Author Archives: dgourmac

Simplicity

Posted on December 17, 2023 by dgourmac

Some of my favorite meals are elegant in their simplicity. It’s not that I plan it that way, but sometimes it just seems to work out. Here are some examples from last week. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Roasted Mushrooms As always, … Continue reading →

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Late November Meals (and a little Greek Mythology)

Posted on December 10, 2023 by dgourmac

For some unknown reason meals we make after Thanksgiving tend to be very rich in flavor. color and intensity. Here are three examples this year, along with some of the side dishes. Purée of Gaeta Olives and Whipped Almond Milk … Continue reading →

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Small, Simple Vegetable Shrimp Paella

Posted on December 10, 2023 by dgourmac

Until recently I used to be intimidated about making Paella. It seemed complex because there are usually a great many ingredients, it calls for a special pan, it usually makes much more than we can eat, and I always worry … Continue reading →

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How to Make Exotic Salads

Posted on December 1, 2023 by dgourmac

Okay, I admit it. I concoct some pretty weird salads.  I search out — or stumble upon — exotic ingredients and put them together in a way that I think will be successful. This post will share with you today’s … Continue reading →

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Pasta alla Gricia

Posted on November 22, 2023 by dgourmac

One of my new favorite pasta dishes is Pasta alla Gricia. I made this for myself tonight. I think it’s the perfect Italian pre-Thanksgiving antidote to the traditional meal tomorrow. The best article I have read on the topic is … Continue reading →

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Simple Best Octopus Cooking

Posted on November 12, 2023 by dgourmac

Once again, using the techniques from Harold McGee and Jesse Schenker, and three octopus legs from New Deal Fish Market in Cambridge, I was able to enjoy two terrific meals with my favorite mollusk. Best of all, it required minimal … Continue reading →

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Egg Foo Yong

Posted on November 12, 2023 by dgourmac

This is a story about the classic Cantonese dish, Egg Foo Yong. As you often find with my posts, you will get recipes, photos, personal reminiscences, a history lesson, and a chance to try your own hand at re-creating a … Continue reading →

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Kathy Mattea in Concert, and Delights of the North Shore

Posted on October 28, 2023 by dgourmac

Last week I visited the coastal areas north of Boston. I had a ticket for a concert by Kathy Mattea, an American country music and bluegrass singer. She’s been one of my favorite artists for close to 30 years. While … Continue reading →

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Salads, and Homemade Spinach Pasta

Posted on October 28, 2023 by dgourmac

One week recently I found myself eating a number of bright, spicy, cheerful salad dishes. Beets with Pickled Cauliflower, Chopped Onion, Feta Cheese and Pickled Jalapeños Radicchio with Cucumber, Fresh Shell Beans, Clementines, Olives and Feta Cheese An Indian Vegan … Continue reading →

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October Sourdough

Posted on October 28, 2023 by dgourmac

Bakers like to tinker. Even when I get a highly satisfying recipe for my breads, I am often tempted to tweak the components to see if it could be any better. Such was the case a week ago, when I … Continue reading →

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