Side Dish

Caponata alla Siciliana – Sicilian Eggplant Cooked Salad

Caponata alla Siciliana

I’m a sucker for a bargain. The other day small fresh eggplants (aubergine) were on sale, and I had to buy as many as I could fit into a plastic bag, and then worry about what I was going to do with them later. I love the spontaneity of having not having a meal plan …

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Crostini topping ideas

Fresh Mozzarella, tomato and basil crostini

In some ways, Italy’s Crostini is similar to Denmark’s Smørrebrød in that they are both open sandwiches. Though smørrebrød tends to be eaten as lunch, crostini tend to be appetizers or antipasti. Crostini are small pieces of toasted bread, usually Italian or French, topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables or even just herbs or olive …

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Pico de gallo – The rooster’s beak

Pico de gallo - The roosters beak

I had never heard of Pico de gallo before coming to Texas, and when I was first asked if I wanted some on my taco, I had no idea what the lady said, let alone what it was. Basically it is a very simple, fresh chunky salsa also known as Salsa Mexicana or Salsa Fresca. …

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Halloumi Cheese Salad with Mint Dressing

Halloumi Cheese Salad with Mint Dressing

Halloumi cheese is a unique amongst cheeses, in that it doesn’t really melt, except at higher temperatures than other cheese. The higher melting point comes about because during its production, the curds are heated before being placed in brine. This property means that it is excellent for grilling or frying. Another distinction between halloumi and …

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Easy tapas adventures at home

Simple bowl of marinated olives

In Spain, tapas are little delicacies served in bars, enjoyed with something to drink. It is said that Alfonso the 10th of Castile gave an order that taverns were not to serve wine unless it was accompanied by tapas. The word ‘tapas’, comes from the Spanish word ‘tapar’, which means ‘to cover’, and it is …

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