How well do YOU know Seattle’s food history? Find out at the Museum of History & Industry (aka MOHAI) with their most recent exhibit, Edible City: A Delicious Journey! This is a must visit exhibit for anyone who loves food and wants to learn more of our city’s tasty history!

See how foodie frontrunners have shaped Seattle from the early days of Pike Place Market truck farmers to the origins of the Rainier cherry. Meet the man behind Seattle’s first sushi bar and discuss/debate Seattle’s signature dishes. From farmers and fishers to celebrity chefs, it’s all there – even a photo of me at 25!

And for the month of April, MOHAI has gathered some of the region’s top restaurants for “dine in for Edible City Month!” a tasty tie-in to Seattle Restaurant Week.

So Dine in For Edible City Month and then check out the MOHAI exhibit to taste the city! –Kathy

March is National Peanut Month! In addition to being put in a classic PB & J sandwich, they pack a serious nutritional punch.

Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, protein and antioxidants. Did you know that they are not actually in the nut family? They’re grain-type legumes, related to beans, lentils, and peas, and grow underground!

Speaking of growing, did you know that peanuts grow in the northwest? Take a peek of this list on Agrilicious for locally grown peanuts, then look for them this summer at farmers markets. They are so tasty when they’re fresh toasted.

Peanuts are great in sweet and savory dishes from classic peanut butter cookies to scattering on phad thai noodles. And of course there’s that delicious peanut sauce, so great for appetizer dipping.

Butterscotch Peanut Bars on Taste of Home

One of my favorite snacks to make is Five-Spiced Sesame Peanuts: perfect to munch on while sipping a cocktail. Here’s to the mighty peanut! –Kathy

Five-Spiced Sesame Peanuts
If the nuts lose their crispness after cooking, re-toast them in a 350-degree oven for a couple of minutes before serving.

Makes about 4 cups

1 egg white
1 Tbsp. water
1 pound (about 3 1/2 cups) salted, dry-roasted, skinless peanuts
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. black sesame seeds
2 Tbsp. white sesame seeds
2 tsp. five-spice powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white with water until foamy. Add the peanuts and toss to coat. Transfer the nuts to a strainer, shake, and let drain for at least 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, sesame seeds, five-spice, cayenne and salt. Add the drained peanuts and toss to coat thoroughly.

On a large baking sheet with sides, spread the nuts out in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes. Stir the nuts with a spatula and spread them out again. REDUCE THE TEMPERATURE to 200 degrees and bake for 45 to 55 minutes longer, or until dry.

Loosen the nuts from the baking sheet but do not remove them from the sheet. Cool to room temperature. Be sure to let the nuts cool completely and become crisp. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com