The word bake is just so cool on so many levels. Ha.

It's amazing how satisfied you can feel after eating a handful or two of raw almonds.

Or, sharp cheddar or havarti dill cheese on Triscuit crackers, for that matter.

Between the veggies from the garden all summer, and working in the produce field, the fridge is always overflowing with fruits and vegetables. That's a good thing.

Tomatoes sit on the windowsill in the kitchen, potatoes go directly into the bread box, out of the light.

One can never have enough lemons and onions on hand.

I've made homemade chicken noodle soup about six times this winter. Probably one of the most nourishing and rejuvenating meals there is.

I wish I could say I was a vegan, but I do enjoy eating meat. However, it's never the main focus of my meals... the sides are just as important to me. I eat fish as much as possible, and anything pasta makes me weak in the knees!

"Chicken Said" (pronounced "sa-eed")
(A life saving recipe taught to me by my friend Said Marmoucha.)

1. Par cook (bake or fry) some chicken parts, maybe 4 legs and 4 thighs, or mix it up any which way. A whole chicken if you want.
2. Add the partially cooked chicken to a deep stove top pan that uses a lid.
3. Layer the chicken with a bunch of quartered & peeled potatoes, about a pound of big chunks of peeled carrots, four or five quartered big chunks of onion, and one or two washed and quartered lemons (leave the peel on!)
4. Season the layers with paparika, black pepper and a cup or more of chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro).
5. Add a cup of water, a cup or more of wine (red or white, whatever).
6. Simmer on real low for a couple or few hours with the lid on. Doesn't need stirring.
7. Add a jar of green pimento olives about 20 minutes before serving.
8. Scoop it into a big bowl and serve with a big fluffy loaf of Italian bread.
9. Eat with your hands, Moroccan style if you dare!
10. Save the leftovers and reheat a night or two later, even better!

Yum.