Thursday 11 January 2024

What is the Superb Owl?

 Believe it or not the Superb Owl is a much searched info this time of the year. No prizes for guessing why! There are even Superb Owl Tees and graphics which interest many, but that is another story.  Before I write about the ..err Superb Owl, let me tell you I had a very scary encouter with one big superb owl recently. An owl attacked me. It was at a beautiful touristy place at Wales. There was this guy who looked like Hagrid standing at the entrance. After taking a pic of the owl, I slipped him a pound as a tip. He then thought maybe I could have a better photo and moved the owl behind me. That huge beast screeched and literally smacked me on my neck. I swear I still have the tingling on the back of my neck and brain scrambles when I remember the incident. But it was a superb owl to be sure. Magnificent, proud, huge, with scary intelligent eyes. I just wish it wasnt owned by anyone and was a free bird!

Here is a picture of that Superb Owl!


Isnt it a beautiful bird? Just look at those eyes and talons. I wouldnt mind having it with me as a companion!

Now more about Superb Owls. This freaky typo search has turned into a phenomenon with #SuperbOwlSunday trending on its own. From barn, tawny, elf, snowy we have learnt about these creatures from our HP, their slender legs, fierce talons. Wise owl sayings dont seem out of place when one looks into those beady eyes that seem to see all.

Hope you have your own Superb Owl days and have fun!

Tuesday 2 January 2024

How Avocados and Guacamole bring more Magic to the Super Bowl!

How did Avocados become so important in USA? The story behind guacamole is how easing of some trade with Mexico led to the creation of  a Superbowl tradition in early 1990s. Guacamole is as major a Super Bowl tradition as say the half-time show or the Patriots comebacks! Guacamole has become a popular dish to serve on Super Bowl day for several reasons:

Flavorful and Versatile: Guacamole is a delicious and versatile dish that appeals to many people. Its creamy texture and tangy taste make it a perfect accompaniment to various snacks like chips, nachos, tacos, and even as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.

 Easy to Prepare: Guacamole is relatively easy to make with simple ingredients like avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and seasonings. It doesn't require extensive cooking skills or time-consuming preparation, which makes it a convenient choice for gatherings like Super Bowl parties.

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Super Bowl parties often involve serving finger foods, appetizers, and snacks that can be shared among a group. Guacamole fits perfectly into this category as a crowd-pleasing dip that almost everyone enjoys.

Healthier Option: Avocados, the primary ingredient in guacamole, are nutrient-dense and considered a healthier choice compared to some other party snacks. They contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making guacamole a somewhat healthier option amidst the typical indulgent Super Bowl spread.

Traditional Favorite: Over the years, guacamole has become somewhat of a tradition at Super Bowl gatherings. Its association with the game day has made it a staple item on many party menus, and it's often expected and appreciated by guests.

Due to its taste, ease of preparation, and popularity, guacamole has secured its place as a beloved snack during Super Bowl celebrations, making it a go-to dish for many people hosting or attending these events.

This association between guacamole and Super Bowl celebrations evolved over time due to various factors, including cultural shifts, marketing efforts, and the rise of the avocado's popularity in the United States. However the 4 main things that it can be attributed to are:

Mexican Cuisine Influence: Guacamole has its origins in traditional Mexican cuisine, where it has been a staple for centuries. With the growing interest in Mexican food in the United States, guacamole became more familiar and found its way into American households.

 Health and Nutrition Trends: As people became more health-conscious, avocados gained recognition for their nutritional value, being rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This propelled their consumption and incorporation into various recipes, including guacamole.

 Super Bowl and Snack Culture: The Super Bowl gradually transformed into more than just a football game; it became an event celebrated across the country. Super Bowl parties emerged as social gatherings where people enjoyed watching the game, commercials, and halftime shows while indulging in a variety of snacks and finger foods. Guacamole, with its delicious taste and versatility, found its place among these party spreads.

 Marketing and Promotion: Avocado producers and marketers capitalized on the Super Bowl's immense viewership by running commercials and promotions centered around avocados and guacamole. These efforts further solidified the connection between the game day festivities and the consumption of guacamole.

The Great Guacamole Shortage in 2019, confirms how important the Guacamole tradition is to the overall magic of Super Bowl. There was a reported shortage of avocados just ahead of the Super Bowl. This caused a minor panic among guacamole enthusiasts and even led to jokes and memes about the potential "guacpocalypse." While it turned out not to be a serious shortage, the idea of a lack of avocados causing a guacamole crisis amused many people.

The Art of Making Guacamole

 Making Guacamole is quite a simple process. Avocados being the super food they are one cannot go wrong with them in any dish. Here's how one make a simple guacamole

Making guacamole is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients of guacamole:

Ripe avocados (typically 2-3 for a small batch)

Fresh lime or lemon juice

Salt

Diced onion (red or white)

Chopped cilantro (optional)

Diced tomatoes (optional)

Minced garlic or garlic powder (optional)

Diced jalapeƱos or other chili peppers (optional for heat)

Ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:


Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.

Mash the Avocados: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the avocado to your desired consistency.

Add Lime or Lemon Juice: Immediately add lime or lemon juice to prevent browning. The acidity also adds a fresh taste.

Add Seasonings: Add salt and optionally black pepper. Mix well.

Add Extras: Stir in diced onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. If you like it spicy, add some minced jalapeƱos or other chili peppers.

Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or lime juice as needed.

Tips:


Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture.

To store guacamole, place plastic wrap directly on its surface before refrigerating to prevent browning.

Serve with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or with other dishes as you prefer.

Enjoy your homemade guacamole!

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