I never made couscous when I lived in the US but it’s a very popular side dish here…. As well as the traditional accompaniment to Moroccan foods, also very popular here. Mon mari’s discerning opinion was that it was ‘dry and tasteless’. Naturally, I consider it my privilege and duty to prove him wrong. It really is just a matter of preparation. If it’s meant to be the base for a … Continue reading →
Fresh fava beans and risotto. Another classic Italian dish for spring. It would normally be served as a first course (as are all pasta and rice dishes in Italy) but I like it as creamy side dish. The season for fava beans is fleeting – they are only with us a short time in the spring. Along with green garlic – when you see them, grab them. Risotto with Fava … Continue reading →
While I take a break visiting family, step back with me in time to 3 years ago, when we were homeless, to the beginning of this project…. And all of our frustrations: Vlad’s house is an IKEA house. I have nothing against IKEA. I rather like IKEA. I can spend hours wandering through there stores. Well, actually, that’s how long it takes to follow the little footprints and elbow one’s way … Continue reading →
Brown Rice and Spinach Pilaf For some reason, mon mari is less than enthusiastic about me playing with his toys using his tools than one could expect, given the circumstances. Someone has to mow the grass, after all. I certainly wouldn’t be concerned about him using anything in my kitchen! (After I hid my good crepe and omelet pans…. He has a hard time grasping the ‘wooden spoon not a … Continue reading →
Mon mari has never been a big fan of couscous…. No substance; no flavor; he claims. This may have converted him…. Couscous Feta Pilaf serves 2 1/2 cup couscous3/4 cup chicken broth 6 cherry tomatoes6 olives1 ounce (30gr) feta 1 tbs snipped chives1 tbs snipped basil 2 tsp olive oil – the good stuff Heat chicken broth to a boil. Put couscous in a medium bowl. When broth is boiling … Continue reading →
Go directly to recipe I just spent the entire day tweaking the fonts, lines and paragraphs on my website (not my blog). Then I looked at all my work in three browsers and five different monitor sizes, many times, before I was satisfied that it was working properly. Why am I telling you this incredibly boring minutia? Because, though I'll freely admit that I tend to obsess over details and … Continue reading →
