Taste of Spain

The big favorite (everywhere in Spain, no matter how far from the sea) is deep-fried fish: Calamares are rings of squid; Boquerones are fresh anchovies (you munch the whole crispy thing); Lenguado are small sole; Gambas are shrimp or prawns of varying sizes, usually served a La Plancha (in Spanish, "Frito" means deep-fried and "a la Plancha" means pan-fried) with heads, legs and all - you peel them yourself (it's messy, but fun).

Put a little Georgia in your dishes y'all

Southern spread, "America's love affair with elements of Southern cuisine," is one of the best trends according to Bon Appetit magazine. "Everything from grits to collard greens is making appearances in the nation's top restaurants." Today we are featuring the ingredients and flavors of Atlanta, Georgia. Peaches, Vidalia onions, and pecans are at the top of my list, and I have included some recipes to try in your kitchen.

For some interesting shopping, Atlanta is now home of The Irwin Street Market, a Parisian-style storefront that just opened in the Old Fourth Ward.  Not only can you find the best peaches, pecans and Vidalia onions at The Chef’s Garden, a miniature gourmet grocery, but there also are assorted shops in cozy open coves, and there seems to be something for everyone from creating your own ice cream flavor at Jake’s to getting an arrangement of exotic blooms at The Flower Bar.  There is The Dough Bar for decadent cookie concoctions and Picnic – you guessed it- a store that offers gourmet picnic baskets.  The Irwin Street Market -660 Irwin Street, Inman Park 404-586-9972.

Try these easy and delicious recipes, and play Ray Charles’ signature ballad –“Georgia on My Mind.” Enjoy a great day. Bon appetit!

Let's keep that New Year's Resolution diet thing moving in the right direction

Great ways to add flavor, depth and sophistication to your daily meals with out the calories and fat, the secret? Spices! So much more than salt and pepper. Pump up your meals with great flavor! Try any of these “out of the ordinary” spices and spice blends!

New year, new start, new eating habits

Too much stuffing, pies, sweets and wine?  Let’s get back on track with our healthy living lifestyle.
 Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you.