Search Results for: My Travels

Lucca, Italy: Pasta with Roasted Chestnuts, Bacon & Fried Sage Leaves

Several months ago my long-time pal, Mara, told me she was leasing out her home in the fall, and simultaneously renting an apartment for herself and 13-year old twin daughters in Lucca, Italy. As long as she’s access to WIFI, she can conduct her business anywhere, so why not take advantage of our flattened world. … Full recipe post »

Ireland: A Culinary Paradise

Two months later, and I’m at long last organizing notes from Richard’s and my 18-day journey through Ireland in April and May. When friends ask about the trip, I show pictures of the pastoral landscape. They smile and nod yes, of course, appreciating the expected beauty. I describe the warmth, hospitality and wit of the … Full recipe post »

Charlevoix: Bacon-Jam Burger Knock-Off

What inspires many of us of down-state Michiganders to pack our backs and head north each summer? The scratch of sand through toes as we traverse dunes and traipse along water’s edge…endless days evaporating into a purple-pink patina, as the sun sinks into the lake. Yes—certainly—but a few weeks back, Richard and I packed our … Full recipe post »

Steamboat Springs: Kathy’s “Thai One On” Cooking Party

I’m visiting a friend – Kathy Barker – in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who I met at the water fountain when I was 12 years old. She was from New Orleans, the “new” girl at my Alabama junior high school, and scouting about the hall for friends. She overheard me yammering in a knot of girls … Full recipe post »

Turkey: Eggplant Stuffed with Lamb (Karniyarik)

In past years, I’ve mollified Michigan winters with trips to flavorful destinations, a country’s cuisine inspiring my travels. One birthday, for instance, a friend gave me a collection of Turkish spices — four months later I was waking at dawn to the “call to prayer” in Istanbul. Turkey is a swirling dervish of a landscape, … Full recipe post »

Turkey: Pomegranate Lamb and Grape Kebobs

Stringing fruit and meat onto skewers brings to mind a musical composition: variations on a theme of proteins, vegetables and fruit. The melodic kebobs in this recipe are orchestrated with rich background tones of tangy marinated lamb, punctuated by sweet notes of plump, juicy grapes. A rhapsody in food, the dish harmonizes beautifully with a … Full recipe post »

Thailand: Composed Thai Grilled Beef Salad

In the enticing world of refreshing and flavorful summer salads, my favorite creations have been inspired by the seductive, sweet and salty flavors of Thailand. In the Thai language, according to Wikipedia, Thai Salad may be referred to as  “Yam”, often pronounced, “Yum”.  Yummy-yum-yum: An eloquent descriptor summing up the flavors of a well-executed Thai … Full recipe post »

Bahamas: Chicken Souse

Some folks think the best cure for a hangover is to have another drink – this further indulgence is sometimes referred to as “the hair of the dog that bit you.” Richard, my uber-health-conscious husband, is quite concerned by that rational – indeed, concerned by behavior that would give one a bad hangover in the … Full recipe post »

Bahamas: Coconut-Lime Flounder Fillets

“…Put the lime with the coconut, then you feel better” (Harry Nilsson) I understand that this is the third day in a row I’m eating fish. Honestly, I could eat fish most everyday of the year. Why? Because I like it…more than “like”–I adore eating fish, am passionate about it, and would swim the Atlantic … Full recipe post »

Bahamas: Jerk-Rubbed Grilled Grouper

Tuesday night we feasted on Jerk Pork. I really enjoyed the Jamaican Jerk seasoning blend I purchased and thought it would be wonderful rubbed into thick grouper fillets. I was right! Grouper is a particularly delectable fish species and my favorite way to cook it is on the grill. This recipe is less-time consuming than a … Full recipe post »

Abacos, Bahamas: Fish Tacos

Many schools in Ann Arbor are closed this week for Spring Break. Some folks have seized the opportunity to pack their bags, heading for some exotic destination, leaving the rest of us  behind. Others may find themselves on another sort of journey; a personal journey, perhaps, to unearth treasures buried deep within their soul. Nirvana is reached for some … Full recipe post »

Bahamas: Curried Goat and Sweet Potatoes

It’s Spring Break–Travel the World with this savory Curried Goat! Ever tried goat? If you enjoy lamb, you will more than likely love goat. I don’t know why it’s not more popular in this country, it certainly is a staple in other cultures around the world. If Spring Break travels, for example, find you in … Full recipe post »

Caribbean: Beer-Boiled Shrimp

This is a really, really easy recipe to make when guests are coming and you’ve no time to cook. With this version of “Peel ’em & Eat ’em” shrimp–you can let your guests do the work of peeling the shrimp. Just tell them they taste better when peeled right before eating–they really do! I love … Full recipe post »

Istanbul: Grilled “Galata” Fish Sandwiches

Istanbul, one of my favorite cities in the world, is a food-lover’s paradise. Maybe it’s because the cuisine reflects the way I love to cook and eat.  A cuisine dating back to the Ottoman Empire, it is simple, sun-drenched and bright; loaded with fresh seafood, tangy yogurts, vegetables and lamb dishes. In the food-filled markets … Full recipe post »

Tuscany: Grilled Fish “Il Bellini” with Asparagus and Fennel

I love planning trips online.  You never know what adventure will pop up.  This year we found a centuries-old farmhouse, Il Bellini, recently updated on a hillside in the Chianti region of Tuscany.  Anticipating a culinary adventure, the farm’s spectacular view of olive trees from ancient chestnut-framed windows (and updated kitchen!) were the first hints … Full recipe post »