F is for Fun! So let’s have a little and learn about foods that start with F.
Because while you’ve likely heard of figs and even made a few fennel recipes, I bet Fasnacht is a new one for the recipe book.
French fries, frosting, feta, and fettuccine. Boy, there are plenty of familiar foods that start with F.
But from falafel to feijoa, I’m hoping you’ll find a few hidden gems in this particular roundup.
And when you do, I highly recommend giving them a go! After all, you never know where you’ll find your new favorite snack or dessert.
1. Falafel
Falafel is a Middle Eastern type of fast food or street food.
It’s made from ground chickpeas, rolled into balls, and fried. It’s usually served with pita bread and veggies, with hummus, tahini, or tzatziki sauce on the side.
Think of them like vegan meatballs!
2. Fasnacht
Fasnacht is a German doughnut served on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent starts.
They were originally invented because they were an easy way to get rid of all the things that were traditionally fasted from during Lent – butter, sugar, fat, or lard.
3. Fava Beans
We all know that fava beans pair well with liver “and a nice Chianti”. But have you ever tried them?
Fava beans are a type of sweet, spring bean harvested from thick pods, similar to a pea.
They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. Therefore, they can be made into almost anything – salads, soups, sauces, snacks, and more!
4. Feijoa
Feijoa is also referred to as Pineapple Guava or Guavasteen and is native to South America.
It is a small, sweet, green fruit that tastes like the best of a strawberry, pineapple, and guava all combined.
5. Fennel
Fennel is a flowering plant in the carrot family that’s often used as an aromatic herb in cooking.
It tastes similar to anise and is pretty strong – so a little goes a long way.
Fun fact: fennel is also one of the main ingredients in absinthe.
6. Feta
Feta is a Mediterranean sheep or goat cheese. It’s crumbly, slightly grainy, and is great in Greek salads or with falafel.
It can also be used in some tasty desserts such as spanakopita. My favorite time to eat feta is on a nice cheese plate with some green olives.
7. Fettuccine
Fettuccine is a type of Italian pasta. It’s kind of like spaghetti, only it’s flat and thick.
It’s often seen in dishes such as Fettuccine Alfredo which includes the delicious noodle, plus a creamy, Parmesan sauce.
Some variations also include chicken or grilled shrimp. Yum!
8. Figs
Did you know that figs aren’t fruit? They’re actually inverted flowers!
And since their pollen is inside the flowers, figs need a partnership with a special breed of wasp to spread its genetic material.
Figs are fascinating!
9. Filbert
A filbert is actually the same thing as a hazelnut!
Filbert means ‘full beard’ and hazelnuts are sometimes called filberts because the husked shell of the nut looks like a beard!
Next time you eat some Nutella, refer to it as Filbert spread, and have fun confusing everyone around you!
10. Fish
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish!
Remember reading this Dr. Seuss classic? But Seuss doesn’t teach us what a fish actually is.
The definition of a fish is a scaly-skinned vertebrate that swims in water and breathes using gills!
From lampreys and sharks to goldfish and salmon, there are all kinds of fish.
11. Flan
Flan is a baked custard dessert you’ll find at many Mexican or Latin American restaurants.
It’s creamy and topped with a clear caramel. It’s similar to a creme brulee, but minus the hard caramel on top.
12. Flapjacks
A flapjack is just another term for a pancake! They can also be called hotcakes or griddle cakes.
They are lovely little mixtures of egg, milk, and flour, grilled with plenty of butter until they are solid but soft and fluffy.
Need a recipe? Try my easy flapjacks this weekend. You won’t be sorry.
13. Float
Mix your favorite flavor of soda with a couple scoops of ice cream, and you have a float!
I love the classic root beer with vanilla, but another great combination is lemon-lime soda with some rainbow sherbet – delicious and colorfully fun!
14. Fondue
Fondue is amazing. Especially if you are as addicted to cheese as I am. Fondue is a Swiss melted cheese dish served hot or even on a portable stove.
You can then dip veggies or bread into it for a decadent snack or appetizer. You can also make chocolate fondue and dip in strawberries and other fruits. Talk about the perfect meal.
15. French Fries
Fries, or chips as some call them, are divinely fried potatoes.
They can be waffle-shaped, string-skinny, wedges, or crinkle cut, but any shape they take, they are just the best.
In Utah, they have a popular dip called Fry Sauce, which is a combination of mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, and/or other spices.
Definitely give it a try, it’s way better than plain ketchup.
16. French Toast
French toast is a dish made of bread dipped in an egg and milk mixture and fried.
You can make it stuffed with cream, from thick cut French bread, or even in a casserole form!
It’s the best drizzled with syrup and topped with berries and cream.
17. Fried Chicken
Grab some chicken, batter it up in flour and seasonings, and fry those babies up – now you have fried chicken!
I recently made a baked version with honey and spices and it made for the best hot chicken sandwich I’ve ever had.
18. Frittata
Frittata is an Italian dish similar to an omelette or a crustless quiche. It’s scrambled eggs mixed with meats, veggies, and cheeses.
It’s a great way to use up any veggies that are on the verge of going bad. Plus, it’s super easy to make and undeniably tasty.
19. Frosting
Frosting, or icing, is a sugary, creamy glaze that is used to cover cookies, cakes, and other baked goods.
My personal favorite is a great carrot cake with a rich, cream cheese frosting on top. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
20. Fudge
Fudge is a sugary, candy-like treat that is made by mixing melted chocolate, sugar, milk, and butter.
Basically the essentials, am I right?
It’s great around the holidays and can be a simple but greatly appreciated gift!
Better yet, you can jazz up most fudge recipes with fun extras! Think chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or peanut butter.