October 5, 2009.   Categories Chef Rima Olvera, Contributing Chefs, Mediterranean, Smoking / Grilling.

Rima’s Lamb Chops with Rose Jam, Mint Pesto and Pearl Couscousby Chef Rima Olvera of “Duet” www.rimaolvera.com There are lots of great recipes and just as many chefs . . . but how often do you truly come across a chef so gifted that their recipes are truly unique and original?  Perhaps you may find someone who is truly the master of a certain style or region but how often do you find someone who has mastered numerous...

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September 4, 2009.   Categories Asian, Chef Rima Olvera, Contributing Chefs, Light / Healthy, Soups.

“Lemongrass Tea” Soup with Chicken Dumplings, Mango, and Glass Noodles Exclusive Recipe by Chef Rima Olvera of “Duet” www.rimaolvera.com Follow Rima’s travels and updates on her blog . . . www.rimaolvera.com/blog I’m so fortunate to know so many talented chefs.  But, when it comes to truly unique recipes that combine the ultimate ingredients with flavor and beauty, Chef Rima Olvera is the...

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August 23, 2009.   Categories Comfort Food, Smoking / Grilling, Southwestern / Mexican.

Smoked Chipotle Citrus Pulled Pork It’s summertime . . . a season dedicated to great slow smoked meats and ice cold beer!  Sometimes there is just nothing better than a pulled pork sandwich and a tall iced glass of ale.  If you’ve been reading this website, you know that I am a big fan of the Big Green Egg smoker/grill.  It’s one of the best investments I’ve made in my culinary world.  And when I...

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August 18, 2009.   Categories Southwestern / Mexican.

Grilled Chile-Marinated Filet Mignon Tacos Ingredients: 2 or 3 1.5 to 2 inch filet mignon steaks Marinade: 2 guajillo chiles, dried (prepared – see below*) 2 pasilla chiles, dried 3 cascabel chiles, dried 1 chipotle chile 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds 6 allspice berries 3 cloves 1/2 cinnamon stick (preferably Mexican cinnamon) 6 garlic cloves, peeled 10 black peppercorns Tacos: guacamole Diced tomatoes diced white...

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July 26, 2009.   Categories Comfort Food, Pasta, Southwestern / Mexican.

Ingredients: 3 slices, thick sliced smoked bacon 4 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons, plus 1 tablespoon 4 tablespoons flour 2 cups half and half (or 1.5 cups of milk) 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle chiles (*optional) 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder (*optional) 2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic 4 ounces...

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July 21, 2009.   Categories Poultry, Seafood, Spanish.

Paella with Seafood, Chicken and Chorizo There is something so festive and inviting about Paella . . .especially when it’s prepared over a wood fire or on the beach.  I don’t claim that this recipe is an authentic or traditional version which would probably have rabbit and lima beans instead of chorizo and gabanzos.  But I believe a 20 inch paella pan can be like an artist’s canvas.  Have fun with it and make it...

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