December Religious and Cultural Holidays
Articles
December is a month marked by observance and celebration by several religions and cultures. In recognition of these holidays, we’re highlighting the customs and traditional foods of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Yule. Hanukkah This year the Jewish holiday Hanukkah begins in November and ends in December. Hanukkah is an eight-day winter festival of lights, observed through nightly menorah candle lighting, special blessings, songs, and prayer. The holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after driving out Greek...
Celebrating the Holidays with Food
Nutrition
With the holiday season right around the corner, we can’t wait to make and eat delicious holiday food! Whether you’re preparing a family recipe or sitting down to enjoy a meal with loved ones, food is central to the culture and tradition that surround holiday celebrations. We asked our Dietitians — VP of Food and Nutrition Lesley Vogel and Registered Dietitians Amy Ryan, Teresa Miller, and Taylor Chan — about their families’ food traditions and what recipes they’re most excited...
Understanding Social Media’s Impact of Dieting
Nutrition, Eating Disorders
It’s a well-known fact that social media is a popular resource to learn about the latest trends and fads. Unfortunately, it often promotes misinformation about food and nutrition. Social media platforms provide a wealth of diet information that’s largely unregulated, often contradictory, and usually promoted by noncredentialed individuals. Because of the U.S. diet and weight loss market — which, as Research and Markets reported, reached an industry record of $78 billion in 2019 — dieting has become a cultural...
A Brief History of Slow Cooking
At Home With SAGE
While the technique of low-and-slow cooking has been around since the 18th century, the slow cooker appliance as we know it today was developed in the 1930s by Jewish inventor Irving Nachumsohn. In eastern Europe during the Sabbath, families often prepared cholent, a traditional Jewish stew made of meat, beans, and vegetables and cooked slowly at a low temperature. However, the Jewish community was prohibited from cooking because of the Sabbath, so they would bring pots of stew to a...
Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month
Articles
What began as a day of recognition in the early 1900s with American Indian Day is now a monthlong celebration of the rich cultures and traditions of American Indians. Also known as American Indian Heritage Month or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, National Native American Heritage Month honors the many Indigenous peoples of the United States. Each November, we celebrate the history, culture, traditions, and contributions American Indians and Alaska Natives have made in shaping the United States...
Allergen-Free Halloween Treats
Nutrition, Allergies, From Our Chefs
Check out these ideas for allergen-free options for the little ghouls and goblins this Halloween! For trick-or-treating: Look for allergen-free Halloween candy varieties in grocery stores. Store allergen-free treats away from other items to reduce the risk of cross-contact. Provide prepackaged cut fruit or applesauce. Give out nonfood treats, such as stickers, pencils, or small games. Let everyone know you have allergen-free items by participating in FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project. For celebrating at home or at parties: Ask in advance...
Food Additives from A-Z: D
Nutrition
Welcome back to our ongoing series about food additives! We’ve already reviewed common additives starting with A, B, and C. Now, let’s look at the D list. Dextrose monohydrate Dextrose monohydrate is a commonly used sweetener that’s found naturally in honey and fruit. It’s typically sourced from the starch of plants, like corn, and can be used to add sweetness to a food item. Dextrose monohydrate is a simple sugar compound, which means it can be broken down quickly for...
International Cuisine – Africa
At Home With SAGE
To describe Africa's flavors and staple dishes in a sweeping statement is like trying to explain the culinary traditions of the entirety of North America. Because Africa is made up of many countries – each with distinct food staples and outside culinary influences – it's easier to introduce the cuisine regionally. North Africa North Africa's climate is as varied as its terrain, encompassing the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the Nile River. Because of its geographical location, many of...
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At SAGE Dining Services®, our unparalleled expertise in nutrition, sustainability, and culinary trends produces exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses, inspire minds, and foster community.
