The Red Rooster Cookbook: A Party, Recipes, & A Whole Lotta Inspo!

If you've been following the blog for a while, then you're likely aware of a few of my favorite things, places and people.  As things go, there's no doubting that books--particularly cookbooks--hold a dear place in my heart and food journey.  And favorite places can never be a topic without New York City being squarely on the list.

Then there's the matter of favorite people.  Over the years, we've done our fair share of highlighting the work and genius of internationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author and all-around-dynamo, Marcus Samuelsson.  So when the opportunity presented itself to combine all three during a recent evening of celebration, naturally I couldn't resist.  The fete was a private soiree to celebrate the launch of the Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem.

Although it seems like only yesterday that Red Rooster opened its doors to the world, now in its sixth year, the restaurant has cemented itself on the Harlem--and New York--food and entertainment scenes for many years to come.  Like most great memories, I still recall the excitement of my first visit (a hot summer's night with faulty air-conditioning that somehow didn't matter, Questlove spinning in the basement now known as Ginny's Supper Club--music has been a staple of the venue from the very beginning--and a vibe that radiated community, pride, and, yes, a whole lotta hustle.)

Several years and visits later, that initial excitement was as palpable as ever, not only for me, but for every person who showed up to participate in this moment of celebration for Red Rooster, Chef Samulesson--and Harlem, itself.  A night to remember unfolded with words of recollection and gratitude from the founders, the local community, and well-wishers from near and far.  Exceptional music, food and ambiance rounded out the occasion in true Uptown fashion.

Back home, with my own personal copy in tow, I'm excited to take in more of the inspiration and legacy found between the pages of this cookbook.  (I already have my eye on a recipe and playlist, or two, to break it in.)  And as the Red Rooster story continues to evolve, I look forward to every delicious nuance.

Happy Eating! 

Buy the Book

Bookshelf: My Summer Reading List

The longer days of Summer beckon us to slow our pace a bit and take more time for the people, places and things we enjoy most.  And for me, books and reading top the list of simple, yet indulgent, pleasures that I turn to again and again.  Whether it's a fascinating biography, a compelling novel, a delicious and inspiring cookbook, poetry, or other, I have always maintained a love affair with words--the stories they create and the knowledge they impart.

For this Summer, I've pegged some amazing titles for my reading list, including a few "foodie-centric" reads that will surely offer big doses of inspiration, information and entertainment to keep the pages turning.

  

Inspiration: The new and highly anticipated memoir from acclaimed Chef, Cookbook Author and Restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson.  Discover his personal journey from truly humble beginnings to his heralded place in today's food world and beyond.

Information: From America's First Lady comes her first ever cookbook that will take us inside the White House and its gardens and narrate the compelling story of the importance of healthy and sustainable eating. 

Entertainment: This one is no newcomer to my bookshelf, but is begging to be dusted off and consumed anew.  A cheeky, engaging and delicious read from the original Domestic Goddess, I can't wait to rev up my foodie juices with Nigella leading the way.

So here's to a blissful Summer of simple pleasures and....Happy Reading!

P.S. what's on your bookshelf?

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Cookbooks are a home cook's best ally.  And when you're thinking about dishes that will (ahem) indulge your giddiness to break in your recently gifted Slow Cooker, it doesn't get much better than a cookbook that mixes yummy, slow-cooked recipes into its bounty.

I knew Valerie Bertinelli's new cookbook, Valerie's Home Cooking, was a keeper the moment I got my hands on it.  Filled with beautiful, scrumptious food and drinks that usher you into her kitchen, I am excited to taste my way through its pages.  And where to start?  With an effortless home spin on classic Chinese Takeout: Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken.

I love that my slow-cooker does virtually all of the work, and I can still enjoy a delicious home cooked meal.  I think know you'll enjoy it, too.

Happy Eating!

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serves 4 Hands-on 30 minutes Total 4 hours

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons canola oil

8 (8-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 white onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1⁄3 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

3 cups hot cooked white rice

¼ cup sliced scallions

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

 

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken to the skillet, and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Place the chicken in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.

2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the skillet. Add the bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker.

3. Whisk together the vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until the chicken is tender and cooked through, 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours. Serve the chicken mixture over the hot cooked rice topped with the scallions and sesame seeds.

Ingredient Note:

Chicken thighs have more flavor and  are more forgiving during cooking, staying juicy.

Recipe and photos excerpted from Valerie’s Home Cooking by Valerie Bertinelli. Copyright © 2017 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Time Inc. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Mussel-Artichoke Tart

Mussel-Artichoke Tart

Most people who know me know that Marcus Samuelsson is one of my favorite chefs.  Having had the pleasure of meeting and (briefly) cooking with him, as well as feasting on his signature cuisine, have all made for life-time memories that I'll cherish and provided great inspiration for me as a food lover.

After adding his latest cookbook, New American Table, to my cookbook collection, the first recipe I made was the Mussel-Artichoke Tart.  From the homemade buttery tart shell to the decadent mussels, and everything in between, it was love at first bite--and every bite thereafter.

The recipe comes together nicely, however you'll want to allow yourself ample time to allow the tart dough to chill (about an hour and a half total) before filling or baking. 

Get ready to add a new favorite to your repertoire! 

Happy Eating!

Mussel-Artichoke Tart
8 Servings (Makes One 10-inch Tart)

Ingredients:
2 tomatoes cut into quarters
5 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the sheet pan
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 14-ounce can artichoke hearts cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
3 red onions, sliced
4 garlic cloves, chopped 
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 poblano chiles, seeds and ribs removed and chopped
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Buttery Tart Shell (see recipe below)
1 pound fresh buffalo mozzarella cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (*you can replace the mozzarella with creamy goat cheese for an equally delicious tart)  
One 6 1/2-ounce can preserved mussels
4 basil leaves torn into small pieces
1 cup baby arugula

1. Preheat oven to 2oo degrees F.  

2. Place the quartered tomatoes on a lightly oiled sheet pan.  Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with the red pepper flakes.  Bake for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are dried and wrinkled.  Set aside.  Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.

3. To prepare the filling, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat.  Add the artichokes and saute until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes on each side.  Remove the artichokes with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Using the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium heat.  Add the onions and garlic and saute until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes.  Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and chiles.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper and simmer until the filling begins to thicken, another 20 minutes.

5. To assemble the tart, spread the tomato mixture over the bottom of the prebaked tart shell.  Cover with a layer of mozzarella slices and arrange the artichokes and oven-dried tomatoes on top.  Bake until the mozzarella is golden and begins to bubble, about 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven.

6. Place the mussels on top of the tart and sprinkle with the basil and arugula.  Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

Buttery Tart Shell
(Makes One 10-inch Tart Shell)

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
2 tablespoons ice water, or more as needed
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. To make the dough by hand, combine the flour, salt, and Parmesan in a large bowl.  Using your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  Add the water, stirring with a fork just until the dough starts to come together.  If necessary, add a little more water, about 1 teaspoon at a time.  To make the dough in a food processor, combine the flour and salt in the processor and pulse once or twice to mix.  Cut the butter into 1-inch pieces, scatter the pieces over the flour, and pulse just until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  Add the water, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together.  If necessary, add a little more water, about 1 teaspoon at a time.

2.  Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a disk.  Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour hour before rolling.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a 12 1/2-inch round.  Fit the round into a 10-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom, being careful not to stretch the dough.  Trim the edges of the dough.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes before filling or baking.

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  To prebake the tart shell, line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with dried beans, uncooked rice, or pie weights.  Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.  Let cool on a wire rack.
     

 

The Ultimate Berry Trifle

"This is a showstopping dessert that practically makes itself." Those are the words used to introduce this dessert in Tyler Florence's cookbook, Tyler's Ultimate (a gem in my cookbook collection), setting the reader's expectations for a treat that is unforgettable.  And from the first time I made it years ago until now, I can attest that it's no exaggeration of terms.

My enthusiasm for this dessert, first and foremost, and as it is with all the recipes I return to again and again, is its absolute scrumptious taste.  Like in the mouth-watering, can't wait to take another bite kind.  A mixed berry trifle, it showcases three of Summer's star berries at their peak, and combined with luscious cake and lemon cream, every bite is a mingling of sweet and slightly tart flavors that sing in your mouth.  And I'm not exaggerating.

Another reason this dessert is so stellar is because of the ease with which it comes together.  Trifles lend themselves to an assembly of ingredients, without any heavy lifting.  And when it comes to producing a showstopping dessert, that's rare (and golden).  

Macerating the berries with a little sugar and lemon juice and whipping up sweetened cream and combining with lemon curd to make a scrumptious lemon cream is as complicated as it gets.  So, not complicated at all, really.  The result is a beautiful, layered medley of cream, cake and berries--the ultimate in good eats. 

Happy Eating!

Recipe: The Ultimate Berry Trifle

Chilled Red Pepper Soup

So there I was recently--in my kitchen and trying to decide what to cook for dinner.  Oftentimes my taste for something will steer me right away, but on this occasion it wasn't happening.  So I did what any card-carrying food lover would do next--I reached for my sources of inspiration, specifically my Ottolenghi cookbook.  I hadn't cooked from it yet, so I decided that it was time that I finally break it in.

As soon as I could tear myself away from all the glorious dessert recipes (that's honestly what drew me in most when I considered buying this book), I stumbled upon a perfect, warm weather recipe--a chilled version of Red Pepper Soup.

 I'm quite the fan of Red Pepper Soup and my usual preparation, until now, had been a warm, roasted red pepper version.  But hey, it's Spring and the temperatures are rising, so a chilled fresh red pepper version sounded like the refreshing fare I especially crave this time of the year.

Peppers, herbs, aromatics, spices and seasonings combine for a beautiful puree accented with the texture of fresh vegetables stirred in at the end.  Finished off with a garnish of more fresh herbs--and my special addition of a scrumptious, flaky puff pastry crouton--rounded out this simple, yet satisfying, soup.

Happy Eating!

Chilled Red Pepper Soup
Recipe adapted from Ottolenghi The Cookbook

Ingredients:
1 large onion
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 sage leaves, finely chopped
4 large red peppers
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic, crushed
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Puff pastry dough
1 egg

Method:
Peel the onion and chop it coarsely.  Heat the oil in a large saucepan.  Add the onion and sage and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

While the onion is cooking, halve the peppers lengthwise.  Take a pepper half, remove the seeds and white flesh, and cut it into 2/3-inch/1.5 cm dice.  Set aside.

Remove the sees from the rest of the peppers, coarsely chop them, and stir into the saucepan with the onions.  Add the salt, bay leaves, cumin, sugar and red pepper flakes.  Saute for another 5 minutes.  Add the stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.  Cover the pot and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes.

Once the peppers are soft, remove the bay leaves from the soup.  While still hot, use a regular blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is totally smooth.  Leave to cool down a little.

Once the soup is just warm, stir in the diced red pepper, lemon zest, and garlic.  Leave until it becomes room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  Remove soup from the fridge half an hour before serving.  Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.  Sprinkle over a generous amount of chopped basil and parsley and top with a crouton.  Serve and enjoy!

Flaky Croutons
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Roll out, thawed (but chilled) dough on a lightly floured surface.  Use a biscuit or cookie cutter for desired shape and cut dough into individual croutons.  

Place dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and using a fork, prick holes into the dough.  Brush with egg wash (1 egg beaten) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake in oven until golden brown on top, about 8-10 minutes.  Remove from oven, serve and enjoy! 
    

Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

You may have heard by now that today marks (what would have been) the 100th birthday of the incomparable food icon, Julia Child.  Incidentally, today is also a special day for D.M.R. Fine Foods, as we celebrate our 2nd blogiversary!  And we're honored to share such a special date with a woman who taught Americans how to cook and embrace food in new and exciting ways.

Like countless others, I possess the treasure, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking, The 40th Anniversary Edition" in my cookbook collection.  Of it she says, "it's for both seasoned cooks and beginners who love good food..." And in recent years, I've loved watching the repeats of her original cooking shows where I soak up the wit, humor, personality and, of course, the cooking prowess, of this remarkable food pioneer. 

 

Julia gave us the delightful gift of food--not only French food--but the world of food.  And it's a gift that keeps on giving, generation after generation.

PBS has long brought the 'world of Julia' to the American public, and in honor of her 100th birthday, they've amassed a wealth of recipes, video footage, tributes and more!  So join in on the fun, make a yummy recipe and celebrate an unforgettable woman--who happened to love food!

Happy Eating and Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

My Summer in Food- Where Amazing Happened

This summer brought some great experiences and lasting memories on the foodie front.  I'd like to highlight the most special. 

As the second season of Top Chef Masters got underway, I rooted each week for Chef Marcus Samuelsson from my living room.  Soon after the show's finale, a week or two to be exact, Chef Samuelsson came to my hometown to conduct a cooking demo based on his latest cookbook, New American Table.  I made my way to Macy's that evening in great anticipation of seeing this great, culinary inspiration 'do his thing', eager to be even more inspired and to soak up the experience.  Somewhere during the course of the demo, the amazing happened, and he invited me onstage to cook with him!  I'm not typically 'star struck', but it was definitely a 'pinch me' moment.  I went up, we cooked and talked, and then I entered 'foodie heaven'.  Chef Samuelsson was truly kind, gracious and inspiring beyond words. 

See a few photo highlights below from that unforgettable evening and watch the entire cooking demo here. 

But it didn't stop there because, within a month, I was on a plane to NYC to attend one of the Chef's exclusive dinner parties in SoHo--in which he cooked for our small group of guests, while he (and his team) entertained and inspired us in high fashion.  This, too, was another amazing 'feat' in my eyes, as I made the coveted guest list before it sold out!  If the beautiful loft setting, exquisite food, and the opportunity to once again watch this culinary tour de force in action weren't enough, I even met some wonderful, fellow foodies. 

Again, amazing happened!  

  

So, pardon me while I go and relish these sweet memories--yet again.

Happy Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt.3)

Soaking in my exceptional BHG Stylemaker Event in '18

Happy New Year! 

Without question, making it through 2020 was a feat--and one well worth celebrating. And before much more time in the new year elapses, I want to finalize my "blogiversary" celebration with this third installment covering the 2016-2019 years.

I hope you've enjoyed my walk down memory lane from the 2010-2012 and 2013-2015 installments and perhaps learned a bit more about me and what I've been up to on this front all of these years. Best of all, I hope you are inspired to stay connected with me in the days ahead because I like having you around. :)

In reflecting on the 2016-2019 years, they were years of continued momentum across many of the areas that had come to life and blossomed in the previous years, along with their own new noteworthy highlights.  So let's once again dive in--and enjoy!

2016

My 2016 highlights included the likes of more amazing travel, the continuation of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, my For the Love of Food monthly food column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine (2011-2019), continued food and lifestyle media coverage, more sponsored brand campaigns, including Groupon and Warby Parker, as well as PopSugar, being featured in the Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, and taking in that exquisite night to remember at the James Beard House in NYC that I was awarded in 2015, and enjoying a celebration among celebrations at the Red Rooster Harlem Cookbook launch party!! 

2017

My 2017 highlights reflect more amazing highs from my journey to date. From exceptional travel throughout the year, including another dynamic, hosted press trip to St. Croix in collaboration with United States Virgin Islands Tourism, it was another year for the travel books.

Beyond travel, the year brought on a new (and continuing) collaboration of epic proportions, with a cadre of fellow talented food bloggers, for a first of its kind Black History Month Virtual Potluck. It remains one of the key highlights of my blogging journey to date, as it gave more exposure and expression to our individual and collective voices, talents, stories and heritage, among each other, as well as on several renowned media platforms (including Food52, Blavity, Tasting Table, and more that would follow in the years to come.)   

My media footprint expanded(!!!)--to include television (a long-held dream of mine) via a series of holiday-themed segments on CBS46's, Atlanta Plugged In show, showcasing my recipes and entertaining tips, as well as a St. Croix travel radio segment that chronicled the best of the destination and travel planning tips, following my recent press trip earlier in the year.  

Continued collaborations, including existing and new media relations and social media campaigns, across more hotel, tourism, lifestyle and food brands, were definite highlights, along with more fashion media coverage for the Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show. 

2018

My 2018 highlights included more thrilling moments and experiences across the food, travel, lifestyle and media fronts.  From continued collaborations (BHM Potluck, food and lifestyle media relations and campaigns, etc.) epic travel, more sharing via television segments, this time on NBC's hit Atlanta and Company show, along with more fashion and lifestyle goodness from Saks to the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport, I couldn't make it all up, if I tried. :)

2018 was also the year I experienced one of my biggest honors on my journey to date: being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine!!! An honor indeed, by all accounts, with the coveted spots reserved for a select few on an annual basis, I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been recognized by such a renowned and exceptional publication--and to have been in the company of my fellow ah-mazing Stylemakers--for an unforgettable event in New York City! From the day I was notified and invited until the very last moment of the event, I was beyond thrilled. (I know I keep saying it: but dreams do come true!)

2019

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, my 2019 highlights represented what was truly another phenomenal year.  As you might have guessed :), there was more epic travel (I added my fourth continent via Thailand and more new countries, states and cities to my footprint, as well as launching my own travel boutique), to more exceptional collaborations, media campaigns and recognition, across food, fashion, travel and lifestyle, including New York Fashion Week-adjacent media coverage at the MAN/WOMAN A/W 19 show, another phenomenal hosted press trip in collaboration with Arkansas Tourism, and a dream (to me) media collaboration with a long beloved brand, ESSENCE, among notable others.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my highlights always included my blog posts during the year, that were always done in tandem with every other amazing experience and opportunity throughout the years.  They can all be found in my archives section here on the blog, so feel free to indulge!

That brings us to the year we'll all never forget: 2020--and the actual culmination of my 10th blog anniversary, or "blogiversary", this past August.  So in keeping with my annual highlights tradition, I will dedicate a post to my 2020 highlights in very near future to conclude this memory bank/digital celebration of sorts. :)

I thank you for being here and being interested, engaged, supportive, connected and encouraging throughout my journey.  It has made it sweeter and all the more fulfilling--and I look forward to sharing more as the year unfolds. 

I wish you the best (healthiest, happiest, most fulfilling) year yet on your personal journey.

Happy Living!

Dawn

Bookshelf: The Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving.  As the undisputed biggest cooking day of the year, it's no wonder that cooks everywhere seek out the best advice, tips and inspiration for making their special meal nothing short of fabulous.  And to offer some assistance with this quest, I'm highlighting a few notable cookbooks that will serve you well for your Thanksgiving table--and beyond.

From former New York Times restaurant critic, Sam Sifton, comes A-Z instruction and inspiration on cooking Thanksgiving and cooking it well!

Thanksgiving is all about the classics--the familiar, comforting dishes passed down from generation to generation.  Amanda Hesser's tome of classics are fitting for every day eats and special occasions alike, making The Essential New York Times Cook Book a superb reference for Thanksgiving.

If there was ever a food authority who consistently dishes delectable and home chef friendly recipes, it would be my food icon, Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa).  And just in time for Thanksgiving, Ina's newest cookbook promises the same FoolProof offerings that will make you the superstar of your kitchen.

So, here's to joyous, scrumptious cooking for Thanksgiving (and beyond)...and always to Happy Eating!

{Discovering Southern}: The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

To say that last weekend was delicious would be an understatement of the grandest proportions. Indulging in the three-day fete that was the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival was delicious, yes.  But it was also so. much. more.  In its fifth year, the AFWF showcased the best in culinary and creative talent across the Southern region of the United States with a clear and simple mission: Discover Southern. 

Undertaking an exhilarating itinerary that began Friday afternoon, in the heart of Midtown, Atlanta, I feasted my way through a weekend that was as special for the people and experiences I encountered, as it was for the food and drink.   From restauranteurs, to chocolatiers, to acclaimed cookbook authors and chefs, to regional purveyors, equally eager festival goers, and beyond, I relished every moment of Southern connection and discovery--and left wanting more.

My first tastes of the festival were at the tasting tents, which featured more than 100 award-winning chefs. With a variety that mirrored the broad flavors of the South, there was something for everyone--and every taste.  Barbecue, seafood, tacos, Indian cuisine, gelato, chocolate, doughnuts, pimento cheese and deviled eggs (of course!), sips of all kinds, burgers, and on and on and on went the lineup of scrumptious eats that spanned four tents--and drew me back day after day. 

Beyond the excitement and indulgence of the tasting tents, I took in a few of the more than 90 classes (my selections included Bugs and Chocolate, Chilies in the South, and more), cooking demos, and a newly featured, Sunday Brunch.  Attendees could also opt-in to an expertly curated Connoisseur Dinner Series, hosted nightly at premier Atlanta restaurants and venues.

My dalliances left me prouder than ever of this part of the country that I call home, and I'm already counting the days until I get to do it all over again next year.  For more festival highlights, visit my photo gallery -- then mark your calendars for next year where we'll do it all over again!

Happy Eating!

Reflections of Spain & Spice-Roasted Chickpeas

My curiosity and eventual love for Spanish culture and cuisine began relatively early in life, as I studied the Spanish language under the brilliant and creative tutelage of my high school Spanish teacher, Senora 'S.'.  A few years beyond, then in the final stride of my undergraduate studies, and more engrossed in the language and culture than ever, I decided that I wanted to complete the studies for my Spanish minor in the "motherland" herself, Spain.  

My arrival in Spain for a summer of study and exploration was the authentic immersion into the culture, people and food that I had long desired.  Starting south in Andalusia and landing close to center in Madrid (where I lived and studied throughout my time there), I also relished the frequent day trips and unveiling of such gems as Sevilla, Avila, Granada and Salamanca.  

Equally as thrilling were the cultural dalliances gained from everything from riding the crowded metro; to afternoon siestas; to attending a bullfight; to touring museums (who can forget the Prado?!), gorgeous churches, cathedrals and Spanish architecture; to watching Spanish movies; to shopping for Majorca pearls for my mom; to idyllic beaches and boat rides, and so much more.  I shared my days and nights with a wonderful cast of fellow students-turned-friends, and learned immensely from Senor 'M.', a true Spanish gentleman and professor, who led our charge.

And then there was the food.  It was then and there that I discovered authentic delicacies such as Paella and tapas and extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar dressed salads and espresso (to my late-night studying chagrin) and all the potatoes and pork that I care to remember--a byproduct of the study abroad life at its finest, no doubt.  

Several years ago, I happened upon a cookbook that took me back to my beautiful memories of that earlier time and reintroduced me to the flavors of the Spanish kitchen.  As I explored the pages, I discovered what has become one of my favorite quick and easy bites--the Spanish tapa known as roasted chickpeas (Garbanzos Tostados).  In the book, author Elisabeth Luard shares how these are sold hot from the roasting pan in the villages of Andalusia and are known as the "poor man's salted almond".  

I began roasting my own and love adding spice and seasoning blends to round out a flavorful, scrumptious bite--perfect for snacking, as a tapa, atop salads, or any way you like them.  I like to roast them at a higher heat for a shorter interval than the author's recipe, but the result is ultimately the same: crispy, nutty, delectable nibbles.  

And when I'm back in Andalusia next, I'll be on the lookout for those roasting pans.

Happy Eating!

Spice-Roasted Chickpeas

printable recipe  

Ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry
Olive oil
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Cajun seasoning blend (or other preferred spice seasoning blend)

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Pour chickpeas onto a baking sheet.  Drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt, pepper and seasoning blend, to taste. (Cook's Tip: If using a pre-blended spice mix, go sparingly on the salt.  Many blends contain sufficient salt.)  Toss together to mix and coat the beans.  

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy and golden.  Dust with a light sprinkling of the spice blend to finish.  Serve and enjoy!


    

{Delectable Discovery}: New Italian Pantry

I've had the pleasure of tasting my way through some parts of Italy, beginning North in Milan, and finishing South on the surreal Amalfi Coast, with stays in Venice, Florence and Rome along the way.  I know what it means to be captivated by a cuisine that is as exciting as it is decadent, and my love for the often surprisingly simple, yet layered and indulgent, flavors of Italy spurs me to recreate similar dishes in my own kitchen.  From homemade pizza to white bean soup to tiramisu, gelato, pasta and more, the tastes, smells--and memories--will always have a place in my home and cooking regimen.

Sooo...when I came across a certain food app recently, it didn't take long to realize that I had uncovered another gem in the world of Italian eats.  If you have a remote affinity for Italian cuisine, or are just curious to explore more, then Chef Sara Jenkins' New Italian Pantry app is one to have.

Beautifully designed around the essentials she keeps in her pantry (from the basics of extra-virgin olive oil and dried pastas to the more obscure of salt-packed capers and Aleppo chile pepper), you can gather featured recipes around the items you have in your pantry (love this!) or create a custom list based on what looks good at the market that day--or what your craving is saying to you (my normal). :)

Beyond a recipe app--and more akin to an Italian cookbook--it's another foray into the delicious tastes of Italy; tastes that I will always love to explore.

Happy Eating!

Tell Me: Do you use any food-related/cooking apps?

Tastes of Paris: A Cookbook Curated Experience

If you've ever been to Paris, or have plans of going someday, then you can attest to the beautiful--and delicious--experiences that await throughout the City of Light.

My last visit was especially unforgettable, thanks in no small part to the delectable and enchanting shops, stores, food, people and memories I experienced--as curated by one of my favorite cookbooks, of all things!  

Discover how my journey unfolded, along with some gems for when you go, in my latest post on Travelista TV and garner your own dose of food and travel inspiration!

Happy Eating!

{Be Inspired!}: Summer Reading

A favorite pastime in my local bookstore

Summer and reading have always been a favorite pair for me.  And if I'm being completely honest, it goes all the way back to my childhood. I fondly remember the times when choosing and checking out library books through the mail, no less, brought as much joy and preoccupation as riding my bike and watching my favorite t.v. shows.  It was almost as if I couldn't read the books, mail them back, and order new ones, fast enough. (I'm still in awe at how amazing my county library system was to put books and the love of reading at our fingertips.)

Then there were the suggested (ahem, mandatory) Summer reading lists that would follow in later years.  And I was still sold and fascinated all the same.  I even managed an "advanced for my age" title or two.  Like the Summer I read Alice Walker's, The Color Purple, at the ripe age of 11 and returned to my 6th grade English class in the new school year ready to do a book report on the work.  I don't recall if that went over well with my teacher, but I'll never forget how glad I was to have the full, robust backdrop of the book when the acclaimed movie was later released.

I could go on and on about the many expressions that my love for books, the written word--poetry, prose, history, literature, everything--and reading have taken over the course of my life, but I'll save those for future posts. :)  For now, suffice it to say that I'm eager to get some new titles under my belt as the season unfolds.

I haven't firmed up my selection yet, but with Summer officially arriving this week, I'm motivated to do so sooner than later.  I recently came across this list of 8 Non-Cookbook Food Books curated by Bon Appetit.  A couple of these titles are definitely piquing my interest, so we'll see where I ultimately land.

And what about you?  Do you enjoy a Summer read, or two, or four?  What's your favorite genre? Author(s)?  I'd love to know what's on your list!

No matter your preference, we can all celebrate the gift of books and...

Happy Reading!