Black Barley Pilaf (and Salad)

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I “discovered” black barley about five or six years ago.  Black barley is a different beast, than pearled barley.  It shares that somewhat nutty flavor, but it retains a delightful chewiness…texture, Baby!  Continue reading

Cool-as-a-Cucumber Soup

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What do you do when your fridge freezes everything in your crisper drawers?  You use those frozen cukes to make a nice, chilled cucumber soup!  It’s simple as can be…everything goes in the blender, whirl away and into the fridge for a couple of hours and you have lunch.  Or dinner.  Life is good! Continue reading

Cast Iron Skillet Paella Mixta

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pxl_20220612_220530474.portrait.jpgPaella (“Pa•ā’•ya”).  Let’s all say it.  Now, let’s picture a lovely, warmish afternoon, the sun is shining through the olive trees, as you sip a robust Tempranillo and watch the coals turn white…it’s almost time to put the paella pan on the fire…it’s going to be a lovely afternoon, indeed.  Continue reading

Roasted Citrus Slices

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Roasted Citrus Slices with OnionsThese lovely little bites of flavor can be thrown into a salad, used to garnish fish and seafood dishes, or simply eaten out of hand.  If you prepare them correctly, and you will, they have a nice, pleasant chewiness and a refreshing finish.  Continue reading

Zaalouk (Roasted Moroccan Eggplant Dip)

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_7882.jpgYup.  I’ve been holding out on you.  I can’t believe I haven’t shared this with you before.  Shame on me!  Well, no more.  This is the quintessential holiday, any day dip, spread or hand me a spoon dish! Continue reading

Vinaigrette de España

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_9982.jpgFrankly, most Spaniards drizzle a little really good olive oil and a few drops of vinegar over their greens, and call it a day.  They probably wouldn’t use this.  But, I’m not a Spaniard and these are all flavors they tend to use, so there you have it.  Anyway, it’s good!  Continue reading

Quick Shrimp-Tomato and Herb Sauce

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Quick Shrimp-Tomato and Herb SauceAn unknown, but clearly intelligent and resourceful person, once said, “necessity is the mother of invention”.  I think this is particularly true when it comes to the culinary world.  Many of what are now famous dishes, Spanish tortilla, Italian frittata, stir-fry’s, anything that’s a one-dish dinner, spring from necessity.  And, this is just such a recipe.  Continue reading

Greek-Style Zucchini

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This is one of those quick little recipes that packs a wallop of flavor!  It’s wonderful in summer, but even in the dead of winter, supermarket zucchini will take you back to the lazy days of summer. Serve it with Greek-Style Roasted Potatoes and a supermarket broasted chicken and you’re all set. Continue reading