Pane cunzatu/cunzato is a traditional Sicilian, piled high, open-faced sandwich. You can layer it with anything from fresh and/or sun dried tomatoes; capers; olives; dried and/or fresh herbs; grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and/or artichokes; fresh cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta al forno (a speciality of Sicily), to canned sardines, tuna, or … Continue Reading
Not sure what else to write about spring ingredients that I’ve not already mentioned along the way. After nearly eight years of blogging (come this August), I’ve sung the praises of wild garlic (aka ramps) on numerous occasions, to include attending several ramp festivals. Ditto for chive blossoms. Asparagus too. Ramps, asparagus, and chive blossoms … Continue Reading
In undertaking some desperately needed spring cleaning of my fridge this morning, I noticed that I had accumulated several bags of polenta (all now half-full) and a bag of grits buried in the freezer. I had also amassed several ziplock bags full of frozen shrimp shells. Always save the shrimp shells (and heads, if you … Continue Reading
Cataplana, a symbol of local Portuguese cuisine, is a seafood and/or meat stew originating in the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. The stew is cooked in a hammered copper, clam-shaped pan also known as a cataplana, which is unique to the Algarve region. Historically, the cataplana has played a dual role, one, as a … Continue Reading
I certainly understand the need for quick and easy meals. While I’m always thinking about food and that next meal, in reality, time is often the limiting factor. There just never seems to be enough of it. I work a 9-to-5 job, on top of juggling this blog and other food-related projects. While I love … Continue Reading
