Fasolia Gigantes are very large butter beans which are grown in Northern Greece. They have a special place in the Greek cuisine and are particularly popular during Lent time. They are often served at room temperature as part of a Mezze. Canned Fasolia Gigante (I use the ones from Trader Joe’s) or large butter beans are a great help when preparing this dish. The remaining ingredients are very likely found in your refrigerator or pantry. A more labor and time intensive version of it requires the soaking of the dried beans overnight and cooking before assembling this recipe. Yield: 4 Time: 40 min ..read more

A salad that is an amalgamation of colors, flavors and textures, all dressed up with a warm bacon-vinaigrette. Easily made all year around and a great option as a take along to a party. So good you might decide to eat it all by yourself! Yield: 4 Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs (260 g) broccoli florets 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 3/4 cup (90 g) pecans, roughly chopped 3/4 cup (110 g) pitted dates or dried cranberries 3/4 cup (105 g) diced bacon 2 tsp Dijon mustard or to taste 3 scallions, cut into 1/2 inches (1,2 cm) slices 1 cup (125 g) Gruyère ..read more

A classic, that is anything but your local deli average. All dressed up with fresh herbs. A lunchtime favorite of mine packed in a sandwich or on top of salad greens. Yield: 4 Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 8 large eggs 1 cup (30 g) finely chopped fresh herbs (flat-leaf parsley, dill, tarragon, chives or scallions) 2 celery stalks and top leaves finely chopped 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional) 1 tsp Dijon mustard or to taste salt and pepper to taste arugula and cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional) Preparation: Pl ..read more

Servings: 4 Time: 30 minutes A quick and spicy noodle dish that comes together in minutes and is likely to disappear from your plate at the same rate. Easy and super delicious. Make an extra portion and enjoy it cold next day for lunch. Ingredients: 5 Tbsp canola oil 4 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp Sambal Oelek or Sriracha to taste 3 garlic cloves finely minced 3 Tbsp of cold water 14 oz (400 g) extra firm tofu, pressed dry and cut into 1 inch (2,5 cm) cubes salt and freshly ground pepper 8 oz (225 g) Asian style noodles like Honk Kong style noodles or Yakisoba 1 cup (140 g) j ..read more

Sopa de Lentejas, every household in Spain has its own version, the variations are endless. Made with Pardina lentils which are hearty and packed with flavor. If you cannot find Spanish lentils, use the Castelluccio or Puy lentils. A great dish for the cooler weather with little work required. A splash of vinegar is a must. Yield: 4 servings Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups (400 g) Pardina lentils, substitute with Castelluccio or Puy lentils 4 – 6 cups (1 to 1,5 L) vegetable stock 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more to drizzle 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 2 cups (180 g) leeks, thinly ..read more

Gnocchi con Salsiccia e Piselli, a dish hearty enough to be a full meal or a great side to any green vegetable like spinach or green beans. Forget boiling – these gnocchi are pan-fried resulting in a crispy outside and creamy inside, offering a speedy, peel-free alternative to potatoes. Servings: 4 Time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 4 Tbsp olive oil 8 Italian sausage links, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 lbs (900 gr) shelf-stable potato gnocchi 2 cups (300 g) frozen peas, no need to thaw 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable stock or more if needed 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard or to taste 1 ..read more

The dish convinces with its harmonious blend of flavors. Catfish fillets, perfectly sautéed, combine well with the silky coconut turmeric lime sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes and okra and a bed of couscous complement this rewarding dish. Yield: 4 Time: 40 minutes Ingredients: 4 catfish, tilapia or snapper fillets 3/4 cup (180 ml) unsweetened coconut milk 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves, finely grated 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp honey or to taste 1 lime zested and juiced 1/2 cup (14 g) finely chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley 4 cups (560 g) cherry tomatoe ..read more

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides the following recommendations: Maintain a Safe Distance: If you encounter an alligator, keep a safe distance. Concerned individuals can call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and the FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to handle the situation. Keep Pets Secured: Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge, as they may resemble natural prey for alligators. Swim Safely: Swim only in designated areas during daylight hours and without pets. Alligators are most act ..read more

Gnocchi con Salsiccia e Piselli, a dish hearty enough to be a full meal or a great side to any green vegetable like spinach or green beans. Forget boiling – these gnocchi are pan-fried resulting in a crispy outside and creamy inside, offering a speedy, peel-free alternative to potatoes. Servings: 4 Time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 4 Tbsp olive oil 8 Italian sausage links, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 lbs (900 gr) shelf-stable potato gnocchi 2 cups (300 g) frozen peas, no need to thaw 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable stock or more if needed 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard or to taste 1 ..read more

A thrifty pantry meal that is ready in less than 30 minutes. Canned tuna, capers, a couple of herbs from your spice cabinet. Throw in some fresh scallions and Italian parsley. Dinner is served. A good quality tuna in olive oil is essential here. Servings: 4 Time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 2 cans (6 oz) good quality tuna in olive oil, drained and oil reserved. 3/4 lbs (340 g) linguine or spaghetti 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and extra for drizzling 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced 1/2 tsp dried sage 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 4 Tbsp rinsed and drained capers Pinch of red pepper flakes or to taste ..read more