Lentils with Oven-dried Tomatoes and Gorgonzola

In our house, we love lentils thanks to our time in Asia and consuming with much pleasure the Indian dish – dhal.   I could eat dhal until the cows come home!  Lentils are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. They also provide slow-burning complex carbohydrates and can increase your energy by replenishing your iron.…

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Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Tomatoes

Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Tomatoes

I finally got the chance to make my first batch of fresh mozzarella!  Beecher’s in the Flatiron District sell kits from Urban Cheesecraft and it was in the summer that I picked one up but never got around to trying it until now.  Their deluxe DIY Cheese Kit allows you to make mozzarella, chèvre, paneer,…

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Lamb Chops Calabria Style with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Olives

The cuisine of Calabria is typical southern Italian Mediterranean – meat based dishes, vegetables, pasta, and fish.  Because their climate is humid (high risk of mold and spoilage), Calabrians preserve their food by packing veggies and meat in olive oil, making sausage and curing fish (swordfish, sardines, and cod).   The food is simple and delicious.  …

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Fattoush Salad

I first made this salad 6 years ago and have enjoyed it many times since then…I never tire of its fresh, clean taste.  Fattoush comes from the Levantine cuisine and makes wonderful use of stale or leftover pita bread.   Full of nutrients and vitamins – a perfect salad to bring to a family function, picnic…

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Zucchini Boats

It seems I’m on a vegetarian kick of late and this recipe stood out to satisfy the craving.  I mentioned on a previous posting that I am hooked on Pinterest.  It was while I was on Pinterest I noticed a food photo by my friend Paul Lowe (Sweet Paul) who pinned this recipe from Proud…

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Smokey Tomato & Red Lentil Soup

I am always scanning the web for recipes especially those that are down right healthy and delicious.  This dish has the best of both worlds in that it is healthy and tastes scrumptious!  I have to admit that before I went to Asia, I wasn’t a big fan of lentils and it was Indian food…

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Pasta Bake with Pancetta, Rosemary and Minced Pork

This dish reminds me of one my mother in-law makes and it’s always a top request when she visits. The aromas from it make me feel as though Aida is right in the kitchen with me. It’s a relatively easy meal to prepare and will have your family asking for more.   Serves 6adapted from…

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Parmesan Tuiles with Heirloom Tomato Salad

Fall is just around the corner.  It’s a time of the year I love the most when the leaves start to change color, the nights are cooler and fruit of the farmer’s efforts is noted in the grocery stores.  Tuile is a French word for tile and is a thin, crisp cookie with a lacy…

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Roasted Pepper Piedmontese

Bell peppers (green, red, yellow and orange) are an excellent source of vitamin C and A as well as a good source of dietary fiber.  They are also a rich source of lycopene (may help reduce the risk of cancers of the prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas). Chèvre is a light, often fluffy, mild-flavored cheese…

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