There are quite the unique Canadian foods and you may some if not all of them. Whether you’re a foodie or not, one of the most fun and sometimes stressful parts of wedding planning is coming up with a menu. From the rehearsal dinner to the reception, the options are nearly endless for cuisine. When you’re celebrating upcoming nuptials in the Great White North, you may want to display some national pride when deciding what to eat. If so, here are some Canadian dishes for your consideration.
Canadian Go With a Poutine Routine
When it comes to Canadian cuisine, poutine reigns supreme. This classic comfort food dish combines crisp French fries, cheese curds and a rich savory gravy for a meal or snack that feels like home. This casual meal offers versatility for wedding-day eats. It can be served in classic form for a less formal, more homey celebration, or it can be jazzed up for a special occasion. Consider alternative toppings such as pulled pork, bacon or other types of grilled or smoked meat. French fries are available in various form factors, making poutine a dish that’s easy to rework for your menu.
Serve a Tourtière Premiere
When it comes to soul-affirming eats, you can’t go wrong with tourtière. This classic Canadian meat pie dish originates from Quebec. Traditionally, it’s filled with minced pork, veal or beef and potatoes. It’s a popular dish for the holidays up north. It can be a featured menu item at your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Although a classic tourtière is hard to beat, you can modify this dish with other proteins, including salmon and wild game. Individual pies make for a heartwarming second or third course, while pre-cut slices are easily retrieved from a buffet or family-style service.
Offer Donair With Flair
Doner, as in doner kebab, is a staple of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. This meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie has several descendants, including Arabic shawarma, Mexican al pastor, Greek gyros and Canadian donair. Since the early 1970s, donair has been a staple as street food in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A combination of spiced ground beef and sweet sauce served in Lebanese flatbread, this cousin of the gyro sandwich can be scaled down as a small bite for wedding eats. Guests can add their own toppings to suit their particular tastes with this ultra-casual snack.
Turn Tables With Bagels
While many people associate bagels with New York City, Canadians know that Montreal-style bagels are the culinary champs, especially when served as part of a post-wedding brunch or a wedding breakfast meal. These bagels are generally sweeter, denser and thinner than their New York cousins, but they are just as delicious with your favorite bagel toppings, including salmon, lox, cream cheese, capers, compound butters and fruit spreads. A food station that lets guests create the perfectly topped bagel is a great move.
Canadian bacon Take Stake in Bacon
“Canadian bacon” is an American term for a certain style of smoked bacon and has no origins here in the Great White North. Peameal bacon, on the other hand, is a type of unsmoked back bacon that originates in Southern Ontario. It is made from trimmed center-cut pork loin that is cured in a wet salt and sugar brine and rolled in cornmeal. Closer to fresh ham in taste than traditional bacon, peameal bacon has a mild salty and sweet flavor. This protein can be served any time of the day as individual slices in a charcuterie board or as part of a cooked dish.
Choosing the food for your big day or associated events should be part of the fun in getting married. Just as with other aspects of your wedding, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what everyone will eat. These classic Canadian dishes are comforting and can be worked into just about any menu in any format for fun, memorable eats.
A somewhat common joke about weddings refers to choosing chicken or fish as one of the most crucial decisions for a couple to make. While the celebration is about two people declaring their intent to marry in front of witnesses, it would be silly to act as if food isn’t a big deal, especially at a reception. When you consider other events such as engagement celebrations, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and even a post-wedding brunch, food matters. From the cake to party favors, here’s what you should know about wedding-day eats.
Understanding Why Food Matters
A marriage ceremony is literally the joining of two families, and when it comes to symbols of family and friendship, a meal around a table is one of the most enduring. The post-ceremony celebration is an opportunity for loved ones to shower you and your new spouse with love. It’s also an event for those you hold dear to meet, greet, and eat! Your guests may be too polite to say so, but they care about the food. Nobody wants to eat bad food at a reception, and you don’t want something bland or unappetizing being one of the things people remember most about your special day.
Planning a Meal Style
While “chicken or fish” remains a big decision, the meal style may be as important. Will you have a more formal plated dinner where guests choose between chicken or fish (or steak) with vegan alternatives? Do you prefer something more laid back, such as food stations or a self-serve buffet? Perhaps you’ll extend the family motif of a reception meal by having family-style service with large platters and dishes to be passed around. Consider the level of formality for your affair, the guest list, and the venue. Some locations are better suited for certain meal styles.
Choosing a Caterer
While you’re contemplating a meal style, you’ll also need to choose a caterer, especially if the venue doesn’t include food service. When looking for a caterer, reputation is key. Ask friends for recommendations. Look for online reviews from previous customers. A wedding planner should be able to recommend caterers. Other vendors such as a photographer or a dressmaker may also have good suggestions. Here are some questions to ask a potential caterer:
How many guests can be accommodated?
What meal styles does the caterer provide?
Can you sample menu items for free or for a small fee?
Are servers included in the price?
How many meal options are available?
Is a deposit required?
Is there a separate price for alcohol?
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
Finding a caterer who understands your vision is critical for a successful outcome.
Going CanadianOn Food
When you’re tying the knot up in the Great White North, you may think about choosing menu items that are distinctly Canadian:
Montreal-style bagels: Smaller, thinner, and sweeter than their New York counterparts, these bagels are great for a wedding breakfast or a brunch the next day. Consider food stations with the usual fixings, such as cream cheese, lox, capers, and flavored spreads.
Poutine: This classic Canadian dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds makes an excellent appetizer or snack at a reception.
Tourtiere: This French-Canadian meat pie is hearty and filling, ideal for a buffet or family-style dining. Pre-slice individual portions or serve personal pies for better service.
Cedar plank salmon: If you decide to go with fish, you can’t go wrong with a smoky salmon served on cedar planks.
It’s entirely up to you to choose a menu, but contemplate these and others for a Canadian touch.
When it comes to your nuptials, food considerations are an important part of the many decisions you’ll need to make. Whether you go with chicken or fish, think about meal styles, service, and catering options. Start off this new phase of life with friends, family, and great food!
Stress is common before a wedding. But did you know that what foods you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel when you start to get nervous?
Stress is common before a wedding. It is natural to feel nervous before you make such a big life change. Of course, this does not make it any easier to deal with. When you feel exceptionally nervous, it can have a physical impact on your health. You may start to experience stomach troubles and other minor issues. In order to minimize this and feel your best, there are a few foods to consider ingesting. What you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel when you start to get upset.
Look over these suggestions on what foods to eat to calm your nerves. The right dietary adjustments may help you feel your best before your big day.
Fish
You probably already know how healthy fish is. While all fish can be a good option for your diet, salmon tends to pack more of a nutritional punch. Salmon is said to be loaded with healthy fats and omega-3s. These are purportedly useful for improving the regulation of neurotransmitters in the body. Studies have shown that consuming more salmon might be of benefit, as the fish can help individuals combat stress and anxiety by regulating important hormones like serotonin. Salmon is also considered one of the healthiest meats you can eat, which is an added bonus.
Chocolate
Do you ever eat chocolate when you are feeling low or nervous? If so, you are not alone. You may find it interesting to learn, however, that chocolate is actually a great way to combat the effects of anxiety. Not just any chocolate will do, of course. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which are responsible for fighting the free radicals in the environment that can do damage to the body. Some research suggests that antioxidants can improve brain health and function, which may improve the symptoms of anxiety.
Probiotics
You feel anxiety in your stomach because there is a connection between the brain and the gut, especially when it comes to specific hormones. A number of hormones related to fight-or-flight responses are produced in the digestive system. When you feel particularly nervous about something, you feel it in your gut because this is where the response is coming from. This means you can do a lot of good for your nerves by focusing on your stomach health and certain foods that enhance your health.
Probiotics are incredibly useful when it comes to improving the health of the digestive system. Found in yogurt and other fermented foods, these cultures are said to help restore the microflora of the gut. Replenishing the “good” bacteria in the digestive tract helps improve the way your digestive system functions and may also help you feel less stressed. Eating yogurt is one way to get more probiotics in your diet, but there are also supplements available to speed the process along.
Tea
A nice cup of tea can do wonders when you’re looking to find a bit of peace. While black tea can be nice, it also can add to your stress. Green tea has been studied for decades and has been shown to work wonders on those who are feeling nervous or anxious. The amino acid L-theanine is found in green tea, and this compound has been said to increase the feeling of being calm and collected. Herbal tea options like chamomile may also be useful when you need to unwind after a particularly frustrating day of planning your wedding.
The process of putting together a wedding can easily create a lot of stress in your life. By focusing on ways to minimize your anxiety, you can do wonders for your mental health. Eating the right foods can reduce the symptoms related to stress and help you feel more prepared to tackle whatever obstacles await.
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration just before lent.
February 28 is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Carnival and/or Mardi Gras, depending on your culture and traditions. Mardi Gras is the last day for parties before the time of Lent. Lent is when many Christians fast before the Easter holiday. You don’t have to celebrate Easter to enjoy Mardi Gras, but knowing why it’s celebrated can help you understand the traditions.
What Is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is based on the date of Easter. This means that the date generally changes from year to year. In 2017, it’s February 28. Next year, the date is February 13. In Canada, it’s not a statutory holiday, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find celebrations here in the country.
During Lent, Christians give up many indulgences, such as meat, alcohol and rich foods. Shrove Tuesday began as a way of using up the food in the household that might be forbidden during Lent. Some believe that Pancake Tuesday was a pagan holiday. Christians are reported to have made pancakes because the recipe would use up eggs, lard or butter, sugar and milk, foods that might be limited through Lent.
Although Lent probably originated in Europe, people around the world now celebrate Mardi Gras, Carnival or Shrove Tuesday with huge festivals. Masquerades and costumes are popular, but so are large amounts of alcohol, many rich foods, not only pancakes and pastries.
At one time, Mardi Gras was a more sedate celebration. Today, it is often considered the single person’s holiday in late Winter, as opposed to Valentine’s Day, which is more couple-centric.
Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras
Since 1445, Olney in Buckinghamshire has held a pancake race in which women (although men can participate) carry a frypan and toss a pancake in it while racing 415 yards (one-quarter of a kilometer). The pancake must be in the pan when crossing the finish line, and the contestants must be tossing it as they cross the finish. Typically, these women also dress as housewives, wearing an apron and a scarf. Following the race, everyone goes to the church for a service.
Rio, New Orleans, Trinidad and Tobago and Sydney, Australia are great places to go to enjoy huge parties and crowds for Mardi Gras. Not only is this a time to eat indulgently, it’s also a time to be free of inhibitions. It’s an “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” attitude. In New Orleans, it’s traditional to accumulate beads. Tourists think the best way to get beads is to flash someone, but really, locals prefer you just shout, “throw me something, mister!“ at the people on the floats. Parents of children who come out for the parade will thank you for not flashing yourself for their kids to see.
Places in Canada to Celebrate Mardi Gras
Locally, the most popular place for Mardi Gras celebrations is in Quebec City, but this year’s Carnaval de Quebec was from January 27 through February 12, making it much earlier than Mardi Gras. Ottawa’s Winterlude also misses it this year, as it is from February 3 through 20. You may just have to look for ones in your neighborhood or create your own traditions.
Christmas food can vary greatly from country to country.
We all have family traditions for our Christmas celebration when we sit down to dinner with our families. Sometimes, it’s fun to start new traditions and enjoy a special addition to the holiday festivities. Here are some great ideas to serve during the season to ramp up your appetite.
Christmas Food Menu – Side Dishes
Coquilles Saint-Jacques are simply scallops baked with herbs and cheese. Normally, this dish is served in France as an appetizer.
Porkkanalaatiko is an alternative to the sweet potato casserole. It’s a spiced carrot dish which originated in Finland.
Chicken Soup Avgolemono is often served as the first course at the Christmas feast in Greece. Think chicken and rice soup with a hint of lemon to entice your palate.
Chicken Soup Avgolemono is often served as the first course at the Christmas feast in Greece. Think chicken and rice soup with a hint of lemon to entice your palate.
Main Courses
In Italy, the Christmas eve dinner is called Feast of the Seven Fishes. Serve calamari, clams, shrimp and other fish dishes to await the birth of Christ or the arrival of Saint Nick.
Tamales and hallacas are common dishes in South and Central America. Hallacas are similar to tamales, but might be filled with capers, raisins and meat and wrapped in plantain leaves instead of corn husks.
Mince pies can be found on tables in North America and in England during the holiday season. The traditional filling is made with beef and fruit, but many cooks have adapted the recipe to include only fruits. Originally, mince pies were thought to preserve meats and use up leftovers that wouldn’t keep.
Turkey is a traditional dish in many homes. Spaniards take it to another level by stuffing their turkey with truffles. The dish is called Pavo Trufado de Navidad, and it tastes divine.
Deserts
The Austrian dessert is known as sachertorte, which is a chocolate sponge and apricot jam cake. Served with a side of whipped cream and a cup of hot cider, it makes a great way to end the meal.
In Germany, families make a fruit cake with rum and spices, called stollen. Sometimes, there’s a strip of marzipan in the middle of the bread, which adds a layer of almond flavor and richness.
Make cherry-rice pudding called Risalamande for a traditional Danish dish for your table. Add a whole almond to the mix. Whoever finds it when they’re eating gets a special reward.
Although India is not known for its Christian population, the season is still celebrated with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves. Make kulkuls, a spiced coconut cookie, to have on your table.
Beigli is a Hungarian poppy seed cake. It’s a sweet bread dough made like cinnamon rolls, only with a poppy seed filling. Bake it in a loaf pan instead of cutting it into individual rolls before baking.
White Christmas is an Australian confection made of mixed fruit, sugar and copha. It looks similar to white fudge, but can be a little lighter because it doesn’t have the rich chocolate flavor.
Bûche de Noël is served on tables in France and North America. It’s a rolled chocolate cake with a filling such as raspberry jam or whipped cream, decorated to represent the Yule log. If you’ve never had one, make a stab at it this year. It’s actually quite easy, and you don’t need to include all the fancy and fussy decorations.
Festive Drinks
Families in Malta make a cocoa-chestnut drink known as Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. It can be served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to enjoy it more than once throughout the season.
Crema De Vie is the Cuban version of egg nog. It’s jazzed up with rum and lemon peel for a rich and creamy drink that will help all the adults get a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve.
One of the most solemn occasions most people ever have to attend is a funeral or memorial service. It can be hard to know what to do or say when someone dies. In today’s world, it is even more common to have friends and colleagues who are from different faiths. Here is some general information about funeral etiquette.
Sending Cards, Flowers, and Food
The sympathy card industry is booming, but Emily Post would tell you that it is considered proper etiquette to actually write a note of condolence. It demonstrates you took the time to really think about what you wanted to say. It doesn’t have to be long, but a personal story about the deceased can tell the family how important that person was to you. In any culture, a sympathy note is always appreciated.
Flowers are another traditional offering for funerals, but there are religions which prefer not to have cut flowers. A Jewish family prefers that you give a gift to charity instead of sending flowers. Many people today are having eco-friendly funerals, in which cut flowers are not preferred, but maybe a plant which can continue to thrive would be welcome. The funeral home or memorial service should have information about the family’s preferences.
It’s also considered appropriate to have a family meal following the service. In most churches, synagogues, and mosques, members prepare food for the family to help them in the first days of grief. If you’re unsure about the family’s preferences, you may choose to send them a gift card for food delivery for an evening when they need it most. Meals that can be frozen are helpful, because the family can take them out as needed.
Attending the Funeral or Memorial Service
You might be wondering what is the difference between a funeral or memorial service? At a funeral, the body of the deceased will be present. A memorial service is one where the body is not, such as a cremation. It’s common to wear dark, muted clothes. A funeral is an important occasion, dress as you might for a religious ceremony or business dinner.
Be on time for the service. Funeral venues may have specific parking instructions when you arrive to help with the procession to the graveside. When you enter the location, you should be quiet. Turn off your cell phone or leave it in your car. The seats toward the front of the venue are generally reserved for family and close friends.
This is not the place to talk to the family. Generally, the family will be in a private room before the service, to come in right before it starts. The service will not begin until the family is seated. You will most likely be given a program to follow the flow of the memorial.
Following the service, there is generally a recessional. The pallbearers take the coffin to the hearse, which will take the body to the gravesite. If you are going to the interment, follow the instructions at the venue. As you exit, there may be a family member who is thanking those in attendance. Keep any remarks brief, to keep the flow going.
Be Authentic and Sincere
When someone dies, it is sad. They will be missed. Sometimes, all you have to do is let the surviving family know that you care. Phrases like, “I’m so sorry for your loss,” or “I’m here to help,” can be comforting. When Jews are in their mourning period known as shiva, visitors actually don’t say anything until the family breaks the silence. Just your presence is enough. You don’t have to fix their sadness, just let them know that you understand. Everyone gets tongue-tied and feels inadequate during a time of grief. Be respectful and solemn, even when you are unsure of what to do.
There are quite the unique Canadian foods and you may some if not all of them. Whether you’re a foodie or not, one of the most fun and sometimes stressful parts of wedding planning is coming up with a menu. From the rehearsal dinner to the reception, the options are nearly endless for cuisine. When you’re celebrating upcoming nuptials in the Great White North, you may want to display some national pride when deciding what to eat. If so, here are some Canadian dishes for your consideration.
Canadian Go With a Poutine Routine
When it comes to Canadian cuisine, poutine reigns supreme. This classic comfort food dish combines crisp French fries, cheese curds and a rich savory gravy for a meal or snack that feels like home. This casual meal offers versatility for wedding-day eats. It can be served in classic form for a less formal, more homey celebration, or it can be jazzed up for a special occasion. Consider alternative toppings such as pulled pork, bacon or other types of grilled or smoked meat. French fries are available in various form factors, making poutine a dish that’s easy to rework for your menu.
Serve a Tourtière Premiere
When it comes to soul-affirming eats, you can’t go wrong with tourtière. This classic Canadian meat pie dish originates from Quebec. Traditionally, it’s filled with minced pork, veal or beef and potatoes. It’s a popular dish for the holidays up north. It can be a featured menu item at your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Although a classic tourtière is hard to beat, you can modify this dish with other proteins, including salmon and wild game. Individual pies make for a heartwarming second or third course, while pre-cut slices are easily retrieved from a buffet or family-style service.
Offer Donair With Flair
Doner, as in doner kebab, is a staple of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. This meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie has several descendants, including Arabic shawarma, Mexican al pastor, Greek gyros and Canadian donair. Since the early 1970s, donair has been a staple as street food in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A combination of spiced ground beef and sweet sauce served in Lebanese flatbread, this cousin of the gyro sandwich can be scaled down as a small bite for wedding eats. Guests can add their own toppings to suit their particular tastes with this ultra-casual snack.
Turn Tables With Bagels
While many people associate bagels with New York City, Canadians know that Montreal-style bagels are the culinary champs, especially when served as part of a post-wedding brunch or a wedding breakfast meal. These bagels are generally sweeter, denser and thinner than their New York cousins, but they are just as delicious with your favorite bagel toppings, including salmon, lox, cream cheese, capers, compound butters and fruit spreads. A food station that lets guests create the perfectly topped bagel is a great move.
Canadian bacon Take Stake in Bacon
“Canadian bacon” is an American term for a certain style of smoked bacon and has no origins here in the Great White North. Peameal bacon, on the other hand, is a type of unsmoked back bacon that originates in Southern Ontario. It is made from trimmed center-cut pork loin that is cured in a wet salt and sugar brine and rolled in cornmeal. Closer to fresh ham in taste than traditional bacon, peameal bacon has a mild salty and sweet flavor. This protein can be served any time of the day as individual slices in a charcuterie board or as part of a cooked dish.
Choosing the food for your big day or associated events should be part of the fun in getting married. Just as with other aspects of your wedding, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what everyone will eat. These classic Canadian dishes are comforting and can be worked into just about any menu in any format for fun, memorable eats.
A somewhat common joke about weddings refers to choosing chicken or fish as one of the most crucial decisions for a couple to make. While the celebration is about two people declaring their intent to marry in front of witnesses, it would be silly to act as if food isn’t a big deal, especially at a reception. When you consider other events such as engagement celebrations, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and even a post-wedding brunch, food matters. From the cake to party favors, here’s what you should know about wedding-day eats.
Understanding Why Food Matters
A marriage ceremony is literally the joining of two families, and when it comes to symbols of family and friendship, a meal around a table is one of the most enduring. The post-ceremony celebration is an opportunity for loved ones to shower you and your new spouse with love. It’s also an event for those you hold dear to meet, greet, and eat! Your guests may be too polite to say so, but they care about the food. Nobody wants to eat bad food at a reception, and you don’t want something bland or unappetizing being one of the things people remember most about your special day.
Planning a Meal Style
While “chicken or fish” remains a big decision, the meal style may be as important. Will you have a more formal plated dinner where guests choose between chicken or fish (or steak) with vegan alternatives? Do you prefer something more laid back, such as food stations or a self-serve buffet? Perhaps you’ll extend the family motif of a reception meal by having family-style service with large platters and dishes to be passed around. Consider the level of formality for your affair, the guest list, and the venue. Some locations are better suited for certain meal styles.
Choosing a Caterer
While you’re contemplating a meal style, you’ll also need to choose a caterer, especially if the venue doesn’t include food service. When looking for a caterer, reputation is key. Ask friends for recommendations. Look for online reviews from previous customers. A wedding planner should be able to recommend caterers. Other vendors such as a photographer or a dressmaker may also have good suggestions. Here are some questions to ask a potential caterer:
How many guests can be accommodated?
What meal styles does the caterer provide?
Can you sample menu items for free or for a small fee?
Are servers included in the price?
How many meal options are available?
Is a deposit required?
Is there a separate price for alcohol?
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
Finding a caterer who understands your vision is critical for a successful outcome.
Going CanadianOn Food
When you’re tying the knot up in the Great White North, you may think about choosing menu items that are distinctly Canadian:
Montreal-style bagels: Smaller, thinner, and sweeter than their New York counterparts, these bagels are great for a wedding breakfast or a brunch the next day. Consider food stations with the usual fixings, such as cream cheese, lox, capers, and flavored spreads.
Poutine: This classic Canadian dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds makes an excellent appetizer or snack at a reception.
Tourtiere: This French-Canadian meat pie is hearty and filling, ideal for a buffet or family-style dining. Pre-slice individual portions or serve personal pies for better service.
Cedar plank salmon: If you decide to go with fish, you can’t go wrong with a smoky salmon served on cedar planks.
It’s entirely up to you to choose a menu, but contemplate these and others for a Canadian touch.
When it comes to your nuptials, food considerations are an important part of the many decisions you’ll need to make. Whether you go with chicken or fish, think about meal styles, service, and catering options. Start off this new phase of life with friends, family, and great food!
Stress is common before a wedding. But did you know that what foods you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel when you start to get nervous?
Stress is common before a wedding. It is natural to feel nervous before you make such a big life change. Of course, this does not make it any easier to deal with. When you feel exceptionally nervous, it can have a physical impact on your health. You may start to experience stomach troubles and other minor issues. In order to minimize this and feel your best, there are a few foods to consider ingesting. What you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel when you start to get upset.
Look over these suggestions on what foods to eat to calm your nerves. The right dietary adjustments may help you feel your best before your big day.
Fish
You probably already know how healthy fish is. While all fish can be a good option for your diet, salmon tends to pack more of a nutritional punch. Salmon is said to be loaded with healthy fats and omega-3s. These are purportedly useful for improving the regulation of neurotransmitters in the body. Studies have shown that consuming more salmon might be of benefit, as the fish can help individuals combat stress and anxiety by regulating important hormones like serotonin. Salmon is also considered one of the healthiest meats you can eat, which is an added bonus.
Chocolate
Do you ever eat chocolate when you are feeling low or nervous? If so, you are not alone. You may find it interesting to learn, however, that chocolate is actually a great way to combat the effects of anxiety. Not just any chocolate will do, of course. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which are responsible for fighting the free radicals in the environment that can do damage to the body. Some research suggests that antioxidants can improve brain health and function, which may improve the symptoms of anxiety.
Probiotics
You feel anxiety in your stomach because there is a connection between the brain and the gut, especially when it comes to specific hormones. A number of hormones related to fight-or-flight responses are produced in the digestive system. When you feel particularly nervous about something, you feel it in your gut because this is where the response is coming from. This means you can do a lot of good for your nerves by focusing on your stomach health and certain foods that enhance your health.
Probiotics are incredibly useful when it comes to improving the health of the digestive system. Found in yogurt and other fermented foods, these cultures are said to help restore the microflora of the gut. Replenishing the “good” bacteria in the digestive tract helps improve the way your digestive system functions and may also help you feel less stressed. Eating yogurt is one way to get more probiotics in your diet, but there are also supplements available to speed the process along.
Tea
A nice cup of tea can do wonders when you’re looking to find a bit of peace. While black tea can be nice, it also can add to your stress. Green tea has been studied for decades and has been shown to work wonders on those who are feeling nervous or anxious. The amino acid L-theanine is found in green tea, and this compound has been said to increase the feeling of being calm and collected. Herbal tea options like chamomile may also be useful when you need to unwind after a particularly frustrating day of planning your wedding.
The process of putting together a wedding can easily create a lot of stress in your life. By focusing on ways to minimize your anxiety, you can do wonders for your mental health. Eating the right foods can reduce the symptoms related to stress and help you feel more prepared to tackle whatever obstacles await.
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration just before lent.
February 28 is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Carnival and/or Mardi Gras, depending on your culture and traditions. Mardi Gras is the last day for parties before the time of Lent. Lent is when many Christians fast before the Easter holiday. You don’t have to celebrate Easter to enjoy Mardi Gras, but knowing why it’s celebrated can help you understand the traditions.
What Is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is based on the date of Easter. This means that the date generally changes from year to year. In 2017, it’s February 28. Next year, the date is February 13. In Canada, it’s not a statutory holiday, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find celebrations here in the country.
During Lent, Christians give up many indulgences, such as meat, alcohol and rich foods. Shrove Tuesday began as a way of using up the food in the household that might be forbidden during Lent. Some believe that Pancake Tuesday was a pagan holiday. Christians are reported to have made pancakes because the recipe would use up eggs, lard or butter, sugar and milk, foods that might be limited through Lent.
Although Lent probably originated in Europe, people around the world now celebrate Mardi Gras, Carnival or Shrove Tuesday with huge festivals. Masquerades and costumes are popular, but so are large amounts of alcohol, many rich foods, not only pancakes and pastries.
At one time, Mardi Gras was a more sedate celebration. Today, it is often considered the single person’s holiday in late Winter, as opposed to Valentine’s Day, which is more couple-centric.
Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras
Since 1445, Olney in Buckinghamshire has held a pancake race in which women (although men can participate) carry a frypan and toss a pancake in it while racing 415 yards (one-quarter of a kilometer). The pancake must be in the pan when crossing the finish line, and the contestants must be tossing it as they cross the finish. Typically, these women also dress as housewives, wearing an apron and a scarf. Following the race, everyone goes to the church for a service.
Rio, New Orleans, Trinidad and Tobago and Sydney, Australia are great places to go to enjoy huge parties and crowds for Mardi Gras. Not only is this a time to eat indulgently, it’s also a time to be free of inhibitions. It’s an “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” attitude. In New Orleans, it’s traditional to accumulate beads. Tourists think the best way to get beads is to flash someone, but really, locals prefer you just shout, “throw me something, mister!“ at the people on the floats. Parents of children who come out for the parade will thank you for not flashing yourself for their kids to see.
Places in Canada to Celebrate Mardi Gras
Locally, the most popular place for Mardi Gras celebrations is in Quebec City, but this year’s Carnaval de Quebec was from January 27 through February 12, making it much earlier than Mardi Gras. Ottawa’s Winterlude also misses it this year, as it is from February 3 through 20. You may just have to look for ones in your neighborhood or create your own traditions.
Christmas food can vary greatly from country to country.
We all have family traditions for our Christmas celebration when we sit down to dinner with our families. Sometimes, it’s fun to start new traditions and enjoy a special addition to the holiday festivities. Here are some great ideas to serve during the season to ramp up your appetite.
Christmas Food Menu – Side Dishes
Coquilles Saint-Jacques are simply scallops baked with herbs and cheese. Normally, this dish is served in France as an appetizer.
Porkkanalaatiko is an alternative to the sweet potato casserole. It’s a spiced carrot dish which originated in Finland.
Chicken Soup Avgolemono is often served as the first course at the Christmas feast in Greece. Think chicken and rice soup with a hint of lemon to entice your palate.
Chicken Soup Avgolemono is often served as the first course at the Christmas feast in Greece. Think chicken and rice soup with a hint of lemon to entice your palate.
Main Courses
In Italy, the Christmas eve dinner is called Feast of the Seven Fishes. Serve calamari, clams, shrimp and other fish dishes to await the birth of Christ or the arrival of Saint Nick.
Tamales and hallacas are common dishes in South and Central America. Hallacas are similar to tamales, but might be filled with capers, raisins and meat and wrapped in plantain leaves instead of corn husks.
Mince pies can be found on tables in North America and in England during the holiday season. The traditional filling is made with beef and fruit, but many cooks have adapted the recipe to include only fruits. Originally, mince pies were thought to preserve meats and use up leftovers that wouldn’t keep.
Turkey is a traditional dish in many homes. Spaniards take it to another level by stuffing their turkey with truffles. The dish is called Pavo Trufado de Navidad, and it tastes divine.
Deserts
The Austrian dessert is known as sachertorte, which is a chocolate sponge and apricot jam cake. Served with a side of whipped cream and a cup of hot cider, it makes a great way to end the meal.
In Germany, families make a fruit cake with rum and spices, called stollen. Sometimes, there’s a strip of marzipan in the middle of the bread, which adds a layer of almond flavor and richness.
Make cherry-rice pudding called Risalamande for a traditional Danish dish for your table. Add a whole almond to the mix. Whoever finds it when they’re eating gets a special reward.
Although India is not known for its Christian population, the season is still celebrated with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves. Make kulkuls, a spiced coconut cookie, to have on your table.
Beigli is a Hungarian poppy seed cake. It’s a sweet bread dough made like cinnamon rolls, only with a poppy seed filling. Bake it in a loaf pan instead of cutting it into individual rolls before baking.
White Christmas is an Australian confection made of mixed fruit, sugar and copha. It looks similar to white fudge, but can be a little lighter because it doesn’t have the rich chocolate flavor.
Bûche de Noël is served on tables in France and North America. It’s a rolled chocolate cake with a filling such as raspberry jam or whipped cream, decorated to represent the Yule log. If you’ve never had one, make a stab at it this year. It’s actually quite easy, and you don’t need to include all the fancy and fussy decorations.
Festive Drinks
Families in Malta make a cocoa-chestnut drink known as Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. It can be served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to enjoy it more than once throughout the season.
Crema De Vie is the Cuban version of egg nog. It’s jazzed up with rum and lemon peel for a rich and creamy drink that will help all the adults get a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve.
One of the most solemn occasions most people ever have to attend is a funeral or memorial service. It can be hard to know what to do or say when someone dies. In today’s world, it is even more common to have friends and colleagues who are from different faiths. Here is some general information about funeral etiquette.
Sending Cards, Flowers, and Food
The sympathy card industry is booming, but Emily Post would tell you that it is considered proper etiquette to actually write a note of condolence. It demonstrates you took the time to really think about what you wanted to say. It doesn’t have to be long, but a personal story about the deceased can tell the family how important that person was to you. In any culture, a sympathy note is always appreciated.
Flowers are another traditional offering for funerals, but there are religions which prefer not to have cut flowers. A Jewish family prefers that you give a gift to charity instead of sending flowers. Many people today are having eco-friendly funerals, in which cut flowers are not preferred, but maybe a plant which can continue to thrive would be welcome. The funeral home or memorial service should have information about the family’s preferences.
It’s also considered appropriate to have a family meal following the service. In most churches, synagogues, and mosques, members prepare food for the family to help them in the first days of grief. If you’re unsure about the family’s preferences, you may choose to send them a gift card for food delivery for an evening when they need it most. Meals that can be frozen are helpful, because the family can take them out as needed.
Attending the Funeral or Memorial Service
You might be wondering what is the difference between a funeral or memorial service? At a funeral, the body of the deceased will be present. A memorial service is one where the body is not, such as a cremation. It’s common to wear dark, muted clothes. A funeral is an important occasion, dress as you might for a religious ceremony or business dinner.
Be on time for the service. Funeral venues may have specific parking instructions when you arrive to help with the procession to the graveside. When you enter the location, you should be quiet. Turn off your cell phone or leave it in your car. The seats toward the front of the venue are generally reserved for family and close friends.
This is not the place to talk to the family. Generally, the family will be in a private room before the service, to come in right before it starts. The service will not begin until the family is seated. You will most likely be given a program to follow the flow of the memorial.
Following the service, there is generally a recessional. The pallbearers take the coffin to the hearse, which will take the body to the gravesite. If you are going to the interment, follow the instructions at the venue. As you exit, there may be a family member who is thanking those in attendance. Keep any remarks brief, to keep the flow going.
Be Authentic and Sincere
When someone dies, it is sad. They will be missed. Sometimes, all you have to do is let the surviving family know that you care. Phrases like, “I’m so sorry for your loss,” or “I’m here to help,” can be comforting. When Jews are in their mourning period known as shiva, visitors actually don’t say anything until the family breaks the silence. Just your presence is enough. You don’t have to fix their sadness, just let them know that you understand. Everyone gets tongue-tied and feels inadequate during a time of grief. Be respectful and solemn, even when you are unsure of what to do.
