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

Bastardized Bahn Mi

The Goddess is aware that she is being inappropriate, but you know, that’s how she is.  This Bahn Mi, however, is delicious.  So, please don’t let her “colorful” language dissuade you from this sandwich.  Continue reading

Heavenly Lemongrass-Shallot Sauce with Coconut Milk

You know how The Goddess always says, “It’s all about the sauce!”? Well, once you’ve tasted this sauce, the skies will open, angels will sing and you will seriously consider this becoming a soup…hmmm…. 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