Indulgence: Costa Rican Coffee

It doesn't matter how late it gets, my morning ritual, which basically involves staring into space for 15 minutes while I drink my coffee, cannot be disturbed. I discovered Cafe Britt coffee while on vacation in Costa Rica, and found it to be heavenly. I mean to try their other coffees (they also sell Peruvian coffee), but right now I'm hooked on their Costa Rican organic shade grown roast. It is smooth and rich and picks me up without making me feel edgy. I now order it online and also give to coffee-drinking friends and relatives as a gift on holidays.

By the way, the coffee is certified organic and the company claims to follow fair trade practices and help develop sustainable practices in coffee growing countries. I really hope that's true, because I love this coffee.

Cilantro Dip

I've read in various places that cilantro (or coriander) has antibacterial properties and is considered a digestive aid. I just love the way it tastes. I make this dip by crushing a garlic clove or two, chopping up some cilantro, adding enough olive oil to cover it (some people use avocado oil), adding a few red pepper flakes and a couple squirts of lemon. I use it to dip bread in, and imagine it could be used as a rub for chicken - I haven't tried this yet but plan to do so soon.

Weekend Rituals

I feel fortunate for many reasons, but today I feel lucky to live near the Green Market in Union Square (NYC), where we shop for fresh produce on Saturdays. I don't think you need to be a talented cook to eat like a queen if you can prepare basic foods using great ingredients.Today, we ate sliced tomatoes with mozarella and basil on slices of crusty artisanal bread heated in the oven, we snacked on sweet blueberries, and for dinner, we ate baked chicken with mixed green salad. Everything fresh and from the market. Saturdays are always a feast. I just wish that everyone were as fortunate.