DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

    In the middle of the Mediterranean coast, Valencia city, celebrates each year the final days of the winter and the arrival of spring with spectacular fires of pyrotechnics. From March 15th to the 19th ( the feast of   Saint Joseph , day of the father in the whole country), Valencia is given over to a carnival of bonfires, fiesta, fireworks and a healthy dose of satire known as  Las Fallas ,  "the fires".     Displayed on every corner all over the city are colorful  ninots , giant paper-mache' figures often 20 feet tall or even more that have been paraded through the streets and then place in fantasy groups to tower over excited spectators. Each one in some way satires a political figure, or a soap star, or more exotic creatures from the movies, TV, sports idols, or simply imagination. Some of them are grotesque...others playful and charming...all are larger than life and up for public scrutiny. ...

    Food,  food,  food!   We love it so much it features regularly on the List Universe. And the one thing we love more than food? Bizarre lists. Fortunately this one combines both passions. So sit back and enjoy a fun filled list. Of course, if you can think of other exciting bizarre food festivals, be sure to let me know in the comments. 10.  Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) Where : Oaxaca, Mexico When : December 23-24 annually     This is a food festival where eating is discouraged! This festival originated in the 16th century when Spanish monks brought this edible root to the new colonies. To gain attention in the food markets, sellers would carve some radishes into eye-catching sculptures. This tradition continued throughout the centuries and became an official festival in 1987. Radishes as big as two feet long and weighing upwards of ten pounds are carved into intricate religious or cultural scenes. T...

   Tall and beautiful, sweet and tart, this cake has lots of lemon flavor and plenty of style, too. It's the perfect finale for a St. Patrick's Day dinner or other special occasion. Ingredients For lemon curd 2 1/3 cups sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 cup fresh lemon juice 4 large eggs 4 large egg yolks 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces For frosting 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 cups chilled whipping cream For cake 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 4 large egg yolks 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup orange juice 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel 8 large egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Lemon slices, halved, patted dry Preparation Make lemon curd: Combine 2 1/3 cups sugar and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in fresh lemon juice. Whisk in eggs and yolks; add butter. Whisk over medium heat until curd thi...

    For Christians across the world Easter is a sacred day that marks Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. But alongside celebratory church services and religious festivities, for Christians and non-Christians alike, Easter has also become a day to enjoy Easter chocolate and candy, family fun and of course an Easter egg hunt. From coast to coast, families across America enjoy the thrill of hiding and then hunting for Easter gifts tucked away in the house or somewhere in the yard.     But where did the tradition start?? And why is it that Easter is celebrated with an egg hunt? To understand why the Easter egg hunt became such an important part of the Easter tradition, we have to begin by considering why eggs became associated with the holiday in the first place. And surprisingly enough it's our pre-Christian past that holds the key.     Long before Christianity, as long as three thousand years ago, the ancient Zoracstria...

   Depending on the year.  Easter may or may not fall in April, if it doesn't, that doesn't mean there aren't other holidays to celebrate.  In fact, there is a food holiday for every day in April. National Sourdough Bread Day, April 1st - Sourdough bread makes a wonderful patty melt.  ON this national food holiday, try making a patty melt with sourdough, your favorite meat and a cheese that you love. National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, April 2nd - Every kid, and kid at heart, will love this food holiday.  Grab your some peanut butter and your jelly or jam of choice and make yourself a couple. National Chocolate Mousse Day, April 3rd - This is one of the best national food holidays of the month.  Try making your own or purchase one of the many different brands available at your local store. National Cordon Bleu Day, April 4th - Celebrate this food holiday by heading to Arby's for a Cordon Bleu sandwich and some...