Muffin n. a small, cup-shaped bread, often sweetened and usually served hot.

The derivation of the word muffin comes from the French word moufflet which is often times applied to bread and means soft.

The two main types of muffins are English muffins and American style muffins. They vary in style as well as flavor and history.

English muffins are a flat yeast raised muffin with nooks and crannies that are cooked on a hot griddle. English muffin history dates all the way back to the 10th and 11th centuries in Wales. Early English muffins were cooked in muffin rings which were hooplike and placed directly on a stove or the bottom of a skillet.

American style muffins on the other hand are more of a quick bread that is made in individual molds. The molds are necessary due to the mixture being a batter rather than dough. These muffins were originally leavened with potash which produces carbon dioxide gas in the batter. When baking powder was developed around 1857 it put an end to the use of potash as well as to the profitable potash exports to the old country.

Muffin recipes first began to appear in print in the mid 18th century and quickly caught on. By the 19th century muffin men walked the streets of England at tea time to sell there muffins. They wore trays of English muffins on there heads and rang there bells to call customers to there wares.

Three states in the United States of America have adopted official muffins. Minnesota has adopted the blueberry muffin as the official state muffin. Massachusetts in 1986 adopted the Corn Muffin as the official state muffin. Then in 1987 New York took on the Apple Muffin as its official muffin of choice.

So next time you bite into a warm muffin think about its sweet history.

By: Shauna Hanus

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You already know that Poipu condos put you right in the middle of the action: Poipu Beach Park with its gorgeous sand, warm inviting surf, and wide variety of sea life; and the Spouting Horn, where the sea forces water through a lava tube which makes a huge plume of hissing spray. You know that Kauai condos are on the doorstep of Poipu Bay and Kiahuna Golf Courses, which offer world-renowned, championship links. You know about the fabulous surfing, kayaking, ziplines, hiking, waterfalls, rope swings, even hayrides which provide fascinating entertainment for the entire family visiting Kauai. But did you know that Poipu is the scene of a gourmet deluxe feast with its outrageously sumptuous luau’s, without which no Hawaii vacation rental is complete! In and near Poipu there are several terrific luau’s to choose from: the Kauai Sheraton Luau, Grand Hyatt Luau, Smith’s Family Luau, and Hiva Pasefika Luau. As you enter the luau you are greeted the traditional Hawaiian way, with a hand-made shell lei. Most of the dishes are served in relaxed buffet-style. You can start with a cocktail or traditional mai-tai, and enjoy the mouth-watering smells and tastes of authentic Hawaiian cuisine such as Lomi Lomi Salmon, Namasu (pickled cucumber) with Ogo, Kim Chee, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, Pipi Kaula, and Poi. The piece de resistance, of course, is watching the unearthing of the Imu-steamed Kalua Pig. Besides these traditional Hawaiian delicacies you can savor a huge variety of Pacific Rim cuisine dishes which are inspired by the many ethnic foods brought to Hawaii by settlers of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Filipino origin, such as grilled beef Teriyaki steaks, Polynesian chicken, many fresh Hawaiian fish dishes, accompanied by roasted Hawaiian sweet potatoes steamed in coconut lemongrass, Hawaiian-style Somen salad, Garden Island baby greens with macadamia nuts, fresh sliced tropical fruits with lychee and papaya. If you have any room for dessert, try guava chiffon pie, coconut coated haupia, pineapple upside down cake, guava mousse cake, or chocolate macadamia nut cake? And top it all off with freshly brewed Kona coffee.

Then unbuckle your belt and lay back for some great entertainment. The big Poipu luau’s all present evening programs of traditional Polynesian song and dance which will thrill and amaze you. Traditional Hawaiian stories and chants, called mele, preserve the ancient cultural traditions of Hawaii and the other islands of Polynesia in exciting and entertaining format. Watch the lithe, swaying ancient kahiko hula dances; the thrilling, pulsating Tahitian drum dance, the passionate and scary fire knife dance of Samoa, all against the romantic backdrop of the sea and night sky.

By: Alice Lane

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Lobster rolls are an omni present offering of many locations throughout New England as well as the Canadian Maritime Provinces. It is a sandwich that is filled with lobster meat. Traditionally, they contain all of the meat that a one-pound lobster can offer.

The lobster meat is combined with mayonnaise, such chicken or tuna salad, and then served on a grilled hot dog bun. In many cases, it is served on a lightly toasted New England style hot dog bun. New England hot dog buns are different from ordinary hot dog buns in that they have no crust on the sides. The top of the roll is split as well, rather than being sliced like ordinary hot dog buns. The lobster roll is served with the opening of the sandwich on top, rather than being on the side.

The filling of the sandwich is made of cooked lobster meat, mayonnaise, and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, lobster roll stuffing can contain diced celery and or scallions. Another variation is using drawn butter in place of mayonnaise. Drawn butter can also be used with the mayonnaise. A lobster roll sandwich can also have lettuce and lemon.

In the United States, they are associated with the state of Maine. While Maine seems to get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to all things lobster related, lobster rolls are commonly available at seafood restaurants across the New England states as well as on Eastern Long Island. These delights are available in any area where lobster fishing is common.

During the summer months, they are a staple summer meal. In Canada, Nova Scotia in particular is fond of lobster rolls. Here they may appear on hamburger buns, baguettes, or other types of bread rolls. Lobster rolls have even been served in pitas. For side dishes, the majority of the time people are given potato chips and dill pickles.

McDonald’s, in an effort to conform to the native diet, has been known to offer the McLobster in restaurants located in New England as well as in the Canadian Maritime provinces. While seasonal, the McLobster is still sold. It has been sold, in years past, for $4.75. McDonald’s does not use a New England style roll, merely a toasted roll for their lobster rolls.

By: Joseph Devine

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