Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Cooking opens the world up to you. It’s magical really, its ability to transport you to faraway lands. More than any other medium—books, films, music—eating ignites the senses and connects you with a place. This is part of the reason I like to cook foods from around the world, to indulge my curiosity, to explore, and to imagine.

In Greece, a mountainous Mediterranean nation comprised of 2000 islands, fresh seafood abounds, grape vineyards and olive groves flourish, lemon trees prosper in gardens, and flocks of sheep and herds of goats graze and forage in the valleys. It’s no surprise that these ingredients—and the products derived from them—factor heavily into Greek cuisine. read more

Kale Pasta with Breadcrumbs

Kale Pasta with Breadcrumbs, kale pasta, kale and pasta, kale, pasta, Italian, olive oil, sage-infused olive oil

I decided on a pasta dish for the final course of my Italian dinner—after all, what kind of an Italian meal would it be without pasta? I steered away from cream, since my cream of asparagus soup already highlighted this ingredient. Instead, I made a sauce from the sage-infused olive oil left over from the fried sage appetizer. Maintaining the theme of previous courses, I featured something green in the entrée as well. Another symbolic reference to spring—bring on the green!

I chose kale as the focal point, as kale and pasta pair well. Kale, unlike other greens, doesn’t lose its robust texture when cooked; it wilts, but it holds its shape and doesn’t get slimy. Kale is also very nutritious, making it a great addition to any meal. Breadcrumbs take this kale and pasta dish to the next level, providing a garlicky crunch with each and every bite. read more