For years I made my own pesto, a favorite summer condiment. Basil is so full of flavor and has many uses in recipes. In the past I used a lot as I could grow as much as I wanted; I always started my plants from seed too. Make a batch, top with a little olive … Continue reading
Think about the countryside of France, fields of lavender and one of France’s famous blends, Herbes de Provence. This is also a favorite combination of herbs that I’ve been using for a long time – I think the lavender element pulled me in. I highly recommend this wonderful mixture of different herbs as it elevates … Continue reading
Acorn squash is one vegetable that I don’t make very often, probably because they are so hard to cut. However, you can bake the whole squash in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes to make it easier to cut. Allow to cool to the touch and then proceed with your recipe. They make an … Continue reading
This mac and cheese is a twist to an all-time favorite comfort food. I always thought it was an American dish but no it is said to originate in Italy in the 14th century. It became a staple here popularized by Thomas Jefferson who served a version (macaroni pie) at a state dinner in 1802. … Continue reading
Leafing through some old cookbooks from restaurants in my part of the country I ran across this pesto recipe. Pesto has been a favorite sauce and no matter how big/small my garden was I always found room to grow this beautiful, flavorful, aromatic herb. I’ve been making my own pesto for 40 years which is … Continue reading
What a wonderful combination – fresh, cheesy, lemony, herby and of course with zucchini. This seems to be the summer vegetable whether it’s the star of a recipe, an ingredient in pasta, salads, or in savory and sweet dishes. I just happen to love zucchini and enjoy using it so many different ways so I … Continue reading
A delightful dish from France using Provencal style food. This style is frequently used for preparing chicken or fish with staple ingredients found in the region. These ingredients include EVOO, sun-ripened tomatoes (I did use diced tomatoes), garlic, olives and Herbes de Provence (pollen) consisting of a blend of herbs; thyme, savory, oregano, rosemary, lavender … Continue reading
Herbes de Provence is a general term for a variety of herbs that can include oregano, thyme, savory, rosemary and lavender (not always included). It is to be used in cooking and not as a finishing herb and can be adapted to taste with your preferences. It is not to be mistaken for fines herbes … Continue reading
Fennel pollen is another tin I recently was gifted by family members. (see Greek Rice with Dill Pollen. The remaining tins are Herbes de Provence, M-Ocean (fish & shellfish), Zen-Sational (vegetables), Pollen Asian (stir-fry, ahi-tuna and fish), Hog Heaven (poultry and pork), Steak, Lamb, BBQ & Wild Game. Except for the Fennel & Dill the … Continue reading
I have always enjoyed rice and have a number of versions (see list below at bottom of post). This rice appealed to me because I wanted a recipe where I could use dill pollen with my Salmon en Papillote (next post) which also uses another pollen, fennel. These pollens were generously gifted to me by … Continue reading