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I grew up in Annapolis, the capital of MD, on the Chesapeake Bay and the Severn River where we always had fresh fish and seafood. I love all things food: cooking, eating, trying new recipes and sharing what I make with family and friends. I must say that my most favorite (I have many favorites) food is fish and mostly catfish. So, I'm always seeking catfish recipes frolm all olver. I like my cooking, my daughter, Wendy's, cooking and my son, Dan's dishes, as well. I'm not a food snob; in other words, I also enjoy OPC, (Other People's Cooking) also. I've got loads of interests: cats and dogs, taking photos, Giant pandas, chandeliers and the arts. I am a former teacher, personal chef and recovering lawyer turned information marketer. I love (watching) football, basketball, extreme sports like mountain/rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing and surfing. My own extreme sports are swimming, walking and talking. Not necessarily at the same time.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Anchovies: A Mediterranean Essential

Many people turn up their noses at the thought of anchovies. Either they have had a bad experiences with the fishy taste or someone did not know how to use them to bring out their delicious flavor.

I am an anchovy lover from way back. The first time I had them was when I was in college and had them on a pizza. I thought the taste was pretty weird at first. However, I tried them again and just loved them.

They add so much flavor to meats and poultry. They are just great in mashed potatoes and in sauces. They are extremely popular in Mediterranean cooking and especially in Italian and Spanish cooking and recipes.

Here is a delicious recipe from the cookbook, Mediterranean, published by Hermes House

Olive and Anchovy Bites

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chilled butter
1 cup finely grated cheese, such as
Manchego or Gruyere
2-ounce can anchovy fillets in oil,
drained and roughly chopped
1/2 cup pitted black olives, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sea salt

Makes 40-45

1. Place the flour, butter, cheese, anchovies, olives and cayenne pepper in a food processor.
2. Wrap the dough loosely in plastic wrap. Chill for 20 minutes
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured surface.
4. Cut the dough into 2-inch-wide strips, then cut across each strip diagonally, in alternate directions, to make triangles. Place on baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.

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