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The Recipes
Pasta Alla Zazonna (Dirty Pasta)
Pasta alla zazonna translates into “dirty pasta” and I’m still not sure if that is because of the addition of sausage or because it’s decadence makes you feel the need to visit a church in the morning and confess your sins. The dish is made for the senses. Slightly sweet, salty, unctuous, silky, and satisfying, it reminds me of the Rome I fell in love with.
Classic Beef Stew with Dandelion Greens
This is a twist on the classic stick-to-your-ribs beef stew. Mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and the greens add a freshness and nutritional punch. It is the ideal dinner on a chilly winter’s day. Beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, turnips, dandelion greens, and red wine come together for the perfect comfort dish.
Red Wine Braised Lamb
This braise uses a classic French red wine based braise and is basically a bourguignon. Nothing more comforting for a winter weekend treat. You can substitute chuck roast for the lamb if desired.
Simple Carrot Cake
A simple carrot cake that comes together in minutes.
French Gougeres
Gougeres are savory cheese puffs that are a popular appetizer or snack in France. They are made with a choux pastry dough and are usually filled with cheese, but they can also be filled with other ingredients such as ham or herbs.
Greek Saganaki
I first had Saganaki on Crete but you can make this delicious and simple Greek appetizer at home with cheese and a few pantry staples. Here is a traditional recipe for making saganaki at home: If you are inexperienced or feel it is too dangerous you can skip the flambe step.
Greek Greens & Potato Pie
Authentic Greek greens galette. A harmony of greens, onion, ricotta, and potatoes.
Pork Souvlaki
Visiting Athens for the first time was an epicurean revolution. I LOVE gyros, but I never knew they were made with pork. In Athens, they were inexpensive, filling, and oh, so satisfying. Here’s a recipe to make pork souvlaki on the grill that if you fold in a pita and close your
Seeded Burger Buns
Nothing raises the hamburger game like toasted homemade burger buns. Pro tip for burgers, always, always, ALWAYS, toast the buns before building the burger.
Cranberry Lemon Bars
This recipe is great for the winter holidays when fresh cranberries are abundant.
Dakos (Cretan barley rusks with tomatoes and feta)
The island of Crete is blessed with clear skies, blue seas, and a health diet. Dakos is great for a meal or split as an appetizer. If you have trouble finding barley rusk, you can use a hearty wheat peasant loaf toasted dry in the oven.
Poulet aux Herbes de Provence
One of my favorite places in the world is the village or Bonnieux in Provence. This dish brings back memories of fields filled with lavender and sunflowers and enjoying a Ricard which color perfectly offsets the pastel blue of the summer sky.
Scotch Glazed Salmon
What grows together goes together! Scotch glazed salmon is a match made on the isle of Islay.
Steak Diane
It is a classic for a reason. This Steak Diane hits all the marks. Make sure you have crusty bread for the sauce.
Kalamarakia Tiganita (fried squid)
Of course, this dish is best served at an outdoor taverna while looking out over the Aegean, but if you can’t be there you can still make this at home.
Calamari alla Griglia (grilled calamari)
Perfect for summer grilling, Calamari alla Griglia is a delicious Italian recipe that is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy calamari.
Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp in olive oil)
A traditional tapas dish adapted without garlic as a friend of mine loves tapas and shrimp, but can no longer eat garlic. This dish hits all the requirements and is delicious.
Amazing Chicken Fajitas
This recipe is Mother In-Law tested and Mother In-Law approved. I can’t stay for an extended period and not make these. They are that good. And easy. The marinade does most of the work.
Pizzana Style Meatballs
On one of my trips to Los Angelas I had the meatballs at Pizzana in Brentwood. They made me reevaluate my life choices and why I couldn’t dine their more often. This is a take at replicating that recipe, although it does not do it justice.
Tangy Pizza Dough
This is a quick dough that is great to use as a pizza dough or flat bread crust. Although it does rise, so it is not a true flat bread.