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

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...