• Cumin is a seed that is often confused with caraway (which is actually a fruit). The two spices do look quite similar, but cumin tastes hotter, is lighter in color and larger than caraway seeds. It is one of the most popular spices in the world, and is a highlight in the cuisines of Brazil, Cuba, India, the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Chickpeas are a common foodstuff in many of the same regions as cumin. They make frequent appearances in curries and vegetarian dishes. They’re the base of the popular dip, hummos. Chickpeas also make an excellent snack. They are a most nutritious food, thanks to their high levels of dietary fiber and protein and their low level of fat, most of which is polyunsaturated. (They do have lots of carbs.)

Cumin and chickpeas add a new spin to
Shepherd’s Pie. Photo courtesy McCormick.

Add a bit of cumin in your next batch of hummos, too. (Sprinkle some on store-bought hummos.)

And try this recipe for Chickpea Fries. Switch it up and add cumin to the seasoning.

A prior year’s winner in the phototgraphy
competition, by Sally Wood.

If you can get there, you’re in for a treat. The vineyards, blooming with wild mustard, are breathtaking. There are an impressive number of fine mustards from around the world to be tasted, along with food from the best Napa Valley restaurants and caterers, consumed with great Napa Valley wines.

Makers of the best-judged mustards will receive awards, as will photographers who take the best photos of the mustard fields.

The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a non-profit community service organization. For information and tickets visit MustardFestival.org.

• Discover the origins of mustard, and the many different types of mustard.
• Check out one of our favorite lines of mustard, from True Natural Taste.

Veneziano from Bodum, shown, is a double-walled glass cup with a handsome stainless steel saucer. Double-wall insulation means that you can put the cup directly on a surface without fear of moisture or heat marks.

If Veneziano’s $34.95 price tag is more than you want to spend, for just $5.95, we love our heavy-duty Bodum “Copenhagen” glass mug. For $14.95, you can get the glass mug plus an insert to brew loose tea (the “Yo-Yo”).

Find Veneziano, Copenhagen and a fine selection of additional glass mugs, cups and infusers at BodumUSA.com.

• Want to learn all about tea? Visit our Gourmet Tea Section.
• Want a heavenly tea experience? Try some tea from the Red & Green Company, the source of our favorite, rare teas. Read our review. 

Ancient tea in a modern glass-and-
stainless saucer. Photo courtesy BodumUSA.com.