Classic Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
I learned to make this classic Spaghetti Alla Carbonara in the most unexpected way. Our boat was one of only two anchored off a leeward beach on the island of Barbuda, so it made sense that I would be friendly toward the owners of the other boat when we crossed paths onshore. That’s how I met Patricia.
Fresh Picked Strawberry Bread (balsamic strawberry butter)
The bread for a perfectly sweet Spring morning.
Healthy Artichoke Dip
Nancy is a spicy Portuguese publicist with talent, intellect and a rockin’ body that goes on for days. On a recent visit to her home, she made a dip similar to this…minus the artichoke hearts. I think it’s better now. I hope she agrees –she may just kick my ass.
Prosciutto Pretzel Knots
Knot them, twist them, tie them or cut them into individual bites. I don’t care what shape or size my soft pretzels are in as long as they’re proudly wearing salt.
Pork Belly Gyros
For a stretch of four years, I was lucky enough to be a resident on the Greek island of Mykonos for a couple of months each year. I’d go to recharge my creative batteries, drink some ouzo, dive for sea urchin roe, and sleep. Standing on the edge of the cerulean blue Aegean Sea and overlooking the tan bodies of Grecian Gods in Speedos, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Of course, as nourishing as all that introspection was for my soul, this girl needed to eat.
Honey and Cheese Stuffed Sautéed Pear Halves
This recipe can be made in the time it takes quality honey to ease its way from the jar. It will be eaten twice as fast.
Happy Marriage Oyster Stew
Until I went from spinster to wife, I had never eaten fresh oysters. I grew up in small-town Missouri and the closest I ever got to an oyster before marriage, was picking it out of my Grandma Lula Mae’s Thanksgiving dressing. Knowing what I know now, I’m not sure which shoe bottom Grandma scraped the oysters for her annual “ode to the sea” dressing from. Every great cook has one misstep, and Grandma’s oyster dressing was her achilles heel.
