Elle Republic

To my relief a great family meal. One child wants rice, the other noodles. What to do? Okay, peas are a hit. Bacon too. I don't like bacon, but I love prosciutto. Okay. Solution. Orzo. Abundant in Greece. Risotto too. Aahh relief. Orzo risotto. Yes, a family vacation with culinary possibilities despite only have 3 pots, and one mini skillet. I mean mini. 1 fried egg mini. So salads,...

Couscous makes for a brilliant alternative to rice or everyday noodles. It’s versatile and easy to prepare, requiring little more than the addition of hot water and fluffing with a fork. Originating from North Africa, as Morocco’s answer to what the Italians had long enjoyed, it’s also made from durum wheat flour, however rolled into tiny pellets of pasta. This is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy couscous...

I have always been a fan of fresh figs and this summer stumbled across dried ones at my favorite local Turkish shop. I tried them stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped in prosciutto baked in the oven. Wow. Simply delicious. So when my favorite Schwabe and I recently travelled to the beautiful Peloponnese region of Greece, and discovered locally grown Kalamata dried figs, I decided to give them another go,...

The fabulous thing about salmon tartare is there's no cooking involved, just a little bit of chopping and adding some ingredients for a light and healthy dish. This is an excellent meal when it’s hot outside and you don’t feel like cooking and want something more than just a summer salad. Be sure to ask your fishmonger (person who sells the fish) for "sushi grade" fish, then you can...

I love salmon tartare in any form, especially this variation. It's particularly delightful enjoyed on a shady terrace with a crisp rosé wine on a summer night. This is one was prepared by my friend Denise. It has enough going on to keep anyone interested. This version has a base of buttery avocado, smoked salmon and tiger prawns. Topped with crème fraîche and salmon caviar, this salmon tartare is...

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I love garlic in all its forms. Roasted garlic for it's sweet, mellow, creamy, nutty flavor. You can toss with pasta, or in a salad dressing, spread it on bread, add it to potatoes, garnish a roasted chicken, use it to add depth to a sauce, the list goes on and on...This spread, each bite is pure heaven. And if you too are a...