Friday, March 28, 2008

Cuisines of the World

As I was surfing the 'Net earlier, I came accross the CookBookWiki and discovered that there are a number of folks like me who like to try and share new recipes and ideas.

A great thing about the CookBookWiki is that a variety of people contribute, sharing stories, recipes and ideas...something I enjoy and thought my blog readers would too!

http://www.cookbookwiki.com/Cuisines_of_the_World

I have contributed at least one recipe in the Macedonian CookBookWiki and plan to add to the Macedonian Cusine article collection at: http://www.cookbookwiki.com/Macedonia

Check back for updates and let me know what new cuisine discoveries you come accross from the "Old World."

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Zdravo od Makedonija Sega!

The above is "Hello from Macedonia Now!" My family and I are blessed to be travelling in Macedonia currently. It's a mixed trip, partly to see family and partly to seek out new business opportunities.

Already, the high quality stainless steel kitchenware from Macedonia has proven to be popular among my customers. Based on anecdotal research, I am also looking to add to my line of gift sets, incorporating some unique items, such as:

* handmade earthenware
* Turkish coffee pots
* hand coffee mills
* handmade jewelry
* filigrani (filigree)

If you have other ideas, please let me know! New gift sets have recently been added to my online store:
http://www.oldworldcuisine.com/Products_Gifts.htm

Friday, October 12, 2007

The History of Cuisine

I have come across some interesting links in regard to recipes, stories and traditions of the Old World that I thought others might also enjoy. Granted, I have not yet explored all of these links myself, they are intriguing!

Have you heard about the Cookbook Wiki?
Since I import quality stainless steel food trays and other kitchenware from Macedonia for my online store Old World Cuisine, and I also provide free Macedonian recipes, I thought that this cookbook wiki article about Macedonian Cuisine would be of interest to my BLOG readers. More Macedonian Recipes can be found at the following sites:

* Macedonia FAQ - Cuisine
* Macedonian Recipes from a Macedonian Orthodox Church in CA.

The Food Timeline.
Another Interesting Link is actually a collection of articles, further links and other resources from around the web called the Food Timeline which also has historical recipes and a general estimated timeline of when certain foods, traditions and recipes may have appeared throughout the world.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

5 Simple Hostess Gift Ideas

At Old World Cuisine, we like to encourage friendships and help people make lasting connections with traditions inspired by the "Old World," by this we mean, traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation; such as the warm tradition of offering a thoughtful gift to your host/ hostess, particularly if it is your first visit into someone's home.

We have compiled a list of 5 Simple Hostess Gift Ideas:

1. Prepare a batch of your best cookies, display them nicely on an elegant tray (such as those found at www.OldWorldCuisine.com

2. Fill a small basket, colander, or decorative bowl with candies or some nice home baked goods along with a handwritten thank you note

3. Depending on the occasion, you may consider selecting a bottle of wine. Some really great wines from the "Old World," such as can be found at Bulgarian Master Vinters.

4. If your hosts have young children, an age-appropriate gift for them would be a delight; however, keep in mind that most families, in the US at least, are inundated with toys, so you might consider a gift that allows children to explore their own creativity with a simple art-set, plain drawing paper and colored pencils, or even some entertaining and educational coloring books such as available through Dover Publications. Don't forget to include crayons!

5. Flowers and houseplants bring color and warmth as well and handmade items tend to show a personal touch. Why not bring a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a small gift that the family can enjoy such as handmade soap from a local farmer's market or from one of our favorites, Jamie's Country Soaps.

Do you have other Simple Hostess Gift Ideas to share?