TIP OF THE DAY: Make Spanakopita, Greek Spinach Pie

One way to get people to eat more spinach is to serve spanakopita, the delicious Greek feta-and-spinach pastry in flaky phyllo (also spelled fillo or filo) dough. A good filling comprises not just spinach and crumbled feta cheese, but leeks, dill and parsley. It’s the leeks and lots of fresh dill and parsley, plus nutmeg,…
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FOOD FUN: Deconstructed Caprese Salad

One of a foodie’s favorite salads is the Caprese, a delicious combination of tomato, basil and mozzarella that was “discovered” in Italy in the 1950s (the history of Caprese salad). Tasty basil and mozzarella are available year-round, but luscious summer tomatoes are required to make this simple combination soar. Until the crop comes in, look…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Giardiniera

Giardiniera (jar-dih-NYAIR-uh) is an Italian word that means “from the garden.” Veggies from the garden (or these days, from the store) are pickled in vinegar, herbs and spices (sometimes oil is added). The result is a pickled condiment used like other pickles on burgers, eggs and sandwiches, from the classic muffaletta of New Orleans to…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Breakfast Pizza

Still pondering what to make for Mother’s Day breakfast? Perhaps this is the year to skip the bagels and lox, pancakes, quiche and waffles and opt instead for a glamorous breakfast pizza. Just plan ahead and make the dough one day in advance; it needs to be refrigerated overnight (it can be made up to…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Dobladas

Today is National Empanada Day, and were celebrating with dobladas: folded, stuffed tortillas from Guatemala (the name means “folded”*) that can also be made in the form of a classic empanada. They can be served as an appetizer (cut into wedges), lunch, light supper or snack. Like tortillas, dobladas are made from nixtamalized masa (maize…
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