meat dish. Instead of thinking that you have to prepare a fancy steak dinner every time you have meat in your fridge, think of the meat as just another ingredient to add to any meal. 

You can be very creative in using your meat like making rice bowls with meat, putting meat in sandwiches, adding strips of meat to salad, or having a taco bar with various types of meat. By using your meat creatively in smaller portions, you won’t be stressed or uninspired when using your meat. 

Freeze It

If you can’t eat all the meat you buy before it goes bad, you should save it in the freezer instead of throwing it away. Make sure that you mark how old the meat is and vacuum seal it. Vacuum-sealing meat in the freezer can preserve it for longer and prevent freezer burn. 

Whenever you choose to thaw the meat, take care to thaw it properly for optimal texture and taste when you cook it. Avoid refreezing meat since this can degrade its quality. 

Buy Smaller Portions

If you notice that you are constantly throwing away bad meat, that means you aren’t finishing the meat you buy before it spoils. A simple solution to this problem is to buy less meat. When you are at the grocery store, don’t be pressured to buy the largest package of meat just because it may be the best value. Only buy what you know you will be able to finish. 

 

Once your meat has spoiled, you need to throw it away. Spoiled meat has many bacteria and fungi that can make you or others who eat it very sick. By properly freezing or eating meat before these bacteria and fungi can grow, you prevent these pathogens from entering your fridge and food. 

 

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more: How to Get More Paleo-Friendly Snacks in Your Diet

Who is the Paleo Diet Best For?

by

The paleo diet is based on evolution. When you are on this diet, you only eat what ancient generations of humans must have eaten. This means avoiding processed foods, which can lead to many benefits for various groups of people. However, since the paleo diet includes drastically cutting out large groups of food, it may not work well for all people.

People Who Want to Lose Weight

Many people who go on a diet are often looking to lose weight. The paleo diet is especially helpful for this because it includes foods that are extremely satiating in fewer calories. Processed foods are typically full of calories but aren’t very filling, leaving you hungrier faster. 

On a paleo diet, however, you eat unprocessed foods which are denser and more nutrient-rich, keeping you fuller for longer. You are able to feel satiated in fewer calories when eating unprocessed foods, so you can go into a calorie deficit and lose weight faster.

People With a Gluten Intolerance

Gluten is present in nearly all processed foods. Even things that you wouldn’t think to have gluten, such as sauces, contain it. Unfortunately, many people today also have minor to major gluten intolerances. 

These intolerances can lead to uncomfortable bloating, gassiness, and cramping. Unprocessed foods tend to be free of gluten. Thus, the paleo diet is great for people who experience minor to major gluten intolerance.

People Who Struggle With High Blood Pressure

The paleo diet can also help lower blood pressure, which makes it a great option for those who struggle with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to long-term serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke. Because the possible side effects of high blood pressure are so severe, it is important to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range. This can be done by making adjustments to your diet or even switching over completely to a paleo diet.

The benefits of the paleo diet are very extensive. Switching to unprocessed foods can be very good for your body since it wasn’t originally designed to take in processed foods in the first place. As with starting any other diet or making significant changes to your diet, you should assess your overall health, needs, and lifestyle to see if paleo would be good for you. 

If you choose to start the paleo diet, monitor your body’s reactions carefully for the first few months and make adjustments as needed.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read. Signs You Need to Make Changes to Your Diet

Diet Changes You Can Make to Feel Better

by

Do you constantly feel sluggish, overweight, unenergetic, and unmotivated to exercise? If so, you might need to make some changes to your diet and eating habits to help you to feel better, physically and emotionally. Here are a few diet changes you can make to feel better. 

Eat More Vegetables 

First, make sure that you’re eating more vegetables. Vegetables are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, and low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Certain vegetables can even be very hydrating since they have high water content. Eating enough vegetables can help you to become healthier, and even prevent the development of health issues and conditions. 

Most adults should eat around 2 to 3 cups of vegetables every day. Many adults don’t eat enough vegetables, and therefore don’t get an adequate intake of the vitamins and nutrients that vegetables provide. 

Eat Less Fast Food

Next, try to eat less fast food throughout the week, even if it seems like a super easy option. The term, “fast food” doesn’t only refer to restaurant food like hamburgers and fries. Fast food could also refer to packaged, processed, “ready-made” foods you could buy at the grocery store. For example, you could buy a freezer meal of chicken nuggets or pasta alfredo. These meals likely don’t have a high nutritional value and won’t help your diet very much. 

Unfortunately, western diets contain lots of processed and high-fat foods. To avoid eating foods that are low in nutrients and high in fat, you’ll need to pay special attention to nutritional labels and avoid fast and easy solutions.

Drink More Water

You should also be adjusting your diet by making sure that you’re drinking plenty of water each day. Most adults should be drinking between 11.5-15.5 cups of water daily, depending on their gender. Your recommended water intake might also increase depending on your lifestyle and level of physical activity. Meeting the recommended daily minimum water intake will help your body to function correctly. 

It will help your digestive system to work properly and flush toxins from your system. Water will also help hydrate your joints, muscles, and skin, helping you to look young and stay healthy and active. If you have a difficult time drinking enough water, try flavoring your water with fresh fruit or healthy flavors with low added sugars. This can provide some flavor variation, making drinking sufficient water easier. 

So, if you feel that you need to make some adjustments to your diet to live a healthier life, remember these tips. Make sure that you eat more vegetables, eat less fast food, and drink more water. These tips, along with other healthy lifestyle habits, can help you to look and feel better long-term.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: Kitchen Tools Essential for Anyone on a Paleo Diet

How to Have a Great Food Experience on Your Next Trip

by

Going on a trip is a great way to immerse yourself in a different culture, sights, and new experiences. For many, food is integral to this experience. To have a great food experience on your next trip, you need to know what to look for, learn to make the food, and take a tour.

Know What to Look For

For a great food experience on your trip, you need to know what to look for because not every local place is of the same quality. To help you in planning your food experience, it may help to read blogs and reviews for suggestions. These will help you know which local food will be the best. 

Vlogs are another great option because it offers a visual of the food as well as the overall experience. Another way to know what to look for is to ask for recommendations from people once you reach your destination. You can ask people like hotel attendants or taxi drivers.

Learn to Make the Food

Learning to make the food can help to immerse yourself in the food and the culture of your destination. Some local chefs offer cooking classes you can take to learn how to make the food. During cooking classes, you can learn about the local cuisines, the ingredients, and the important dishes of the culture. 

You can even learn new cooking skills. Taking a cooking class can also help you interact with other food travelers or locals.

Take a Tour

Before you take your trip, look into local food tours at your destinations. These tours include eating at local restaurants, cooking classes, and visiting places like wineries. A food tour will take you around the city to places like this which will allow you to learn about the culture while enjoying good food. You will get to try foods you haven’t before and some you may have never found on your own. A food tour can also serve as inspiration for other activities on your trip. As you do your food tour destinations, there will be other attractions that may pique your interest.

Food is such a wonderful way to immerse yourself in your trip. You can learn so much from the area and culture through the food. This will help you make wonderful memories. Some planning and research can help ensure you will have the best food experience.

Read this next:  Items You Need to Check Off Before Starting Your Road Trip