by Lea Hogg
The month of February is with us and we all think of Valentine’s day and love is on our mind. Why do people all over the world love a Mediterranean diet? After spending most of my life traveling the world, cooking and eating an eclectic mix of cuisines, I am now on a island in the heart of the Mediterranean where nature works its … Read More Celebrating the month of love … A lusty fig tart and more …
by Lea Hogg
There is something so satisfying when you know exactly what your’re eating. I use a mix of dates, figs, prunes, added almonds and lots of fresh tangerine zest. These energy balls are very easy to make and a good activity with the kids. I coated half the balls in sesame seeds and the other half in coconut. You can also make a very large … Read More Energy Balls with citrus zest (gluten free, no processed sugar)
by Lea Hogg
With the digital age comes the language of emoticons… a visual rather than verbal language, a picture that says a lot in a very little space. And like food, it has no barriers, a language understood by all. Most people use visual images for speed and in the same way that I am resistant to the use of convenience foods, I absolutely refuse to … Read More A language with no barriers and some more weekend baking …. Peach Sundae Tarts …
by Lea Hogg
It is very early in the morning here. I find I write best before sunrise and I am promising myself to go for a long walk as soon as I post this. I have not kept my new year resolution to go for a long walk everyday and I must put more effort to make it happen EVERYDAY without fail ! as it is … Read More Poached pears with yoghurt and honey
by Lea Hogg
It is bright, sunny and glorious on the island today. Over the last year I have written a lot about The American Dream on this blog and in the local press. As we turn on our TVs we see the bad freezing weather conditions all over the world and once again I am reminded that I live the Mediterranean Dream every day that I … Read More The Mediterranean Dream and Orange Walnut Stromboli
by Lea Hogg
I had a photo shoot with Reuben yesterday afternoon and I am sharing a recipe with you for a chocolate and pear sponge I made in the morning as a ‘maybe’ for the shoot, but in the end we did not use it. I love fruit in my desserts and these chocolatey pears are so perfectly delicious and full of flavor. Fruit is rarely … Read More Imperfect yet beautiful …. Pear and chocolate sponge
by Lea Hogg
Making brittle is a fun holiday thing to do and I like the vibrancy of pistachios. This brittle is delicious served with coffee after a meal and I am making a batch to last me though the holiday week. I love it also sprinkled on yoghurt. Until a couple of months ago I used Greek yoghurt in all my desserts but now find I … Read More Pistachio Brittle… a holiday treat …
by Lea Hogg
Celebrity Chef Peter Dacoutrous , a good friend of mine handcrafted this beautiful crib…. Getting ready for Christmas makes us excited and a good part of the preparations are connected with food. Christmas is all about food and eating. I had a number of requests to suggest alternatives to the main turkey roast and I spent a day with Amon at Le Meridien planning … Read More Amon’s Christmas tips ! A happy Christmas………
by Lea Hogg
Very early before sunrise on Christmas Eve in the heart of the Mediterranean today, the strong winds howl and from my bed where I sit with a cup of coffee writng this post I hear the waves splash viciously against the rocks. I close my eyes and dream of summer, I long for the sun, the warmth and the brightness that fills me with … Read More And on Christmas Eve, Raspberry Cream Tart …
by Lea Hogg
A savory version of these individual sweet ricotta pies are very popular on the island but the sweet ones are rarely seen. They will start making an appearance in the local confectionaries as Christmas draws closer. They are very festive decorated with bright red and green sugar and delicious with bits of candid peel and chocolate grated into the filling. This recipe was passed … Read More Renato’s sweet ricotta pies
by Lea Hogg
This dessert looks gorgeous and can be made quickly as you can poach the pears beforehand and keep them in the fridge overnight. I made it like a pie and it is suitable to present and serve it at the table as it looks quite amazing. I am sure that you can make individual pears in Filo in the same way if you would … Read More Pears in Filo with Egg Free Custard
by Lea Hogg
The US Ambassador HE Ms Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley welcomes me to her home and shares her favorite Thanksgiving recipes. It is the time of the year again when Americans all over the world stop to thank for their blessings, to appreciate and give thanks for what they have. Gratitude for the harvest, the provision, the abundance….. a nation so diverse with a fusion of cuisines … Read More Celebrating Thanksgiving on an island abundant with blessings …
