*Cue that Mariah Carey song about a hero coming along.* Can you hear it? Here’s a reminder: Well, I happen to believe the humble capsicum/pepper is a hero. Here’s why: And it’s certainly the hero of this capsicum/pepper salad, which…
After Chekhov – A Poem
This poem in my ekphrastic series is inspired not by one art source, but by two. Both works of art — a painting, and a short story — were completed within a decade of each other. Chekhov’s Tea In the…
Salami Puff Pastry Pillows
Two of the greatest words in the English language are “happy” and “hour” (jokes). These salami puff pastry pillows are an excellent accompaniment. They have just enough salt to be moreish, and just enough chilli to stop you eating too…
Visiting Renoir – A Poem
Another in my ekphrastic series. Visiting Renoir I called it a blue and white ceramic.You called it a faïence jardinière.I called Paul Berard’s home a farmhouse.You called it a pied-à-terre.The tapestry, you noted, was crimson red.Did you notice, like my…
The Philosophers’ Meal – A Poem
Continuing my ekphrastic poetry series. The Enlightenment At the Thursday night dinner of philosophers,it was Voltaire, Innkeeper of Europe,(self-dubbed)who raised his handto quiet the debate betweenle père Adam, Laharpe,l’abbé Maurice, CondorcetDiderot and d’Alembertregarding the nature of truth and tolerance;separation of…
Blonde Bolognese
This dish is more properly called bolognese bianco (white bolognese) or, even more properly, a ragù bianco (a white ragu – bolognese is a style of ragù from the Bologna region). I just think Blonde Bolognese sounds more fun 😂….
