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Mardis Gras Around the World

February 20, 2012 by

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Whether it’s colorful beads, King Cake, or overindulgence – there are signs of Mardi Gras everywhere. Although in the US, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, countries all over the world celebrate this pre-Lenten festival, only by a different name. Other notable Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations include:

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!

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Spain and the Second Breakfast

August 18, 2011 by

While in Barcelona a few years back, I remember ordering breakfast from a quaint but bustling cafe on one of the city’s main streets. It was full of business professionals and young adults grabbing un cafe and a quick breakfast, which was, amazingly, churros dipped in chocolate. Up to this point, I’d only seen churros as a dessert in Mexican restaurants. Yet, it was offered as a breakfast staple in this fairly healthy and “thin” country – by American standards anyway.

More surprisingly, while many Americans don’t eat breakfast, our Spanish friends in Europe are enjoying two! That’s right – those in Spain tend to eat two breakfasts or desayunos:

  • Breakfast #1  7-9am: This is breakfast before leaving for work or errands for the day. It usually includes a small pastry (such as a churro), bread/toast, and hot chocolate or a cafe with milk.
  • Breakfast #2  10-11am: This is a more substantial breakfast eaten on a break at work. It can include items such as meats, cheese, and eggs.
Although I’m not inclined to eat churros for breakfast everyday – at least at this point in my life – I can definitely embrace the concept of the second breakfast. Quite honestly, if the Spanish and Hobbits can do it, why can’t I?
Ciao!

 

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , , ,

12 Ideas for a European Staycation

August 1, 2011 by

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Have you ever wished you could experience Europe or even a different country, without the excessive expense or time away from work? With one month to go until the unofficial end of summer, why not plan a few European-like experiences right in your own area  - a European Staycation of sorts.

Here are a few of my favorite European experiences to get you started….

12 Ideas for a European Staycation

England

1. Indulge in afternoon tea at a local hotel or cafe
2. Attend a local rugby match, horse race, or tennis match
3. Visit a botanic garden or participate in a garden walk
4. Watch Shakespearean play performed under the stars

Italy

5. Savor the taste of Italian Gelato or Napoli-style pizza made in a wood-fired oven
6. Sip on espresso in the afternoon while listening to Andrea Bocelli
7. Browse an art gallery for Renaissance Italian art

France

8. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of croissants and French preserves
9. Take a bike ride along the riverfront, lake shore, or through a park
10. Visit a Farmer’s Market for fresh cheese, vegetables, bread, or just pick up a few flowers

Spain

11. Prepare a late-night supper of Spanish tapas, complete with cava sangria
12. Channel your inner Picasso and paint a picture freehand while listening to the Gipsy Kings and sipping Spanish wine

What’s your favorite way to spend a European staycation?

Visit Bistro Chic on Thursday to find out how I’m spending my European staycation!

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The Language of Love

February 14, 2011 by
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Valentine’s Day may be coming to a close, but it’s never too late to tell the one you love just how much he/she means to you. Here are five very impressive ways to say just that!
5 Ways to Say I Love You
  1. French – Je t’aime
  2. Spanish – Te amo
  3. Italian – Ti amo
  4. German – Ich liebe Dch
  5. Greek – S’ ayapo
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Simple Mediterranean Recipes from Cooking Light

November 15, 2010 by

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From hummus to feta and olives to orzo, Mediterranean food is one of my favorite cuisines to eat. We all know by now that the Mediterranean diet is thought to be one of the healthiest in the world – which is a big reason why I like it. However, Mediterranean food is also extremely flavorful and easy to make.

If you’re still skeptical that Mediterranean food can be healthy, flavorful, and easy, just take a look at the Mediterranean recipes found on Cooking Light online. The online magazine has compiled a list of 26 tasty, healthy recipes from Greece, Morocco, Turkey, and other countries that span the Mediterranean. In this article, you’ll find such culinary favorites as:

  • Chicken Souvlaki – a mixture of chicken, yogurt, feta, and dill
  • Seared scallops with lemon orzo
  • Pasta with sun-dried tomato and feta
  • Lemon basil shrimp and pasta
  • Garlic rosemary and lamb pizza

All of the recipes use the very freshest ingredients, as is typical of Mediterranean cuisine, and they all take around 20 minutes to make.

The only problem now is trying to decide what to make first. Opa!

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , ,
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