Saturday, October 8, 2016

Do you know pumpkins

With it being October and many of us all ready thinking about pumpkins, pumpkin patches and Halloween I thought it would be cool to write a Do you know post about pumpkins.... So here we go..



Did you know that the word pumpkin is a Greek word which means large melon. Pepon was changed by translating into french, english, and Americans turned the word into "pumpkins" Pumpkins and squash were first found in the ancient Americas. They were not the traditional large round orange Jack-O-Lantern fruit that we know today but rather they were crooked neck squash that stored well Commonly grew along river and creek banks with sunflowers, and beans.

The early Native American farmers raised squash, corn and beans together. The beans would use the corn like a trellis. The bean roots placed nitrogen in the soil that helped the corn grow. The bean vines would help keep the corn in the ground on windy days. The squash worked as shade and helped block out weeds.

The early pumpkins would be roasted in strips over campfires and were a great food source. These squash would help to make it through the long winters as they could be roasted, baked, parched, boiled and dried. The seeds were enjoyed and used in medicine. The blossom of the fruit was added to stews and the pumpkins would also be dried to be stored and ground into flour But, that was not all as the shell itself could be made into containers to store items such as grains, beans and seeds.



Name the Vegetable whose seeds were taken by Columbus on his returning trip to Europe and once used as a remedy for snakebites and a cure for freckles



Columbus would be the source to carry these early pumpkins back to Europe in the form of seeds. In the early days they were used to feed the pigs but no thought of as human food. The Indians would introduce the pumpkin to the pilgrims as a food source. They could store well and offered nutritious food source during the winter.


Did you know that it was pumpkins that helped the early settlers thrive?? Without them the early pilgrims may have starved. This was a common verse among Pilgrims


  • For pottage and puddings and custards and pies Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies, We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon, If it were not for pumpkins we should be doom." Pilgrim verse, circa 1633
The pilgrims also made pumpkin beer by fermenting persimmons, hops, maple sugar and pumpkin. 


Do you know where the term pumpkin head came from:



Early colonies would use pumpkin shells to ensure haircuts were round and uniform. This led to the nickname of pumpkin heads.



Early Jack-O-Lanterns were carved from turnips and potatoes by the Irish and Scottish. They were used in Celtic celebrations. English used beets and lumps of coal set on fire to place inside the hollow root veggies. The pumpkins in America became the vessel to be carved.




I hope I have helped to share some new answers regarding the pumpkin

Don't Let Allergies Haunt Your Halloween


Halloween is something that may be hard for every family to do. There are many parts from costumes to parties. Many children are allergic to food. If you have a family member that has food allergies here are some ideas you may want to consider. 
  • knocking on doors with their friends, that should be easy enough simply gather a few of their friends have fun dressing up and head out together. Try to agree upon what you will do with the candy collected. Will you donate all of it or keep some and donate some. By donating to shelters, woman's groups or other worthy causes your child is rewarded with a feel good feeling. 
  • Is the eating of the candy that excites your child?? Then why not have some friends over and have a "safe" candy night. Share a pinata or place in a bowl goodies that all can eat. Make up some gluten free cookies or soy free rice crispy treats. 
  • If your child is on a gluten free diet then you will want to arm your self with a gluten free candy list. If your child is dairy free or have another allergy be sure to get the needed information to help your child. 

Please keep in mind that manufactures can change how they produce their products without changing the labels so when in doubt, call them directly. Arm your self with knowledge and dont allow Halloween to scare you. 



  1. Eats Before Treats. One way to prevent kids from gorging themselves on Halloween candy without reading the ingredients first is to feed them dinner before they go trick-or-treating. They ll be less tempted to stick their hands in the candy bag before they get home to check their loot with mom and dad.
  2. Don t be Scared, be Prepared. Parents of allergic kids shouldn t leave the house without their cell phone, emergency epinephrine and wet wipes. Ask friends who trick-or-treat with you to please not eat candy that can cause an allergic reaction. If they do, ask them to clean hands with the wet wipes. Make sure kids are taking their controller medications and keep a reliever inhaler handy in case of an asthma flare after running through the moldy leaves.
  3. Wait Till you re Home for Candy or Other Treats. If you d rather not sort through the candy to determine safe vs. unsafe there are some alternatives:
    1. Give neighbors safe Halloween treats in advance to hand out to your food allergic child.
    2. Give age-appropriate, non-food items to your children. Ideas include coloring books, storybooks, pencils, stickers, stuffed animals, toys, cash and play dough.
    3. Try a variation of the Tooth Fairy. Sort through unsafe candy, then leave it in a safe spot for a "Sugar Sprite" or "Candy Fairy" who exchanges it for a small gift, toy or money.
  4. Dress for Success and Spooking! If you re crafty and can make your child s costume at home, you can include extras for a child with allergies. If hand-to-food contact can spur an allergic reaction, make a costume with a pair of scary gloves. That way, if your little goblin makes contact with dangerous foods, he or she will have an extra layer of protection. If your child suffers from eczema or another allergenic skin reaction, use hypoallergenic make up. Better yet, steer clear of make-up entirely. Beware of store bought costumes which can contain latex and other synthetic dyes that may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
  5. Ghost Hunting can be Fun Too. Plan an alternate activity, such as going to the movies, hosting a slumber party, or having a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood for safe treats or other items. Some malls, health organizations and local libraries now host candy-free trick-or-treat nights.
  6. Make Sure it s only Witches Taking your Breath Away. Children should never walk into someone s home they don t know, but children with allergies and asthma should be cautious around pets, and never enter any home with smokers. Those are triggers that can cause an asthma attack. For easier breathing, avoiding costumes with masks is best. Put costumes and decorations away in sealable plastic containers. As a precaution against dust, wash any costumes that have been used before and stored. Remember that outside exposure to dead leaves and grass that contain mold at this time of year may trigger symptoms.

No Bake Cookie Spiders

You will need:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
76 small pretzel sticks


Mix together in large saucepan butter, sugar, milk and cocoa Bring all to rolling boil and boil for 3 minutes. On wax or parchment paper lay out pretzel sticks to form base of cookie spider. Each spider takes 6 pretzels. 

Remove the pan from heat. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla til smooth, stir in the oats. 






Just like no bake cookies you will want to drop spoonfuls out to form cookies on the paper. The trick here is that you are making spiders and the cookie part has to go on the pretzels so that it looks like the spider has legs. Continue to work until cookie mix and pretzels are done. Cool

recipe source : I love peanut butter

Friday, October 7, 2016

Blogger Opportunity Krusteaz

Blogger Opp ~ The "Say It With Krusteaz" Fall Baking Bundle Giveaway ~ Sign Ups Close 10/09 ~ #Free & #Paid Options Available

krusteaz1111Deliciously Savvy is Hosting a Giveaway in which one lucky winner will receive all of the items pictured above. It is the "Say It With Krusteaz" Fall
Baking Bundle! There are Free & Paid options available to sign up to promote this delicious giveaway today! As Always, Thank You For Working With Me.

Sponsored By: Krusteaz

Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By???

THE DETAILS:

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive:

  • 2 Boxes each, of the following mixes: Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Blueberry Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice Muffin Mix, abd Cranberry Orange Muffin Mix.
  • 1 Krusteaz Branded Tote Bag
  • 1 Krusteaz Oven Mitt
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Now Deliciously Savvy Needs Your Help Promoting Because As Always, I Can Never Do It Without Each and Every One Of You!

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Sign Ups Close 10/09 @ 11:59PM EST!!!
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Savvy Challenge!!! The Blogger With The Most Referrals will Receive a FREE Co-Host Spot On This Giveaway or a Future Giveaway! Promote Away and Make Sure They Know To Say You Sent Them! Minimum of 4 referrals to win free spot on next promotion or promotion you choose.
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This was on one of our last trips to the park. The big boy is my son and the little guy is his son. We often go out as families and normally stop at parks as well. We are delighted to watch our little man change and grow. A few months ago he could not do this but now watch out there he goes. Going UP!!!!

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Boys Going Up



This was on one of our last trips to the park. The big boy is my son and the little guy is his son. We often go out as families and normally stop at parks as well. We are delighted to watch our little man change and grow. A few months ago he could not do this but now watch out there he goes. Going UP!!!!

shared at
anything blue friday
thankful thursday

October National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness




I have been blessed to be able to carry my babies safely through pregnancy. There were a few scares and a couple of them born early but for the most part it went well. I must say that I was terrified as I was pregnant with my first little one and even after all of them were born I was always alert and ready to act. We have had several miscarriages, babies lost in infancy and still births in our family. My mother, my mother - in - law, my sister, my sister - in - law, daughter and many other ladies have experiences these tragedies. I must say that it does not just affect one individual though when a life is lost whether in pregnancy or after being born the whole family feels the effect and we mourn the loss together.



The pain that is suffered from miscarriages, still births and the loss of a child are recognized in October. National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month is the day to remember all those precious ones lost. Ceremonies of remembrance and candle lighting vigils may take place. The day of October 15th is universal day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death.

Did You Know:

  • one in every 4 pregnancies ends in the loss of a baby. I had no idea til I was preparing this post that the number was that high. 
  • The loss of a child is one of the most intense causes of grief I know this and while I have not lost a child a loss of a life that we looked forward to gathering our family is something like I said affects us all
  • Parents never "get over" the loss of a child. My mother lost a baby over 50 years ago and still mourns for the baby that was born healthy and passed of SIDS.
  • PTSD, depression and anxiety can all result from the loss a parent feels after the grief of losing a child. These issues could lead to job loss, divorce, daily living issues, or issues of being parent to other children. 

The loss of a child stays with the family forever. Emotional and physical impacts become challenges in life. Others may not understand the grief and issues that may develop. Searching and finding support is paramount to recovery Awareness of these issues is the first step to accessing available help. Events in October help better people empathize and support parents on their journey to hope. 

My prayers are for all those who have lost their own angel babies. The pain that the individuals and families go through is terrible and never goes away. Family and friends who have suffered such issues need to know that you are there as well. Often miscarriages are suffered in silence and so we may not even be aware of all those who have suffered such grief. 




National Eat Better Eat Together Month



October is a great time to eat together as a family. It is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month. As our family grows there seems to be less and less days to do this. Family mealtime is making a comeback and all though my children are grown we often bring our entire family including my children and grand-children together to eat. When I was a kid we did this about once or twice a month our family is striving to do this one to times a week.

So does your family eat together regularly?? Would you like this to happen more?? Schedules are often one of our most troublesome issues. So we try to schedule the dates ahead of time. You may not be aware of it but scheduling helps you look forward to something just like eating together as a family helps you eat better.

The healthiest way to enjoy families meals is to eat at home. There are healthy restaurants but it is easier to plan nutritious meals in the comfort of your homes. Studies have been able to show that families that eat at home decrease their caloric intake and the food choices are much better than if they eat out. In addition it is a great time to relax and reconnect and find out what is going on in each others lives.

Family mealtimes come together well if they are planned ahead so everyone can be there. Include family member choices in the mealtime as well. Try to not repeat what is served at family meals this may mean that every member helps out at every meal. Teaching the next generation great meal prep skills as well as interacting and having fun in the kitchen is a great as well. Each family meal time try to fix a new recipe. This may mean that a younger member teaches an older family member how to prepare a recipe. It also allows the family to taste different recipes and enjoy their food.

I hope you start a new tradition with "eat better, eat together". Would love to hear if you have any favorite recipes or any tips that you would like to share. The holidays are right around the corner let October help you get started on healthier choices at mealtime.

Smile



Wear your beautiful smile today. In addition share a smile with those you love as well. This fruit snack offers a smile, is cute and taste good as well. 




Apple slices with peanut butter are a classic snack for kids (of all ages--it's one of my own favorites!). The addition of a few white chocolate chips turns these into a funny little treat.

To Make: Slice a red apple into 1/2" wedges. Coat one side of the apple with creamy peanut butter, and then sandwich with another slice on top. Press white chocolate chips into the peanut butter to make "teeth." For the "tongue," you can use a slice of cherry or strawberry. If your kids can't eat peanut butter, this also works well with almond butter or sunbutter

Caramel Apples


Halloween and Caramel apples have traveled together through out the years. The fruit base helps even out the sweet sticky caramel offering a healthier treat of sorts. It is easy to make your own caramel apples at home. You will want to have a candy thermometer to make sure the sugar mix reaches the correct degree.



Vegetable oil cooking spray
6 small apples with stems removed
2 bags soft caramel candies (9.5 ounces each)
¼ cup pulp-free orange juice
1 bar 53 percent cocoa dark chocolate (4-ounces), chopped into ½-inch pieces
6 thick wooden sticks
Small candies, nuts and sprinkles of your choice



Directions:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and spray the parchment lightly with vegetable oil cooking spray.
Place wooden sticks halfway into the apples, where the stems were removed.
In a medium saucepan, combine caramel candies and orange juice and warm over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until candies are completely melted, about 10 minutes. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Dip apples in caramel until thoroughly coated, and place on parchment paper until firm, about 2 hours.
Put chocolate in a medium bowl and set it over a pan of simmering water, or put in a double-boiler. Stir the chocolate until smooth. Use a fork to drizzle the chocolate over each caramel-covered apple. Place apples back on parchment paper for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the apples with your chosen nuts and candies. Try playing with the design of your caramel apples, such as sprinkling nuts on the bottom half and colorful sprinkles or candies on the top half.
Let apples sit 3 to 4 hours for everything to harden completely.
Delight your guests with your creations!




October


October

Related Poem Content Details

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

Pumpkin Butter made from Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Butter

– 29 ounces pumpkin puree (recipe here)
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup coconut sugar
– 3/4 cup apple juice

1. Place pumpkin puree, sugar, apple juice and spices into large pot. Stir and bring to a boil.
2. Let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes on low heat. Stir frequently.
3. Let cool, stir and help yourself to a smear of the good stuff!
4. Refrigerate and bring out for a lovely brunch treat! (store in a super tight container in your fridge ~ good for 1 week)
recipe source here

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Easy Apple Turnovers

Easy Apple Turnovers



Filling:
2 or 3 apples, peeled and chopped, we used Golden Delicious which is a great cooking apple
2 Tbs melted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs flour
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pie Crust - we used store bought, hence the "easy" in the title.
Glaze:
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon
2 or 3 tsp apple juice


Mix the filling ingredients and set aside. Cut each crust in half and then in quarters (this is a great time to introduce fractions to a 4 year old, really, she dug it). Fill each triangle with about 1/4 cup filling, fold over, seal edges with a fork (this was Mimi's favorite part and took her time to make sure it was done right). Prick tops with a fork. Bake at 375 for 20 to 30 minutes, until they are golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes then top with glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy!

shared at simple and sweet friday

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Marilyns Treats

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Preschool Halloween Crafts and printables



it all depends on what option you use...  You'll will need


either
paper plate (whatever size)
cardboard cut into a circle OR
margarine or ice cream container lid

either
orange paint,
orange construction paper OR
orange tissue paper

either
template pieces provided.
black paint,
black construction paper OR
black marker

paint plate orange or glue orange construction/tissue paper onto it (rip 1 inch (ish) squares of construction/tissue paper and glue them on with a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 regular children's white glue.  This is sort of like mod podging)
Let dry.
Glue on face (paper mouth and nose).
Paper stem and leaves. (leaves can be handprints cut from green paper)
Paper circle cut round and round to make a squiggly vine.
Cut out triangular eyeholes.
Tape on a craft stick handle.

find remaining directions and templates here

Great Northern Bean Chili

Great Northern Bean Chilli



2 lbs bonelss skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1 inch cubes
1 T canola oil
1 (48 oz) jar northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
1 (14 1/2 oz) can chicken broth
1 t cumin, 0ptional
2 c shred cheese

Brown chicken in oil, In slow cooker mix beans, salsa, broth, cumin and chicken. Cover and cook low for 4 to 6 hours Serve with cheese

I found this recipe in my new cook book from taste of home. It seems perfect for the weather

taste of home recipe

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Carrot Ginger Cider

Carrot Ginger Cider

4 of your favorite types of apple (green apples contain the least amount of sugar while red apples contain the most antioxidants) 
2 large carrots
1 sprig parsley
1/2 teaspoon ginger root
1/2 tray of frozen apple cider cubes (this must be done at least 2 hours prior)

After thoroughly washing your apples, carrots, parsley and ginger ~ chop them up. I juiced all of the above ingredients, but you can also add them to your blender for a thicker treat…just blend it all up real nice!
Benefits of this drink are many. Carrots are one of the healthiest foods packed with powerful amounts of vitamins, minerals and macro-nutrients. Carrot juices has been proven to improve eyesight, decrease cancer cells, regulate blood sugar, hydrate skin, improve liver function, promote lung quality and improve digestion. It is a wonderful pick-me up. 
When it comes to apples you can juice the whole entire thing. The stem, skin, flesh and all. Apple peels have the power to decrease asthma and strengthen the heart. Apples are also loaded with anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants and lots of fiber.
Parsley is great for the gallbladder and is also a diuretic. It helps to perk up the adrenal glands and adds magnesium, potassium and calcium. It also offers beta carotene, vitamin C and K. 
Ginger is one ingredient that is need not have a lot because a little goes a long way. Adding ginger to the drink improves the absorption of essential nutrients and helps the digestive enzymes. Ginger helps with nausea, cramps, joint pain, sore throat, congestion and is also an aphrodisiac.  
recipe source here

Use Those Pumpkin Guts

IF you are carving pumpkins then use this recipe to make up some pumpkin  puree. Return to Annies Home in future days to see what recipes we share to use your Pumpkin Puree with. 


Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients:
– pumpkin innards
– juice from one freshly squeezed lemon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
1. Take your freshly removed pumpkin innards (minus the seeds) and steam over high heat for 10 minutes.
2. Add to blender with lemon juice (to keep fresh for longer) and baking soda (to remove any bitterness).
3. Blend on high speed for 1 minute…and voila! Homemade pumpkin puree.

recipe source here

shared at
home and garden thursday

Pumpkin Prayer

Pumpkin Prayer


{cut off top of pumpkin}


Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.


“Know that the Lord, He is God.” (Psalm 100:3)

{
innards remove}


Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.
Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.

Sin is the wrong things in life that we need to get rid of. Scoop out the inside of the pumpkin to show how God removes our sins. The seeds represent disobedience, impatience, jealousy, hatred. God will forgive us if we ask. He will cleanse our hearts and makes us a new creation.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9)

{cut open eyes}


Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.

Cut the eyes in shape of a heart. It is a great time to talk about how God's laws are there to protect us. He has given his world to all of us because of his love for us.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law.” (Psalm 119:18)

{cut out nose}
I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.

Carve a cross shaped nose. There are times that we don't like a certain food, piece of clothing or toy and are not thankful when they are gifted to us. God knows when we grumble and are not thankful for what we have and what we don't have. We have been given so much but when we complain it is against God for he was the one that died on the cross for us all. God is the one that makes sure we are given what we really need.

…be thankful unto Him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)

(cut out ears one on each side)

Carve the ears into a rectangle to represent the Bible. There are times when our parents, boss or someone important has told us what to do and us not listen. God wants us to listen to him as well. The bible tells us how much He loves us, and how he wants us to live and how he plans to help us. 

 “Incline your ear, and come to Me” (Isaiah 55:3) 



{cut out mouth}
Let everything I say please You.

We should use our mouths to tell others about God. Our words should please our Lord. Carve the mouth of the pumpkin in the shape of a fish. The fish represents the story Jesus shared about fishing for people by telling them of God's love for everyone. We can all be "fishers of men" by using our mouths to tell others about Jesus.

 “I shall . . . declare the works or the Lord” (Psalm 118:17)


{light the candle}
Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen


Like the song says we should light our candle and let it shine. Light a candle and place it inside of our pumpkin. The Light represents the Holy Spirit that lives in all Christian hearts. We let our light shine when we let God work in our lives. Our light will hopefully attract our family and friends as well. 

 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

By: Liz Curtis Higgs 


want to share this poem with others Download free pages and bookmarks here

October is Eczema Month

It may first appear as a itchy, red patch. The issue becomes worst when it is scratched. Eczema often irritates chins, cheeks, neck, inner elbows, or behind your knees. After a doctor diagnose it may just be eczema. Don't let this alarm you as it can be treated and it is very common and manageable. Over 30 million Americans have eczema of some form. 

The top population of individuals who have eczema are babies and children. Have you ever seen a baby or young child with red cheeks and chin?? It may be that they have eczema. Eczema can appear on the body in other areas as well. Eczema often goes away as the child grows older but some may have eczema as they grow older. Adults can also develop eczema even if they never had it as a child.

The term eczema is a label placed on dermatitis or "itchy rash" The skin diseases that may be labeled as eczema are:
  • atopic dermatitis
  • contact dermatitis
  • dyshidrotic eczema
  • nummular eczema
  • seborrheic dermatitis
All types can cause itching and redness and some will blister, weep or peel. Eczema symptoms are different for everyone. You may have more or less symptoms than another individual with eczema. While eczema is normally itchy it may range from mild to a extreme leaving inflamed skin. At times the itching will become so inflamed that an individual may scratch the skin til it bleeds. Eczema will appear with:
  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Very bad itching
  • Dark colored patches of skin
  • Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
  • Oozing or crusting
  • Areas of swelling
You may have just a few of these symptoms or have them all to have eczema. Your symptoms may go away not to return or you may have eczema that reappears with flare ups. The best and truly the only way to know if you have eczema is to visit the doctor.
You are not alone find more information as well as others who suffer but liking them on facebook. 

HIstory ::: The Potato and German Potato Salad

I grew up with German Potato salad as my grand-mothers heritage was from Germany. A German dish known as "Kartofelsalat" is popular. It is a dish made with vinegar, potatoes, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, mustard, vegetable or beef broth, onions and topped with chives. This Potato salad is commonly found in Southern Germany. Potato Salad made from northern Germany would commonly include mayonnaise and be quite similar to the potato salad in the U.S. 

Around 200 years ago Germans would not believe were even discussing the potato and a German Style. The potato was only for the poor, prisoners and livestock in the early days of potato. Potatoes were brought to Germany from South America. They were not welcomed in by the Europeans or Germans. 

The German word for potato is Kartoffel. The potatoes took a journey from south america to Spain before slowly traveling through Europe. The Spaniards mistaken potatoes as truffles as both truffles and potatoes are both dug up. The Italians tried to grow the potato but had little luck Potatoes also received warnings as their leaves were poisonous so many citizens would avoid. They were also known as "fruits of the devil" and thought to cause lustful thoughts. This led for the first potatoes to only be fed to pigs. Germany would first plant potatoes in the 1500's by peasants as they were cheap to grow and eat. 

During the 1700s Germany experienced many cool wet summers and the wheat crops were failing. The potato became a hero of sorts as King Frederick the Great gave an order in 1754 for all farmers to grow potatoes. 



Vincent Van Gogh The potato Eaters was painted because he thought the peasants that grew the potatoes as honorable. 

German Potato Salad was brought to America by German immigrants. The salad was wrm and had bacon and onions and a nice sweet but tart dressing. The salad is very popular and unique in the beginning possibly being a left over dish using up left over roasted or boiled potatoes. Ham or bacon makes it different from other cultures. 






4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
8 slices bacon
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup sugar 
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 
In a large pot of boiling water, cook potatoes 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp, turning as needed. Remove from pan, crumble, and set aside.
Add oil and onion to bacon grease and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in vinegar, water, sugar and salt; bring to a boil. Gently stir in potatoes and parsley.Add half of bacon to potato mixture and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Remove to a serving dish, sprinkle remaining bacon over top, and serve warm.
Notes
  • The potatoes in German Potato Salad are usually sliced, rather than cubed, but you're the boss...make whatever shape your gang prefers.
recipe source Mr. Food

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