“National Culinary Arts Month” & “Spiced Blueberry Muffins”

Welcome, did you know that July is “National Culinary Arts Month?” Each July, National Culinary Arts Month is held, which promotes awareness of professional cooks, chefs, and their contributions to the culinary world of excellence. Culinary artists are responsible for skillfully preparing meals that are pleasing to the palate as to the eye. The world of Culinary Arts not only consists of creating delicious dishes, but also the use of kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment that must be associated with the preparation of the recipes.   

I did not have any professional training to be a good cook or, baker but I remember when a young girl I would always watch my mom prepare and cook dinner. My job was always to set the table, quite boring. As I got older I would help my mom prepare the food by peeling the potatoes or fixing the salad, but that wouldn't due either. I desperately wanted to be taught how to create such mouthwatering dishes. So, then I became more curious about cooking and wanted to seriously learn. That is when my mom started to teach me about how to cook certain recipes. My mother and grandmothers taught me the basic instructions of cooking and baking. They said that baking was a science which you had to follow the recipe correctly. Cooking on the other hand, you can be more creative with, by adding a little of this or that. They told me that the tools and equipment you need are extremely important to create wonderful and tasty recipes.

I received my first cookbook from my mom in 1974. It was the same cookbook that we used at home when I was a young girl. She wrote in it and it said, “Enjoy! Be happy in your kitchen as I am in mine, Love Mom.” For those of you wondering what cookbook it was, “Culinary Arts Institute Encyclopedic Cookbook,” revised edition 1971. Her copy was from 1948 which was the first printing of the cookbook.  As the years went by and I became a wife and mother I learned how to improve my skills, by still watching my mom, plus cooking shows, and reading recipes in cookbooks. This month is the perfect time to try your hand at cooking! Here are some helpful tips and the tools that you will need to be the chef and baker in your own kitchen.

Buy basic equipment; invest in a good set of sharp knives, sturdy pots, pans, and a set of glass baking dishes. You will also need measuring cups (dry & liquid) plus a set of measuring spoons. A food processor and an electric mixer will come in handy as you learn the ins and outs of food preparation. You will also need some wooden spoons, a wire whisk, a few spatulas, a vegetable peeler, a pastry brush, a rolling pin, a grater, a cutting board, and a strainer just to name a few. The inventory of tools and equipment are countless, but as you learn to advance in your cooking techniques you can always add to your collection.

Familiarize yourself with cooking terms such as poaching, braising, roasting, grilling, and parboiling. Again these are just some examples that you will need to learn. You can use cookbooks for research and also an online cooking dictionary will help you learn the correct terms to use for your preparation of special dishes. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of cooking classes being given in your neighborhood such as in schools or libraries. Look at cookbooks; sometimes they supply you with tutorials which are extremely helpful.

Most of all make your cooking and baking experience fun! If you make a mistake, just try again. Every inspiring cook or baker needs assistance, so ask help from your family, friends, and even your children. Chopping, cutting, and dicing are how they learn. So put on your apron, get out your knife, and start chopping to create your next flavorful meal as the master chef of your own kitchen.

Besides, July is “National Culinary Arts Month,” today July 11th just happens to be “National Blueberry Muffin Day.” With that being said, my recipe today is “Spiced Blueberry Muffins.” These sweet but spicy muffins are easy to bake and they are made with the Original Bisquick® mix. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, or for a delightful dessert. This muffin is a favorite in my family and a perfect summer time treat which you can bake in 30 minutes. I hope that you enjoy this recipe and I’m sure that your taste buds will be thanking you!

                                                “Spiced Blueberry Muffins”

 

 

Ingredients:
2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:
Heat oven to 400°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except blueberries. Now, gently fold in blueberries. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Serve warm, if desired. Serves: 12    Enjoy!


Till next time……..

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