This is puntarelle. Or at least the variety of puntarelle I find in my neck of the woods, Washington, D.C. (this particular variety is called Catalogna Puntarelle A Foglia Stretta). Puntarelle is an Italian green; it’s in the chicory family, related to endive, radicchio, escarole, dandelion, etc., all of which share a distinct bitterness. Generally … Continue Reading
Are you acquainted with freekeh (pronounced free-kah)? Freekeh is an old grain. Really, really old. We’re talking ancient Egypt. A quick but interesting freekeh history: ‘The story goes that in 2300 B.C., a nation in the Eastern Mediterranean was anticipating an attack on their city. Worried about losing their crops and starving, they picked the … Continue Reading
Am experiencing a twinge of sadness given that Labor Day has come and gone. I love the summer. I particularly love the summer when I’m at the beach. I particularly love the summer when I’m at the beach and floating somewhere in Mediterranean waters. Why don’t I live near the beach? Oh summer, it’s … Continue Reading
Corn, Tomatoes, and Okra — Oh yeah, summer is in full swing! When I started this post, it was mid-July, but time seemed to get the best of me. Yikes, it’s now the middle of August. Where or where has the summer gone? I used all my favorite summer veggies to make a simple Charred … Continue Reading
One more quick fava bean and pea recipe before their respective seasons sadly come to an end…then, on to something else. I had a version of this salad way back, many years ago, at a [Slow Food] potluck when I was living in Chicago. Love the concept of a potluck, particularly one hosted by Slow … Continue Reading
