Thursday 30 July 2009

BRAISED PEAS, GREEK STYLE AND THEY'RE VEGAN! I LOVE THAT!!!

This is an excellent spring or summer entree, it's delicious yet simple to make, and it's vegan, too! A key addition here is the dill which brings seasonal freshness. Dill has a green, aromatic, citrus-anise taste. Then there's mint to bring a second layer of flavour that's delicate and mellow. If you like peas, give this dish a try. You won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil to be used at end of cooking
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 medium tomato peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill (don't use dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds frozen peas
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Directions:


  • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and stir until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. 
  • Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, mint, salt and pepper, scallions,  dill and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.
  • Add the peas and continue to simmer until the peas are tender, about 15 minutes. 
  • At the end of cooking drizzle the two remaining tablespoons of olive oil onto the peas.
  • Remove from heat and let rest about five minutes. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.  


Tuesday 14 July 2009

BASTILLE'S DAY TODAY!



Today is July 14, Bastille Day. It was on this day 14 years ago that I adopted a very eager 4-month-old female bichon frise, and when I commented that it was Bastille Day, everyone insisted that she be named Bastille. One friend said: "the name is perfect for her. It suits her. It was meant to be." At first, I wasn't sure. Name my dog after a notorious jailhouse? Name her after a French holiday? YES! It was inevitable! She became Bastille, and she has carried her famous name with grace and aplomb. She broke out of the kennel where she was being held captive (her way of storming out of the Bastille), and she came home wrapped in a French flag... well, actually she was wrapped in a towel, into which she kept throwing up because she was carsick. Time went by... She turned into a gentle, affectionate, cheerful dog. I love her very much! Every Bastille Day, well-wishers call or email with their greetings. Bastille is gracious towards all. She celebrates by having a doggie-sized bowl of vanilla ice cream. She loves it! As for being carsick? No more! One of her favourite things is to take car rides and visit her friends. And she loves to give and to get kisses! What a LADY!


This cutie pie has the most kissable nose of any doggie I know!
The lady on Christmas Day, 2009.