Curing olives in springtime? Who knew? But early spring is the time to gather ripe black olives for oil-curing, and I love me some oil-cured olives.
Greek
Fish with Honey and Ouzo
One of my favorite fish recipes ever. It works with all firm fish, but it is especially good with sturgeon.
Greek Preserved Quail
The Greek way to preserve quail is a cousin to confit, and results in a tender, silky bird that is spectacular served with pickles, bread and ouzo.
Stifado, Greek Rabbit Stew
Stifado, the iconic Greek rabbit stew, is a beguiling mix of sweet, spicy and savory. Sweet wine and lots of olive oil make this dish, as does a good brace of cottontails.
A Gift from the Garden
It’s not often I write about my garden anymore; it’s gone as feral as I have. But every now and again, it gives me a gift. Like these beautiful white beans.
Greek Pheasant Pasta
I am always on the lookout for interesting pheasant recipes, and this one really caught my eye: It’s from Michael Psilakis, one of the best Greek chefs in the country, and who happens to also be a hunter!
Foraging Mallow – Hiding in Plain Sight
An offhanded remark leads me down the rabbit hole in search of the mysterious – yet ubiquitous – mallow plant. Who knew how important this weed was to the Eastern Mediterranean?
How to Cure Green Olives
Year after year in my new home here in Northern California, I feel myself sinking down roots and developing new traditions. One of them is curing my own olives, which begins for me in early October. On some crisp autumn Saturday, I will head out into one of the many public parks near my home