COOKBOOK CONFIDENTIAL COOKBOOK CLUB – Darlene Foster reviews Greek Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill

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Hi there,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend and fellow blogger Darlene Foster. Darlene blogs at https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com. Darlene has written a very entertaining series of books. These books are in the style of the Nancy Drew mysteries. Her main character is a very plucky and interesting character named, Amanda and her adventures are set in a variety of countries. Darlene lives in Spain and in addition to Amanda, you will find on her blog wonderful posts on a variety of subjects. What follows is Darlene’s review.

Milk Street: Tuesday Nights Mediterranean: 125 Simple Weeknight Recipes from the World’s Healthiest Cuisine  by Christopher Kimball

I am delighted to be part of this Cookbook Confidential Book Club. I enjoy trying new recipes and the first book chosen was perfect. My five-star review on Goodreads:

A fabulous cookbook with delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dishes. I love Mediterranean recipes, using readily available fresh ingredients, such as Greek Style Spinach rice with Shrimp and Dill, Rigatoni with Artichokes, Basil, and Pecorino, Spanish Shrimp and Chickpea Stew, and Crispy Pasta with Chickpeas, Lemon, and Parsley. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes, but also some healthy chicken and fish recipes. The photos are gorgeous, and I enjoyed reading about where the author found the recipes like the Soupe au Pistou; “We learned our version from home cook Agnes Daragon, a Harley-driving nurse who teaches country dancing and grew up in her mother’s restaurant.” A great cookbook to leaf through and drool over. It would be difficult to pick a favorite recipe. 

The recipe I chose for this challenge was Greek Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill which was delicious and not at all difficult to prepare. I love Greek food but seldom have it, and since I had some shrimp in the freezer I wanted to use up, it was perfect. 

COOKBOOK CONFIDENTIAL COOKBOOK CLUB – Darlene Foster reviews Greek Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill

Recipe by Richard Kimball Course: DinnerCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons 2 salted butter

  • 2 5 ounce 2 containers of frozen spinach

  • 2 medium 2 shallots, halved and thinly sliced

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 long rain white rice, rinsed and drained

  • 1 pound 1 extra large shrimp (21/25 count) peeled (tails removed), devined and patted dry

  • 1 cup 1 lightly packed fresh dill, roughly chopped

  • 1 teaspoon 1 grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons 3 lemon juice

Preparation

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter until bubbling. Add the spinach and cook, stirring until wilted but still bright green, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, including liquids and set aside.
  • Set the pan over medium-high. Add the oil, shallots and 1/2 tsp salt, then cook stirring often, until shallots are translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
  • Add the rice, 2 1/2 cups of water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to low and cook until the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.
  • Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
  • When the rice is done, remove from the heat. Quickly and evenly scatter the shrimp over the surface, re-cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Using a fork, fluff the rice and fold in the shrimp. Re-cover and let stand until shrimp are opaque throughout another 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add the spinach with its liquid, the dill, and the lemon zest and juice, then fold until well combined.
  • Serve drizzled with additional oil.

Notes

  • I found there was too much salt for me so I would suggest cutting it back. It made quite a lot so the next day I sprinkled some feta on top before warming it up in the microwave and it was just as good as the first day!

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

About Darlene Foster

Dreamer of dreams, teller of tales

I created this blog for writers, readers, travelers, dreamers, friends and friends I haven’t met yet.  I believe everyone has a right to dream and everyone has the capability to make their dreams come true.  I wish to share some of my dreams and would love to hear about yours. I welcome any comments, suggestions, words of wisdom and interesting stories.

A bit about me. I am a writer of children’s stories, a retired employment counsellor, and ESL tutor, a wife, mother and grandmother. I love travelling, reading, shoes, cooking, sewing, music, chocolate, walking on the beach and making new friends. My grandson once called me “super-mega-woman-supreme”. I was brought up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, where I dreamt of travelling the world and meeting interesting people. I currently divide my time between Orihuela Costa in Spain and the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. My husband, Paul, and I enjoy spending time with our adorable rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

I can be contacted at darlene.foster@telus.net

My short stories have won prizes and have appeared in a number of anthologies. I have eight published books in a series about a spunky young girl who loves to travel, Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask, Amanda in Spain-The Girl in the Painting,  Amanda in England-the Missing Novel Amanda in Alberta – The Writing on the Stone, Amanda on the Danube-The Sounds of Music, Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind, Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action and Amanda in Malta:The Sleeping Lady. Readers from seven to seventy plus enjoy following Amanda and her adventures.  My bilingual book, Pig on Trial/Cerito a juicio  is in English and Spanish.

I enjoy sharing my books and writing experience with young readers and am available for guest visits to schools, libraries, coffeeshops and special events, in person and digitally.

My short stories have been included in the following Anthologies:

Fly Like an Eagle

From The Heart

Country Roads, Memoirs from Rural Canada

The Memory Shop and other Stories

Every Child is Entitled to Innocence

Visit my website  www.darlenefoster.ca

My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFosterWriter/

Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/supermegawoman

“Never let a day go by without a dream”

Thanks, Bernadette for organizing this Cookbook Confidential Book Club.

And thank you, Darlene, for being such a good friend and your participating in this project. 

37 responses to “COOKBOOK CONFIDENTIAL COOKBOOK CLUB – Darlene Foster reviews Greek Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill”

  1. this looks delicious ! I bought my daughter one of the milk street cookbooks for christmas and she loves it

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It is a great cookbook. I’ve already made 6 dishes from it and all were winners.

  2. Annika Perry – East Anglia, UK – I’m a versatile writer whose books span across various genres. My first venture into publishing is "The Storyteller Speaks" and this a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Published in January 2018 "The Storyteller Speaks" has received over twenty-five glowing reviews on Amazon. "Oskar’s Quest", my second book, it is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for younger children (and all young at heart!). "Oskar’s Quest" is an engaging story of adventure and courage. I have also completed one more story for children which is as yet unpublished. "Island Girl", my first full-length novel, is in its final edits and I’m looking forward to publishing this in due course. Writing has been a passion since childhood although it is only in the past few years that I have seriously started to write fiction. Initially, a writing course gave me encouragement and direction with my writing. Furthermore, the tutor recommended blogging and in January 2015 I set up my blog, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog. I never imagined the friendships I would make and I’ve been overwhelmed with the warmth and incredible support from people around the world. In spring 2014 I won First Prize in a Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition which was a fantastic surprise and joy. Furthermore, I was short-listed for an Ink Tears Short Story Competition the same year. The recognition of my writing ability outside of my family and friends was a huge boost to my self-confidence and as a result, I started the mammoth undertaking of writing my first novel. Meanwhile, in early 2017 I was greatly encouraged by my friends and writers to publish some of my numerous short stories in a book. It was with great excitement and sense of achievement to launch the publication of my first book, "The Storyteller Speaks", in December 2017 with the paperback released in January 2018. The latter part of 2018 and throughout 2019 was busy with the realisation of a dream project, to publish a children’s book. Like so many parents, my son when young would request a bedtime story. These I tended to make up and a couple became his and my personal favourites. I revisited one of these stories and after much rewriting, editing and finding a wonderful illustrator, "Oskar’s Quest" was ready! Overall my road to publication has been circuitous and aided by the support of my family and friends. After gaining my BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds I started working as a journalist. Following a serious illness, I changed career and gained a position as Administration Manager for a busy timber import company. I worked here for many years before leaving to pursue my passion for writing. I am now a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer. I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and at the age of six, moved to the UK with my family where we settled near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Since then I have moved many times but now live in a small village in North Essex, England with my husband and occasionally my son, when he returns during university holidays. I am on the following social media sites and look forward to seeing you there. If you have a specific enquiry please use the form below. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68 Author Website: https://annika-perry-author.com/ Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annika-Perry/e/B0789NNWFX/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55576285-annika-perry Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-perry-5a9ab8a6/
    Annika Perry says:

    Bernadette, a beautiful share of this cook book by Darlene! Although as young when we visited Greece a lot I didn’t like Greek food, now I love it. Like Darlene, I don’t cook Greek food much but if I buy this book I’ll rectify this! Btw, I love Darlene’s Amanda books … feel I’m reliving my childhood when I was an ardent Nancy Drew fan and still have all the books. Is that a Nancy Drew oven glove I spot in the corner?

      • Annika Perry – East Anglia, UK – I’m a versatile writer whose books span across various genres. My first venture into publishing is "The Storyteller Speaks" and this a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Published in January 2018 "The Storyteller Speaks" has received over twenty-five glowing reviews on Amazon. "Oskar’s Quest", my second book, it is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for younger children (and all young at heart!). "Oskar’s Quest" is an engaging story of adventure and courage. I have also completed one more story for children which is as yet unpublished. "Island Girl", my first full-length novel, is in its final edits and I’m looking forward to publishing this in due course. Writing has been a passion since childhood although it is only in the past few years that I have seriously started to write fiction. Initially, a writing course gave me encouragement and direction with my writing. Furthermore, the tutor recommended blogging and in January 2015 I set up my blog, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog. I never imagined the friendships I would make and I’ve been overwhelmed with the warmth and incredible support from people around the world. In spring 2014 I won First Prize in a Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition which was a fantastic surprise and joy. Furthermore, I was short-listed for an Ink Tears Short Story Competition the same year. The recognition of my writing ability outside of my family and friends was a huge boost to my self-confidence and as a result, I started the mammoth undertaking of writing my first novel. Meanwhile, in early 2017 I was greatly encouraged by my friends and writers to publish some of my numerous short stories in a book. It was with great excitement and sense of achievement to launch the publication of my first book, "The Storyteller Speaks", in December 2017 with the paperback released in January 2018. The latter part of 2018 and throughout 2019 was busy with the realisation of a dream project, to publish a children’s book. Like so many parents, my son when young would request a bedtime story. These I tended to make up and a couple became his and my personal favourites. I revisited one of these stories and after much rewriting, editing and finding a wonderful illustrator, "Oskar’s Quest" was ready! Overall my road to publication has been circuitous and aided by the support of my family and friends. After gaining my BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds I started working as a journalist. Following a serious illness, I changed career and gained a position as Administration Manager for a busy timber import company. I worked here for many years before leaving to pursue my passion for writing. I am now a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer. I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and at the age of six, moved to the UK with my family where we settled near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Since then I have moved many times but now live in a small village in North Essex, England with my husband and occasionally my son, when he returns during university holidays. I am on the following social media sites and look forward to seeing you there. If you have a specific enquiry please use the form below. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68 Author Website: https://annika-perry-author.com/ Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annika-Perry/e/B0789NNWFX/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55576285-annika-perry Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-perry-5a9ab8a6/
        Annika Perry says:

        So true -and that is great! 😀

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks so much, Annika. My friend made me a Nancy Drew placemat and hot mitt. Isn’t it special. I just love the set. I hope you try this recipe, it iso tasty.

      • Annika Perry – East Anglia, UK – I’m a versatile writer whose books span across various genres. My first venture into publishing is "The Storyteller Speaks" and this a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Published in January 2018 "The Storyteller Speaks" has received over twenty-five glowing reviews on Amazon. "Oskar’s Quest", my second book, it is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for younger children (and all young at heart!). "Oskar’s Quest" is an engaging story of adventure and courage. I have also completed one more story for children which is as yet unpublished. "Island Girl", my first full-length novel, is in its final edits and I’m looking forward to publishing this in due course. Writing has been a passion since childhood although it is only in the past few years that I have seriously started to write fiction. Initially, a writing course gave me encouragement and direction with my writing. Furthermore, the tutor recommended blogging and in January 2015 I set up my blog, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog. I never imagined the friendships I would make and I’ve been overwhelmed with the warmth and incredible support from people around the world. In spring 2014 I won First Prize in a Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition which was a fantastic surprise and joy. Furthermore, I was short-listed for an Ink Tears Short Story Competition the same year. The recognition of my writing ability outside of my family and friends was a huge boost to my self-confidence and as a result, I started the mammoth undertaking of writing my first novel. Meanwhile, in early 2017 I was greatly encouraged by my friends and writers to publish some of my numerous short stories in a book. It was with great excitement and sense of achievement to launch the publication of my first book, "The Storyteller Speaks", in December 2017 with the paperback released in January 2018. The latter part of 2018 and throughout 2019 was busy with the realisation of a dream project, to publish a children’s book. Like so many parents, my son when young would request a bedtime story. These I tended to make up and a couple became his and my personal favourites. I revisited one of these stories and after much rewriting, editing and finding a wonderful illustrator, "Oskar’s Quest" was ready! Overall my road to publication has been circuitous and aided by the support of my family and friends. After gaining my BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds I started working as a journalist. Following a serious illness, I changed career and gained a position as Administration Manager for a busy timber import company. I worked here for many years before leaving to pursue my passion for writing. I am now a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer. I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and at the age of six, moved to the UK with my family where we settled near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Since then I have moved many times but now live in a small village in North Essex, England with my husband and occasionally my son, when he returns during university holidays. I am on the following social media sites and look forward to seeing you there. If you have a specific enquiry please use the form below. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68 Author Website: https://annika-perry-author.com/ Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annika-Perry/e/B0789NNWFX/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55576285-annika-perry Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-perry-5a9ab8a6/
        Annika Perry says:

        What a lovely friend – I reckon these would market really well! Now your friend just needs to make you some Amanda ones!😀

  3. Darlene, thank you for sharing this recipe with us. It looks simple but so tasty and healthful.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Angie! It is an excellent recipe and a fabulous cookbook.

    • Jacqui Murray – Laguna Hills, CA. – Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Savage Land.
      Jacqui Murray says:

      OK, I read that wrong on your blog, but ‘spinach rice’ sounds even better. Thanks for the idea!

      • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
        Darlene says:

        The spinach adds a nice flavour and is good for you too!

    • This definitely looks easy and delicious and something I think my family would like! Thanks for the tip about the salt – we’re trying to reduce how much we consume. Thanks to Darlene and Angie!

      • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
        Darlene says:

        We cut back on salt a few years ago so we notice it now when there is too much. One of the problems with eating in restaurants.

      • Definitely. So many things to cut down on and keep track of!

      • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
        Darlene says:

        You will like this one, Irene.

  4. the Painted Apron – Life is all about creativity for me, as long as I'm creating something I am happy! I hope I will inspire your daily life and give you ideas for your own wonderful creations!
    Jenna says:

    I am enjoying your Cookbook Confidential Club so much Bernadette, so interesting to hear other bloggers views and recipes. Darlene sounds like such an interesting person and the recipe she chose sounds delightful!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Jenna. We are having fun with this challenge. Glad you are following along.

  5. johnrieber – I love great food, interesting books, fascinating travel, outrageous movies, and bacon, especially when it sits on top of a great cheeseburger! I work in entertainment – and I have been lucky enough to interview some really talented Artists – that guides my posts: interesting and provocative movies, music, social media and of course, food, since I believe strongly in the maxim, "everyone eats!"
    johnrieber says:

    Terrific series and Darlene is a great writer and Chef! Sharing!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, John. So pleased you are joining us.

  6. Retirement Reflections – Vancouver Island, BC – Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
    Retirement Reflections says:

    Hi, Darlene – This Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill looks and sounds delicious. I agree that this Milk Street Cookbook was an awesome opening choice. There have been so many great recipes to choose from. 😀

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I know. I’ve made this and three other recipes so far and they were all great.

  7. Hi Bernadette, what a fabulous choice of recipe by Darlene. I am also going to make this dish for my family. I will be using Milk Street going forward too, I like the book very much. Darlene is also a wonderful writer and I have read and enjoyed a number of her Amanda books.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks for your kind words, Robbie. I agree, it’s a great cookbook.

  8. A great review Darlene – it looks and sounds very yummy indeed.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It was very yummy. Did you make this one as well?

      • I just realised why you asked this question…I think the wrong review was published…

  9. CarolCooks2 – Udon Thani – Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them. I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling. Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing. This is now taking me into other areas like deforestation, chemicals and preservatives in the food chain. Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
    CarolCooks2 says:

    A delicious sounding recipe Darlene. Its good to see that the shrimp wasn’t cooked with rice when it was first put on so many recipes overcook shrimp… xx

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I agree. I don’t like overcooked shrimp.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      If you love prawns then this recipe is for you!!

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