Daily Loaf

When I was a kid, as soon as winter melted into spring each year my family would take every opportunity possible to have a big, backyard, family barbecue. Dad’s grill was lit from Memorial Day right on through Labor Day. Each holiday, birthday, graduation and anniversary was celebrated in style under our lilac and cherry trees. The folding chairs and card tables were dusted off and set up outside. The coolers were hauled out and filled to the brim with icy cold beer and soft drinks. Everybody brought some kind of “picnic-y” dish to share. Everyone except my Aunt Giuseppina, that is. She always brought a huge tray of eggplant parmigiana. But, that’s a story for another day.

I don’t know how it is in most families, but in Italian families, hot dogs and burgers alone just don’t cut it. Read the rest of this entry »

These Lamb Burgers are packed with flavors from the Middle East. Cumin, mint and parsley bring out the best in the lamb, while a sauce of tahini and lemon is a savory stand-in for mayo. Served on warm flat bread, the tiny burgers are very moist, even when cooked through. A Cucumber-Feta Quick Pickle adds bright flavor. In the same theme, delicate eggplant fries are served alongside. Frying the eggplant brings out sweetness that works well with the tangy flavors in the burgers. Read the rest of this entry »

These days everyone is looking for the next health gimmick/trend — any way that we can become healthier, lighter and smaller without starving or cravings. More sensible meat options are part of that — one good example is buffalo. And, although ostrich might be a stretch for most folks, it may be a stretch worth enduring.

Ostriches are classified as ratites and their wings serve only as running aids and for changing direction. They can run fast: up to 30 mph sustained and up to 43 mph bursts. A bird that can do that has gotta have some lean, tasty meat.

Ostrich meat is lower in calories and fat than chicken, turkey, pork or beef and Read the rest of this entry »