Tags
bell peppers, Carrots, cornstarch, dry white wine, fennel bulb, frozen mussel meat, Garlic, heavy cream, herbs, lemongrass, olive oil, onion, parsley, pasta sauce, roasted garlic, sherry vinegar, tomato paste
We traveled North for the holidays. it’s a bit chillier there than in the Carolinas, but decidedly more Christmas-y. This soup/chowder came about through the wonderful duo, Dave and Terri! They always come up with delicious fare and this was truly an inspiring way to ring in the New Year. Continue reading
The Goddess loves those lovely little dishes the Spanish have given us—tapas! An array of tapas is a favorite way that we like to entertain. I’ve shared some with you in the past, but there are more…oh, yes, many more! 
Lentils make a nice “bed” for some lovely roasted chicken. Or a piece of grilled fish or pork chop. Think lentils, instead of rice, pasta or potatoes. And lentils offer some terrific vitamins and minerals, too. Oh yes, did I mention they are also delicious? 
We ate a lot of Three Bean Salad when I was a kid. During the summer, my mother made it frequently. I think it was because we all liked it, it made a huge batch and it kept well. All that, and we had almost everything growing in the garden. I started with her recipe, then took a flying leap! 
Salmorejo is well known as a summer soup, the Andalusian version of gazpacho. We just recently returned from the Iberian peninsula and whenever salmorejo was offered, it was in front of me. This has everything—color, creamy texture, and flavor, flavor, flavor. 
Every Cuban woman (or man, I suppose) knows how to make Picadillo. It’s quick and delicious, but it’s never as good as “mami makes”! Some things transcend cultures, don’t they? I learned how to make this from my mother-in-law and from The Latin Lover’s great-aunt, both damn fine cooks. It’s a very valuable recipe to have. 
This sauce is incredibly complex and absolutely delicious, with flavors leaning well into Spain and wandering just a bit into Portugal. Sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, cinnamon, olives, orange and almonds are significant players in both countries, tracing their roots back to the Moorish habitation of the peninsula for some 700 years. Make certain you have good bread to mop. You don’t want to miss a drop! 
The original 
Those hot summer nights, when you just can’t turn on the stove, this salad makes a terrific supper. But, don’t limit yourself, as this “salad” can be an appetizer, too. It’s simple and simply delicious. 
KayJay, the love of The Eldest One’s life, is a treasure. And on top of that, she makes some of the best salads you will ever care to eat. They are works of art, I tell ‘ya, and this one is no different. The salad is excellent, but the Dijon-Tarragon Vinaigrette is spectacularly good. 