Stormy night in Prince Edward Island. Torrents of rain splashing against the windows of HG/BSK’s oceanfront home. Toby, The Wonder Dog, doesn’t appreciate rain, snow or gusty winds. Like HG, Toby is a civilized fellow who enjoys a warm wood stove and a sofa lounge. However, nature does call. BSK picked up the little fellow and deposited him outdoors for a few minutes. Appropriate. Dinner guest was Leslie F., the beautiful, talented neighbor. BSK rose to the occasion. The trio dined on Shakshouka. This is a middle eastern dish that is an Israeli favorite. It is a stew of red peppers, onions, garlic(much), olive oil, tomato puree. Flavored with coriander, cumin, paprika, lemon (or lime) zest, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar. When the stew has achieved the right lush texture, eggs are cracked into it. Heat is lowered and the eggs are cooked until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny. The side dish is an HG specialty. Greek yogurt and sour cream are mixed with cumin, Spanish Pimenton, zaatar, sumac, olive oil, a generous amount of smashed garlic and the juice of one large lemon, Harissa is on the table to give the Shakshouka some heat and warmed pita is there for the dipping. Fresh chopped cilantro tops the Shakshouka. Some Israelis like to add feta cheese and strips of serrano peppers. HG/BSK and Leslie devoured the dish. BSK got applause. Dessert was homey tapioca pudding (HG added vanilla ice cream). Rain outside. Golden sunshine at BSK’s dinner table.
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