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Black Barley, Carrots, cherry tomatoes, dry vegetable base, Fennel, fresh herbs, Garlic, Meyer lemon, olive oil, Onions, orange zest, radishes, Scallions, Spices


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
Paella (“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.
This is a nice change of pace from regular rice. Truth be told, The Goddess isn’t too enamored with rice. Oh, it has its purpose. Rice is good as a sponge to suck up sauces, but The Goddess will always, always take potatoes. But, this rice…mmmmm! This rice pilaf is delicious.
This little gem of a cake is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea (or coffee). It’s moist, actually gets better as it sits, (though it is damn fine the first day, too!), isn’t too sweet, keeps well and is more or less, a one-bowl cake. It is just plain lovely!
This is summer…or in this case, late spring, on a plate. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and can go main course by adding some shrimp or tuna. Use whatever beans you have in your cupboard, but garbanzo or kidney are my favorite for this salad.
Fish curries don’t seem to be as popular as chicken, lamb or vegetable curries. It’s too bad, because fish curries are really good. This curry uses both fish and shrimp, which work very well together…friendly creatures of the sea, swimming together in a nice tomato-based curry sauce.
It’s chilly here in North Carolina. I think chillier than last year at this time. And that makes it perfect soup weather. And there’s something so comforting, and well, soul-warming about beef-barley soup. Get out the soup spoons and the good bread.
Though The Goddess tends toward being heavy-handed with garnishes on curry, this chicken curry has a very subtle curry flavor. The flavors intermingle and literally “bounce” around your palate, but the “curry flavor” is a back flavor. And, this curry is fast enough for a mid-week family meal and tasty enough for company. Either way, it’s delicious.
This rice is along the line of the everyday rice many Mexican cooks prepare. And it’s good. It’s really delicious. But, it’s so much more, because once you capture the basic, there are so many, many different flavor roads to travel down. Think of this as just the beginning of your culinary journey.
The Latin Lover worked through lunch, so we’re dining early tonight. The Goddess had needed a quick-fix. So pork chops over rice, that’s enriched with white wine and stock, as well as sautéed onions and mushrooms. Into the oven and about 30 minutes later…dinner!