Entertain, Made in Spain

How about entertaining with a bit of Northern Spain/ South of France influence? Stock up on Olives and Anchovies. Tip: Give Arbequina olives a try - they are grown in Catalonia, Spain and have a buttery flavor with hints of pepper.

Tapenade comes from the word tapeno which means capers in Provence. The addition of sun dried tomatoes adds a little sweetness.

Olive Tapenade

Recipe by George Hirsch | Makes 1 cup

2/3 cup black oil cured olives (Kalamata or Nicoise), pitted and finely chopped 

2 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely chopped 

4 cloves caramelized garlic 

2 Tablespoons capers, drained, rinsed under cold tap water and finely chopped 

2 small sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped 

4 Tablespoons virgin olive oil 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

3 basil leaves , chopped

In a bowl, mix together the olives, anchovies, garlic, capers, sun dried tomatoes, oil, pepper, and water. Spread Tapenade on toasted French baguette bread, top with fresh basil, or serve with your favorite sandwich. 

Man's Best Friend Snack

Beatrice, guest blogger

With Father's Day near, my best friend George asked me to guest post for him today with a special timely message important to all my doggy friends. As you know, George is a big advocate of nutrition and well being among people, but I find it important to point out some good work being done for my doggie friends and we all need your support today. 

I'm asking you to please take one second and vote; (it's only one click) with your support our friends at dogOdog can receive a grant to further their Organic products for pets. And, please pass along the link to all your dog loving friends. Please be a part of a doggie's dream for good treats by going to missionsmallbusiness.com and cast your vote for dogOdog Organics in East Hampton, New York. 

THANKS A MILLION! - Woof. Beatrice

More About dogOdog: Dog Healthy and Earth Friendly US Certified 100% Organic Products for your dogOdog. FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR DOG AND PLANET. Made by hand in the USA. and made to order Organic dog treats and toys.  

Treat Well™ with all natural, wholesome and delicious human-grade 100% Organic Biscuits for snacking. 100% US Certified Organic Ingredients Organic: Rolled Oats, Brown Rice Flour, Oat Bran, Golden Flaxseed Meal, Pumpkin, Apple Juice and Honey.

"Play Safe with 100% Organic Cotton Play-Tug-Chew-Toy great for teething puppies and playful dogs. Treat Well with all natural, wholesome and delicious human-grade 100% Organic Biscuits for snacking.All packaging reflects dogOdogOrganics eco-friendly dogma using USA recycled, compostable materials and soy-based inks." 

Eco-Conscious and GREEN in every way from start to finish. All materials and ingredients used in our products are sourced from USDA Organic suppliers in the USA.  

DogOdog’s packaging materials are also sourced and manufactured in the USA: We use kraft paperboard boxes for the biscuits that are reusable and recyclable, as are our gift boxes that are made from recycled paper.  The stay-fresh cello bags in the biscuit boxes are made from sustainable wood-cellulose bio-film bags that are home-compostable. 

Treat Well and Have Fun! - DogOdog Organics

What's That Tuesday

Handforged by a blacksmith. Will last a lifetime. One of a kind. The average household needs one on-average once a week. Answer: a pizza cutter. Made by Artist/blacksmith Al Stephens, Alabama USA.


I've made more than my share of pizza with an infinite number of topping combinations. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser. When the Gorgonzola melts, it becomes creamy and gives the pizza a nutty flavor. Top with pecans for additional nuttiness that is ideal with the creamy cheese. Ideal for luncheon entrée or dinner appetizer served a tossed green salad.

Grilled Three-Cheese Pizza

Recipe George Hirsch | Makes four appetizer servings

4 pieces of George's pizza dough 

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

1/2 cup goat cheese or feta

2 Tablespoons pecans, chopped

6 fresh basil leaves, lightly torn

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Pre heat grill to medium or an oven to 500 degrees F.

Brush dough on both sides with olive oil. Place dough on grill top shelf or bake on a pizza stone for about 2-3 minutes until bottom of crust is crisp, flip over crust, and 

top crust with cheeses and pecans leaving a half-inch border around crust. Continue baking for about 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove pizza and top with fresh basil, olive oil and pepper, serve immediately.

Chefs note: Top pizza with carmelized onions after cheese melts to sweeten saltiness of cheese.