Tag: Recipes

  • Around 600 BC, a poet in ancient Greece wrote about heated pancakes in one of his works, which is the earliest known mention of pancakes. The pancake breakfast is created in 1100 AD on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, when it becomes customary to use up dairy items before Lent.

    The renowned pancake race was initiated by the villagers of Olney, Buckinghamshire, UK, in 1445. The church bell ringer gives the winner a kiss every year. The ammonia-containing new snow was employed by cooks in the 1700s to create pancakes light and fluffy in place of baking soda. Throughout the 1800s, brandy and wine were equally as popular as milk and occasionally cream when it came to making pancake batter. America is irrevocably altered in the 1870s when the flapjack is dubbed the pancake. In the 1880s: Maple syrup starts to gain popularity as a topping.

    Why are pancakes an essential morning meal for the majority of Americans? Serving pancakes for dinner was customary throughout the American Revolution. These early afternoon pancakes were more like crepes. Cooks began adding pearl ash, or what is now known as baking soda, as a rising agent in the 1780s, which made the pancakes thick and fluffy and filled with flavor. This made it possible for frontier cooks to enjoy a meal akin to a break before starting their morning’s agricultural labor. The heavier pancakes were never very popular as a dinner dish.

    On September 26, National Pancake Day, the 500-year-old delicacy takes center stage at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pancakes can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Pancakes are a fluffy delight, whether they’re made at home or at your local cafe or restaurant. 34% of Americans like pancakes, 5% hate them, and 59% of Americans adore them, according to a 2021 study by international marketing agency Top Agency. Pancake hatred is only 2%.

    Our team did a pancake showdown to enjoy different varieties of pancakes.

    We all tried to use gluten free ingredients and dairy free options to make it a bit healthier for all of us.

  • The Delicious Inception: The Story of How the Sandwich Came to Be”

    Our team got together tonight to investigate sandwich making and the concept of how it came to be ?

    We made and tried all types of sandwiches from pesto chicken cutlet to smoked turkey and brie to chicken parmesan, we made them all. It was a lot of group tasting and fun. We then got to work on our investigations and this is what we explored:

    Our Interpretation

    From informal picnics to elegant high tea affairs, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a culinary scenario where a good old sandwich doesn’t fit. This delightful food item, known for its versatility and convenience, enjoys worldwide popularity. But where did the sandwich concept originate? Who dreamed up this brilliant food innovation?

    Well, the story is as intriguing as it is appetizing.

    The Birth of the Sandwich

    If we yank back the curtains of time and visit 18th-century England, we’d find our sandwich benefactor in John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. All stories point towards this infamous gambling enthusiast, whose love for card games inspired the concept. The Earl was reputed to have asked his servants for meat tucked between two pieces of bread during his long gaming sessions to avoid interruptions. This convenient meal allowed Montagu to continue playing while eating, without getting the cards greasy.

    Word of this novel idea soon traveled beyond the shadowy gambling dens. The aristocrats started to order “the same as Sandwich,” and thus, the sandwich was christened.

    An Ancient Concept

    While John Montagu popularized the term “sandwich,” the idea of placing ingredients between bread-like items was far from new. Historical records reveal that various cultures had their versions of the modern sandwich long before the Earl adopted his marker.

    Ancient Jewish leader Hillel the Elder was known to place lamb, nuts, and herbs between two pieces of matzah during Passover. Across the globe in the 1st Century B.C., the Romans enjoyed “Buccellatum,” a sort of sandwich with meat and other fillings sandwiched between bread or biscuit.

    The Sandwich Spreads Across the World

    In the 19th and early 20th century, the sandwich began to gain popularity in the United States. As industrialization picked up, the need for quick, convenient meals became apparent. The sandwich, easy to make and portable, fit the bill perfectly.

    In America, the sandwich culture took on a life of its own, from the simple yet hearty peanut butter and jelly sandwich to the extravagant club sandwich. The sandwich was recorded in an American cookbook for the first time in 1816, in “The American Home Cook Book.” By the end of the 20th century, the sandwich was a staple in the American diet.

    In the United Kingdom, egg sandwiches started off by Street Vendors in East London during the early 19th century. The idea was to earn money and feed to the Hungary villagers while others been working in the factories. The idea of the sandwich was fried eggs, meat, cheese which the additional ingredients was bacon, tomato, avocado, pork, chicken and watercress. The bread was called a bap at the time. It became a major success in the cafe culture around the globe after the it hit the United States during the Industrial Revolution.

    Modern-Day Sandwiches

    Today, the sandwich is a universally beloved food item and has evolved into countless variants across the world. From the Vietnamese Bánh mì to the Italian Panini, from India’s Vada Pav to the Turkish Doner Kebab, every part of the world seems to have adopted and innovated upon the Earl’s ingenious creation.

    Wrapping it Up

    Seemingly simple fare at first glance, the sandwich embodies a tale of culinary convenience and creativity. The Earl of Sandwich may have put his name to it, but it is the world’s adaptation and elevation of this humble food item that truly makes the sandwich a testament to global culinary culture. So, the next time you enjoy a sandwich, take a moment to remember its dynamic history, a tale as full of flavor as the sandwich itself!

    Another fun night @autsisticana

    “We learn by doing”….

  • Vinnie’s is a restaurant known for its innovative cuisine that combines classic style and ingredients. While the Williamsburg location has been open since 1960 and still uses the original recipe, much else has changed. The current owner has worked for more than 15 years which the company has still been going strong. Vinnie’s is now celebrated globally as one of the most creative pizzerias. Visit either of their locations to experience it firsthand.

    My experience was amazing because I heard about from The Internet Went Viral on Cheddar TV, which I always wanted to tryout their special type of pizza. I went there in April 2021 while it was a nice day which I wanted to check out the place. They always had it on advertising for all of the other types of pizza but I was lucky enough to order a few slices of pizza on pizza because that was reason why I came in to try of it for the double pizza. It was so delicious which I wanted to come back whenever I get chance to come back to Brooklyn. I came back 2 years later on a Summery Spring April to spend the day in Astoria Queens to Williamsburg after a nice walk in the Park in Astoria Park next to the East River. I stopped by to get a pie of pizza on pizza and Avery was very helpful to talk about the place. The whole part of making of the pie took 20 to 25 minutes which I thought it was going to take longer but the pizza was excellent. I would love to experience it again if I ever plan to back to do it all over again. You can stop by have to go like for a pizza party or special occasion with the pizza on pizza.

    Vinnie’s, a popular slice shop in Williamsburg, became famous for creating a pizza-topped pizza slice that nearly caused the internet to break. The demand for the item has been so high that Vinnie’s has now added it to their menu, satisfying the cravings of countless customers. The pizzeria has a lot of ingredients with different types of pizza while you get a full pie. The place has creative ways to add simple ingredients and often make their pizza customisable. The place also has very interesting board signs from the greatest person from history or a tv show or even a celebrity, even a video game character and much more to make it more entertaining. The art has a very unique style of history that it shows purpose of the true meaning of pizza and other toppings on the pizza or a joke of the day that has humor on pizza.

    Vinnie’s Pizzeria is famous for its daily special boards that feature mouth-watering specials, creative puns, and lots of dry erase markers. Co-owner Sean Berthiaume has been designing the boards since 2010 and has amassed a collection of over 700 unique designs. The boards have gained widespread attention, being featured on popular websites such as Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, and Time magazine, as well as making an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. Even Cheaddar News once did an episode on The Business Going Viral.

    The Pizzeria had some big sponsors that helped their businesses from Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Bowl, HBO, NBC, Paramount and much more in the coming years.

    Here’s how to make a slice of pizza on pizza if anyone is willing to go for a fun activity.

    • Add 2 pizza doughs while add 1 large includes a small
    • Add marinara sauce
    • Add mozzarella cheese
    • Put it in the oven
    • When it’s done separate the small pie and cut it into tiny slices and put it in the giant pizza pie and that’s how you make pizza on pizza.

    Follow up all of the Social Platforms of Vinnie’s Pizzeria

  • Small Bites, Big Taste

    We decided to make a winter appetizer tonight called

    Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese originally called “Devils on Horseback. “

    This appetizer was started back in the 19th century. It is usually commonly served during winter holidays.

    The origin of the name “devils on horseback” is unclear. Some articles state that they are “Probably so called on account of being typically served very hot” and give the earliest reference to 1885, in the American agricultural magazine The Country Gentleman.[4] Another source states that there is “a surfeit of theories” but dates the idea (as a refinement of the oyster in bacon combination) to 1800.[5] One recurring suggestion fancifully suggests the name derives from “Norman raiders (who) would ride into towns wearing rashers of bacon over their armor to scare villagers.”[6] However, the earliest mention of this is from 2008,[7] while the dish itself dates from the 19th century,[5] 800 years after the Norman Conquest.

    Recipes vary, but generally, they are a variation on angels on horseback(bacon wrapped oysters), made by replacing oysters with dried fruit. There are many variations on the basic concept of a bacon-wrapped prune stuffed with cheese, almonds, or other foods. Devils on horseback are commonly served as part of a Christmas feast. We made our version with turkey bacon and stuffed it with blueberry goat cheese. We had to baste the Turkey bacon with some ghee ( clarified butter) to make it crisp up and give it a bit of fat. As a team, we loved it. This appetizer was something new, and all of us enjoyed it.
    We give this holiday appetizer 5 stars !!

    Recipe three easy ingredients !!!!

    Dates, blueberry cinnamon goat cheese, and turkey bacon.

    Try to find dates that are already pitted.

    Stuff them with the goat cheese of your choice

    Wrap with bacon of your choice

    Cook at 350 for twenty minutes.

    ( Because we used Turkey bacon, we broiled it for an extra 3 minutes with butter or ghee on top to crisp it up !!

    Cool a bit, and enjoy!

    Good Work, Team!

    Delicious!

  • Autisticana at IHOP Port Jefferson

    Recently the Autisticana crew went to Port Jefferson Station IHOP for a delicious breakfast-like dinner. We had delicious meals such as pancakes, bacon and eggs, and even burgers. Then we gathered for a group picture with our waiter Autumn, as well as other workers at the restaurant. This will help us get publicity as we continue our quest to take the world by storm!

    Before going to IHOP, Christine recorded a video that would blow the corporation away!

    IHOP is an American multinational restaurant chain that specializes in American breakfast foods. It also offers lunch and dinner items and is owned by Dine Brands Global, with 99% of its locations run by independent franchisees. IHOP has 1,841 locations across the Americas, Middle East, and South Asian Subcontinent, with many locations open 24/7 but minimum operating hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    International House of Pancakes (IHOP) was founded in 1958 in the Los Angeles, California area by Jerry Lapin, Al Lapin, and Albert Kallis, with the help of Sherwood Rosenberg and William Kaye. The first restaurant opened in Burbank, California, and the chain currently has 1,841 locations across the Americas, Middle East, and South Asian Subcontinent. Most of the locations are run by independent franchisees. The original IHOP design was a steep-roofed A-frame building with a blue roof, and while most locations no longer use this building type, some still exist around the US. The chain’s name was officially shortened to IHOP for marketing purposes in 1973, and a cartoon kangaroo was used in commercials at the time.

    IHOP expanded its breakfast menu to include lunch and dinner items in the 1980s. It rebranded from International Industries to IHOP in 1976. In December 2019, IHOP announced plans to launch a fast-casual breakfast chain called Flip’d.

    IHOP celebrated its 10th annual National Pancake Day in 2015. In mid-2018, a franchisee opened a hybrid Applebee’s/IHOP restaurant in downtown Detroit.

    IHOP’s headquarters office is located in Glendale, California. The founders of IHOP are Al Lapin Jr., Albert Kallis, and Jerry Lapin.

  • By: Lisette Alexander

    HISTORY OF THE STUFFED MUSHROOM While the exact origin is unknown, stuffed mushrooms hit the food scene sometime between the mid-19th century and early 20th century. There is no one consensus on this, but it is unanimously agreed that the credit for this dish goes to the Italians, as the original stuffed mushrooms recipes hail from Italy, and the dish is very similar to another dish enjoyed by the Italians, stuffed zucchini. In the 19th century, the French started exploring fungi for consumption, leading to the first widespread cultivation of mushrooms for eating. The brown crimini mushroom was the go-to choice for most, but what started as an acquired taste eventually expanded to accept more gourmet flavors of mushrooms such as shiitakes, morels, and the rare and expensive truffles. Mushrooms are commonly filled with garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, and cheese, but there are countless filling possibilities. Restaurants started serving stuffed mushrooms as a delicacy in the 1940s, using exotic ingredients such as crabmeat for the filling.

    Since then, stuffed mushrooms have become a popular appetizer and side dish, and their versatility has made them a go-to option for both home cooks and professional chefs. While the traditional ingredients remain popular, creative twists on the recipe have emerged, such as using goat cheese, bacon, spinach, or even quinoa as a filling.

    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based and vegan cuisine, leading to a rise in vegan stuffed mushroom recipes that use ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, or cashew cheese as a filling. Stuffed mushrooms have also become a popular option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, as they offer a satisfying, flavorful option without the added carbs or gluten.

    Overall, the stuffed mushroom has evolved over time and continues to be a popular dish around the world. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and versatile dish that is here to stay.

    Spanakopita, also known as spinach pie, is a savory pastry dish that has existed within Greek cuisine for a long time. Spanakopita makes a great appetizer before a larger meal or a delicious afternoon snack to tide you over before dinner. Here are some basic facts about this mouth-watering Greek food treat.

  • “Life is too short, eat dessert first. The first thing we do is add apple, next we then we add the sunflower butter

    Yes, that’s true! Apples are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy option for dessert. Baking apples brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great alternative to sugary desserts. Additionally, baked apples are a great option for those who are looking for a low-calorie dessert. They are also very versatile and can be made with different spices and toppings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and nuts.

    Overall, baked apples are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a sweet treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to make at home or a dish to impress your guests, baked apples are a great choice.

    It is great to see your passion for cooking and love for trying different recipes from different countries. Baked apples, or pecheni yabalki, are a classic dessert that have been enjoyed for centuries, with the first recorded recipe for baked apples believed to date back to the 1685 edition of the London cookbook “The Accomplisht Cook”. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted in different countries and regions, including Bulgaria, where the addition of walnuts makes the recipe a little more unique. With various ingredients such as brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and raisins, the recipe can vary, but the one common ingredient is the walnuts. It is wonderful that you got to try the traditional Bulgarian version of baked apples and enjoyed serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Ingredients:

    • 6 medium apples
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 cups water

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
    2. Wash and dry the apples. Cut off the tops and use a spoon or apple core to remove the core and seeds.
    3. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
    4. Fill the cavities of each apple with the sugar-walnut mixture.
    5. Place the apples in a baking dish and dot them with small pieces of butter.
    6. Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish and add the vanilla extract.
    7. Bake the apples for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and the filling is bubbly.
    8. Serve the baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of the sauce from the bottom of the baking dish. Enjoy!

    These points are all interesting and showcase the significance of apples in history, culture, and society. The apple has a long and rich history, and its evolution from a bitter fruit to the sweet and diverse fruit we know today is a result of selective breeding and cultivation by different civilizations. The association of apples with fairyland and the tradition of apple bobbing at Halloween are examples of the cultural significance of apples. The Victorian era saw a major increase in the number of apple varieties being grown and a lot of work was put into studying apples and testing their suitability for cultivation. The importance of apples can be seen in the formation of organizations such as the British Pomological Association, and in works like Robert Hogg’s British Pomology. Your food historian friend Joanna’s research on the social and cultural history of the apple and the orchard is a valuable contribution to the understanding of this important fruit.

  • Apps-olutely the finest

    Our New Cook Book !

    Small Bites, Big Taste

    Authors by: Dr. Christine Grimaldi & Scott Weisbrot

    We decided to create a few different recipes for pizza appetizers, as newsmaker investigators, the first thing we investigated was where pizza was created.

    Pizza originated from ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians who ate their bread in the form of flatbreads with toppings. In the 18th century, pizza was born in Naples, Italy as a cheap and simple dish for the poor. It was not until the late 19th century that pizza gained more respect and popularity, particularly when Italian Raffaele Esposito made a pizza for Queen Margherita in 1889, which was named after her and had the colors of the Italian flag as toppings. Pizza began to spread to other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, through Italian immigrants and the opening of pizzerias and pizza chains. Today, pizza is a beloved and popular fast food enjoyed by people all over the world.

    We decided to do a taste among the appetizers we created. We created gluten-free dairy-free, and traditional options to create a pizza for all abilities. Then we did a taste test, and I must say that they all came in 1st place. It was interesting to experience different kinds of crust from naan bread “the Indian form of pizza.” From gluten to dairy-free to oil and fat full.

    My favorite is the apple bacon pizza.

    1 ball of pizza dough
    ½ cup (125 mL) white Sauce (recipe follows)
    1 cup (250 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
    2 tablespoons (30 mL) caramelized onions (recipe below)
    1 teaspoon (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme
    3 strips (3 ounces/85 g) bacon, cooked and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks (about ¼ cup/60 mL)
    ½ apple, cored and thinly sliced (we use Golden Delicious)
    ¼ cup (60 mL) grated smoked cheddar cheese, for garnish
    5 fresh sage leaves, for garnish

    Here are the instructions that will give you a recipe to make a pizza by using a pizza tray or stone. The recipe starts by preheating the oven to 550°F (290°C) and letting the pizza stone heat for an additional 30 minutes. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a rimless baking sheet instead. Once the oven is preheated, the dough is stretched and placed on a floured pizza peel or rimless baking sheet, then topped with white sauce, mozzarella, caramelized onions, thyme, bacon, and apple slices. The pizza is then transferred to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and baked for 9 minutes (or 11 minutes if using a baking sheet), keeping a close eye on it. Once it’s done, it’s removed from the oven, garnished with smoked cheddar and sage leaves, sliced, and served immediately. To make it gluten and dairy free, you can substitute the cheese for vegan options or remove it from the recipe. There are so many gluten-free options for pizza dough. At Autisticana, we enjoyed chickpea, lentil, or cauliflower dough substitutes. Why don’t you enjoy and experience all the options there are out there for dietary restrictions.

    Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com
  • by Nicole Magee

    My name is Nicole and I am your creative visualization blogger for Autisticana. I love creative visualizations and storytelling because it helps me create and meditate – which promotes happiness and relaxation for me.

    Thanksgiving is a very important holiday for me because it is all about gratitude, sharing and being with others.

    I also love to be with all of my family and help prepare for our festive dinner with them. I like to be involved with the fun of cooking, baking and spending hours with my wonderful family.


    I wanted to share one of my favorite gluten free stuffing recipes with you all. It is yummy and can help prevent stomach issues, so this recipe will be delicious and healthy for the whole family.

    Holiday Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe:

    Ingredients:

    2 loaves of gluten free white bread

    1 loaf of gluten free grain bread

    1/2 cup of vegan butter

    fresh rosemary sprigs

    3 eggs

    1 cup of chicken broth

    Package of mushrooms of your choice

    2 packs of organic apple and chicken sausage

    chopped onion

    salt and pepper to taste

    a stalk of celery

    Directions:

    1. Place the loaves on a tray and brown them to dry out
    2. Cut the three little loaves into cubes
    3. Saute the mushrooms, onions, and butter in a pan
    4. Broil the sausages until brown ( you can even air fry them)
    5. Cut the sausage links into little strips
    6. Place bread in a bowl and stir the eggs in and combine the sauted celery, onions and mushrooms and chicken broth
    7. Then add cut up sausages
    8. Take a pan and wipe with vegan butter
    9. Place ingredients in a well greased pan
    10. Place tin foil over pan and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees
    11. Take cover off top, drizzle a little butter on top add salt and pepper and let cook broil for another 10 minutes to brown
    12. Let cool for 20 minutes and enjoy
    A photo of a pot of Thanksgiving gluten free stuffing. The stuffing is comprised of various bread pieces, sausage, dried cranberries, apple chunks, chopped onion, and celery.
    Nicole’s favorite gluten free stuffing

    Nicole’s Thanksgiving Visualization:

    1. Breathe
    2. Relax
    3. Enjoy!

    Edited by avanicole23