Herbes de Provence

I'm going to try a new recipe tonight, "Chicken with Provencal Sauce" as recommended to me by My Recipes.  And thank goodness it came just in time for me to figure out what I'm cooking for dinner. The only problem is, I don't have Herbes de Provence.

So after a few searches online, I have decided to try Emeril Lagasse's recipe:

• 2 T. Savory
• 2 T. Rosemary
• 2 T. Thyme
• 2 T. Oregano
• 2 T. Basil
• 2 T. Marjoram
• 2 T. Fennel

Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container.  I'm probably going to use a mason jar.

You're probably wondering why Emeril's recipe, easy...I have all of these ingredients, except for Savory and unfortunately can't find it in my local grocery store.  So, my recipe will be just like Emeril's sans Savory.  Should taste the same, right?  Well, since I've never had Herbes de Provence before, I won't know the difference.

What is HdP???  It's a mixture of dried herbs, that are typical of the area in France called Provence.  Typically used on fish, chicken and meat, can also be added to soups & stews.

Some recipes call for the addition of Lavender, I'm not sure if I'd like my chicken tasting like old lady perfume so I'm passing on the Lavender recipe for now, not to say I won't try it later.

Pictures to follow...

Fiesta Grande

Instead of making dinner we're going to Fiesta Grande tonight.  Home of the 2 for 1 Margaritas before 7:00 p.m. Fiesta Grande is located at 421 N. Baker Street in Mount Dora, Florida. 

I'm not one to eat Mexican food out because every time I find a Mexican restaurant my husband wants to try, I end up with food poisoning.  Thankfully, not here!!!

The owner of the restaurant is Jessie, he and his family are from Mexico, they have found and are living the American Dream!  Jessie now owns two restaurants, the other is located in The Villages where Jessie and his brother Juan manage.  Jessie's younger brother runs the Mount Dora location.

I love going to Fiesta Grande because the food is delicious and affordable, they have excellent drink specials and the best part of all Daniel our favorite server is always ready to welcome us with a hug!

First they bring you a nice basket of fresh Tortilla chips & salsa, my suggestion is to also ask for the cheese dip. If you don't find the salsa spicy enough, they have a couple bottles of chili sauces to choose from. Soon to follow are your drinks.  My favorite items on the menu are:  Carnitas, Fajita Steak Quesadilla and the Fish Tacos.  My husband loves the Molcajete Caliente, Green Enchiladas and Fajita Brocheta.  All meals are prepared fresh and brought to your table smoking hot and sizzling!

Check out their menu at:  www.fiestagrandemexicangrill.com

Almond Macaroons

Made some Almond Macaroons recently, because I'm not used to documenting my recipes and process, I forgot to take some pictures.  I will be making the recipe again, there is some need of tweeking, the dough was a little runnnier than it should have been.  It did taste good though! 

What is this blog about?  That is a very good question.... I have pondered about creating a blog ever since I heard the word blog, but never had a subject to write about.  That is until now when I realized that food is a universal language.  One that everyone can connect with.

I have been baking & cooking since I was in the 5th grade.  Although, I have been cooking rice since the 1st grade.  Peeling potatoes, carrots and such since I was old enough to hold a peeler.  I grew up in the kitchen alongside my Grandma.  She, like myself was an instinctive cook, never following a recipe but instead glancing at one as a guide.  Tasting and inspecting our work of art along the way to achieve perfection in a pot, pan, bowl or plate. 

I'm not quite sure where this blog will take me or better yet, YOU!  But, I hope that I can give you insight into different cultures of foods that I create and also take you on a culinary journey through my city of Mount Dora with its fabulous restaurants, shops and small town charm.  There is no limit when it comes to food, so let us not limit what I will share here with you!

Please join me on my journey and I promise, I will keep you hungry for more!

Nalaine