Savory Valais Cholera Tart

As the world is hunkering down at home trying to figure out how to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, I thought it might be of interest to research and share the recipe for a meal some Swiss resorted to during the Cholera pandemic almost 200 years ago. Cholera Tart or Cholera Cake (a hearty, savory […]

Pumpkin Coconut Curry Ginger Soup

I adore making and eating pumpkin soup but I hate peeling the large, ribbed beasts.  Luckily, while living in Japan, I became familiar with lovely members of the winter squash family that look like small, smooth-skinned pumpkins.  They have a familiar, traditional pumpkin flavor and edible skin.  Hokkaido, Orange Knirps and Red Kuri ウチキクリare also […]

Making Paella At Home

Not long ago, I spent a glorious week at a friend’s house in Alicante, Spain.  The area is beautiful. Limestone mountains, winding (and sometimes hair-raising) roads through hillside vineyards, ocean views and weekly local markets.  Our days were spent lounging poolside reading, swimming in the Mediterranean, drinking cocktails at one of the may ocean-view bars […]

Korean Bibimbap

Understanding the food of a culture is an essential ingredient to begin to understand the culture itself. Food reflects the history and geography of a region, group or nation.  Our first stop on any trip is usually a local market or a grocery store.  Wandering around the incredible markets in Morocco, Japan, Spain, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, […]

Kale, Fuyu Persimmon, Pomegranate and Roasted Squash Salad

After living in Switzerland for almost six years, we decided it was time to phase out our time living abroad and settle someplace in the U.S.  Criteria included living near a major airport, great medical facilities (yes, we are getting older so this is important), access to a good-sized city, mountains, nearby hiking trails, terrific […]

Images of the Souk in Fez, Morocco

Visiting traditional Berber and Arabic markets, known as souq (or souk), when in Morocco is usually a must for most travelers. We spent hours and days exploring as many as possible, including the walled, maze-like labyrinth medina (old town) markets in Marrakech and Fez as well as venturing to an incredible weekly Berber market held […]

How To Dice An Onion

Cut off the stem end of an onion.  Leave the root end intact to ensure the onion holds together.  Make shallow slits from top to bottom on 4 sides. Peel off the skin and the tough outer layer. Cut the onion in half.  Place the flat side down on the cutting board.  Slice lengthwise in […]

How To Roast and Peel Peppers

Use your thumb to push around the stem.  When it loosens, pull it out. Tear the pepper into pieces and clean out the seeds.  Lightly toss with oil and place, skin side up, on a baking sheet.  Roast in a hot 400º F / 205º C oven until patches of the skin are blackened, taking care […]