lemony garlicky cauliflower and wilted arugula – little tiberias

The last time I was in Israel I arrived in Tel Aviv at dawn. I left Athens for Israel at one in the morning, and it took many hours of travel before I finally reached Tiberias, my first stop on the journey. Tiberias is a beautiful little city that occupies a short stretch of the coast along the Sea of Galilee. There are small and winding stone alleys, a lively beach scene, elegant boutique hotels and crumbling, ancient minarets left over from the Ottomans. Ignore the young teenagers carrying machine guns; it’s a charming town. Tiberias is particularly special to me because it is where I met my husband. I can easily conjure the colorful, swirling, exhilarating memories of the night that we met, so you can imagine how excited I was to return with him three years later.

Read Full Post »

delicious grilled veggie and arugula salad with pillowy garlic scented ricotta

I’ve just returned from a beach trip with my husband’s family. We had a really lovely time. Really. I can only think of one teensy complaint about the week (okay, two if I include the fact that my head is still peeling ): Jon’s family does not place any value in eating well. Allow me to paint the picture for you by highlighting some of the most memorable concoctions; buttered pop tarts, cheesy poofs (which would have been dipped in sour cream had it been available), and coffee sweetened with ice cream, artificial creamer AND sugar. This is no joke. This is real.

Read Full Post »

artichoke and potato hash

Last night’s dinner was delicious and I want to share it with you. Homey little brown potatoes get some panache by the addition of artichoke hearts, garlic and capers. Don’t be shy – the flavors are surprising – amazing. The minute the garlic and capers hit the pan with the browned potatoes and artichokes, you are overwhelmed with such an intoxicating fragrance!

Read Full Post »

season’s end – brussel sprouts and pancetta

So I realize that brussel sprouts are at the very tail end of their season (and I may be really stretching it), but I still see them bright and peppy on their stalks at the market so I feel justified in this post.

Like the city of their namesake, brussel sprouts are terribly underrated; they have such an unfortunate reputation of being stinky and plain. In fact, these little runts of the cabbage family may be the mascot for the rejected vegetable team, elevated by veggie haters as the chief offender and reason to shun vegetables.

Read Full Post »