Chive & Chive Blossom Recipes

Chive & Chive Blossom Recipes

Chive Recipes

 

Sautéed Asparagus with Clive Blossoms

A great springtime combination. Trim off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus. If your asparagus is fat, you might want to blanch it for a minute or two. Heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a wide sauté pan, and when it’s hot, add the asparagus. Sauté for 3 or 4 minutes, tossing frequently. Add a handful of chopped chives and chive blossoms and sauté for another minute, then finish with a bit of butter, a squeeze of lemon juice and Kosher salt to taste. ​

 

Goat Cheese and Chive Blossoms Omelet

Sauté a handful of chopped fresh chives and chive blossoms and set aside. Then make a basic folded omelet with four eggs, and fill with goat cheese and the chive mixture. Garnish with additional chive blossoms. ​

 

Angel Hair Pasta with Chive Blossom Cream Sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter along with some minced garlic, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, then add 2 cups of chicken stock or broth, whisking until well blended. Cook for five minutes or until reduced by one-third, then add 1/4 cup of sour cream and whisk until smooth. Add a handful of chopped fresh chives and chive blossoms, then toss with one pound cooked angel hair pasta. ​

 

Sautéed Chicken Cutlets with Chive Blossoms

Season the chicken cutlets with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a pan with a knob of butter along with a tablespoon of oil, until the fat is sizzling hot, then add the chicken cutlets and cook for three minutes or until golden brown, then turn the cutlets and add a handful of chopped fresh chives and whole chive blossoms to the pan. Continue cooking another few minutes until done. Remove cutlets from pan and set aside. Add some chicken stock to the pan and reduce for a minute or so. You can add more butter at this stage if you wish and season the sauce to taste with salt. Drizzle the chive blossom sauce over the chicken and serve. ​

 

Chive Blossom Mashed Potatoes

Chives and potatoes: a classic combination. In this case, not only do the chive blossoms add flavor, but they also add color to the mashed potatoes, which otherwise don’t have much color to them. Just chop the chives and chive blossoms and stir into the mashed potatoes.

 

Chive Compound Butter

You may love garlic butter, but you haven’t lived until you make a compound butter using chive blossoms. Make it by simply chopping up chive blossoms and adding them to melted butter. Make it at least one hour ahead of time, which will allow time for the flavors to develop. You can then reharden the butter in the refrigerator to use as a spread. Chopped chive blossoms marry well with garlic and other spices, holding up the other flavors without becoming too overpowering.  Chive blossom butter makes a wonderful coating for any steamed vegetable. Simply slice off a pat and allow it to melt under the warmth of the fresh sauté. This butter can also finish a cheese sauce with a taste that your guests will enjoy immensely, even if they can’t identify it.

Aglio Olio (Garlic and Oil Pasta)

Aglio Olio (Garlic and Oil Pasta)

1 lb. linguine

5 garlic cloves, minced fine

1/4 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 C. Extra virgin olive oil

5 Anchovy fillets (optional

1/2 C. Chopped flat leaf parsley

 Black pepper, to taste

 

Cook pasta to desired doneness. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic and pepper flakes until they start making noise. Add the anchovies and stir them in the oil until they are no longer visible. Toss with the cooked and drained pasta. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve.

Fresh-Peach-Infused Vinegar

Fresh-Peach-Infused Vinegar

Fresh-Peach-Infused Vinegar

6 pounds peaches (overripe, pitted and roughly chopped)

3 cups white wine vinegar

1/2 cup honey

 

Bring peaches, vinegar, and honey to a simmer in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Cover, and let cool completely. Working in batches, puree peach mixture in a food processor until smooth, about 10 seconds. Strain through a fine sieve into a large nonreactive bowl. Line sieve with cheesecloth, and place over another large nonreactive bowl. Pour strained peach mixture into sieve. (Do not press solids in sieve.) Cover with plastic wrap and let mixture strain in refrigerator overnight (or up to 2 days). Uncover, and remove sieve from bowl. Discard solids. Pour peach vinegar into a resealable nonreactive bottle or jar.

Ham & Cheese Quesadillas with Cherry Jam

Ham & Cheese Quesadillas with Cherry Jam

1 T. vegetable oil

1 C. thinly sliced red onion

1 small jalapeño pepper, cored, seeded and minced

1 C. pitted fresh sweet cherries

1 T. brown sugar

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 (9-inch) flour tortillas

3 oz. ham, thinly sliced

2 oz. Havarti cheese, thinly sliced

2 tsp. butter

 

Heat vegetable oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeño pepper; cook and stir 3 minutes or until onions are golden. Add cherries; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in brown sugar, vinegar and salt. Cook over low heat 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool slightly.  Arrange half of ham slices and half of cheese slices over one side of each tortilla. Top with one fourth of the cherry jam. Fold tortillas in half. Remove and reserve any remaining cherry jam.  Wipe out skillet. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add quesadillas; press down firmly with spatula. Cook quesadillas 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden and cheese melts. Remove from skillet. Cut each quesadilla in half. Serve with remaining cherry jam.

Pickled Cherry Peppers

Pickled Cherry Peppers

Pickled Cherry Peppers

You can pickle cherry peppers three ways:

 

whole, untouched

whole, de-veined and de-seeded

cored, de-veined and de-seeded and cut in halves or quarters

Why does it matter? Here is why:

 

Whole and untouched look the best of the three. They take the most space in a jar. And they are the hottest due to preserved membranes and seeds.

 

Whole, de-veined and de-seeded are not as spicy. They are lightly spicy, actually. Not much space-saving here, just a tiny bit. They are great for making stuffed pickled cherry peppers. Even a simple stuffing such as plain cream cheese or ricotta cheese will make them taste heavenly. There is something about that balance of fat, acidity, spiciness and a touch of sweetness.

 

Halved or quartered cherry peppers will allow you fitting in about twice as many in a jar. They are easier to eat as they are bite-size.

 

How you pickle your peppers will depend on how you want to use them and whether you want them spicy or mild. Some like them hot, some like them mild.

 

10 – 15 cherry peppers

1 clove garlic

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 small bunch cilantro

1 bay leaf

1½ cups white wine vinegar

¼ cup white balsamic vinegar

1 cup water

1 tsp coarse salt

2 tsp white sugar

 

Wash and dry the peppers and put them in a glass jar. You can also use any non-reactive storage container. If you want your peppers de-seeded and de-veined, and cut into pieces, do it now. You can mix and match cut and whole peppers in the same jar, or store them separately. Peel the garlic clove, cut it in half and add it to the cherry peppers along with the black peppercorns, cilantro and the bay leaf. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegars, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil and let it cook for 1 minute. Remove the liquid mixture from the heat and immediately pour over the peppers.  Let the contents of the jar cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 1 week. The peppers will be ready for eating after 1 week and will store in a fridge for up to 2-3 months.

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin (about 2 cups)

1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk pumpkin, EAGLE BRAND®, eggs, spices and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes.  Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Surf and Turf Foil Packs

Surf and Turf Foil Packs

Surf and Turf Foil Packs

1/2 lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1″ cubes

1/2 lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined

2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces

1 c. grape tomatoes

1 small red onion, cut into thick slices

1 lime, sliced into wedges

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 T. Old Bay Seasoning

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp. cumin

Freshly cracked black pepper

1 T. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Lime wedges, for garnish

 

Preheat grill over high heat. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.  Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, red onion, lime wedges, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.  Fold the foil packets crosswise over the mixture to completely cover the food. Roll the top and bottom edges to seal them closed.  Place foil packets on the grill and cook until just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Cranberry Mimosas

Cranberry Mimosas

3 cups cranberry juice, chilled

1 cup orange juice, chilled

1 bottle (750 ml.) sparkling wine, chilled

 

In a large pitcher (at least 2 1/2 qt.), combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine. Serve immediately, in champagne flutes.

Gourmet Oregon Hazelnut Butter

Gourmet Oregon Hazelnut Butter

Gourmet Oregon Hazelnut Butter

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/3 cup Oregon hazelnuts, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

dash celery salt

dash cayenne pepper

 

Soften butter or margarine until just workable. Add other ingredients and thoroughly blend together. Serve at room temperature to top fish, chicken or warm vegetables. Will top six salmon steaks generously.

Mexican Chicken and Dumplings

Mexican Chicken and Dumplings

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion (8 oz.), peeled and diced

1 green bell pepper, rinsed, stemmed, seeded, and diced

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

3 pounds skinned chicken thighs

1 can (15 oz.) fat-skimmed chicken broth

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) Mexican-style stewed tomatoes

1 can (10 oz.) red enchilada sauce

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeño chilies

3 tablespoons butter, melted

3/4 cup milk

 

Pour oil into a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat; when hot, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and stir often until limp, 5 to 7 minutes. Rinse chicken. Add broth, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and chicken to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink at the bone (cut to test), about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and jalapeños. In a small bowl, whisk butter into milk; stir into flour mixture until well blended. Drop batter in tablespoon portions into simmering chicken mixture; cover and simmer gently until dumplings are cooked all the way through (cut to test), 10 to 12 minutes. Ladle chicken, dumplings, and sauce equally into wide, shallow bowls and serve immediately.

Seared Panzanella Chicken

Seared Panzanella Chicken

Seared Panzanella Chicken

1 cup olive oil

12 garlic cloves, peeled

4 boneless chicken breasts

4 boneless chicken thighs

16 good-size chunks day-old bread, drizzled with olive oil and coarse salt

1/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives

4 cups chicken stock

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup chopped parsley

 

1 bunch arugula, cleaned and dried on a clean dish towel

¼ cup sherry vinegar

¾ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a small pan, add one cup of olive oil and 12 cloves of garlic. Slowly caramelize the garlic until tender. In a skillet, pan sear the chicken pieces and place on a baking sheet until all pieces are seared. Place in the preheated oven to roast. Cut up chunks of day-old bread and drizzle with olive oil and salt (about four cubes of bread per person). Place in oven to toast. Once chicken is cooked through, remove from the pan and keep warm. Discard oil from pan and add pitted olives, the garlic and chicken stock. Scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the crust. Taste, then add salt and pepper and chopped parsley. Remove toasted bread and place on plates. Spoon the sauce over the warm croutons. Top with an arugula salad dressed with sherry vinegar, olive oil and sugar and warm roasted chicken.

Pancetta-Wrapped Mushrooms

Pancetta-Wrapped Mushrooms

24 mushrooms (with 1-in.-wide caps; about 5 oz. total), rinsed and patted dry

Salt and fresh-ground pepper

24 fresh sage leaves, rinsed and patted dry

24 thin slices pancetta (about 6 oz. total) or 12 strips thin-sliced bacon

 

Trim and discard tough or discolored stem ends from mushrooms. Sprinkle mushrooms lightly all over with salt and pepper. Lay a sage leaf over the top of each mushroom, then wrap mushroom and sage leaf with pancetta. (If using regular bacon, cut each strip in half to form two shorter strips, and wrap each mushroom with a short strip.) If desired, leave tip of sage leaf protruding from wrapping. Spear mushroom with a toothpick, securing outer end of pancetta and leaving toothpick protruding to use for serving. Evenly space wrapped mushrooms in a 10- by 15-inch nonstick baking pan. Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven until most of the pancetta is crisp and browned, about 25 minutes. Serve hot, leaving toothpicks in.

Clarke’s Artichoke and Asparagus Salad with Serrano Ham

Clarke’s Artichoke and Asparagus Salad with Serrano Ham

Clarke’s Artichoke and Asparagus Salad with Serrano Ham

3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

1/4 cup champagne vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1-1/2 cups olive/canola oil blend

 

1 cup whole baby beets, well-scrubbed (about 8, see note)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

1/2 pound baby salad greens

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained (or 4 artichokes, steamed, cleaned and cut into small wedges)

1/4 pound serrano ham, thinly sliced

 

To make vinaigrette: Combine the mustard and vinegar in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If the dressing is too thick you may add a small amount of water. Makes 2 cups. To make salad: Brush the beets with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in baking dish at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until tender. Cool, peel and dice. Set aside.  Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 3 minutes or until barely tender. Plunge into ice water to chill and set color. Cut into 3-inch pieces and set aside. Char the peppers over a gas flame or under a broiler until black on all sides. Place in a paper bag and seal. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove from paper bag and peel off charred skin. Remove seeds and inner membranes and cut into julienne strips. Set aside. Combine the baby greens, roasted beets, asparagus, pepper strips and artichokes in a large bowl. Add 4 to 6 tablespoons of the mustard vinaigrette and toss well. Taste and add more dressing or salt and pepper if necessary. Place dressed salad in the center of a serving plate and place folded pieces of ham around the outside of the salad. Serve at once. Note: If you can’t find baby beets, one larger beet will provide approximately the amount needed for this salad. Larger beets, though, will require 15-20 minutes additional roasting time.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 160

Fat: 9.9g

Fiber: 3.1g

Orzo with Ricotta and Broccoli Rabe

Orzo with Ricotta and Broccoli Rabe

1 pound dried orzo pasta

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon hot chili flakes

1 pound broccoli rabe or broccoli, rinsed, ends trimmed, and coarsely chopped

1 container (15 oz.) low-fat ricotta cheese

1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

Salt and pepper

 

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups pasta-cooking water. Return orzo to pan. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic; stir until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add chili flakes and broccoli rabe; stir 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1 cup of reserved water; simmer until greens are tender to bite, 6 to 8 minutes. Add broccoli rabe mixture to orzo with ricotta, olives, and remaining 1/2 cup reserved water; mix, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Horseradish-crusted Chinook Salmon with Braised Greens and Roasted New Potatoes

Horseradish-crusted Chinook Salmon with Braised Greens and Roasted New Potatoes

Horseradish-crusted Chinook Salmon with Braised Greens and Roasted New Potatoes

Oil

Salt and pepper

8 new potatoes, halved

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic, plus 1 tablespoon

1 cup Japanese-style bread crumbs (recommended: panko)

3 ounces extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 ounce

4 to 6 Chinook salmon fillets, (recommended: pave cut 2 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch)

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 cup fish stock or clam juice

2 quarts mixed braising greens (chard, kale, mustard greens, and endive)

1 lemon, juiced

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and coat a baking sheet with oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes, cut side down, on the tray and place in the preheated oven. Roast until just golden brown and just tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the oven and hold them in a warm place. Mix the horseradish, parsley, lemon zest, mustard, and 2 tablespoons of garlic in a small bowl. When it is evenly combined, add the bread crumbs and toss them gently. Drizzle 3 ounces of the olive oil over the crumb mixture and stir gently taking care not to break up the crumbs or make the mixture too heavy. Season the mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper then heat the canola oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. When the oil just begins to smoke, sear the salmon paves, topside down, 2 pieces at a time, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a lightly greased baking tin, placing the seared side up and repeat the process with the other 2 pieces of salmon. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the fish creating an even layer 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick. Roast the salmon until the crust is golden brown and fish is just firm, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. While the salmon is baking, bring the fish stock, remaining 1 ounce olive oil, and remaining tablespoon of garlic to a boil in a non-reactive saucepan. Then add the braising greens, cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted. Add the lemon juice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Arrange the greens in the center of 4 shallow bowls surrounded by the roasted potatoes and braising liquid. Top each with a roasted pave of salmon.

Pan-roasted Chicken on Bacon Mushroom Ragout

Pan-roasted Chicken on Bacon Mushroom Ragout

1  cup  reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2  ounce  dried porcini mushrooms

3  ounces  thinly sliced bacon or pancetta, cut into thin strips

8  ounces  shallots, thinly sliced crosswise

About 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil, divided

1 1/2  pounds  fresh mushrooms (wild, common, or a combination), rinsed and thickly sliced

6  boned chicken breast halves (skin on; about 8 oz. each), rinsed and dried

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1  tablespoon  butter

3/4  cup  Grenache or other dry red wine

1  tablespoon  chopped fresh lemon thyme or regular thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish

 

In a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add dried porcini, remove from heat, and let stand until soft, about 15 minutes. Lift porcini from broth, squeezing out any extra liquid, and chop finely. Strain broth. In a large frying pan over medium heat, stir bacon often until fat is rendered. Add shallots; stir over medium-high heat until bacon begins to brown, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer shallots and bacon to paper towels. If pan is dry, add about 1/2 tbsp. olive oil. Add fresh mushrooms and chopped porcini; stir often over high heat until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms begin to brown, 12 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°. Sprinkle chicken on both sides with salt and cracked pepper. Heat butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large, ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook until well browned on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn chicken and transfer pan to oven. Bake just until chicken is no longer pink in center of thickest part, about 20 minutes. Set chicken on a platter and keep warm. Pour wine into pan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to scrape up browned bits. Pour mixture into pan with mushrooms and add porcini-soaking liquid, bacon-shallot mixture, and chopped thyme. Stir often over high heat until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mound ragout on plates, top with chicken, and garnish with thyme sprigs.

 

Easy Lemon Sticky Buns with Pistachios

Easy Lemon Sticky Buns with Pistachios

Easy Lemon Sticky Buns with Pistachios

 

2 teaspoons yeast

3â…“ cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ cup butter, melted

1 cup whole milk, slightly warmed (about 30 seconds in the microwave)

3 tablespoons water

1 egg, beaten

For the filling:

1 cup granulated sugar

zest of 2 meyer lemons

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft

¼ teaspoon powdered ginger

¼ cup meyer lemon juice (juice from approximately 2 lemons) See note

½ cup salted, roasted pistachios shelled and coarsely chopped (plus more for topping if desired)

For the egg wash

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon cold water

For the glaze

(see note below)

2 cups powdered sugar

juice of 3 meyer lemons

 

If you are making this in the bread machine: Place the yeast in the bottom of the bread machine, then add the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk together the melted butter, slightly warmed milk, water, and egg then pour over the dry ingredients in the bread machine. Use the dough setting. If you are making this by hand or with a standing mixer: sprinkle the yeast over the warmed milk and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Stir in the butter, egg, sugar, and 1 cup of flour. Then add the salt and remaining flour, mixing as you add until completely incorporated. Knead for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and soft. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough over so all sides are greased. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled. While the dough is rising, mix together the sugar, butter, ginger, and lemon juice and zest for the filling. Refrigerate until dough is ready, or for at least 30 minutes. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. To assemble the buns divide the dough into 8 equal portions for large buns (as pictured here) or 16 equal portions for smaller buns. To make them equal, I weigh the dough (it should be about 2 pounds) and then weigh each portion (about 4 oz for large buns) so they will be the same size – this is of course not strictly necessary. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a flat, oblong shape (as pictured above). Spread a generous tablespoon of the lemon filling and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Roll this up. Then, using a very sharp knife, make two slices along the length of the roll (see picture above). Gently pull this apart to expose the filling, then take an end of the roll in each hand and twist in opposite directions until the roll is completely twisted (as pictured above).

Take the twist and tie it into a simple knot. Place on the prepared baking sheet. You will have to bake these in two batches, but I have had great success even with the different rise times.  Cover the assembled buns with a towel and leave them to rise for about an hour, or until puffy. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Whisk together the egg wash and lightly brush the outside of each roll. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooked buns. Sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios and enjoy!

 

  1. Meyer Lemons are superior in this recipe. I have not tried it with other Lemons.
  2. If you are making these for dessert and want them to be delightfully indulgent, use the full glaze recipe. If you are making them for breakfast or brunch and don’t like them as sweet, only make half of the glaze recipe. They are good both ways.
Turkey and Herb Cheese Ravioli

Turkey and Herb Cheese Ravioli

1 T. Extra virgin olive oil

1/2 C. Onions; finely minced

1/4 C. 97 percent fat-free smoked -ham; diced

1/2 lb Lean turkey breast; ground

1/2 C. Celery; minced

1 T. Minced garlic

1 T. Fresh thyme leaves; chopped

1 lb Ripe tomatoes; peeled, -seeded, and  chopped, to make 1 cup

2 T. Tomato puree

16 wonton skins

4 Egg whites; lightly beaten

 

8 oz Low-fat cream cheese

1 T. chopped fresh garlic

1 tsp. Chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp. Chopped fresh oregano leaves

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil, then add the onions, ham, salt, and pepper. Sweat them for 2 minutes. Add the crumbled ground turkey and cook until golden brown. Add the celery and garlic. When the garlic becomes fragrant, add the thyme, tomatoes, and tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 20 minutes and let it cool for about 45 minutes. In a large glass bowl, mix the cheese mixture with the turkey mixture. (It is best to refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours so it will hold together very tightly.)  Place the 16 wonton skins on a clean work surface. Using a small paintbrush or your fingertips, 'paint' the egg whites onto one side of each wonton skin. Place 1 tablespoon of the turkey and cheese mixture in the center of 8 of the squares. Place a second wonton skin on top of each filled bottom (painted side down) and press firmly to close.  Using a cookie cutter, a fluted cutter, or a knife, cut out 2 1/2-inch circles and discard the excess wonton skin. You may refrigerate the ravioli, covered, in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ravioli until they float to the top, 7 to 10  minutes.

Sautéed Pea Tendrils and Morel Mushrooms 

Sautéed Pea Tendrils and Morel Mushrooms 

Sautéed Pea Tendrils and Morel Mushrooms

Years ago, after I first encountered pea vines in Vancouver’s Chinatown, I discovered that adding a few of them to any dish of peas provides an extra green kick. Fresh morel mushrooms are available only in the spring; dried morels may be substituted for fresh, but they should be soaked for 10 minutes in boiling water before cooking. The liquid in which the dried morels were soaked should be used in the sauce; if you use dried morels in this recipe, the soaking liquid can be used in place of the chicken broth.

 

1 pound tender young pea vines, or tender spring greens

½ cup chicken broth or morel-soaking liquid

2 tablespoons Chinese oyster sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ pound small fresh morels

 

Rinse the pea vines and shake off the excess water. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, and cornstarch and place near the stove so the liquid will be ready to add when the time comes.  Heat a large sauté pan or a wok over medium-high heat. Put 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in the pan and sprinkle on generous pinches of salt and pepper. Toss in the morels and sauté until they are heated through, about 2 minutes.  Add the pea vines and the remaining olive oil. Move the greens quickly around the pan with tongs just long enough to distribute the oil evenly over the surface of the vegetable, about 1 minute.  Add the chicken broth mixture all at once to the hot pan. Toss for 1 minute, or until the liquid is reduced to a shiny glaze and serve with green pea flans.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Dough:

3/4 cup wheat starch

2 tablespoons sifted tapioca flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water

2 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil:

 

Har Gow Filling

6 ounces raw shrimp, rinsed, tails removed, chopped

3 tablespoons finely chopped bamboo shoots

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion

3/4 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Pinch of fresh ground white pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon)

1 egg white, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons cornstarch

 

Vegetable oil, as needed

 

In a medium bowl, combine the wheat starch, tapioca starch and the salt. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Add the oil and begin using your hands to shape into  dough. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of boiling water if the dough is too dry. Don’t overwork the dough, but continue shaping for about 2 minutes, until it is smooth and shiny. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. To prepare the filling, place the shrimp in a medium bowl, and add the other ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, to give the flavors a chance to blend. To make the dumplings: Coat a paper towel with vegetable oil and use it to oil your cutting board or work surface and the broad side of a cutting knife or cleaver (a cleaver works best). Keep the dough covered to prevent it drying out while preparing the dumplings.. Break off 1 teaspoon of the Har Gau dough, roll into a ball and then flatten it by pressing it in the palm of your hand. Lay the dough on the work surface and press down on it with the oiled side of the knife or cleaver to form a circle that is 2 1/2 – 3 inches in diameter. Add a heaping teaspoon of filling and place it in the middle of the wrapper, spreading it out evenly but not touching the edges. Carefully lift the upper edge of the wrapper and fold it over the filling. Use your thumb and forefinger to form pleats in the dough, and pinch the edges closed. Place the filled har gau on a plate and cover with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out while preparing the remainder of the dumplings. Prepared a steamer for steaming. Steam the dumplings in batches, on an oiled plate, until the wrapper is translucent and the shrimp appear slightly orange (13 – 15 minutes). Serve the Har Gau with hot chili oil and/or soy sauce for dipping.

Olive Oil-Poached Halibut with Squash Ragu

Olive Oil-Poached Halibut with Squash Ragu

Olive Oil-Poached Halibut with Squash Ragu

3 large zucchini

3 large yellow squash

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (separated)

1 red onion, julienned

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Table olive oil for poaching

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

 

4 5- to 6-ounce skinless fillets of halibut

4 pieces pickled cherry peppers

squeeze of lemon juice

extra virgin olive oil for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 250F. Cut two zucchini and two yellow squash in half lengthwise. Lay the squash flesh side down and cut to form half moons about 1/4-inch thick. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and one clove of garlic, and cook until they start to dance, about three minutes. Quickly add the squash and cook for one or two minutes more. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. (This is a part-cook, so the squash should not be softened.) Allow to cool on a rack. Remove the skin of the remaining two squash, cutting about 1/4-inch into the flesh. Reserve the core. Then cut the skins into long strips, the thinness of a julienne. Roughly chop the core of the squash. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add two tablespoons olive oil, the remaining clove of garlic, and the squash core then season with salt and pepper. Cook for ten minutes or until the squash is soft. Then, using a hand blender, purée the mixture and set it aside. To cook the fish, fill a baking dish with two inches of table oil. Add the bay leaf and peppercorns, then place the baking dish in the oven to bring the oil to temperature, about twenty minutes. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat and season the halibut with salt and black pepper. Sear the belly side of the fish and carefully place on a baking sheet. After the fillets have been seared, gently place the fish in the cooking oil. Cook for seven to ten minutes or until the fish is white and firm. While the fish is cooking, combine the half-moons of squash and the squash purée in a large pan over medium heat. Gently toss, being careful not to break the half-moons. When the mixture is warm, divide among four plates. Remove the seeds from the pickled peppers and dice. In a mixing bowl, combine chili pepper with the zucchini strips, olive oil, salt, and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. When the fish is cooked, place on a towel to remove any residual oil. Immediately transfer the fish to the plate. Garnish with raw squash salad, drizzle with finishing oil, and enjoy.

Cherry Turkey Sauté

Cherry Turkey Sauté

12 oz. boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 2 x 1/2 x 1/2-inch strips

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 T. vegetable oil

1 C. each diagonally sliced celery and thin julienne carrots

1-1/2 C. pitted fresh sweet Northwest cherries

3 C. warm cooked brown rice

*1/4 tsp. crushed dried rosemary may be substituted.

 

Season turkey with rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat oil in wok or large skillet. Add turkey; sauté until no longer pink. Remove turkey from wok. Sauté vegetables until crisp-tender. Return turkey to wok; add cherries and saut? only until thoroughly heated. Serve on cooked brown rice.  Saucy version: If sauce is desired, combine 1/4 C. chicken broth (or 3 T. water and 1 T. dry white wine) and 1 tsp. cornstarch; add to above recipe with cherries. Sauté until sauce thickens and coats ingredients.

Butter Lettuce, Pea Shoot and Radish Salad with Lemony Tahini Dressing

Butter Lettuce, Pea Shoot and Radish Salad with Lemony Tahini Dressing

Butter Lettuce, Pea Shoot and Radish Salad with Lemony Tahini Dressing

1 head butter lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

1 cup pea shoots

½ bunch radishes, tops removed, very thinly sliced

 

1/3 cup tahini

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. honey

1 clove garlic, minced

3-4 T. water, to thin

Salt and pepper to taste

 

In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, pea shoots and radishes. In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients “for the lemony tahini dressing” using a handheld blender or a whisk, until smooth. Add more or less water if you prefer your salad dressing on the thicker/thinner side. Drizzle the dressing over top of the salad and serve!

Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

1 C. old fashioned oats

2 C. Buttermilk

1 T. Canola Oil

1 Egg

2 Egg Whites

1 tsp. Vanilla

3 T. light brown sugar

1 1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp. Baking soda

 

In a large bowl combine oatmeal and buttermilk and let stand, softening for 2 minutes.  Beat in oil, eggs, and vanilla.  In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Add to wet ingredients, stirring only just until combined.  Coat nonstick large skillet with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat.  Pour about 1/4 C. batter into the skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until bubbly/lightly browned.

Pea Shoot Papaya Salad

Pea Shoot Papaya Salad

Pea Shoot Papaya Salad

2 cups (500 mL) pea shoot greens

1 cup (250 mL) large diced papaya

zest of half a lime

juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil

1/2 tsp (2 mL) honey

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted chopped walnuts or pecans (see Tip below for toasting raw nuts)

 

Pile the pea shoots equally onto 2 side plates, nice and tall. Arrange half the papaya on each bed of shoots. To a vinaigrette shaker or mason jar with a lid, add the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey and salt. Cover and shake well. Pour equally over the salads. Top each salad with half the toasted nuts. Serve immediately. TIP: To toast raw nuts, add them to a hot, dry pan and toss occasionally until lightly toasted (3 to 4 minutes). Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Beef Taco & Cheese Pockets

Beef Taco & Cheese Pockets

1 C. refrigerated fully-cooked taco sauce with seasoned ground beef

1 C. frozen vegetable mixture, such as broccoli, corn and red peppers

3/4 C. shredded Mexican cheese blend or Cheddar cheese

1 package (17.3 oz.) refrigerated grand biscuit dough

Cooking spray

All-purpose flour

 

PLACE an oven rack in the center of the oven. HEAT oven to 375°F.   PLACE the taco sauce with beef, vegetable mixture and cheese in a medium bowl. STIR with a fork to mix well.   SPRAY a large baking sheet with cooking spray to coat it lightly.   Adult help needed: OPEN the biscuit dough package following the label directions. (Note: Package may make a loud pop when opened.)   SPRINKLE a wooden board or clean countertop with flour to coat lightly. PLACE 1 biscuit on the floured board.   RUB a rolling pin with flour to coat lightly. ROLL biscuit with rolling pin as follows: START at the center of the biscuit and roll out to the top edge. REPEAT strokes, rolling back and forth from the center out, until you have a 7 x 4-1/2-inch oval piece of dough.   PLACE a heaping 1/4 C. of the beef mixture on one side of the dough oval. FOLD the other side of the dough over the filling to cover it.   PLACE the pocket on the baking sheet. FIRMLY PRESS the edges of the dough together with the tips of the tines of a fork to seal the dough.   REPEAT steps 6 through 8 to make a total of 8 pockets.   Adult help needed: Place baking sheet on the rack in the center of 375°F oven. BAKE 13 to 15 minutes or until dough is golden. .  Adult help needed: Careful! Baking sheet will be very hot. Using pot holders, REMOVE the baking sheet from the oven and PLACE it on a wire rack. Using pot holders, carefully REMOVE the pockets from the baking sheet with a metal spatula to serve. Careful! Filling will be very hot.

Chervil Pesto

Chervil Pesto

Chervil Pesto

1/2 lb. chervil (mostly leaves, a bit of stem works fine)

about 2 1/2 cups sunflower oil

3/4 cup walnuts or hazelnuts

Juice from one lemon (about 2 T.)

Garlic and Salt to taste

 

Combine these ingredients and blend.  Add the sunflower oil 1/4 cup at a time and stop adding oil when the pesto is the consistency you like.  Makes about 2 1/2 cups.  Toss the pesto with pasta and serve along with baked winter squash, roasted radicchio, stuffed sweet peppers, and other autumn favorites.  Yum.

Oriental-style Sea Scallops

Oriental-style Sea Scallops

1-1/2 C. broccoli flowerets

1 C. thinly sliced onion

2 T. sesame or vegetable oil

1 pound sea scallops

3 C. thinly sliced Napa cabbage or bok choy

2 C. snow peas, ends trimmed

1 C. shitake or common mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. ground star anise

1/4 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 C. chicken broth

1/4 C. rice wine vinegar

2 to 3 tsp. light reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 T. cornstarch

1/4 C. cold water

2 to 3 T. NutraSweet Spoonful

4 C. hot cooked rice

 

Stir-fry broccoli and onion 3 to 4 minutes in oil in wok or large skillet. Add scallops, cabbage, snow peas, mushrooms, garlic, anise and coriander; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes.  Add chicken broth, vinegar and soy sauce; heat to boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until scallops are cooked and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Heat to boiling. Mix cornstarch and cold water. Stir cornstarch mixture into boiling mixture; boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat; let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in NutraSweet® Spoonful™, serve over rice. NOTE: 2 tsp. five-spice powder can be substituted for the star anise and coriander, while amounts of vinegar and soy sauce may need to be adjusted to taste.

Bourbon-Spiked Peach Tea

Bourbon-Spiked Peach Tea

Bourbon-Spiked Peach Tea

 

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches, divided (about 2 medium peaches)

1 cup bourbon

4 cups freshly brewed iced tea, unsweetened

 

In a saucepan over high heat combine the water, lemon juice, sugar, and 1 cup of peaches. Allow the mixture to come to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once the peach syrup has cooled, pour it into a 2-quart pitcher. Add the bourbon, the remaining 1 cup peaches, and the iced tea. Stir to combine and serve over ice.

Quelites

Quelites

3 slices bacon, diced

1/4 C. onion, diced

1 pound spinach, fresh

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 C. pinto beans, cooked (canned)

 

Wash and remove the large stems from the spinach. Steam for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Chop into small pieces. Set aside. Brown the bacon in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until soft. Stir in the cooked spinach. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Watermelon Lime Cooler

Watermelon Lime Cooler

Watermelon Lime Cooler

4 cup diced watermelon, plus extra, to serve

1 1/3 cup ginger ale

2 limes

crushed ice

2 mint sprigs, plus extra, to serve

1/4 cup caster sugar

frozen melon balls, to serve (optional)

 

Freeze the watermelon in a freezer bag for six hours or overnight. Purée the frozen watermelon in a food processor or blender. Add the ginger ale, lime juice to taste, ice and a couple of sprigs of mint. Place the caster sugar in a saucer. Rub the rims of the glasses with a cut lime then dip in the caster sugar to frost the rim. Place a few melon balls in each glass, if using, and fill glasses with the cooler. Decorate with slices of lime, watermelon and mint sprigs.

Easy Stromboli

Easy Stromboli

1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 (13.8-oz.) can Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pizza Crust

1/4 C. pizza sauce

4 oz. (1 C.) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 C. chopped green and/or red bell pepper, if desired

1/4 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

 

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown ground beef in medium skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Set aside.    Unroll dough; place on sprayed cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough with hands to form 12×8-inch rectangle.    Spread sauce over dough to within 2 inches of long sides and 1/2 inch of short sides. Place cooked ground beef lengthwise down center, forming 3-inch-wide strip and to within 1/2 inch of short sides. Top with cheese, bell pepper and Italian seasoning. Fold long sides of dough over filling; press edges to seal.    Bake at 400°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Honey-Baked Rhubarb

Honey-Baked Rhubarb

Honey-Baked Rhubarb

Try it on French toast or perfect pancakes, or spooned on to your customized muesli or thick yogurt. Alternatively, serve with vanilla ice cream for a pretty dessert.

 

2 lb. rhubarb, cut into 2-4 inch lengths

Juice and finely grated zest of 1 orange

¼ C.  T. runny honey

 

Put the rhubarb in an ovenproof dish large enough to hold it in a single layer, then scatter over the orange zest and pour in the juice. Trickle over the honey and gently mix the whole lot together. Cover loosely with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 150°C/Gas Mark 2 for 45 minutes–1 hour, until the rhubarb is tender, giving it a gentle stir halfway through. The pieces of rhubarb should keep their shape rather than cook to a mush. Leave to cool before serving. Sealed in a container, with the syrupy juices from the tray, this can be kept for a week or so in the fridge.

Sautéed Bay Scallops with Lemon and Thyme

Sautéed Bay Scallops with Lemon and Thyme

1 pound fresh bay scallops

Salt

Pepper

2 T. butter (divided into two pieces)

1 tsp. olive oil

2 T. minced shallot

1/4 C. white wine

2 T. lemon juice

1 tsp. chopped thyme

 

Rinse scallops and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Add oil and 1 T. butter to a large skillet; heat over medium high heat about 1 minute. Add scallops to pan, a few at a time, cooking 1-2 minute per side or until they are golden brown on the outside but still translucent in the middle. Place scallops on a heated platter and cover with foil. Return skillet to burner and add shallots and cook for about 2 minutes. Add wine, lemon juice and thyme to pan and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining T. of butter. Return scallops to the pan and toss with the sauce. Serve immediately.  Note: You can sauté scallops in olive oil or other oil only; adding some butter, however, gives them a nice golden brown color.

Peach Melba Sunrise Smoothie

Peach Melba Sunrise Smoothie

Peach Melba Sunrise Smoothie

3/4 C. frozen raspberries

1 C. almond milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 T. lemon juice

optional 1 T. maple syrup

1 peach, peeled and chopped

1 C. orange juice

 

In a blender, mix the raspberries, almond milk, vanilla and lemon. Blend until smooth, adding a little more almond milk if it’s too thick. Taste and add the maple syrup if desired. Pour into two glasses, filling up halfway. Rinse out the blender and mix the peach and orange juice until smooth. Pour on top of the raspberry mixture in the two glasses, letting it pour naturally to create a marbled, sunrise effect. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cheesy Baked Supper Omelet

Cheesy Baked Supper Omelet

1 T. Butter

1/2 C. chopped bell pepper

1/4 C. chopped onion

12 eggs

8oz. Sour Cream

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Pepper

1 1/2 C. shredded Cheese (cheddar/jack)

 

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray a 12 x 8″ 2 qt glass baking dish with cooking spray.  In 8″ skillet melt butter over medium heat.  Add bell pepper and onion and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.  In large bowl whisk eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper until well blended.  Stir in bell peppers and onions.  Add cheese; pour into baking dish.  Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until eggs are set.  Cut omelet into squares to serve.

Rhubarb and Orange Smoothie

Rhubarb and Orange Smoothie

Rhubarb and Orange Smoothie

2 to 3 rhubarb stalks, about 6 ounces, cut into 1-inch lengths

Finely grated zest and juice of 2 oranges

3 to 4 tsp. honey

3 to 4 T. plain yogurt

 

Put the rhubarb in a saucepan with the orange zest and juice, honey, and 2 T. of water. Stir over low heat until the honey dissolves. Cover the pan and stew the rhubarb very gently for about 8 minutes, until it softens. Add a little water if it starts to look dry. Turn off the heat and let cool completely. (You can, of course, prepare the rhubarb a day ahead and keep it chilled overnight.) Put the rhubarb mixture in a blender with the yogurt and blend until smooth. Taste and add a little more honey if you like. Pour into 2 glasses and drink right away.

Chicken-Ramen Soup

Chicken-Ramen Soup

1 T. olive oil 

1 C. baby carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch slices 

1 C. sliced celery 

1 medium onion, chopped 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

2 C. cut-up deli rotisserie-cooked chicken 

6 C. water 

1 (3 oz.) package chicken-flavored ramen noodles 

1/4 tsp. salt 

1/4 tsp. pepper 

 

In a 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic; cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in chicken, water, contents of seasoning packet from soup mix, salt, and pepper. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes. Stir in noodles from soup mix; simmer uncovered 4 minutes longer or until noodles are tender.

Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer

Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer

Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer

For the Blueberry Lavender Simple Syrup:

1 C. water

1 C. sugar

1 C. blueberries (fresh or frozen)

4 sprigs lavender

For the Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer:

1 C. blueberries (frozen or fresh)

2 C. vodka

4 ounces lime juice (fresh)

Club soda

Garnish: fresh sprigs lavender

 

Combine the water, sugar, and blueberries in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and add the lavender sprigs. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain and pour into a jar, as you pour, use a masher to squeeze all the remaining juice from the berries. In a glass pitcher combine vodka, 3/4 C. of the blueberry lavender simple syrup, lime juice and club soda.  Add ice and a healthy handful of frozen or fresh blueberries. When you’re ready to pour you can garnish with some more blueberries and a sprig of lavender. Tips: You can even make the simple syrup ahead of time for your next event and mix the drinks for you and your guests with ease come party time. Or, keep the ready-made simple syrup on hand for any day of the week–you never know when you’ll need a refreshing pick-me-up.

Somewhat Asian Noodle Salad

Somewhat Asian Noodle Salad

2 packages chicken ramen

2 tsp. chili oil

3 T. rice vinegar

1 handful fresh basil, chopped

1 handful cilantro, chopped

1 head of lettuce, chopped (I used 1/3 head of romaine, boston bibb, and red leaf)

Optional add-ins: grilled shrimp or grilled chicken

 

Cook both packages of ramen, adding only one seasoning packet to the water.  Drain, add noodles back into pot. Add 2 tsp. chili oil and 3 T. rice vinegar and stir. (If you don’t mind how the basil and cilantro looks wilted, add it now. If you want the herbs to be pretty, wait until the noodles are chilled. IMO, it doesn’t taste the same, I highly suggest adding the basil and cilantro in this step.)  Chill noodles in the fridge; when they are cold enough for you, put handful or more of lettuce in bowls. Place large spoonful of tasty chilled ramen on top. Add chicken or shrimp (if you would like, of course). Enjoy!