Life is Like a Plate of Fried Anchovies

It’s this simple. Life can be simple. Food can be simple. As simple as a plate of fried anchovies.

In fact simplifying your life is a sort of cleansing that I find find energizing.

You might not believe me, but one of life’s simple pleasures is a plate of deep fried anchovies. I served mine with crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, and a simple glass of wine. This is eating at its most elemental, and a great way to entertain friends. First there is bread and wine. I think they are classic elements, like earth, water and air. But anchovies belong on that list too. Because there is no escaping the simple truth– when you eat anchovies, you are eating fish. Man has been eating like this since biblical times. I am sure you know the story of fish, bread and wine. Read More

a kick in the pants from espresso brownies

When I need a burst of energy, nothing gets it done quite like a good, old-fashioned, steaming mug of coffee. I drink mine black as night, though, so it doesn’t really double as a tasty sweet treat. For that one-two punch of caffeine and sweetness, I turn eagerly to espresso brownies. Read More

Vegan Toasted Almond Arugula Winter Pesto

Winter can really wear me down until I feel like I have no energy at all. Sometimes it’s just the overcast grey days. But other times it’s the fact I miss puttering in the garden, listening to the birds, and whatever magic that seems to happen in my outdoor time in the Spring. When I’m in that mood, pesto always gives me a boost of energy that gets me through the coldest winter day.

If you froze some of your summer basil go ahead and take it out and make a traditional pesto. I also adore pestos made with thyme, cilantro, mint, or other herbs for a change of pace. Read More

Getting Energized with Meat

This week’s editorial assignment was to write about foods that energize.  Hmmm, “meat” as an energizer.  YIKES;  was the first thing that came to mind.  I decided I needed to consult with my recipe taster, Lenny, for this recipe.  We brainstormed over a steak dinner, and finally agreed on the same thing.  The meaty food that energizes us is salami.

Now stay with me on this one.  I can only imagine, the crooked look that just came across your lips as you saw the word salami.  It is true!  We started thinking about a situation where we would need to be energized and one where we could gnaw on a piece of meat.  We thought of out-door activities where we needed our energy level to be heightened or sustained.  Sugary supplements aren’t our thing;  instead, we always pack some really good salami, crackers or bread, a small cutting board, and a knife;  all of these fit nicely into a backpack.  Salami was the one thing that saved us when our tired bodies had finally reached the top of Half Dome.  In fact, we probably would have been rather grouchy if we did not have that meaty pick-me-up before heading back down the mountain. Read More