Noshtopia

Linkage: Because Rhubarb Is Such A Fun Word, Let's Make Some Pie With Strawberries

I like saying the word "rhubarb." It's fun and rolls off the tongue amusingly like "kumquat." In fact, I would name a pet rhubarb, maybe a cat or a bird.

My Favorite Happy Hour Food: Fresh Guacamole

This chunky guacamole just happened in my kitchen, and went quickly into my belly with some gluten-free, vegan crackers and a smooth Sweet Red wine.

Happiness: Backyard Tree Bursting With Lemons

My folks grow their own lemons from one tree, and that tree is bursting with lemons right now. This sight always makes me happy and inspires me to make organic lemonade :-)

Nature's Candy Stand: Look At Dem Apples In A Rainbow of Colors

Mother Nature's candy is beautiful fruit! Just look at dem apples.

Noshing on Raspberries From My Handmade Hope Inspired Rwanda Fruit Bowl

Isn't this beautiful?! This 6" fruit bowl is made by artisans mostly women in Rwanda. The design in the bowl represents Hope inspired from the Rwanda flag. Since I'm all about heartfulness in 2013, the design resonated with me immediately plus you know I love purple!

Visual Chart: How To Tell If Your Avocado Is Ripe

I love this visual chart from The Farmacy on how to tell if your avocado is ripe or not because I never know.

Citrus Beauty: Buddha's Hand For Zest, Room Freshening, and Temple Offering

I love anything that looks unusual and has a story. At the SF Ferry Building farmer's market, this fascinating citrus caught my eye. Say hello to Buddha's Hand which is a fingered citron with origins in India and China.

 

In Western cooking, Buddha's Hand is used for zest. If you rub the fingers, the oil of the citron activates and you get the most refreshing smell which can help make a room smell wonderful. And the shape is so interesting, you can use the Buddha's Hand in a center piece decoration.

In Buddhist temples, the Buddha's Hand is used as an offering. The desired version are the ones where the fingers are closed in because they most resemble praying hands.

 

For your next dinner party, make a Buddha's Hand center piece. This citron will definitely make for interesting dinner conversation.

Have you used Buddha's Hand? If so, please share how you used it.

Momotaro Tomatoes

Saw Momotaro tomatoes at the farmer's market. Nice surprise! These tomatoes are a popular variety in Japan. Have you tried them? 

 

Related articles

Meatless Monday Idea: Fava Hummus Sandwich With Avocado, Arugula, And Tomato on Ezekiel

Easy Meal: Salad Bar Tacos

Guess The Food: What Fruit Is This?

I find Asian markets fascinating because there is always something in there that is unusual like this fruit. Can you name this fruit?

The answer is after the jump...

5 Things You Can Eat With Grapes

 

Grapes are one of my favorite fruits and snacks as they are very convenient. I tend to be a seedless red grape kinda gal but green ones are tasty too when they are on the sweet side.

But after awhile, eating just plain grapes can get boring, so with the help of some creative food bloggers here are some fun ways to eat grapes.

• Fruit Salad With Pomegranate, Grapes, Ginger and Walnuts [Lucullian Delights]

• Fresh and tangy punch made with juicy grapes, pineapple, and ginger [Cupcake Project]

• French Toast with Grapes and Flaked Almond [At Down Under]

• Fig & Grape Quinoa Salad [Eden Kitchen]
  

• Red grape pizza with honey, rosemary and pecorino [Jamie Oliver] not a food blogger but this pizza look so awesome :)