Inspiration can be found wherever we go. Knowing it was one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, I visited Chef Carlo Middione’s Vivande Porto Via in 1987 where I sampled his Sicilian caponata. It was an amazing meld of sweet, acidic, spicy, bitter and juicy. It was delicious and soon after purchased his classic… Continue reading Eggplant Caponata
Looking to wow them for the Holidays? Here is a recipe that is sure to please and satiate the cravings for the comforting foods of our youth. Crust 9 inch pie crust Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake the formed crust for 7 minutes. Base 4 tablespoons bourbon 2 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill… Continue reading Awe-Inspiring Vegan Bourbon Pecan Pie
As the weather cools, potatoes become the ultimate comfort food–cherished for their creaminess and the feeling of satiation. In Peru alone, over 4,000 varieties of potatoes are grown. Here in the USA we are seeing new versions of those classics every year. There are potatoes for every use–some for baking, others for frying and still… Continue reading Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Chef George in the Scavolini showroom kitchen in the Michigan Design Center
When cauliflower first appears at the farmers markets in Michigan, it is a sign that autumn is near. Neatly wrapped up in their green outer leaves, young cauliflower heads are stacked high on the tables when the market opens its doors. These “baby” cauliflowers are often very sweet and lighter in cruciferous flavors, which become… Continue reading Roasted Baby Cauliflower
A few years ago, while visiting Peru on business, a small group of us flew into the farmland regions near Tarapoto, Peru. We traveled by pickup trucks over winding mountain roads into the valley beyond. Distant waterfalls cascaded down the mountain sides with the shimmering water cutting through the lush green landscape. Various tropical flowers,… Continue reading A Hearts of Palm Farm & Ceviche Recipe
This was the most popular dessert for many decades and is the most requested recipe on my blog. A decadent, moist cake with a healthy density that works well as a sheet cake, round-layered cake or even a wedding cake.
Vegetarian traditions are found in cultures around the world, with India being the most prominent. As a young man, I journeyed there four times and experienced the marvelous cuisine first-hand in homes, temples restaurants and street cafes. I learned the value of treating every meal and each morsel with respect and appreciation. I also discovered… Continue reading Alu Methi Tikki
Staying healthy sometimes can be a challenge. Aside from taking common sense precautions, there is a lot we can do to keep ourselves healthy with food–colorful foods, that is. The darker and more colorful fruits and vegetables are healthier with more anti-oxidants and immune building micro-nutrients. For example: red and yellow beets, carrots, radishes… Continue reading Harvest Vegetable Salad
The story of zucchini is a tale of empires, beginning with Columbus’ voyages to and from the New World. He took the first zucchino (meaning small squash) seeds back to his native Italy where the vegetable zucchini became ensconced into Italian cuisine. It is a prolific plant with with a number of varieties and culinary… Continue reading Stuffed Globe Zucchini Squash
