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Yearly Archives: 2011

Amateur Cooks – Master Chefs

“Chef” and “Master Chef” are two titles in the culinary profession that have been diluted down over the last 10-15 years by TV programing in order to latch on to cool wordage that will enable them to attract more viewers and increase ratings. The adverse affect of all this is explained further in this post.

Finland-“Land of a Thousand Lakes” – Baltic Herring stuffed with Smoked Salmon

Finland is know as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” It is the country farthest east in Scandinavia.It is full of natural beauty, and it’s people full of a prideful Scandinavian culture. From the Finnish sauna, to herring markets and information on Baltic sea cruise lines linking the capital of Finland, Helsinki to other Nordic ports of call. This post should be informative and excite people to want to head north to Finland and enjoy a truly special and pure Scandinavian holiday.

Inspirational Cooking | When Recipes Just Aren’t Enough

“Inspirational Cooking” is a therapeutic concept that Franco Lania shares in this post. To use the act of cooking to inspire others to get up and moving again once they are faced with hardships that have caused them to loose their “zest” for life. The act of cooking with this kind of conscious awareness can be just as powerful and healing to some as is the act of eating nutritionally balanced foods.

Italian Easter Bread | Pane di Pasqua

Easter breads are made in various countries in the Mediterranean and northern Europe. From the origins of the word “Easter” to the making of the delicious celebratory Italian Easter bread, this post sums up nicely the spirit of Easter and its connection to the “inspirational rebirth” that takes place at springtime in nature each year.

Italian Easter Pie | Pizza Rustica

The one, the only, Italian Easter Pie, “pizza rustica” also known as Easter “meat pie.” This is a time-honored celebratory Easter dish in Italian culture and has extended to non-Italians alike. This pie is absolutely delicious, filled with some the best of Italian cheeses and meats. What a wonderful way to break the 40 day Christian fast of “Lent” that takes place prior to Easter Sunday and to begin the celebrations of the powerful message of Easter and the rebirth of springtime in nature.

Greek Easter Lamb

This is an inspirational Easter post. The Time of Easter symbolizes a time of rebirth, in the religious context as well as in nature. Here, along with an amazing Greek Easter Lamb recipe, is shared a chef’s story about the INSPIRATION he found in Greece, and how it all ties into some of the symbolism of Easter.

Sailing off to Reunion Island – Indian Ocean!

Gastronomy is a way of life in Creole cultures, Reunion Island,in the Indian Ocean being no different. The pride of the cuisine is held dear in the timely culinary secrets passed down from generation to generation. The cuisine here is very aromatic. A plethora of races and nationalities has contributed to the integration of cuisines from India, China, France, Madagascar and the African mainland making the local food, interesting and exotic. I was fortunate to have gone to an outdoor food market while on my visit to the island. My insight is shared in this post.