Start the Year by Improving Bad Habits and Trying New Food Pairings

Maple Cumin Bread
Maple Cumin Bread

My knowledge of wine could be more than the average person, for I know my basic pairings with food. I’m also not an aficionado when it comes to tea, but I know enough to start with loose-leaf tea leaves and the different steeping times. However, my knowledge of beer is flat. Last autumn, Jo of AGiftofTea.com — a true tea connoisseur — invited me to her Beer and Tea pairing event in Harlem. Although, my time management is a work in progress, I missed the demonstration. However, I was able to sample Organic Golden Monkey Black, Jasmine Green and Alishan Oolong teas while nibbling on beer flavored popcorn, spicy dried mango from Trader Joe’s (that’s now part of my grocery list) and dark chocolate.

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Baked Cumin Sweet Potato Latkes

Baked Cumin Sweet Potato Latkes

Potato pancakes or latkes are traditionally from Eastern and Northern Europe or served during the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Often, they’re fried in oil. In this recipe, these latkes are baked. Sweet potatoes are added for a unique twist, and cumin adds a smokey flavor. Of course, a touch of crushed red pepper is an optional spice.

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