From Naples, Florida: Savor the Authentic with Old World Market

I saw this recipe in Bon Appetit Magazine. The original recipe was with chard but I had some baby spinach on hand and I used it as a substitute.  I love greens and this soup is so creamy and hearty. The cheese and the yogurt make it even better. Ingredients for the soup: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 lb spinach, chopped 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup parsley, chopped 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 1 tbsp. dried mint 1 tbsp.  fresh lemon juice salt and pepper to taste For the garnish: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup mixed chopped parsley, cilantro and mint, divided 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled salt and pepper to taste lemon juice (optional) Heat olive oil in the large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often until translucent and soft (don't brown) about 7-8 min. Stir in spinach, broth, parsley, cilantro, fresh and dried...

Baklava is easy to make and is so delightful, crunchy and sweet. No doubt it's one of the most popular desserts in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions. I t's simple but fabulous recipe - l ayers of phyllo dough filled with honey and walnuts. In our family my grandmother used to make this traditional baklava on special occasions as Christmas and Easter. Traditional Baklava (makes 24 pieces) Ingredients: 1 pack phyllo dough (9" x 14"), thawed 1 pound walnuts, chopped 1 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves Zest of 1 lemon In a medium bowl, combine walnuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest. Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13 inch pan. Place sheets in the pan, butter thoroughly each sheet using a pastry brush . Repeat until you have 5-6 sheets layered. Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture. Cover with 2-3 more sheets of phyllo, brushi...

It's Cookie Season! These Mascarpone cheese cookies topped with your favorite jam are so soft and delicious. The cookie dough is easy to make and Mascarpone cheese adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. Ingredients (for about 3 dozen cookies): 1 stick unsalted butter, brought to room temperature 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 egg 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1/2 cup softened Mascarpone cheese 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt Jam of your choice Directions: Beat together the butter and sugar until light, then add the egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Add the Mascarpone cheese, and beat until smooth. Sift together the dry ingredients, and fold them into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.   Preheat oven to 325 F. On a lightly floured counter or board, roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Using the end of a wooden spoon, create an indentation in the ...

Saganaki refers to various dishes prepared in Greek cuisine and is named after the single-serving frying pan in which it is cooked.  Saganaki is very easy to make but you will need good Greek hard cheese as Kefalograviera or Kasseri. For 4 servings: 8 slices of Kefalograviera or Kasseri cheese. Cut the cheese into strips 2" wide and 1/2" thick olive oil for frying flour to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 lemons cut into wedges Place strips one by one under cold water, tap and coat lightly with flour, set aside until you have dredged all the strips. Pour enough olive oil to just coat the bottom of a large frying pan and heat until hot. Lay the slices of cheese side by side in the pan. Make sure the cheese slices don't touch each other. Fry the cheese, turn once until golden brown on both sides. The cheese will only need about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove the fried cheese from the pan, place on a paper towel to drain th...

Dried figs are a healthy snack. They are low in fats and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber magnesium, calcium and other minerals. If you a have sweet tooth and you are craving chocolate try these Chocolate Covered Dried Figs. 10 dried figs 1/3 cup 80-90% dark chocolate red wine Put the figs in a bowl with red wine to cover, and let them soak, covered, overnight in the refrigerator. The next day drain them well and pat them dry.  Melt chocolate in double boiler until smooth.  Take the figs by their stems, dip them in the chocolate and set them on a wax paper. Let stand until the chocolate is set. Refrigerate for 20 min. and serve. Additional tips:   As an non-alcoholic option you can use orange juice instead of red wine. If you don't have double boiler you can use sauce pan with some water in and then put your chocolate into another sauce pan on top of the first one or use glass bowl inside the pan.  Also you c...

Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods that makes broccoli taste great as well as retaining the wonderful flavor.  This salad is light and easy to prepare. It is great to serve as a side dish. Ingredients (2 servings): 1 lb broccoli ( stems peeled & cut in 1/4-inch slices and remaining into florets) 1 cup Feta cheese 1/2 cup Kalamata olives For the dressing: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 garlic cloves, minced salt and pepper, to taste sunflower seeds (optional) Steam broccoli over 1 inch of boiling water about 5 minutes until broccoli are barely tender when pierced. Rinse with cold water, drain well. Whisk together lemon juice, mustard, garlic and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Combine broccoli, olives and half of the cheese in a medium bowl, toss in dressing, mix lightly.   Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and the rest of the cheese and serve immediate...

Kourtaki Muscat Samos, Greece "A bright yellow-amber colour turning to gold. A lovely bouquet of honey underpinned by plenty of lemon and orange scents met by good sturdy acidity around mid-palate." Our price: $ 15.99  Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Chile " Brilliant ruby red color. Medium-bodied with rich aromas of berries, clove and vanilla. On the palate, it delivers fine concentration with flavors of ripe black fruit and vanilla undertones." Our price: $ 6.99 Mad Housewife White Zinfandel 2008, California "One part pink and sweet with equal parts class and style. Fresh watermelon and strawberry balanced with a crisp finish in this sweet treat."   Our price: $ 4.99 Woollaston Riesling 2008, New Zealand  "Lime, citrus blossom and jasmine aromas abound on the nose. The same citrus and floral characters are evoked on the palate. Fresh acidity and a gentle minerality contribute...

The art of pairing wines with food is largely a matter of personal preference. The turkey  is a rather neutral meat that pairs easily with a variety of wines from light whites to medium-bodied red wines. It is hard to pair a single wine with all the dishes on the traditional holiday table. From cranberries to root vegetables, gravy to mashed potatoes, there are so many things going on, it can be tough to choose a single wine.  Some popular Thanksgiving wine choices are Pinot Noir , Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Rose for red wine lovers and Sauvignon Blanc , Riesling and Chardonnay for those who prefer white wines. Pinot Noir is lighter in body and softer on the palate and goes well with the traditional flavors of turkey and stuffing. Shiraz with its spicy edge and peppery notes goes well with the herb-infused stuffing and both the white and dark turkey meat. Cabernet Sauvignon especially when it is a medium-bodied with rich fruit arom...

Ernst & Co Sauvignon Blanc 2008, South Africa "The wine has a pale straw color. The nose is intense and forthcoming with aromas of green figs, lemon and green pepper. The wine is well balanced with a crisp acidity. On the palate the wine makes a lovely zesty entry with crisp, fresh passion fruit flavor. This wine has a solid fruit on aftertaste, with a gentle but outspoken finish."  Our price: $ 4.99 Lafkiotis Kleoni Rose, Greece "Dry, full-bodied rose with crisp pleasant taste. A versatile wine, balanced and light in body, made from red grapes, carefully chosen to give a vibrant refreshing rose, to please every palate." Our price: $ 5.99  La Joya Reserve Carmenere 2009, Chile                                 "This full bodied Carmenere has aromas and flavors of black...

Maftoul is known as Middle Eastern couscous. It is basically very large couscous, slightly irregular in size . I rregular nuggets hold their shape when cooked, making them perfect for substantial salads or as a stuffing for vegetables. The grains have a nutty, whole-grain flavor and slightly chewy texture . Maftoul salad with vegetables and feta cheese Ingredients: 2 cups of water 1 cup Ziyad Maftoul (i nstead of maftoul you can use regular couscous) olive oil 1 cup chopped red bell pepper  1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste 1. Bring the water to boil in a large saucepan. Add the maftoul and 1 tsp olive oil and bring to boil. Lower the heat to low, cover and simmer for around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.  2. In a bowl combine the tomatoes, chopped peppers and olives. Add the cooled maftoul and mix well. 3. T...

Santa Ana "Eco" Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Argentina " Intensely colored with aromas and flavors of sweet plum and blackberry fruit. Full bodied yet with very fine grained, soft tannins and a velvety, soft vanilla, lengthy finish. This wine is also made from organically grown grapes . The grapes are all hand harvested, and gently crushed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks and bottled, without the use of oak." Our price: $ 5.99 Red Rock Winemaker's Blend 2009, California "C rafted with balance in mind, using a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The Petite Sirah adds unique characteristics to this blend, revealing concentrated aromas of dark plum jam and blueberry from the wine. Plush and balanced, this blend offers rich blackberry on the finish, with hints of spice and vanilla. Winemaker's Blend is an excellent match for a wide range of foods, offering a delicious balance to crea...

Eggs are great for breakfast but in many European countries omelette (omelet) is a popular lunch or dinner food and it is usually enjoyed with wine.  Omelette filling options are limitless. A French-style, folded omelette is one of the fastest protein-rich meals you can make. It is also an excellent strategy for healthy dining. The omelette is commonly thought to have originated in the Middle East. Beaten eggs were mixed with chopped herbs, fried until firm, then sliced into wedges. This dish is thought to have traveled to Western Europe via the Middle East and North Africa, with each country adapting the original recipe to produce Italian frittata, Spanish tortilla and the French omelette.  Omelette with spinach, feta cheese and avocado 2 eggs 1 tbsp water 1/2 cup baby spinach 1/2 avocado 1/3 cup feta cheese  salt and pepper, to taste butter (or oil) Whisk together eggs and water. Pour mixture into a lightly buttered or oile...

Taramosalata is a Greek style caviar spread made from the delicate roe of carp. The roe is mixed with bread crumbs or potatoes, lemon juice and olive oil. It can be used as a dip with vegetables or as a spread on crackers or bread.  Krinos Taramosalata uses roe that is naturaly cured and aged over one year. Depending on what sort of fish roe is involved, taramosalata can be white to pale pink. Krinos Taramosalata has no preservatives or artificial ingredients. If you prefer to make your own Taramosalata, here is our favorite recipe: Ingredients: 1/2 cup Tarama 2-3 boiled potatoes 1 cup olive oil 1 small onion 4-5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste Parsley, chopped Mash the Tarama, potatoes and onion. Beat the mixture in food processor until very soft and creamy. Add the olive oil and lemon juice together very slowly while mixing. Chill the taramosalata in the refrigerator for a few hours (keep covered or the top...

Sideritis syriaca is a herb that is used to prevent and fight the common cold. It grows in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically the Balkans. Sideritis is known as Greek Mountain Tea, Sheperd's Tea, or Pirin Tea. The plant is found on rocky slopes at elevations over 3200 feet. The tea is a pure and natural product, and the wild-grown plants are harvested by hand. It is free of any artificial ingredients, colorings or flavorings, and is not subject to any forced or inorganic farming techniques.  It is very popular in Greece, Albania, Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.  The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, called the father of modern medicine, honored Mountain tea for its benefits to the immune and respiratory system. Traditionally, Mountain tea is used in respiratory problems, colds and flu, aiding digestion, strengthening the immune system, and calming mild anxiety. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory ...

Retsina is a Greek white wine which has been made for centuries. Its unique flavor is said to have originated from the practice of sealing wine vessels with pine resin in ancient times. The Romans began to use barrels in the 3rd century AD, removing any necessity for resin, but the flavor itself was so popular that the style is still widespread today. The Kourtaki and Lafkiotis brands of Retsina are the undisputed brand leaders in Greece and around the world. In Greece, local Retsina is produced throughout the country. There are three core regions which possess designations of origin. Τ he resin is collected during the grape harvest and it is used immediately.The proper amount of resin is added at a certain stage of fermentation, thus creating a retsina which contains all the aroma of the pinewoods, from which the resin originates. Retsina has a clear, golden color and delicate aroma of pine with a clean crisp finish. It goes well with grilled food, white meat and fi...

Bulgur is an ancient grain from the Middle East high in fiber and protein, and low in fat and calories. A cup of bulgur has fewer calories, less fat, and more than twice the fiber of brown rice. Bulgur, which is less processed than couscous, is made from cracked wheat and is great in salads, pilafs, and stuffings; it also adds tasty body to soups. Plus, its quick cooking time and mild flavor make it ideal for those new to whole grain cooking. Its ability to fill you up with few calories is great for weight-loss dieters.  Red lentils also contain a significant amount of  fiber. They help to lower cholesterol, manage blood-sugar disorders and provide vitamins, minerals and protein, with virtually no fat and very low calories. Ingredients: 1/2 cup red lentils 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion peeled and finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced  1 tbsp tomato paste 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup water 1/2 cup bulgur 1tsp sweet paprika 1-2 ...

Carnaroli rice is a short-grain rice used primarily for making risotto. Compared to the more widely available Arborio, it has a smaller grain with a super-high starch content. What that means is that it can absorb huge amounts of liquid without overcooking, creating the ultra-creamy texture. I tried this Carnaroli rice risotto a few years ago for the first time when visiting dear friends from Italy. It is an authentic Italian recipe. If you are a risotto lover you will notice the difference Carnaroli rice brings to it. Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Carnaroli rice (4 servings) Ingredients: 4-5 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup dried porcini 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped 1 1/2 cup Carnaroli rice 1/3 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese salt to taste ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1. Wash and soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for 20-25 minutes. Dra...