Spicing It Up

It’s become popular to begin making and manufacturing flavored sunflower seeds—achieved by adding a flavoring or spice mix to the exterior of the roasted shells, which in effect “seasons” the interior of the seeds.

The premise of this idea is that the flavors contained in these spice mixes will impart a certain food or sauce’s flavor upon the toasted crunchiness of sunflower seeds. It’s an idea that works fantastically well!

Utilizing It Well

Some of the most popular flavors you will see on store shelves include ranch dressing, dill pickle, barbecue, and chile lemon. Between spicy, salty, tangy, and sweet—there are a boatload of options to choose from

Have you tried flavored sunflower seeds yet? What is your favorite flavor?

The post Flavored Sunflower Seeds Are All the Rage appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

While food trucks started as a concept that saw them distributed on major streets and squares, there’s a new concept that is turning the tradition on its head: food truck parks.

Food truck parks are a relatively new phenomenon that has seen designated spaces be set up in cities for food trucks to congregate on a regular basis.

Usually located near the center of a city, here, instead of trying to hunt them down throughout the streets, you will find a wide and diverse section of food trucks offering up different styles and choices of food in one space.

With ample seating and variety for all tastes, food truck parks are a great choice if you want to have a foodie night out with friends and try all kinds of different trucks’ choices. The amount of variety you can experience is truly endless!

Have you been to a food truck park yet? What did you think of it?

The post Food Truck Parks are the Next Big Thing appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Beer lovers will find all sorts of pumpkin-flavored brews during the fall, and here are three pumpkin beer styles that you should seek out.

Pumpkin Stout

Stouts naturally go well with pumpkin due to their maltiness and smoky, rich flavor. A number of craft breweries have introduced pumpkin stouts on the market, which go together perfectly with a cool autumn night.

Pumpkin Ale

Pumpkin ales are probably the most en vogue beer containing this autumn fruit, with a wide variety of creations being offered on the market. From coffee pumpkin ales to spiced pumpkin ales, these medium-bodied beers let pumpkin come to the forefront and shine.

Pumpkin Saison

Harder to find but oh so delicious are pumpkin saisons—a modern twist on this classic Belgian beer, which uses natural yeasts and bacteria to create a funky flavor. Mildly sour and occasionally described as “spicy,” pumpkin takes on a whole new flavor when put into a saison.

The post You Must Try These Pumpkin Beer Styles This Fall! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

In fact, according to Roman, when it comes to cooking, she quite literally follows her gut. “I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel every time,” she admitted in a recent interview with The New Consumer. “I just want to make people happy, honestly, and give them a reason to feel good about making food.”

Her recipes include anything from a simple sandwich to crispy buttered turmeric rice with almonds and herbs (and if your mouth isn’t watering yet, you’re a lost cause!). Describes herself as an unwavering champion of small, oily, tinned fishes everywhere, at least two of Roman’s recipes turned into a viral phenomenon (a Cookies recipe and a Stew one).

But According to Roman, she’s not in it for the likes and shares. “If I had maxed out [Instagram followers] today, that would be fine,” she relayed. “If I maxed out last year, that would have been fine, too. That’s never been my objective. It’s never been my goal. I have never done anything to try to amass followers. It’s happening organically.”

You should follow her just the same.

The post Alison Roman’s Instagram is a Savory Treat appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Generally, organic wine is made following the same principles as organic food—pesticides, herbicides, and other unnatural chemicals are not made in the process of grape-growing which gives birth to wine.

There are some slight differences between how organic wines are defined in the U.S. and in Canada/Europe. According to American definitions, organic wine is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” This means that the wine has absolutely no non-natural products, but also that it has a lower shelf life.

In Canada and Europe, however, sulfites may be added after a natural growing process. This makes it easier on winemakers, who have more control over the shelf life and taste of their wines following this process.

While the taste of organic wine is generally no different from that of “normal” wine, its natural constitution is definitely a draw for those who like their food as unadulterated as possible. Look for organic wine to become even more popular in the coming years.

The post Organic Wine is Making Its Mark in 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

These adorable bite-sized fruits are just a miniature version of a regular kiwi. About the size of a grape, these little fruits are even more portable and convenient to eat than regular kiwis, and they offer up all kinds of possibilities in the kitchen.

Also known as kiwi berries, these small fruits can be eaten whole, skin and all. Described as being even more tender and sweeter than regular kiwis, their flavor is nonetheless very similar to the normal-sized fruit’s, as they are both cultivars of the same plant.

Native to China but now grown in New Zealand, California, and Chile, baby kiwis are becoming more and more popular as people around the world discover their advantages.

Baby kiwis can be served in salads, on fruit skewers, or even as a yogurt topping. Their small size means that you don’t have to cut them up or anything to use them as a component or topping in any recipe that might appeal to you.

If you see baby kiwis at your local supermarket, be sure to give them a try!

The post Baby Kiwis are a Pint-Sized Treasure appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Have you ever thought about going vegan or vegetarian, but simply decided that the rigidity of the diets’ rules were too much for you? Flexitarianism might be the optimal choice for you.

Flexitarianism is, at its core, a largely meat-free diet with some exceptions.

Also sometimes known as casual vegetarianism or semi-vegetarianism, flexitarians generally follow a plant-based diet. At most meals, they won’t consume any meat and they will largely avoid animal products such as eggs and milk, but they aren’t beholden to never eating anything coming from an animal.

Animal products and fish are generally the most popular animal products that flexitarians consume, although some rare exceptions may be made for meats like chicken or beef.

Flexitarians have the advantage of not having the unflinching code of “no meat, ever” to follow, while they reap the dietary rewards of light meat consumption.

In addition, there is a range of evidence that flexitarianism can go a long way towards creating a more sustainable planet. Greenhouse gas emissions rise the more meat is eaten on a global scale, which means that even cutting your consumption can do great things for the Earth.

Have you considered flexitarianism before? Would you be willing to follow a flexitarian diet in the future?

The post What is Flexitarianism? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

As strange as it might sound, pea milk is gaining more and more popularity as a plant-based milk alternative. Made with yellow split peas which are generally soaked in water and then made into a soluble solution which has a thick and creamy texture.

Pea milk is available in both unsweetened and sweetened/flavored editions, with the latter generally being preferred due to its more dairy milk-like taste. Flavored options on the market include vanilla and chocolate pea milk.

One of the big draws of pea milk is its environmental-friendliness. Using non-GMO products, unlike soy milk, and requiring much less water than other plant-based milk alternatives, pea milk is a product that is generally considered to be the most eco-friendly milk alternative.

With all of these points in its favor, it’s no surprise that pea milk is becoming more and more popular every day. Have you given it a try yet?

The post Pea Milk is the Newest Innovation in Plant-Based Milks appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The first thing that you will notice about udon noodles in comparison to other noodles is that they are quite thick. Made with wheat flour, these noodles are generally cut to have a thickness of about four to six mm, considerably thicker than other Japanese noodles.

The thickness of udon noodles allows for them to soak up the flavors of the sauces and broths in which they are served, causing them to practically burst with flavor at every bite.

In Japan, udon noodles are traditionally served cold in summer months and hot in winter months in order to cool down and heat up the body, respectively. When served cold in summer, these noodles are generally served plain and accompanied only by a simple dipping sauce!

Outside of Japan, you can find these noodles in all different sorts of varieties at any time during the year. We personally love them stir-fried with vegetables and chicken and also served warm in a salty broth.

So, whatever your noodle preferences are, be sure to give udon a try and let us know what you think!

The post Udon Noodles are a Trending Japanese Favorite appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Are you a poke bowl newbie who is looking to place their first order at your local poke restaurant? Here are some toppings that you must order in your bowl. 

Wakame

Wakame is an edible seaweed that not only tastes great with the sea-based flavors of tuna or salmon, but it is also a superfood that provides your body with tons of healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds taste great on top of a poke bowl. They add a little bit of crunch and nutty flavor to a dish that can sometimes be a little strong on the soft and creamy notes of sushi rice and fish.

Red Onion

Add a little bit of acidity with the kick of sliced red onions in my poke bowls. Red onion also adds a bit of much-needed crunchiness to the poke bowl and enhances the citrus flavors already present in the dish.

The post Healthy Toppings for Your Poke Bowls appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Spicing It Up

It’s become popular to begin making and manufacturing flavored sunflower seeds—achieved by adding a flavoring or spice mix to the exterior of the roasted shells, which in effect “seasons” the interior of the seeds.

The premise of this idea is that the flavors contained in these spice mixes will impart a certain food or sauce’s flavor upon the toasted crunchiness of sunflower seeds. It’s an idea that works fantastically well!

Utilizing It Well

Some of the most popular flavors you will see on store shelves include ranch dressing, dill pickle, barbecue, and chile lemon. Between spicy, salty, tangy, and sweet—there are a boatload of options to choose from

Have you tried flavored sunflower seeds yet? What is your favorite flavor?

The post Flavored Sunflower Seeds Are All the Rage appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

While food trucks started as a concept that saw them distributed on major streets and squares, there’s a new concept that is turning the tradition on its head: food truck parks.

Food truck parks are a relatively new phenomenon that has seen designated spaces be set up in cities for food trucks to congregate on a regular basis.

Usually located near the center of a city, here, instead of trying to hunt them down throughout the streets, you will find a wide and diverse section of food trucks offering up different styles and choices of food in one space.

With ample seating and variety for all tastes, food truck parks are a great choice if you want to have a foodie night out with friends and try all kinds of different trucks’ choices. The amount of variety you can experience is truly endless!

Have you been to a food truck park yet? What did you think of it?

The post Food Truck Parks are the Next Big Thing appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Beer lovers will find all sorts of pumpkin-flavored brews during the fall, and here are three pumpkin beer styles that you should seek out.

Pumpkin Stout

Stouts naturally go well with pumpkin due to their maltiness and smoky, rich flavor. A number of craft breweries have introduced pumpkin stouts on the market, which go together perfectly with a cool autumn night.

Pumpkin Ale

Pumpkin ales are probably the most en vogue beer containing this autumn fruit, with a wide variety of creations being offered on the market. From coffee pumpkin ales to spiced pumpkin ales, these medium-bodied beers let pumpkin come to the forefront and shine.

Pumpkin Saison

Harder to find but oh so delicious are pumpkin saisons—a modern twist on this classic Belgian beer, which uses natural yeasts and bacteria to create a funky flavor. Mildly sour and occasionally described as “spicy,” pumpkin takes on a whole new flavor when put into a saison.

The post You Must Try These Pumpkin Beer Styles This Fall! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

In fact, according to Roman, when it comes to cooking, she quite literally follows her gut. “I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel every time,” she admitted in a recent interview with The New Consumer. “I just want to make people happy, honestly, and give them a reason to feel good about making food.”

Her recipes include anything from a simple sandwich to crispy buttered turmeric rice with almonds and herbs (and if your mouth isn’t watering yet, you’re a lost cause!). Describes herself as an unwavering champion of small, oily, tinned fishes everywhere, at least two of Roman’s recipes turned into a viral phenomenon (a Cookies recipe and a Stew one).

But According to Roman, she’s not in it for the likes and shares. “If I had maxed out [Instagram followers] today, that would be fine,” she relayed. “If I maxed out last year, that would have been fine, too. That’s never been my objective. It’s never been my goal. I have never done anything to try to amass followers. It’s happening organically.”

You should follow her just the same.

The post Alison Roman’s Instagram is a Savory Treat appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Generally, organic wine is made following the same principles as organic food—pesticides, herbicides, and other unnatural chemicals are not made in the process of grape-growing which gives birth to wine.

There are some slight differences between how organic wines are defined in the U.S. and in Canada/Europe. According to American definitions, organic wine is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” This means that the wine has absolutely no non-natural products, but also that it has a lower shelf life.

In Canada and Europe, however, sulfites may be added after a natural growing process. This makes it easier on winemakers, who have more control over the shelf life and taste of their wines following this process.

While the taste of organic wine is generally no different from that of “normal” wine, its natural constitution is definitely a draw for those who like their food as unadulterated as possible. Look for organic wine to become even more popular in the coming years.

The post Organic Wine is Making Its Mark in 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

These adorable bite-sized fruits are just a miniature version of a regular kiwi. About the size of a grape, these little fruits are even more portable and convenient to eat than regular kiwis, and they offer up all kinds of possibilities in the kitchen.

Also known as kiwi berries, these small fruits can be eaten whole, skin and all. Described as being even more tender and sweeter than regular kiwis, their flavor is nonetheless very similar to the normal-sized fruit’s, as they are both cultivars of the same plant.

Native to China but now grown in New Zealand, California, and Chile, baby kiwis are becoming more and more popular as people around the world discover their advantages.

Baby kiwis can be served in salads, on fruit skewers, or even as a yogurt topping. Their small size means that you don’t have to cut them up or anything to use them as a component or topping in any recipe that might appeal to you.

If you see baby kiwis at your local supermarket, be sure to give them a try!

The post Baby Kiwis are a Pint-Sized Treasure appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Have you ever thought about going vegan or vegetarian, but simply decided that the rigidity of the diets’ rules were too much for you? Flexitarianism might be the optimal choice for you.

Flexitarianism is, at its core, a largely meat-free diet with some exceptions.

Also sometimes known as casual vegetarianism or semi-vegetarianism, flexitarians generally follow a plant-based diet. At most meals, they won’t consume any meat and they will largely avoid animal products such as eggs and milk, but they aren’t beholden to never eating anything coming from an animal.

Animal products and fish are generally the most popular animal products that flexitarians consume, although some rare exceptions may be made for meats like chicken or beef.

Flexitarians have the advantage of not having the unflinching code of “no meat, ever” to follow, while they reap the dietary rewards of light meat consumption.

In addition, there is a range of evidence that flexitarianism can go a long way towards creating a more sustainable planet. Greenhouse gas emissions rise the more meat is eaten on a global scale, which means that even cutting your consumption can do great things for the Earth.

Have you considered flexitarianism before? Would you be willing to follow a flexitarian diet in the future?

The post What is Flexitarianism? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

As strange as it might sound, pea milk is gaining more and more popularity as a plant-based milk alternative. Made with yellow split peas which are generally soaked in water and then made into a soluble solution which has a thick and creamy texture.

Pea milk is available in both unsweetened and sweetened/flavored editions, with the latter generally being preferred due to its more dairy milk-like taste. Flavored options on the market include vanilla and chocolate pea milk.

One of the big draws of pea milk is its environmental-friendliness. Using non-GMO products, unlike soy milk, and requiring much less water than other plant-based milk alternatives, pea milk is a product that is generally considered to be the most eco-friendly milk alternative.

With all of these points in its favor, it’s no surprise that pea milk is becoming more and more popular every day. Have you given it a try yet?

The post Pea Milk is the Newest Innovation in Plant-Based Milks appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The first thing that you will notice about udon noodles in comparison to other noodles is that they are quite thick. Made with wheat flour, these noodles are generally cut to have a thickness of about four to six mm, considerably thicker than other Japanese noodles.

The thickness of udon noodles allows for them to soak up the flavors of the sauces and broths in which they are served, causing them to practically burst with flavor at every bite.

In Japan, udon noodles are traditionally served cold in summer months and hot in winter months in order to cool down and heat up the body, respectively. When served cold in summer, these noodles are generally served plain and accompanied only by a simple dipping sauce!

Outside of Japan, you can find these noodles in all different sorts of varieties at any time during the year. We personally love them stir-fried with vegetables and chicken and also served warm in a salty broth.

So, whatever your noodle preferences are, be sure to give udon a try and let us know what you think!

The post Udon Noodles are a Trending Japanese Favorite appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Are you a poke bowl newbie who is looking to place their first order at your local poke restaurant? Here are some toppings that you must order in your bowl. 

Wakame

Wakame is an edible seaweed that not only tastes great with the sea-based flavors of tuna or salmon, but it is also a superfood that provides your body with tons of healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds taste great on top of a poke bowl. They add a little bit of crunch and nutty flavor to a dish that can sometimes be a little strong on the soft and creamy notes of sushi rice and fish.

Red Onion

Add a little bit of acidity with the kick of sliced red onions in my poke bowls. Red onion also adds a bit of much-needed crunchiness to the poke bowl and enhances the citrus flavors already present in the dish.

The post Healthy Toppings for Your Poke Bowls appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.