Chili powder is a blend of ground dried chilies and spices like cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika, though in some countries it refers only to pure ground chilies. With a smoky, earthy, mildly spicy flavor, it is less fiery than pure cayenne or red pepper. Chilies, first cultivated over 6,000 years ago in Central and South America, have spread […]
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a vibrant yellow-orange spice derived from the root of a plant in the ginger family. Known for its warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor, it’s used both fresh and dried, often ground into a powder. Across a history spanning over 4,000 years, turmeric has played a key role in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cuisine. Its rich […]
You could describe Robin Morgan’s work as a breath of fresh air! As a “plein air” painter Robin’s studio is the great outdoors. She paints exclusively outside, sometimes even in bad weather. Her work has taken her to remote areas, parks, and gardens in search of a scene that speaks to her. “I need to paint some thing or place […]
Super Hero fans won’t want to miss this month’s exhibit on the AAPLD Art Wall. Local artist (and AAPLD staff member) Drew Kristoff’s love for art and comics is on colorful display during the month of July. Learn a little more about Drew and his work. Artist: Drew Kristoff Background/Training: I’ve been drawing since grade school, and by the time […]
Paprika comes from dried and ground peppers (Capsicum annuum), native to Mexico and Central America. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century via Spanish and Portuguese invaders. Spain and Hungary became major paprika producers. Hungarian paprika, especially from Szeged and Kalocsa, is world-renowned for its depth of flavor. The word “paprika” comes from the Hungarian language, derived from […]
Aspiring writers, mark your calendars, our popular Summer Writing Workshop series is back for its third year! Presented in partnership with the Algonquin Area Writers Group, this annual event is a chance to connect with publishing professionals, learn from seasoned authors, and sharpen your writing skills alongside a supportive community. Whether you’re working on your first novel, dreaming of publishing […]
Ginger, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, is widely known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor and warming properties. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, it has been used for thousands of years in culinary and medicinal traditions around the world. It belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom, and is a staple in Asian, Indian, and Middle […]
Join Adult Services staff, Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the best new books for summer! We’ll have light refreshments and giveaways for a fun evening at the library. Looking for a great read for your upcoming vacation, or maybe just a page turner to settle in for a lazy weekend? Not a problem! We have all […]
Caraway seeds are the dried fruits of the Carum carvi plant, which belongs to the parsley family. Native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa, these crescent-shaped brown seeds are commonly used as a spice. They have a warm, slightly sweet flavor with hints of anise, fennel, and citrus, offering a pungent, earthy taste with a touch of peppery licorice. […]
To our amazing Algonquin community of gardeners, thank you for making our 2025 Seed Library season a sprouting success! It seems that you liked the new style put together by our team this season, and we hope your garden is thriving and full of life. From the moment the first packets went out to the final few picked up, your […]
