In my past life as a food and lifestyles writer, I remember a trip to Catalonia, Spain (which hugs the Mediterranean coast in northeast Spain) with great fondness. I spent time at an olive oil estate, learning their production methods, and also took a side trip to Barcelona. Catalan home cooking demonstrates a real affinity […]
Pear Clafoutis
There are many variations of clafoutis (sounds like: kla-foo-tee), a classic French country custard-and-fruit type of dessert. Essentially, it consists of an eggy batter poured over fresh fruit. Fresh cherries are a traditional fruit used in clafoutis, but you can use any fruit, from berries and peaches, to plums and pears. My version is both […]
Makeshift “Ratatouille”
How often have you bought produce from the farmers’ market only to get busy at work, and later discover that once beautiful produce has “died”, untouched, in your crisper?! Same with leftovers…how often have you stored leftovers in the fridge, with the intention of eating them, then promptly forgotten about them—until their pungent stink smacks […]
Dark Chocolate, Love and Your Health
Chocolate and The Love Connection The symbolic connection between chocolate and love was originally established by the Mayans of Mexico where, in addition to serving chocolate as a celebratory beverage at betrothal and marriage ceremonies (much like expensive French champagne), the bride and bridegroom exchanged cacao beans during their wedding vows to signify their bond. […]
Baby Pasture-Raised Lamb Burgers with Coconut Milk Tzatziki
This is a delicious, Greek-style take on pasture-raised lamb burgers—fragrant with a medley of fresh herbs and topped with coconut milk tzatziki. Cast-Iron Skillet Baby Pasture-Raised Lamb Burgers 1 pound pasture-raised ground lamb 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions 2 tablespoons mint, chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fine […]
Tiger Nut-Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache
The last time I attempted to bake a gluten-free, dairy-free birthday cake was 6 years ago. I decided to try again. I wanted to make a chocolate layer cake to celebrate my birthday—as well as my sister’s recent significant birthday. One of the most effective ways that I manage my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid […]
Heritage Turkey Soup
We get a lot of mileage out of our Heritage Bronze Thanksgiving turkey. I love organ meats, so I always chow down on the turkey gizzard, liver and heart. We always save the turkey carcass and turkey bones, which are repurposed into a delicious, body-warming Heritage turkey soup. Tradition dies hard. When I was growing […]
Hay and Straw “Noodles” with Bolognese-style Ragu
When there’s a hint of chill in the air, I love making my own version of paglia e fieno served with a homemade ragu. Paglia e fieno, Italian for “straw and hay”, is a classic Italian dish, featuring a combination of yellow and green tagliatelle, fettucine or linguini (whatever your druthers) served with some variation […]
Shiso Pesto and 100% Buckwheat Noodles
Shiso, a.k.a., “perilla”, is a Japanese herb related to the mint family. In the summer, I’m happy to be able to find this at my favorite “beyond organic” vendor at a nearby farmers’ market in the City. Shiso actually originated in China, where it was used as a medicinal herb. It later made its way […]
Basil-Mint Pesto
Eating enough healthy fat is essential for hormone balance, as well as for immune, heart and brain health. Olive oil nourishes the thyroid and has been touted as a fertility food for women. Regular consumption of olive oil is may also improve sperm integrity and function in men, according to a recent study. One of […]