Maili’s Orzo Arugula Salad
Photos by Valerie
Maili says that this recipe is very forgiving. You can toss in whatever you want, in whatever amounts, but the most important ingredient is the sautéed onions.
Continue Reading…Chefs in My Kitchen
Moroccan Zucchini Salad
Photos by Valerie
In March, when Peggy Markel (http://www.peggymarkel.com) was cooking in my kitchen, she provided a bundle of Moroccan recipes that we never had time to try. This salad of zucchini and mint is a version I adapted from one of those recipes. It’s fresh and bright and a terrific side dish to a summer meal.
Continue Reading…Cocktail: Omar Sharif
Photos by Valerie
We kicked off our cooking class with Peggy Markel by drinking this delicious cocktail named after the famed Doctor Zhivago actor Omar Sharif. The cinnamon adds an exotic touch. All the girls agreed that it tasted great, was really refreshing, and we were in such agreement that we decided we needed another round. You don’t have to make Moroccan food to enjoy this drink, it would be fun specialty drink for your next dinner party. Mix up a batch in advance and watch the party Continue reading…
Continue Reading…Holiday Egg Dish from Morocco
Photos by Valerie
This is the most delicious egg dish! These ingredients might seem like unusual combinations but they are a marvel in your mouth. I can’t wait to serve it in the summer with freshly picked tomatoes from the garden. If you can get you’re your hands on some good tomatoes this spring (I just found some yummy ones at the farmers market that were grown in Palm Dessert) this would be a great starter for entertaining over Passover or Easter holidays.
Peggy showed us the technique Continue reading…
Continue Reading…Chef Peggy Markel Q & A
Photos by Valerie
Peggy Markel has an amazing repertoire of regional culinary expertise. Peggy lives part time in Colorado, then she travels the rest of the year to her cooking schools in Sicily, Tuscany and Morocco. In addition to her classes, she leads culinary adventures in these regions. Right now, Peggy is planning a sailboat excursion in the Amalfi Coast – can you thing of anything more fabulous?
I was such a lucky girl to grab a little time with Peggy, hosting her in my Santa Barbara kitchen. Continue reading…
Continue Reading…Chefs in My Kitchen: Peggy Markel Video
Photos by Valerie
When my friend, Chef Kim Schiffer, told me that Chef Peggy Markel was coming to town (Peggy has a cooking school in Morroco) I jumped at my chance to buy a Morrocan Tagine and learn from a master. Here’s a look at our recent Morrocan cooking lesson! See my recent posts Chicken Tajine with Lemons, Olives and Coriander, and Preserved Lemons for recipes and more information.
Editing and Motion Graphics by Matt Walla. Continue reading…
Continue Reading…Chicken Tagine with Lemons, Olives and Coriander
Photos by Valerie
Here is Peggy’s recipe for her absolutely delicious chicken tagine with olives and coriander (cilantro). Don’t wait until you have Peggy in your kitchen to make this incredible dish. Peggy conveyed to us in the class that there are no mistakes when combining the ingredients in the tagine so don’t let that help you from creating this dish.
Continue Reading…Preserved Lemons
Photos by Valerie
Preserved lemons are really easy to make and add tremendous flavor in any dish.
Continue Reading…Caring for Citrus and Making Marmalade
Photos by Valerie
I consider citrus to be one of my personal culinary obsessions, an addiction that leads to much marmalade.
Continue Reading…Chefs in My Kitchen: Benedetta Vitali Video
Photos by Valerie
Here is a glimpse of our very fun night with Chef Benedetta Vitali! See my recent posts Tagliatelle with Duck Ragu and Chicken Liver Crostini for recipes and more information.
Special thanks to my dear friend Joanna Kerns for the video footage.
Editing and Motion Graphics by Matt Walla. Continue reading…