Enjoy Mediterranean Flavor at Home

Given the choice of staying at home or basking in the sunshine of the Mediterranean, it's easy to see that many people would start packing their bags in an instant.

But, as you know, that's not always possible. There are these things called jobs and family responsibilities that keep us here.

But, just because you can't travel now, doesn't mean that you would ever be able to travel. So, in the meantime, you can have a great time doing some "armchair traveling," as you plan on visiting the many attractions of the Mediterranean. You can watch videos of the area, read travel books, learn the language, and read and cook from Mediterranean cookbooks on the region to enjoy some foods of the region.

Here, from Olive Farm in Portland, Oregon, which imports a variety of Mediterranean foods, for example, is an easy recipe to let you enjoy the full flavor of figs. They are easy to prepare, and would be delicious as an appetizer or snack-for adults as well as children. Preparing foods in the style of other countries is a great way to teach children about geography. Make these figs and then get out the map to show the kids where the Mediterranean is located.

Agean Stuffed Figs

12 Olive Farm ® figs

Mascarpone cream cheese (found in specialty food stores)

1 to 2 tablespoons Olive Farm Turkish Garden Herb Blend ™

Dash of lemon pepper

Cut a slit in the side of each fig. Place a dollop of mascarpone in each fig. Sprinkle each fig with Turkish Garden Herb Blend™ and lemon pepper. Place figs in a baking pan with mascarpone-side up. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 6 to 8 minutes, or until hot. Serves 4 (3 figs per person)

If you can't make it to the Mediterranean, but can get to Portland, Oregon, then you can visit the Olive Farm's Portland Store, which hosts cooking classes twice each month. Here they feature preeminent chefs of the Pacific Northwest. The classes include cooking with Olive Farm gourmet foods and discussions between the chefs and guests-as well as a delicious meal.

If you live in the Portland area, or are planning to visit the area, contact Beth at 503-231-8651 or 1-888-380-8018 or visit www.olivefarm.com for more details. Even if you can't visit, you can still treat yourself to some of their fine imported products, such as their extra virgin olive oil. Actually, the taste of a quality olive oil can almost make you feel as if you are basking in the Mediterranean sunshine.

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