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About FoodieWineLover - Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas

My name is Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas and I am the name behind the blog Foodiewinelover. I am of Italian and Middle Eastern descent, but spent part of my early childhood in Haiti. It's a small country in the Caribbean (formerly known as Hispanola, because the island was occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic before both nations became independent.) I am married to a Greek and I currently live in South Florida, where there is a big Cuban influence. As you can see, I am multi-cultural, and I enjoy traditional and authentic dishes from various cuisines. I am a passionate food writer, a recipe developer, and a cookbook author. I am a Level 2 sommelier, and recently received a level 2 "WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust". I am a culinary personality and a world traveler. In March 2023, I was awarded the title of "Italian Wine Scholar", after undergoing rigorous studies of all the twenty Italian wine regions. In between blogging, I sell and invest in Real Estate. I have been inspired by many different cuisines during my travels abroad, and I am fascinated, the way food plays a major role in cultures all over the globe. I have had the pleasure to visit many countries and cities in my lifetime, and savored many delicious ethnic cuisines. I am really excited to discover WordPress and share with you my passion for food, wine and travels around the world. I feel blessed to have visited so many places such as Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti (where I lived), Mexico City, Taxco, Acapulco, and Cancun in Mexico; Nassau, Paradise Island, in the Bahamas; St. John, St.Thomas, San Jose, Guanacaste in Costa Rica; Rome, Naples, Capri, Positano, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, Milan, in Italy; Lugano, Switzerland; Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, in Greece; Kusadasi and Ephesus in Turkey; Corsica, Monacoville and Montecarlo in Monaco; Nice, Cannes in France; Barcelona in Spain and Palma De Majorca. Most recently, I visited Cartagena, Colombia. I currently live in the USA with my beautiful family. In 2013 I visited wine country, Sonoma and Napa Valley, and had the time of my life. In 2017, I explored the world of Tuscan living and wines from that region. I also visited Positano, the Amalfi Coast and Naples where I relished on some authentic Southern Italian Cuisine. I cook passionately, and I love to entertain family and friends, while sipping on some amazing wine. I will share with you some of my delicious culinary creations, and some beautiful pictures that I captured during my travels. I hope you will sit back, relax and enjoy My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles.

Veal Bolognese over Pappardelle

Veal Bolognese

The traditional Bolognese sauce originated in Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna,  a famous region in Northern Italy, North of  Florence.  It is commonly called Ragu Bolognese. There are different versions,  just like you will find different versions of  tomato sauce and pizza. The Bolognese is always a meat-based tomato sauce, usually veal, and an Italian soffritto: carrots, onions and celery. Some recipes call for beef and/or pork. Milk or cream can also be added to give it a more authentic feel. Today, I will share with you my version of the Bolognese sauce.  It is quick, easy, delicious and you can double up the recipe to feed a large crowd.

Ingredients

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Browning the pancetta

Sweating the veggies

Browning the veal

Cooked Pasta

Voila! Dinner is ready

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 – 1/2 lbs ground veal
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 chopped tomato (Pomi) or any other brand,  about 26 oz
  • 1 strained tomato (Pomi) or any other brand,  about 26 oz
  • 1/2 cup water and more pasta water, if needed
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 4 – 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/4 lb pancetta, chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Flat leave parsley, chopped, to garnish
  • Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Parmesan cheese)
  • 1 lb. Pappardelle pasta

Degree of difficulty:  Easy
Serves 4  (hungry) people as a main meal
This recipe takes a minimum of  45 minutes to an hour to prepare, but you can extend the cooking  up to 2 hours if you have the time. You will need to add water occasionally, and stir constantly to reduce the sauce. The flavors will be more infused and you will get a richer sauce.  However, this recipe is a quicker version for today’s busy lives , and the best part of it, your loved ones will not know the difference.

PREPARATION:

1)  On medium-high heat, in a 6-8 quart stock pan, heat oil, brown pancetta, 2-3 minutes, remove and set aside.

2)  There will be some oil left in the pot, add the onions, carrots and garlic  and sweat for about 2-3 minutes.

3)  Add veal, brown for about 5 minutes by stirring occasionally, then add tomato paste,  continue to brown until you get a nice caramelization.

4)  Add strained and chopped tomatoes, pancetta, 1/2 cup water, salt & pepper, oregano. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.  If you feel like the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. Remember, this is a meat sauce and it is supposed to be thick and not watery, therefore, use your judgement.

5)  On another burner, get the water boiling for your pappardelle or whatever pasta you’re using, cook according to package directions.

6)  Drain pasta, (save some water if you need it for the sauce) and pour it over the meat sauce. Make sure all the pasta is nicely coated and serve immediately. If you let it sit, the pasta will absorb all the sauce and it will become dry. Have the grated Parmigiano Reggiano at the table for individual use. If you don’t feel comfortable serving it this way, place pasta in bowls and pour sauce over each one. Sprinkle chopped  parsley to garnish it and give it your personal touch.

I paired this Bolognese with a delicious Rosso di Montalcino that went together magically.  You certainly can use a nice Chianti instead, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. I promise you, your loved ones will thank you for this amazing dish. They will think you spend the entire day in the kitchen to create this delectable and hearty meal.  With winter around the corner for some of you, this meat sauce will keep you warm and your belly satisfied.  I hope you will try this recipe and have fun with it.

Disclosure, I don’t get paid to advertise products on here,  I use whatever brand I have in my pantry at the time of cooking. I like to change it up anyway and experiment. That’s what makes cooking fun and interesting (at least for me).   Use whatever brand you prefer, be daring and have confidence.  If you view cooking as a chore, it will be boring and uninteresting, but if you cook with passion, you will enjoy every step, and your meal will always be a success. I must admit, I enjoy getting compliments from my family because  it encourages me to cook more for them. I’m not perfect and I’ve made a few mistakes in the kitchen, but I learned from them.  The only way you’re gonna learn and create your signature dish is by experimenting.  There is always room for improvement and I welcome feedback. I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog, and will give my recipe a try soon.

Cheers and Happy Cooking from Gina’s Kitchen!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures: https://atomic-temporary-72612853.wpcomstaging.com/product/cookbook/
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier & Italian Wine Scholar
Winner of 2019 Italian Wines “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award, held in Puglia, Italy
Brand Strategist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experiencing Colossal Rome

My paternal great grandparents were originally from Teora, a small town in the province of Avellino, in the Campania region of southern Italy.   My great-grandpa, Anselmo Martino owned a  lovely property with a small vineyard on it.  He employed many people from the town,  they harvested the grapes in a festival atmosphere, singing and  dancing.  He was also a shoemaker.  It’s no wonder, I have such passion for shoes and wine.  The property has been sold since then to the Caprio family.  My dad had always wanted to visit Italy and begged me on several occasions to go along with him, but I wasn’t ready to take this long transatlantic flight from Miami. Then, In 2007, I realized my parents were getting older and it was time to take this adventurous trip to Bella Italia. I knew, once I committed to going, there was no turning back. I mentioned to them about planning a family trip to Italy, and they were ecstatic about it. We were 7 of us, hubby and me, our boys, 16 and 19 then,  my brother, my mom and dad. We were all ready to embark on this amazing travel adventure. Since it was our very first time visiting, I thought it would be a great idea to take a tour and have them plan everything. We enlisted in Perillo Tours, and were very pleased with the entire experience.  In February, we booked a multi-city Italian trip for an escapade of a lifetime  in June 2007. The anticipation was building during that time span and, we used every moment to plan for a perfect family vacation. As time got closer, we made sure all the travel arrangements were in place, did our last-minute shopping, made sure we packed walking shoes for the cobblestone streets,  summer clothes, outfits for the evenings and lots of toiletries.  I will never forget that day, on June 3rd, 2007, my parents and my brother met us at the house and we took a limo to the airport. We were chanting on the way and extremely excited about what was about to come. We landed in Rome early morning, got picked up at the airport, then dropped off to our hotel. The Grand Hotel Beverly Hills is  located right outside of the city center near the famous Villa Borghese and the elegant area of Via Veneto.

Photo courtesy, Grand Hotel Beverly Hills

Photo courtesy, Grand Hotel Beverly Hills

One of my favorite cities in the world is Rome because of my fascination with its ancient architectures, magnificent artwork  and rich history. I also love it for its breathtaking sightseeing,  scrumptious cuisine and delicious wines. The next day, we visited the Vatican and were amazed by its opulence and lavish gold accented decor. Afterwards, we took a tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral, and were astonished by its grandeur and splendid beauty. We bought some souvenirs and grabbed some lunch at Piazza Navona.

Lunch at Piazza Navona

It is not a trip to Italy unless you visit  the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)  “A traditional legend holds if  visitors toss a coin into the fountain,  they are ensured a return to Rome. ”  We tossed some coins into one of the most beautiful Italian masterpiece fountain in the world in the hopes to return someday.  Hubby and I have been back twice since then, and my parents and the family once more. Magically, it works!

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Trevi Fountain

Mom & Dad at the Trevi Fountain

Mom & Dad at the Trevi Fountain

Peter-John at the Trevi Fountain

Peter-John at the Trevi Fountain

The highlight of the trip was definitely the tour of the breathtaking Colosseum. It was a surreal experience that gave me the chills, and felt like I was living a part of history. It was a magical moment that I will cherish forever. We then took pictures with the gladiators and bought souvenirs to keep these memories alive. It was time to head back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.

Mom and Dad with the gladiators

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Family Photo at The Colosseum

We ate dinner at a nice Italian restaurant called Al Grappolo.   It was a fun evening with an abundance of delicious food, elegant wine and some good laughs. It is fair to say, I was the loudest and very giggly because I walked into the lady’s room and there was a man in there.  I was already feeling tipsy, I went back to the table and had everyone in the restaurant in stitches. The next day, we visited the Spanish Steps, (Piazza di Spagna)  a major landmark that attracts millions of people each year.  It is located near the old city centre and  consist of 138 steps. At the base of the Spanish Steps, there is a beautiful fountain and some quaint shops.

The Spanish Steps with Mom & Dad

The Spanish Steps with Mom & Dad

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At the Spanish Steps with hubby, Peter

Facing the Steps is Via Dei Condotti, a very glitzy street filled with luxurious brand named stores such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and so much more. Dad offered me a Gucci bag as a special gift for accompanying him on the trip,  it was very hard to resist. First, we stopped at a coffee shop, named Caffe Greco, beautifully decorated  but on the pricey side.  A cannoli set us back 8 euros but it was worth the splurge. We were rushing as mom and I could not wait to get to the Gucci store.

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Shopping at Gucci

Of course, no afternoon would be completed without  a refreshing gelato or granita, shaved ice with flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream.

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Gelato and Granita Time

One  night, we went to a Gala Party at the extravagant Palazzo Brancaccio,  had an amazing dinner and drank delicious wines to our heart’s content.  We were serenaded by an amazing orchestra and danced the night away.  It was a magical evening of fun celebrations with the family and new-found  friends we met on the tour.

Palazzo Brancaccio

Palazzo Brancaccio

Arriving  at the bay of Naples was another special moment that I will always cherish. The bus made a stop so we could shoot some family pictures overlooking  the magnificent view. We were having the time of our lives.
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On that trip, we also visited Pompeii, Sorrento, (ate dinner at the beautiful  restaurant La Tonnarella,) Capri,  Florence, Venice and Milan. That will be another blog all together. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity  to take this once in a lifetime vacation with my amazing family. Please note, back then, I was not big on taking food pictures and the camera was barely adequate to take decent photos. The pictures featured here are from 2 separate trips. Thank you all for coming along with me on this amazing  travel adventure. There are a lot more details to this trip but it would take me too long to describe.

Update: Since this family trip, My husband and I visited Rome on other occasions, and most recently, in the summer of 2017. We explored Trastevere, a quaint neighborhood of Rome with multi-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. Many locals hang out in this charming area which is a walking distance from the City Centre. The restaurants are reasonable and they serve delicious and authentic food.

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas aka Foodiewinelover
My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
Culinary Aficionado, WSET-Level 2 Wine Connoisseur
World Traveler – Lover of  Global Food Cultures & Traditions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bites, Bubbly & Blogs

Since I am still fairly new at blogging, I decided to have a little get together in my kitchen with a couple of fellow (beginner) bloggers. We brainstormed and exchanged notes and ideas to help each other out. Angela will be blogging about food and wine and Barbara will be blogging about her amazing photography skills. I learned a lot from Angela’s organizational skills and computer knowledge, and Barbara taught me how to give my photographs some character and make them pop.  Their sites will be up and running soon, and I could not be more excited for them. From what I am seeing, bloggers help one another and are very supportive of each other.  That in itself is a big inspiration and motivates me to bring out my creative side.

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Needless to say, we had fun in my “Gina’s Kitchen” with small bites and bubbly to celebrate our new ventures. Of course, we spent nearly two hours, on and off trying to get some great food shots. Thank goodness, Barbara was there to guide us and give us some useful tips in food photography. This takes practice, and one can only get better with time and lots of experience. I made a lovely lump crab meat salad “sans mayo” since Angela does not care for it. I know some of you are frowning but not all of us are created equal and that’s what makes life so interesting.

It is a very simple recipe that anyone can whip up in no time

  • 1 – 8 ounce jar lump crab meat
    you can also use imitation crab meat which works
  • 2 stalks of celery, sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 TBS olive oil

Degree of difficulty: Very easy
Serves 4-6

Preparation:

Lightly break up lump crab meat, if you are using imitation crab, you can shred it with your hands for a nice presentation. Combine all the ingredients at once and chilled for at least one hour. For added richness, you can add some mayonnaise and whatever spice you like.

lumpcrabmeat

I also served some delicious smoked salmon with sliced cucumbers. They were light and tasty but most of all, they paired beautifully with the bubbly.

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Simple, yet sophisticated

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Barbara brought some delicious hummus with veggies and Angela made a very healthy and scrumptious salad with field greens, avocados, corn, cherry tomatoes and sunflower sprouts.

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It was a fun and productive day, especially in the company of two friends that I care for. I admire both for their lovely qualities and  generous hearts.

Stay tuned for more exciting blogs on food, wine and travels. Until next time, happy blogging from Gina’s Kitchen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Away from Home, A Sweet Escape

This year, my hubby surprised me with a weekend getaway in beautiful Fort Lauderdale to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  It’s a thirty to forty-five minute ride from our home. Since a vacation requires a lot of planning and time off, this was the perfect escape to enjoy the sweet life, La Dolce Vita as I like to call it. Of course, I packed as if I was going away for two weeks. We stayed at the W hotel, a very chic hotel facing the pristine Fort Lauderdale Beach, with a modern look and  upscale amenities. Upon our arrival, we were greeted courteously by the hotel staff.  While waiting for our beachfront view room,  we sipped on champagne, (courtesy of the hotel) to kick off our celebration, and took a tour of the lovely pool area.

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Shortly afterwards, we were notified that our room was ready, and could not wait to see it.  Well, we were blown away by a spacious and impeccably kept room, and a glass-encased peekaboo shower. Yes, nothing private about it, however, there was an option to order a curtain which we didn’t feel the need. The best part of course, was the spectacular view of the glistening ocean waves and the beautifully landscaped tropical palm trees. It was truly paradise on earth.

Postcard worthy view

Postcard worthy view

 

At nighttime, we took a stroll on the beach, and had dinner at the exotic Casablanca cafe. The ambiance was romantic, the decor had a Mediterranean flair with a gorgeous view of the ocean from afar. Hubby had a crab crusted mahi-mahi with a lobster sauce and I had a black grouper with a beurre blanc sauce (white wine, butter and shallots).  Both dishes were beautifully plated, very fresh and tasted delicious.

 

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Black grouper with beurre blanc sauce

 

Crab crusted mahi-mahi

Crab crusted mahi-mahi

Friday morning we lounged around the pool at the hotel and savored some delicious hummus, tasty Ahi tuna tacos and enjoyed fabulous drinks.

Hummus platter

Hummus platter

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Ahi tuna tacos

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Around 2:30 PM, we headed to the spa for our massage and body wraps. It was ninety minutes of pure “bliss”,  and we both felt rejuvenated after this amazing pampering experience.

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That evening, we ate dinner at a newly opened restaurant in the trendy Las Olas area called, Fork & Balls. A fun place but on the noisy side,  I recommend going there with a group of people.  They have a nice assortment of meatballs on their menu.

Meatballs over polenta

Meatballs over polenta

Afterwards, we went back to the W and played pool with some hotel guests. On Saturday, we basked in the sun and had a relaxing day. In the evening, we got dressed up and enjoyed some fine dining at Steak 954. We shared a Porterhouse steak paired with an elegant super tuscan wine.

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Aged porterhouse for two

While eating dinner, we got a notification that someone dropped off a bottle of champagne for us at the front desk. It was a family member and a friend who came for a surprise visit.  We joined them for drinks and ended up at the hotel’s nightclub, Whiskey Blue. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful weekend away.

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Whiskey Blue

Whiskey Blue

On Sunday morning, we ordered room service for breakfast  and sipped coffee on the balcony while enjoying the fabulous view of the ocean.  We, then packed our bags and headed back to our home, sweet home.

Life is beautiful, live it up!

Gina

 

A visit to the Hamptons with food and wine

One of my favorite cities in the world is New York City. I have gone there since I am a little girl and I love it more, every time I visit. While in New York, I also enjoy going out to the Hamptons which is about a 2 to 5 hour drive East of the city, depending on traffic. My hubby grew up in the area and loves taking me there to show me all the cool spots and the beautiful beaches.  In 2012, we re-visited the area on a family vacation.  While strolling around in the Hamptons, we found this amazing artisanal food and cheese store called Lucy’s Whey.  We bought a loaf of crusty bread and some scrumptious cheese, then, stopped to get some wine at a liquor store nearby.  We brought them back to the hotel and had a feast. It was such a heavenly pairing and perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

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If you have been to the Hamptons, you will definitely recognize this windmill which is a landmark in the area.

Since our last visit in 2012, we found out the store, Lucy’s Whey has a Pop Up Shop in Lieb Cellars in East Hampton. They also own 2 stores in New York city that are open all year-round.

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2009 Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux “Cuvée Azalais” Vacqueyras –

Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator.  Smoldering charcoal and black tea notes lead the way, with fleshy, supple notes of blackberry preserves, mulled fig and spice. A roasted chestnut hint weaves subtly through the finish. This has good character. 
 
This red wine is an amazing blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. It is from Rhone, a breathtaking region in France known for its corpulent wines and wonderful terroirs.  
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 If you are looking for a scrumptious and pungent cheese to pair with your wine, this is it. I could not get enough of its deliciousness and burst of flavors caressing my palate.
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There is no denying, New York has the best bread in the world (along with Italy and France) and this one proved to be tasty and crusty. This sumptuous food pairing was a Menage a Trois in a foodie world.  I hope you have enjoyed my culinary travel in the Hamptons, and this blog will have you salivating for some delicious eats. Don’t be afraid to experiment when it comes to food and wine pairing, be daring and make it fun.  If you do not consume alcohol, just omit the wine and enjoy the bread and cheese.

Bon Appetit! Cheers and Happy Travels!

Clams Oreganata

Good evening all! I hope you are ready for some fun in Gina’s Kitchen. Tonight, I prepared Clams Oreganata and I am happy to share this recipe with you.  They were so delicious, my family devoured them one by one.

Serves: 4
Degree of difficulty: Easy – Medium

INGREDIENTS:

  • 25 little neck clams
  • 1/2 cup or so of seasoned breadcrumbs, (Progresso, Italian Style)
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 3/4 tsp Oregano
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, (plain olive oil will do also)
  • more olive oil for drizzling
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, optional
  • 1 lemon

PREPARATION:

In a colander, wash the clams thoroughly and place them on a flat baking tray. I will share with you a little trick to make it easier to open them. Preheat oven at 375 degrees and bake the clams for 3 minutes.  They will be open, just detach them one by one so each clam is on one shell. Do this while they are still on the tray. There will be some juice from the clams, leave it in there. Set aside.

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In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, black pepper and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture on top of all the clams and cover the tray as well.  Place in the broiler for 3 minutes and remove promptly. They should have a nice golden color to them.  Drizzle liberally more olive oil, and squeeze the lemon juice all over the clams. Voila! They make a fancy appetizer but do require a little work.  They are so worth the extra effort, your guests will be very satisfied.  If you choose to drink, I would pair it with a nice Chardonnay.

Bon Appetit!

From Gina’s Kitchen

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Gina’s Hummus

Hummus

Good morning all! I am still very excited about blogging and hope more of you will join me on my new journey.   I have debated what to post, since I have a nice collection of recipes in my database. Today, I decided to share with you my popular Hummus recipe. It’s always a big hit at my gatherings and so easy to prepare.

Serves:  6-8
Degree of difficulty: Easy

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 – 16 ounces can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. salt, optional
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp. Tahini (sesame paste) optional but highly recommended for richness
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 lemon
  • Paprika
  • Olives and flat leaf parsley for garnish, optional
Very appealing to the eyes

Very appealing to the eyes

 

PREPARATION:

Combined all the ingredients (except for the  paprika and garnishes)  in a food processor or blender until it reaches a creamy texture. Add more water if needed. Place in a medium size bowl, garnish with olives, parsley, sprinkle the paprika and drizzle some olive oil on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Voila, you got yourself a crowd pleaser! Serve with Pita bread.

Bon Appetit

From Gina’s Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

Helene’s Delicious Tabbouleh

Happy New Week everyone! I’d love to share with you, my favorite salad that my Mom taught me. Her name is Helene and her background is from the Middle East. It is sometimes called Tabouleh or Tabouli.You will love this recipe because it’s delicious and very refreshing. You can make it on hot summer days or cold winter nights. Either way, it will be delectable.

 

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Tabbouleh

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 cup finely cracked wheat, which can be found at specialty stores *
  • 1.5 cup of water
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 cups chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 5 scallions, sliced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pomegranate seeds for garnish, optional

PREPARATION:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, soak the cracked wheat in water for about 20 to 30 minutes until all the water is fully absorbed.
  2. In the meanwhile, chop and prep all your ingredients.
  3. Add all the ingredients in the wheat and give it a good stir. Taste it and adjust as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours for maximum flavor. Most of the time, the oil will be absorbed during the chilling process. You will need to add some extra lemon juice and olive oil  to moisten the salad and give it that glistening look.
  4. Place the salad in a serving bowl and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

* You can substitute the cracked wheat with bulgur or quinoa. Cook according to package directions. The measurements that I give you are to be used as a barometer. I always recommend that you tweak everything to your taste.

Bon Appetit

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas
Foodiewinelover
My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
Culinary Aficionado and WSET-Level 2 certified wine connoisseur

 

 

 

 

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