Parade’s Community Table: Moroccan Cuisine Swirls into the American Kitchen

Chicken Stew with Potatoes and Olives

Morocco’s sweet and savory fragrances of olives, tender meat, dried fruit and rich spices is swirling around American cuisine. As a North African country bordering the Mediterranean, it has for thousands of years imported Asian, European and Arabic flavors into its own rich culinary history. As an elegant and colorful cuisine, it’s a welcome addition to the forever expanding American palate. Caroline Hofberg’s cookbook, Morocco on a Plate, showcases various bread, vegetarian, meat and dessert recipes for curious minds who wish to explore Moroccan cuisine.

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Parade.com: Summer Blueberries in Autumn, Starting with Blueberry-Coffee Rubbed Chicken Thighs

Blueberry Espresso Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Hominy Salad with Dandelion Greens

With autumn comes dishes with spicy cinnamon and warm nutmeg flavors, sturdy winter squashes sweetly cooked down, and hearty soups. I’m blissfully thinking of summer blueberries. It’s an unusual craving at this time of year, but blueberries’ tart and sweet flavor are available year-round in different forms other than fresh.

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#HealthyHoliday Soul Food Blog Carnival: Mediterranean-Inspired Salad with Cauliflower Couscous

Mediterranean-Inspired Salad with Cauliflower Couscous

Everyone has their own definition of what being healthy means. For me, it’s enjoying mostly–within my budget and whenever possible–organic food my body allows in moderation. Sure, organic cow’s whole milk is used when cooking, but drinking a glass of whole milk isn’t for me. White sugar is gradually being replaced with coconut sugar (I’m giving away the white stuff). Wheat doesn’t affect me at all, but I’m experimenting with coconut flour. And, there’s plenty of soul recipes on this site with healthy alternatives, such as Black-eye Pea and Wild Brown Rice Risotto with Seared Baby Lamb Chops and Saute Swiss Chard, Duck and Turnip Stew with Dandelion Greens and Red Beans and Chicken with Wild RiceRead more

Couscous with Roast Cauliflower and Shrimp

Couscous with Roast Cauliflower and Shrimp

Last year, a few foodie friends raved about Adriana Valez’s Roast Cauliflower recipe. She used to write a food blog at “What I Made for Dinner.” These foodie friends loved her recipe so much; they eventually started reinterpreting the recipe with other spices, including a curry-spiced version. Remembering everyone’s twitter and facebook rave about her recipe last summer, one head of cauliflower was finally and recently brought on a whim. Read more

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Confession: I used to think red meat and pork was unhealthy. While at a dinner party a few years ago, someone ordered seared lamb chops. They looked irresistible. He sliced into one and offered a taste. How could I resist? I blame the wine for having the courage to say yes. Like a crack addict, each medium-rare chew was a sensuous flavor of high delight. It was unforgettable. Read more