A Diagnosis Of Colon Cancer

August 8, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

I’ve been very healthy, usually having to see a doctor only for routine checkups. However, this spring I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Other than problematic fatigue, I was doing well. Blood tests revealed the fatigue was from iron deficiency anemia and a colonoscopy led to a colon cancer diagnosis. After my diagnosis of Parkinson’s […]

Chicken With Sicilian Inspired Pistachio Herb Sauce

June 21, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Perk up sautéed chicken by topping it with a Sicilian inspired savory pistachio herb sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, the olive oil based sauce, similar to pesto or salsa verde, also makes a delicious, healthy topping for fish or grilled summer vegetables. Italy is well known for its flavor packed, fresh […]

Cooking From Your Pantry, Marinated Chickpea Salad

June 6, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

marinated chickpea, tomato and cucumber salad

Warming a can of chickpeas in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and herbs before adding them to your favorite salad makes a huge difference in flavor. Add them to perfectly ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber chunks and a light lemony dressing for a summer salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors in every bite. I’ve lived through blizzards […]

Zellenberg Hilltop Vineyards, Alsace, France

May 22, 2022.Reading time 11 minutes.

After eleven years of blogging, one photograph on Back Road Journal has been commented on more than all others combined. It was taken above Zellenberg, France, a tiny village perched on a hill whose slopes are covered with vineyards, some being the renowned Grand Cru d’Alsace Froehn vineyards. Years back, on a misty day in […]

Shrimp With Fresh Ranchero Sauce On Charred Corn Polenta

May 2, 2022.Reading time 9 minutes.

If you are crazy about shrimp and grits, then you are going to love my recipe for shrimp with fresh ranchero sauce on charred corn polenta. Wonderfully creamy polenta with charred corn and pepper jack cheese is topped with sautéed shrimp and a vibrant southwestern inspired fresh tomato ranchero sauce. It seems that shrimp and […]

Jamaican Red Beans And Rice

April 24, 2022.Reading time 9 minutes.

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is a simple to prepare, flavorful side dish that is simmered in creamy coconut milk and fresh aromatics. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and easy on the family budget, it is no wonder that similar versions can be found throughout the Caribbean, Latin American and elsewhere. You will find many versions […]

Nicole’s Coconut Custard Tarts

April 16, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

For coconut lovers everywhere, these individual moist and delicious coconut custard tarts are a super easy dessert that combines a crisp, sweet buttery pastry crust with a coconut custard filling that is prepared in a matter of minutes and then baked to a beautiful golden brown. On a recent Caribbean cruise, one of our ports […]

Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Meatballs Served With Pistachio Couscous

April 10, 2022.Reading time 10 minutes.

Pomegranate glazed lamb meatballs are savory, sweet and tangy with just the right amount of sticky goodness. The flavor and texture of the lamb mixed with lots of fresh herbs and seasoning is one that I believe you will enjoy but if you are not a fan of lamb, beef may be substituted. Meatballs can […]

Nicole’s Table, A Taste Of Antigua And The Caribbean

April 3, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Wanting to experience the Caribbean cuisine of Antigua during a cruise port of call, my husband and I joined a small, hands on cooking class called Nichole’s Table. Over four hours, we created a delicious lunch that we later enjoyed on the veranda of the chef’s home overlooking St. John’s Harbor. When traveling, I love […]

Tuscan Bean Soup With Pasta, Fennel And Sausage

March 27, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

Tuscan bean soup with pasta, fennel and sausage is a fabulous meal that’s perfect for busy weeknight. Enjoyed with crusty bread and perhaps a glass of wine, this quick and budget friendly recipe is reminiscent of a dish you might find in a Tuscan village kitchen. After a hectic day, why not enjoy a comforting, […]