Disclosure: All products recommended in Living Up Blog have been selected by the founder and contributing authors. Some posts include affiliate links, and when you buy something through one of the links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. View the full disclaimer for more information. November 24, 2024 ByAna Rivas Preparing for Thanksgiving Everyone is wondering what to have for Thanksgiving partly because the traditional dinner includes American-style feasts such as turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberries, and mac and cheese, and partly because we get to see our loved ones, who may have a different cultural background. As you start preparing for the Thanksgiving dinner, you wonder what foods you will be preparing because we have been adopting traditions from so many family members that we want to make sure will satisfy all our family and friends coming over for dinner. But we must remember that Thanksgiving is about celebrating what each of us is grateful for. Many families follow a specific tradition, traditional foods in your family usually include what everyone likes to eat, and if you have a large group for dinner you will want to have something that will feed everyone, which is where the turkey comes in. Turkeys are usually large, but the first dinner, the one in 1621, probably didn’t have them, there might have been other animals in the area. Our Thanksgiving dinners today are so intertwined with so many cultures, some Arab-American families may think that Thanksgiving dinner is “haram” meaning that they are not prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. But your Arab-American dinner doesn’t have to include what others eat or be prepared as others do. So you can celebrate Thanksgiving with your personal habits and traditional style of cooking. The whole point of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for what you’ve achieved in the year, for what you presently have, and to enjoy being with your family and friends at the dinner table. Is Thanksgiving dinner haram? Haram is an Arabic word that means “forbidden” or “unlawful” in Islamic law. It is the opposite of halal, which means “permissible” or “lawful.” The concept of haram applies to a wide range of things, including food, drink, actions, and relationships. Some common examples of haram things include pork and its byproducts, alcohol, gambling, adultery, and theft. Whether or not something is considered haram can depend on different interpretations of Islamic law. Some things that are considered haram by some Muslims may not be considered haram by others. In the case of Thanksgiving dinner depends on the specific foods and practices involved during Thanksgiving. Some Muslims may consider certain Thanksgiving foods, such as turkey or ham, to be haram because they are not prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. Others may not consider these foods to be haram as long as they are prepared in a halal way. Ultimately, whether or not Thanksgiving dinner is considered haram is a personal decision that each Muslim must make for themselves based on their own understanding of Islamic law. In preparing a turkey, you want to consider a pan that is large enough to handle a big turkey, it should have a wire rack, stainless steel is preferable because it’s so much easier to clean and can last a lifetime. My recommendation for cooking the turkey and cleaning afterward is the 20-inch, stainless steel Precise Heat KTROAST3 Roaster. This is certainly built to last and if you get food stuck on the bottom or sides, it’s an easier task to clean than other pans, even those that say they are non-stick. Where is Thanksgiving celebrated? Thanksgiving is primarily a North American holiday, celebrated in the United States and Canada. While there are some similarities in the celebration of harvest festivals and giving thanks in other cultures around the world, the specific traditions and customs associated with Thanksgiving are largely unique to North America. A Brief History of Thanksgiving The First Thanksgiving While the exact details are debated, the most commonly accepted story is that of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. In 1621, after a harsh winter, the Pilgrims, who had arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag. This shared meal is often cited as the origin of the Thanksgiving tradition. In preparing for this Thanksgiving dinner, you will want to make sure you have the perfect tablecloth for your tables, Set the table up with a cotton linen hemstitch tablecloth from Solino, tablecloth comes in a variety of sizes and colors, it’s washable and you can always count on using it for other holidays. From Local Celebrations to a National Holiday Colonial Era: Thanksgiving celebrations were sporadic events, often tied to specific events like bountiful harvests or military victories. 19th Century: Sarah Josepha Hale, an American writer and editor, campaigned for a nationally recognized Thanksgiving holiday. Her efforts, along with the support of President Abraham Lincoln, led to the official proclamation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863. Modern Thanksgiving Traditions Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It’s a time for family and friends to gather, give thanks, and enjoy a traditional feast. Common Thanksgiving foods include: Roasted Turkey: The centerpiece of the meal. Stuffing: A bread-based dish, often flavored with herbs and spices. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, often topped with gravy. Cranberry Sauce: A tart and sweet condiment. Pumpkin Pie: A classic dessert made with pumpkin puree, spices, and a flaky crust. While the specific traditions and foods may vary, the core idea of giving thanks and sharing a meal with loved ones remains central to the holiday. The pilgrims, the Wampanoags, and Thanksgiving dinner While the shared meal between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag is a foundational part of the Thanksgiving story, the image of a joyous, idealized feast is often a simplified version of history. Here are some complexities to consider:

Disclosure: All products recommended in Living Up Blog have been selected by the founder and contributing authors. Some posts include affiliate links, and when you buy something through one of the links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. View the full disclaimer for more information. October 17, 2024 ByAna Rivas Mediterranean Herbs: Fresh vs Dried – Which is Better? Discover the essence of Mediterranean herbs as we delve into the age-old debate: fresh vs dried – which reigns supreme in flavor and nutrition? Introduction Mediterranean herbs are like little bursts of sunshine in your cooking – they bring such vibrant flavors and aromas to any dish. From the earthy oregano to the zesty basil, these herbs have been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Not only do they elevate the taste of your food, but they also offer numerous health benefits due to their rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  The research in this post is only for informational and educational purposes, so that we make the right choices in the foods we eat. It is not intended to be medically accurate or take the advice or treatment from your personal physician. I recommend you do your own research and discuss with a qualified health professional any specific health questions you may have. Brief Overview of Mediterranean Herbs When we talk about Mediterranean herbs, we’re diving into a treasure trove of culinary delights. Think about the fragrant rosemary, savory thyme, refreshing mint, and more. These herbs thrive in the warm climates and fertile soils of the Mediterranean region, soaking up plenty of sunshine to develop their intense flavors.  They are not just seasonings; they are an essential part of the cultural and gastronomic identity of the Mediterranean. And to help us understand this, the top 10 herbs used in the Mediterranean and Europe are: Basil Parsley Oregano Mint Thyme Rosemary Dill Sage Marjoram Tarragon Understanding the Debate: Fresh vs Dried This may be an age-old debate: fresh vs dried herbs? It’s a dilemma that many home cooks face when deciding how to incorporate these flavorful ingredients into their dishes. Each camp has its advocates – those who swear by the unrivaled freshness of just-picked herbs and those who praise the convenience and longevity of dried ones or practicality. So which side holds the winning argument? Let’s explore this culinary conundrum in more detail as we unravel the pros and cons of using fresh versus dried Mediterranean herbs.  Fresh Herbs Flavor Profile and Aroma Nothing can quite compare to the burst of flavor and aroma fresh herbs bring to any dish. Whether it’s the vibrant mint, the zesty basil, or the earthy rosemary, using fresh herbs elevates the taste of your food to a whole new level.  The essential oils present in fresh herbs give them a fragrant punch that can’t be replicated by their dried counterparts. Just a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece.  I personally like several fresh herbs in salads, such as mint, basil, and oregano. If I need to top a dish for serving, I love parsley, mint, and if we have lamb you can’t go wrong with fresh rosemary. I make a lot of soups and adding a few fresh herbs when serving adds a beautiful touch of color and the soup tastes different when you add bits like parsley. Dried Herbs Intensity of Flavor When it comes to dried herbs, one of their standout features is the intense flavor they bring to your dishes. The process of drying concentrates the essential oils in the herbs, resulting in a more potent taste profile compared to fresh herbs.  This means that you can use less dried herbs than fresh ones to achieve the same level of flavor in your recipes. Just remember that because of this intensity, it’s crucial to add dried herbs early on in cooking so that their flavors have time to infuse into the dish.  Shelf Life and Convenience One undeniable advantage of dried herbs is their extended shelf life. Unlike fresh herbs, which tend to wilt and spoil quickly, dried herbs can be stored for months or even years if kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This makes them incredibly convenient for stocking up and having on hand whenever inspiration strikes in the kitchen.  No more last-minute grocery store runs just because you forgot to buy basil! Dried herbs are like culinary superheroes, always ready for action. Health Benefits Considering the health benefits is paramount when deciding between fresh and dried Mediterranean herbs. Fresh herbs are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. They also contain essential oils that may offer medicinal benefits like aiding digestion or reducing inflammation when consumed fresh.  While drying can cause some loss of nutrients in herbs, certain studies suggest that drying concentrates antioxidant levels in some varieties such as oregano and rosemary. Therefore, both forms of Mediterranean herbs can offer health benefits depending on how they are used in your culinary creations.  Herbs That Support Health Benefits  Herbs are not only about adding flavor; they also pack a nutritional punch. Their richness in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports many health concerns in the body. Fresh or dried herbs contribute to your dishes’ taste and the added health benefits are a bonus.  A quick research on the nutritional content of fresh vs dried herbs shows that they have the same vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, and, fats and fatty acids (fresh or dried). The difference I found in the higher numbers of dried herbs must be in the serving size.  Even though the research was for 15 grams to each, dried herbs had more of each nutrient, so I believe that’s because they are condensed. When using them, you usually need to soak them in some liquid, but since we usually toss

Disclosure: All products recommended in Living Up Blog have been selected by the founder and contributing authors. Some posts include affiliate links, and when you buy something through one of the links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. View the full disclaimer for more information. October 14, 2024 ByAna Rivas Understanding the Basics of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets An informative guide on vegan and vegetarian diets, clarifying definitions, nutritional aspects, and common questions for a healthier lifestyle. I’ll be honest, even though I know eating vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes is better for my health and our world, I am still working hard at avoiding meat. In this article, I want to learn more about veganism and vegetarianism and explore what the research says about these dietary lifestyles that have been gaining popularity in recent years.  Veganism is a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products. On the other hand, vegetarianism focuses on plant foods but allows for dairy, eggs, and some variations.  The key difference between vegans and vegetarians lies in their exclusion or inclusion of animal-derived products. Both veganism and vegetarianism emphasize a more sustainable and ethical approach to food consumption, promoting health benefits through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Importance of Understanding Vegan and Vegetarian Diets. Whether you’re a staunch vegan, a devoted vegetarian, or just a curious omnivore  wanting to explore different dietary choices and understanding the basics of vegan and vegetarian diets may have yet unknown benefits.  By delving into the principles of these diets, individuals can make informed decisions about their food choices and lead healthier lives. These diets go beyond just knowing what foods to eat, but recognizing the impact on your overall well-being.  From reducing the risk of chronic diseases to promoting sustainable living practices, vegan and vegetarian diets offer a holistic approach to nourishing both body and mind. So, whether you’re considering making the switch or simply want to expand your culinary horizons, grasping the importance of these dietary lifestyles is key to embracing a more conscious way of eating.  Ethical Reason to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet It’s essential to understand that while both vegans and vegetarians avoid consuming meat, their reasons for doing so can vary widely. Some choose these diets for ethical reasons related to animal welfare or environmental concerns, while others focus on the health benefits associated with plant-based eating.  Ethically, choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle has a positive impact on the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. Vegan diets especially tend to be more sustainable since they require fewer resources like water and land compared to omnivorous diets that rely heavily on animal agriculture.  The overlap between vegan and vegetarian diets showcases the shared values of compassion for animals and environmental sustainability that unite those who choose plant-based lifestyles. Definitions and Differences Let’s uncover the distinctions between dietary choices that eliminate a specific group of food.  Omnivore This group of people is the majority of the population, people who eat a diet balanced between plant and animal-based foods.  Vegan A vegan diet is a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products. This means no meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, or any other animal-derived ingredients are consumed.  Vegans rely on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based alternatives to fulfill their nutritional needs. One of the core principles of a vegan diet is compassion towards animals and the environment.  By choosing not to consume animal products or by-products, vegans aim to reduce harm to animals and lessen their environmental impact. It’s important for vegans to ensure they are getting all essential nutrients through a well-balanced diet that may include fortified foods or supplements for nutrients like B12 and omega-3 fatty acids that are commonly found in animal products.  Fortunately for all of us, today our markets are saturated with vegan options to traditional items such as yogurts, and milk, and by-products such as mayonnaise. Vegetarian Vegetarianism typically involves abstaining from meat but may include dairy and eggs in some variations. Vegetarians may choose to include animal-derived products based on personal preferences or specific dietary needs. Within vegetarianism, there are different subcategories based on what is included or excluded from one’s diet. For example, types of vegetarian diets may allow for different levels of flexibility when it comes to incorporating animal products. Pescatarians  fall into this spectrum—while they do not consume meat from land animals, they do include fish and seafood in their diet.  Some vegetarians include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt in their meals and are known as lacto-vegetarians. On the other hand, ovo-vegetarians incorporate eggs into their plant-based diets.  If someone chooses to exclude both dairy and eggs from their diet but still consumes honey, they fall under the category of a pollotarian  vegetarian.  It’s fascinating how diverse and flexible vegetarian diets can be while still adhering to the core principle of abstaining from animal flesh.  Understanding these definitions and differences can help individuals make informed choices about their dietary preferences based on personal beliefs, health goals, or environmental considerations. Whether you’re an omnivorei looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine or considering a transition to veganism for its health benefits, knowing the distinction between vegan and vegetarian lifestyles is essential for navigating the diverse landscape of dietary options available today.  Key distinctions summary Vegans strictly avoid any animal products or by-products in their diet, including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey. It’s all about embracing a plant-based lifestyle in every aspect of their food choices.  Vegetarians also abstain from consuming meat but may include dairy products and eggs in their meals. They focus on plant-based foods but have a bit more flexibility compared to vegans.  Pescatarians, on the other hand, primarily follow a vegetarian diet but also include fish and seafood as part of their protein sources. This distinction

Cooking with herbs and spices is the tool for chefs to create a symphony of flavors that dance on our taste buds and create true culinary masterpieces!

Tzatziki is a creamy sauce that complements many Greek dishes, perfect for dipping, and for those with dietary concerns like lactose intolerance or vegan preferences, there are non-dairy alternatives available to savor this flavorful sauce without compromise.

The staple Greek salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle, including variations to satisfy everyone.