Author Archives: dgourmac

Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes – Recipe from Burgundy

Posted on January 6, 2025 by dgourmac

It’s a Monday night and it’s my turn to cook dinner. One of the deciding factors determining our meals is the status of ingredients. Tonight’s near-crisis was a dish on the kitchen counter with 5 small fresh tomatoes which were … Continue reading →

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It is Nearly Impossible…

Posted on December 31, 2024 by dgourmac

 It is nearly impossible to make a bad meal with grilled octopus and potatoes. Today’s case in point was an experiment that came out great. The primary ingredients were little baby (“one bite”) potatoes and one and a half grilled … Continue reading →

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Torchietti Lunchtime Pasta

Posted on December 23, 2024 by dgourmac

One of my favorite packaged pastas is this one (Torchietti) from Trader Joe’s. Sadly, this product is no longer available from them (or anyone else apparently). We have had 1/2 box leftover for about a year. Today I decided to … Continue reading →

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Opening an Old Burgundy

Posted on December 22, 2024 by dgourmac

Old wines are full of surprises. Tonight’s version was a result of my desire to open a bottle of Aloxe-Corton 1978, a Burgundy of moderate importance, but always interesting. First of all, I had to get the cork out and … Continue reading →

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Obscure Grapes

Posted on November 27, 2024 by dgourmac

I’m a big fan of obscure grapes. You know, the kind that only grow in two small villages in Italy. This past weekend I came across a new variety for me — Gamba di Pernice, a red grape in the … Continue reading →

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Octopus with Chorizo and Potatoes

Posted on October 17, 2024 by dgourmac

I think I’ve just found my new favorite octopus dish for dinner. It is octopus with chorizo and potatoes, a Spanish style dish that has all of the ingredients I needed on hand.   The recipe is very straightforward, and it … Continue reading →

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Ridiculously Easy and Flavorful Pasta Dish

Posted on October 15, 2024 by dgourmac

When I am cooking just for myself, I can load up on sharp and spicy ingredients that my wife won’t go near. Such was the case this weekend when I made Spaghettini Italiano with Garlic, Chili, Oregano & Parmesan. Here’s … Continue reading →

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Vive La France

Posted on October 3, 2024 by dgourmac

Earlier this week I made a thoroughly French dinner, inspired by a bottle of wine from Winestone in Brookline, MA. It was a Cassis from Domaine du Bagnol, made from three grapes: Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc. Using salt cod … Continue reading →

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Lobster and Corn, Risotto or Pasta?

Posted on September 21, 2024 by dgourmac

During the waning days of summer I often try to make some of my favorite dishes of this cheerful, bright season. Two beloved ingredients are frequently the stars of these meals: lobster and corn. Three years ago I created a … Continue reading →

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My Best Rye Bread

Posted on September 15, 2024 by dgourmac

I now have a new favorite recipe for a sourdough rye bread. It’s made with these proportions: 200 grams Levain 75% hydration and 1/4 cup caraway seeds, crushed with mortar and pestle It makes a wicked good grilled cheese sandwich, … Continue reading →

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