Fig, Blue Cheese, Basil and Pancetta on Rocket Salad

Nothing tastes as good as biting into a picked straight-from-the-tree ripe fig warmed by the afternoon sun. Well at least, at that moment in time, nothing tastes better. Wrapping figs in prosciutto or other thinly sliced cured meats and pairing them with honey, balsamic vinegar, nuts and fresh herbs is one of my favorite ways to eat…

Authentic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

Pizza pronta! Hubby and I heard those words ring out many times over the course of our stay at Casa San Carlo in Monteleone d’Orivetto, Umbria, Italy. Wednesday night each week is pizza night when the guests and staff get together, surround the 800-degree brick pizza oven and make pizzas. I’ve used the same pizza dough…

Mussels in Saffron White Wine Sauce

One of my favorite types of seafood is mussels; so being in Ireland was quite a treat. Mussels are common and very inexpensive. One kilo costs less than 4 euros. The conversion of 4 euros to dollars is around $4.40. So they are very inexpensive, compared to Denver, where they usually cost around $4 per…

Guinness Lamb and Parsnip Cottage Pie

After spending two months in Dublin, Ireland, one cannot help but be influenced by the food. Cabbage, potatoes, seafood, lamb, Irish butter and Guinness are just a few of the commonly used Irish ingredients that inspired me. It’s not to get excited when I talk about Ireland. This green country produces some of the best…

Stewed Chicken with Saffron

Here’s another repost from Bags & Biscuits. Food inspired by our month long stay in Lisbon, Portugal. I have to admit that we miss Portugal and are looking forward to going back. I do see that I need to rephotograph the photos on this one. That will come soon! I hope you enjoy this very…