Little treasures discovered while exploring the back roads of life
Happiness is being on the road again. Roads that weave through beautiful countryside where cows with huge bells graze in the fields. Picturesque mountains covered in thick forests and storybook villages where you see men in lederhosen and women in traditional dresses. Yes, we are on the road again. The strong desire to travel had […]
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Under normal circumstances, the message that “the doctor will call you“, would bring a sense of relief. This time was anything but normal and I felt anxious. The pathology report had come back two weeks after my colon cancer surgery and my surgeon promised she would call with the findings. Six weeks ago, a colonoscopy […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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