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Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

 

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Syrup

 

2 cups fresh blueberries

4 sprigs lemon thyme

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1/2 cup water

 

Waffles

4 eggs, separated

2 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole)

3/4 cup salted butter, melted

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

Whipped cream, for serving

 

Time-consuming? Yes. Many components? Yes. Worth the trouble? Definitely. When blueberries come into season, these are one of the first things on the menu at my house, and we all crave them for weeks afterwards. To get the crispiness on the outside and the light-as-air texture on the inside, fold the whipped egg whites very gently into the batter. (Note: You’ll need a waffle iron for this recipe.)

 

To make the syrup, rinse and stem the berries. Place them in a small saucepan and add the thyme. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until no lumps remain, pour in the water, and whisk until thick. Pour this over the berries and place the pan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool to almost room temperature, then discard the thyme. To make the waffles, using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Set aside. In a large measuring jug, whisk together the milk and butter. Whisk in the egg yolks in a single addition. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the milk mixture, and whisk to form a thick batter. Gently fold in the egg whites to combine. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Follow the instructions for your waffle iron. You want the waffles to be a deep golden brown. Serve the waffles fresh from the iron with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of blueberry lemon thyme syrup. The waffle batter will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best if you use it straight from the fridge, rather than letting it come to room temperature. If it separates, give it a few good folds with a spatula before using it. The syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

 

4 ounces (113 g) goat cheese

4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese

16 tsp. garlic powder

4 to 5 T. chopped fresh dill

Zest of 1 lemon

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Use a #100 scoop to scoop the cheese mixture into balls. You can leave them domed with a flat side, like the shape of the scoop, or you can roll them into balls with your hands. In a small bowl, combine the fresh dill and lemon zest. Roll the cheese balls in the lemon-dill mixture to coat.

Seared Scallops with Shaved Fennel Cucumber and Grapefruit

Seared Scallops with Shaved Fennel Cucumber and Grapefruit

Seared Scallops with Shaved Fennel Cucumber and Grapefruit

 

1 Ruby Red grapefruit

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3/4 pound large sea scallops

1/2 tsp. coarse salt, divided

Freshly ground pepper

3 ounces English cucumber, thinly shaved crosswise on a mandoline (3/4 cup)

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 T. chopped fresh chives

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves

1/2 large fennel bulb (5 1/2 ounces), cut in half (root end trimmed but left intact to keep fennel together)

 

Finely grate enough grapefruit rind to yield 1/2 tsp. zest. Peel grapefruit with a paring knife, removing all pith. Working over a bowl, cut three-quarters of the grapefruit segments from the membranes, cut into bite-size pieces, and set aside. Squeeze juice of remaining grapefruit segments into bowl (you should have 1/3 cup juice). Heat 1 tsp. oil in a nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Pat scallops dry, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, and season with pepper. Sauté scallops until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip, and continue to cook until barely opaque all the way through, about 2 minutes more. Divide scallops between 2 plates, and loosely tent with foil. Reduce heat to low and add grapefruit juice. Cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits, until reduced to 1 T., 2 to 3 minutes. Pour sauce over scallops. Combine cucumber, lemon juice, remaining 2 tsp. oil, the grapefruit zest and pieces, chives, tarragon, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a bowl. Shave fennel into bowl, season with pepper, and toss gently to combine. Pile salad atop scallops.

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

 

4 mini jelly jars with lids, 1.5 to 2 ounces (45 to 60 ml) in size

½ tsp. chopped fresh basil

½ tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

½ tsp. chopped fresh thyme

½ tsp. chopped fresh oregano

Salt, to taste

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

1 log goat cheese, 4 ounces (113 g)

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

Remove the lids of the jars so that the jars are ready to fill.  In a small bowl, mix together the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Cut the goat cheese log into fourths, and then cut the fourths into smaller pieces. Alternate layering the goat cheese pieces and herbs in each jar. Slowly pour olive oil into each jar until filled. Fasten the lids on the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. The olive oil will become firm in the refrigerator, so let the jars sit at room temperature until the olive oil becomes liquid again before serving.

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

 

2 pounds dry linguine

16 T. unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped tarragon (or more to your taste)

4 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp. salt

2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be edible but still al dente—if you are freezing you want to make sure it is even more al dente. Drain and set aside when done. While the pasta is cooking, start making the butter mixture. In a large skillet on medium heat, melt the butter. Once it has completely melted, let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown a bit. Add the tarragon and garlic. Continue to stir until the butter has browned completely, approximately another 4 to 6 minutes. It should have a nutty smell but not be close to burning (if your butter does burn you unfortunately need to start over). Turn the heat off and allow the butter to cool for a few minutes. Combine the lemon juice, salt, and drained pasta with the butter. Once it is completely coated, stir in the Parmesan. Make sure to mix in that order, otherwise the cheese will clump. If eating now, serve hot.

Skillet Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Beans and Olives

Skillet Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Beans and Olives

Skillet Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Beans and Olives

 

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

2 cups water

8 ounces penne pasta (2 1/2 cups)

1 pint cherry tomatoes , halved

1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans , drained and rinsed

1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

1/2 cup minced fresh basil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh lemon juice to taste

 

In a 12″ nonstick skillet, combine broth, water, penne, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring often, until penne is tender and liquid has thickened, 15 to 18 minutes. While the pasta cooks, cut the tomatoes and chop the olives. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and olives, and cook until they are heated through, about 2 minutes. Off the heat, stir in basil, Parmesan, and olive oil. Squeeze a lemon over the whole dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Farfalle with Fennel, Cream, and Herbs

Farfalle with Fennel, Cream, and Herbs

 

3 T. unsalted butter

2 fennel bulbs, fronds chopped, stalks discarded, bulbs halved, cored, and sliced thin

8 scallions, white parts minced, green parts sliced thin

salt and pepper

2 C. heavy cream

1 lb. farfalle

1/4 C. minced fresh tarragon or mint

 

In a large non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the fennel bulbs and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook until soft and golden, about 20 minutes. Stir in the scallion white parts and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream and simmer about 8 minutes, until thickened. While fennel bulbs are cooking, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and 1 T. salt. Cook, stirring often, until al dente, about 6 to 7 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to the pot. Add the sauce, fennel fronds, scallion greens, and tarragon (or mint); toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved cooking water to adjust consistency as needed. Serve hot.

Winter Pasta with Garlic, Olives & Lemons

Winter Pasta with Garlic, Olives & Lemons

Winter Pasta with Garlic, Olives & Lemons

 

1 lb. Pasta

Salt

¼ C. Olive Oil

2 yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced

8 garlic cloves, smashed and sliced

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup pitted and chopped Castelvetrano olives

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, basil, and/or mint

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Grated Parmesan, for serving

 

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions for al dente.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, tossing occasionally, until beginning to brown and blister, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with 1 tsp. salt and several grinds of black pepper and continue to cook, tossing, until mostly dark brown all over, 6 to 8 minutes more. Reduce the heat as low as it will go while the pasta finishes cooking. Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly from the pasta pot to the skillet along with 1 cup pasta water. Increase the heat to high and cook, tossing, until the liquid thickens and coats the pasta, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, add olives, herbs and lemon juice and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve top with parmesan.

Tempura Pumpkin with Basil Aïoli

Tempura Pumpkin with Basil Aïoli

Tempura Pumpkin with Basil Aïoli

 

1 cup basil leaves, packed tight

1–2 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated on a microplane

3 egg yolks

2 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 T. lemon juice

1 cup neutral oil (safflower, sunflower or avocado work well)

 

Roughly chop the basil leaves and add them to your blender (or food processor, which works just fine). Add the garlic, egg yolks, Dijon, vinegar and lemon juice and blend until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the blender to make sure everything is evenly mixed. While the blender is running, dribble in the oil slowly in the thinnest stream possible. It’s important not to dump the oil in all at once, because the gradual addition of oil to the egg and mustard mixture is what will emulsify the sauce into an aïoli. Once all of the oil has been incorporated, season with salt to taste and scrape out the finished aïoli with a rubber spatula. This condiment is delicious on everything from sandwiches to shellfish, and we especially love it with tempura veggies.

 

For the tempura

 

1 medium sized pumpkin or squash

2 large eggs, cold

2 cups flour, sifted

2 cups water with several ice cubes added

Oil for frying

 

Fill a large, thick bottomed pot with 4” of oil. Pick a pot that has high sides and a nice heavy base. This will regulate the heating and temperature of the oil, which makes for more even frying. Set this pot over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 375°F. This takes a few minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin for frying. Cut the entire pumpkin in half, scrape out the seeds and guts until the flesh is smooth and uniform. Remove the outer skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the pumpkin pieces in half vertically, making four quarters of a sphere. Slice the quarters again vertically into long, ½-inch thick strips. Keep in mind not to cut the strips too thick, or they will take too long to cook fully in the oil. Continue until you have cut the entire pumpkin into strips of the same thickness. Due to the curvature of the fruit, some strips will be longer than others—this is fine, as long as they are all relatively the same thickness. Set up a “drop zone”, or a place where the pumpkin will cool and rest once it is removed from the oil, like a wire rack placed over a sheet tray, or a large bowl or dish lined with paper towels. Place a long-handled metal slotted spoon or “spider” strainer near the heating pot of oil. When the oil reaches the proper temperature, crack the eggs into a deep mixing bowl. Whisk until homogenous. Add the ice water and mix again, then add the flour. Mix, gently, trying to prevent too many air bubbles from forming. Some small clumps are good, so don’t over mix. The less you agitate the batter, the better. (Chopsticks are a better mixing tool than a whisk.) Once everything is combined, drop in a handful of your pumpkin sticks. Coat them evenly with the batter, and then using tongs (or chopsticks), remove them from the bowl and drop them into the oil one by one. Once this batch of pumpkin has been added to the oil, place the tempura batter in the fridge to keep cold while they cook. The pumpkin slices should float right to the top, but depending on the water content of the pumpkin, some may sink to the bottom of the pot. This is fine, just give them a slight nudge off the bottom and they should rise right up. Make sure to adjust the heat of the oil so that it stays at 375°F. Adding lots of ice cold batter and veggies will definitely drop the temperature significantly, so adjust accordingly. Once the slices are golden brown they are ready to be removed from the oil with the slotted spoon. Place them in the “drop zone” and season with salt and pepper. Repeat the frying process as many times as necessary, or until you run out of pumpkin or tempura batter. Serve hot with the basil aïoli for dunking

Lemon Thyme and Leek Tart (Galette)

Lemon Thyme and Leek Tart (Galette)

Lemon Thyme and Leek Tart (Galette)

 

250 g (9oz) plain (all purpose) flour, plus a little more for rolling

pinch of salt

150 g (5oz) butter, cubed

1 medium egg, beaten

1 tsp picked lemon thyme leaves

For the filling

30 g (1oz) butter

500 g (1lb 2oz) leeks, white part only, thinly sliced

3 bay leaves

2 medium eggs

150 g (5oz) sour cream or crème fraîche

1 T. picked lemon thyme leaves

¼ whole nutmeg or to taste, grated

20 g (¾oz) Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, grated

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

For the pastry, put the flour, salt and butter into a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse until the mixture just comes together. (Alternatively, mix the butter into the flour and salt in a bowl using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs, then add the egg and mix to form a dough.) Bring the dough together with your hands, adding the thyme leaves, and shape into a round. Cling film (plastic wrap) the pastry and rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Melt the butter in a pan over a low-medium heat, add the leeks and bay leaves and cook for 15 minutes until really soft and sweet. Allow to cool a little. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then scoop out a couple of T. of beaten egg to glaze later. Add the sour cream, thyme leaves and nutmeg to the bowl. Stir in the leeks and season to taste. Remove the pastry from the fridge and roll out to a circle about 3mm (1∕8 in) thick, leaving no gaps or holes. Place a sheet of baking paper on a baking sheet, and put the circle of pastry on to it. Spoon the creamy leeks on top, spreading it out evenly and leaving a 1–2cm (½–¾in) gap around the edge. Fold the edge of the pastry over to create a lip. Nudge the bay leaves to the top. Glaze all exposed pastry with the reserved egg and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the filling. Place the tart in the oven on a middle shelf and bake for 35–40 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden and the tart filling is set. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 or so minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

 

4 small ripe but firm peaches, stoned, halved or quartered

extra virgin olive oil

3 ½ oz. watercress

red wine vinegar or lemon juice, to taste

small bunch of basil, leaves picked (a mix of varieties is nice), and a few flowers if you have them

1 oz. pine nuts, lightly toasted

2oz. Parmesan, shaved or coarsely grated

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Give the peaches a good coating of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place a griddle pan over a high heat and sear the peaches on each cut surface until caramelized. Place on a chopping board to cool a little. Slice the peaches and arrange over a platter or individual plates. Toss the watercress with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice to taste, then add to the peaches. Scatter over the basil, pine nuts and Parmesan, and finish with a good grinding of salt and pepper.

Lemon Verbena Adjika

Lemon Verbena Adjika

Lemon Verbena Adjika

 

3¼oz mint and lemon verbena

3 large green, medium-hot chillies

4 large garlic cloves

1oz. salt

¾ fl. Oz. olive oil

¾ fl. Oz. walnut oil

 

Have a sterilized jar ready. Strip the leaves from the mint and lemon verbena stems and discard the stems. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blitz on high speed. Store in the fridge, where it should keep for at least a couple of weeks.

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

 

Fresh sorrel, a hardy, leafy green perennial, gives simple white beans a zap of color and a lemony tang. Farmers’ markets often carry it from spring into early fall, depending on where you live. If you can’t find it, swap in basil. This recipe comes from Erin Scott, creator of the blog (and cookbook) Yummy Supper.

 

1 pound dried white beans, such as cannellini or navy

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 bay leaf

1 T. kosher salt

 

Pesto

4 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh sorrel or basil leaves (from a 6-oz. bunch)

2/3 cup pine nuts or Marcona almonds

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (use the smallest punched-out holes on a box grater)

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pepper and flaky sea salt to taste

 

Rinse beans under cool tap water. Put in a pot, cover with 3 in. cold water, and let soak overnight. Or, bring them just to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and let sit 1 hour, covered. If soaking liquid is cloudy, drain and replace, covering beans with at least 2 in. water; if clear, add enough to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Skim any foam from surface. Add sliced garlic and bay leaf and simmer, partly covered, until tender, 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long beans have been sitting on the shelf. Stir in salt. While beans are cooking, put pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to a coarse purée. Ladle out 1 cup cooking liquid and set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer warm beans to a serving bowl and stir in 1 1/2 cups pesto, along with some reserved cooking liquid to loosen them up. Serve hot, with remaining pesto on the side. Make ahead: Beans and pesto separately, up to 2 days, chilled (store beans in cooking liquid, and press plastic wrap against surface of pesto).

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

 

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

1/2 cup (55 g) bread crumbs

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) ground lamb

1/3 cup (45 g) pine nuts

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (100 g) chopped scallions, green parts only

2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped

2 T. chopped fresh summer savory (or substitute fresh parsley or oregano)

2 T. pomegranate molasses

1 egg

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

 

Pour the milk onto the bread Squeeze them out and reserve. crumbs and let them absorb the liquid for about 3 minutes. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the olive oil and mix very well. If you have time, leave the bowl in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to blend. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Start forming the lamb mixture into small balls the size of pingpong balls. Fry until brown on one side, flip, brown, and remove to a plate when cooked. Cook in 3 or 4 batches and do not overcrowd the pan or it will lose heat and you’ll get gray, steamed meatballs. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and roast the meatballs on an oiled rimmed baking sheet for 15 minutes, turning once. Serve the meatballs at room temperature.

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

 

6 Burrata Cheese balls 2.2oz each

5 large Heirloom tomatoes, about 3.5 pounds

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 cup baby organic arugula

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea Salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Balsamic Vinegar

 

Cut tomatoes into wedges and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper and balsamic vinegar and toss well. On a salad plate place some arugula in the center. Place one whole Burrata ball on top of the Arugula. Spread the tomato wedges around the burrata and Arugula on the plate. Garnish with Balsamic Glaze.

 

Glaze

 

2 cups good balsamic vinegar

1-1/2 tsp. of light honey or light brown sugar

1 bay leaf

 

In medium sauce pan combine vinegar, honey or brown sugar. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Let cool. It will thicken as it cools. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add more sweetness if desired. This glaze can be stored in a container in the fridge for up to 6 months. Put in a plastic squeeze bottle to have on hand when needed.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Bites

Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Bites

Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Bites

 

16 thin slices of prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise

16 large basil leaves, cut in half

6 ounces (approximately) of fresh mozzarella, cut into 32 small pieces

16 grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Freshly ground pepper

4 T. extra virgin olive oil

 

Fold a piece of basil and sandwich it between the tomato half and the mozzarella piece. Wrap the cheese and tomato with a strip of prosciutto as shown in the photo above and secure with a toothpick. Arrange the appetizers on a serving plate and season with the freshly ground pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil.

Mark Diacono’s Fragrant Herb Tempura

Mark Diacono’s Fragrant Herb Tempura

Mark Diacono’s Fragrant Herb Tempura

 

One thing is crucial: mix the ingredients quickly together, like you don’t really mean it, to avoid getting the flour’s gluten going. Lumps are fine; the batter should – like a dress at Cannes – just cling here and there. Wild garlic flowers and the bolder herbs are the ones to go for: coriander, sage, lemon verbena, parsley and chives are especially good. A sharp chilli-tamarind dip is very good to go with.

 

14oz. groundnut oil

2 ½ oz. Cornstarch

2 ½ oz. AP flour

1 tsp. Salt

1 Egg Yolk

5 fl. Oz. Sparkling Water

Small Sprigs of Herbs of your choice

Flaky Sea Salt to serve

 

Over a medium heat, warm the oil in a medium pan (the oil should come about one-third up the sides). When a cube of bread sizzles to a quick copper, you can fry your battered herbs. Quickly mix the flours, salt, egg yolk and sparkling water together in a large bowl to form a batter; don’t worry about any lumps. Dip the herb into the batter and lower carefully into the hot oil. Expect patchy batter coverage; it is as it should be. Ninety seconds should be enough to fry them perfectly. Fish out onto kitchen paper, using a slotted spoon. Shower with salt and eat in a hurry.

Marjoram and Chive Salt

Marjoram and Chive Salt

Marjoram and Chive Salt

 

How you dry this salt is everything. Leave it for a few days on greaseproof paper to slow-dry on a sunny window sill and its flavor is delightfully seaweedy; dry in a very low oven for 15 minutes (more if needed) and it’ll be a little brighter. Try half a batch of both and see which you prefer.

 

2/3 oz marjoram leaves

12 chive flower heads

2 ¼ oz coarse sea salt

 

Place the leaves, 8 of the chive flowers and the salt (add last to weigh down the herbs) in a coffee/spice grinder and whizz thoroughly: the change in tone from clatter to dentist drill tells you when it’s as it should be. If there are any remnants left unreduced, stir and whizz briefly again. For the oven-dry method, spread out (the salt, not you) on baking parchment on a baking sheet, and place in a very low oven; 230°F. After 10-15 minutes it should lighten in color. Scratch it up a little with a fork to expose the parts that are still a little damp and return to the oven. After 15-20 minutes it should be fairly dry. Allow to cool, add the remaining chive flowers (broken up a little), then jar immediately and try to focus on whatever else the day brings. A bit of finely grated lemon zest can be added.

Chermoula Herb Sauce

Chermoula Herb Sauce

Chermoula Herb Sauce

 

1 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted

1 tsp. coriander seeds, toasted

1 cup cilantro (small stems ok)

1 cup Italian parsley (or sub more cilantro)

1 tsp. fresh ginger (a thin slice about the size of a quarter)

1 tsp. fresh thyme (optional)

2 garlic cloves

½ cup olive oil

Zest from 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tsp)

2 T. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. aleppo chili flakes -add more for more heat

1/4 tsp. salt, adding ¼- 3/4 tsp. more if using as a marinade

 

Toast seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring until fragrant and golden. Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until well combined, but not too smooth. Keep in an air tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Sorrel Crackers

Sorrel Crackers

Sorrel Crackers

 

1⅔ cups gluten-free flour (I used ½ cup almond flour, ½ cup quinoa flour, and ⅔ cup ivory teff flour)

½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. olive oil

½ cup water

1 cup packed fresh sorrel leaves (spinach may be substituted for a milder cracker)

 

Preheat oven to 325° F. Blend oil, water, and sorrel in a blender until smooth. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, whisking together. Add the sorrel purée and mix well. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Let the dough chill for 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Between two lightly floured sheets of parchment, roll out the dough. Slice into desired cracker shape. Sprinkle with more salt if desired. Bake at 325° F for 20–30 minutes or until dry and firm, but still green in color. If the crackers retain moisture, finish in a dehydrator at 200° F, or on the warm setting in oven, making sure they do not overbrown.

Wild Mushroom Confit with Garlic and fresh herbs

Wild Mushroom Confit with Garlic and fresh herbs

Wild Mushroom Confit with Garlic and fresh herbs

 

1 lb (455 g) assorted wild mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, Chanterelles, morels, black trumpet…) – medium in size

2 C. extra virgin olive oil

8 large garlic cloves – peeled and halved

12 large sage leaves

4 rosemary sprigs

6 thyme sprigs

8 winter savory sprigs

2 fresh bay leaves

2 tsp. whole black Tellicherry peppercorns

1 tsp. sea salt

1 1/2 T. aged sherry wine vinegar

 

Brush the mushrooms clean and trim the stems, but keep the mushrooms whole. Set aside. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. (I recommend a 12″ skillet.) Add 1/3 cup of oil and the mushrooms, toss carefully, and sauté undisturbed for 2 minutes until the mushrooms begin to brown. Toss again and continue to sauté until the mushrooms are golden-brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, tossing only from time to time. Add the garlic pieces and sauté for 1 minute, until the garlic is golden but not brown. Reduce heat to medium, add the balance of the oil and the herbs and peppercorns, and gently heat until the oil reaches 170ºF (80ºC) (use a thermometer). Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, continue poaching the mushrooms for 6 to 7 minutes, maintaining the temperature at 170ºF (80ºC), until the herbs are crisp and have turned a shade darker. Transfer the mushrooms, herbs and oil into a large bowl. Stir in the salt and vinegar and allow to cool to room temperature. To serve, scoop out the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and place in a serving bowl. Cook’s note: Once cooled, the mushrooms can be refrigerated in their cooking oil for up to 1 week. (Make sure they are covered with the oil.) Bring to room temperature before serving. To serve as a side dish, gently heat the mushrooms in their oil, drain, remove the herbs and peppercorns and serve warm.

 

Tip: Once you’ve consumed all these amazingly delicious mushrooms, don’t throw the oil away. Strain it through a fine sieve and use it to make another batch of the mushroom confit; or use it to make vinaigrettes, to drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables, to sauté vegetables or to make sauces. It’ll bring beautiful aromas and flavors to anything you cook with it. Refrigerate the strained oil for up to 1 month.

Chive-Dill Batter Bread

Chive-Dill Batter Bread

Chive-Dill Batter Bread

 

Chives are the first herbs to come up in the garden once the snow has melted, a certain sign of spring. Young chives add mild onion flavor not only to omelets and salads but also to this batter bread.

 

1 pkg. or 1 scant active T. Active Dry Yeast

¼ C. Warm Water (105-115F)

2 T. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1 ½ dried Dill

2 T. finely chopped Fresh Chives

2 T. Butter

1 C. lower fat Cottage Cheese

1 large Egg, lightly beaten

2 C. Flour

 

Grease a 1½-quart casserole or soufflé dish generously and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, chives, and dill. Set aside until the yeast begins to foam, about 5 minutes. Add the butter, cottage cheese, egg, and ½ cup of the flour. Beat on low speed until well mixed. Add the remaining 1½ cups flour and beat to make a stiff batter. Cover and let rise for 10 minutes. Transfer the batter to the casserole dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake until golden and a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and dry, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the loaf from the casserole and place on a rack to cool.

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

 

1 bunch ramps

Handful sugar-snap peas

Handful lovage

Several sprigs tarragon

Several sprigs dill

Sage flower (or other edible herb flowers)

Salt

Olive oil

Cured egg yolk, grated

 

Cut the roots off the ramps and wash them, along with the peas and herbs. I like to cut a few of the snap peas lengthwise to open them up, but you don’t have to. Toss the ramps, peas, herbs and flowers together. Sprinkle with salt and a few drops of olive oil and a generous amount of egg yolk. Serve with fish or poultry.

Lamb Chops with Lovage and Ramps

Lamb Chops with Lovage and Ramps

Lamb Chops with Lovage and Ramps

 

8 lamb chops

Salt and pepper

1–2 T. olive oil, divided

16 ramps

2 handfuls lovage

½ green apple

1 clove garlic

¼ tsp. chili flakes

 

Salt and pepper the chops generously then throw them on the grill on medium-high heat for 3 minutes on each side. Drizzle olive oil and some salt onto the ramps and grill for 1 to 2 minutes until they are soft and slightly charred. Pulse the lovage, apple, garlic and chili flakes in a food processor until coarse, slowly add the olive oil until you have a thick chimichurri-like sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chops with the ramps on the side and a generous drizzle of the sauce.

Lemon, Ginger, and Mint Sweet Iced Tea

Lemon, Ginger, and Mint Sweet Iced Tea

Lemon, Ginger, and Mint Sweet Iced Tea

 

5 cups water, divided

8 black tea bags

2 lemons, sliced, plus additional slices for garnishing

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus additional mint for garnishing

1 T. sliced ginger

 

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Combine the tea bags and lemon in a large pitcher and pour the hot water over top. Steep for 30 minutes, then remove the tea bags and lemon.  While the tea steeps, make a simple syrup by combining one cup water, sugar, mint leaves, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves and simmer for one minute. Remove from the heat. Steep for 15-20 minutes and strain simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve.3. Add the simple syrup to the tea, according to your sweetness preference, then refrigerate. Serve on ice with additional lemon wedges and fresh mint leaves.

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

 

About 4 Cups Chopped Escarole and/or Baby Arugula

3 Cup Thin Asparagus (about 1 bunch, bottom ends removed)

2 Cups Sliced English Cucumber

8 oz Sugar Snap Peas (sliced and chopped)

1 ½ Cups Quartered Artichoke Hearts (1 can, drained and rinsed)

1 Cup Thinly Sliced Radishes

½ Cup Chopped Fresh Mint Leaves

lemon vinaigrette:

¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (about 2 large lemons)

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

⅓ Cup Chopped Scallions

1 Tsp Minced Garlic

Zest of 1 Lemon (optional)

Salt and Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)

 

Chop and slice all your veggies before adding them to a large serving bowl. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon vinaigrette ingredients until combined. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad in the bowl and toss well to coat. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge to marinate and soften until ready to serve.

 

Fresh Herb and Cream Cheese Scramble

Fresh Herb and Cream Cheese Scramble

Fresh Herb and Cream Cheese Scramble

 

10 large eggs

1/4 cup milk (not nonfat)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)

2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, chives, parsley, chervil, or a combination

 

Place the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk until the eggs are broken up and the mixture is thoroughly combined; set aside. Melt the butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat until foaming. Pour in the egg mixture. Let sit undisturbed until the eggs just start to set around the edges, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, push the eggs from the edges into the center. Scatter the cream cheese pieces over the eggs and gently stir to combine. Let sit again until the edges start to set, then spread back into an even layer. Repeat, pushing the eggs from the edges into the center every 30 seconds, until the eggs are almost set and the cheese is melted and combined, for a total cooking time of about 4 to 5 minutes. (The top of the eggs should still be slightly wet.) Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle in the herbs and gently stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

 

4 T. olive oil

1 bunch of spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

150g fresh herbs (use any combination of parsley, coriander, dill, chives, mint, tarragon), leaves only, finely chopped

100g spinach, very thinly sliced

½ tsp ground turmeric

6 medium eggs, beaten

1 T. plain flour

½ tsp sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

To serve (optional):

 

2 T. walnuts, chopped

1 fresh green chilli, thinly sliced

Method

 

Preheat the grill to medium. Heat half the olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the spring onions for 2–3 minutes until softened, then tip the oil and onions into a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and place over a medium heat. Pour in the mixture, cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes over a low heat until almost set, then place under the grill for 1–2 minutes to set the top. Serve topped with more freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of sea salt and the walnuts and chilli (if using).

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

The Ultimate Tomato Sandwich, With Jammy Eggs & Herby Mayo

 

The is a recipe for those times when you find the world’s best-looking tomato and you’re so excited to eat it, you don’t even have the patience to close your sandwich before taking a bite. It celebrates heavy-handed mayonnaise application, yolky dregs, and flaky salt.

 

 

2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

1 tsp. white vinegar

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. room-temperature water

1 cup safflower oil (or another neutral oil)

1/2 cup loosely packed basil and chives, very finely chopped (I like to blitz mine in a food processor, for ease); plus more for sprinkling

2 slices rustic, crusty bread

1 large ripe tomato (I like beefsteak), sliced roughly 1/2-inch thick

1 pinch each flaky salt and freshly ground pepper

1 T. olive oil for drizzling

 

Set a pot of water over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, gently add two eggs. Let them boil for six minutes exactly. Meanwhile, fill a bowl with ice and a large splash of cold water, and place it nearby. After six minutes, transfer the eggs to this ice bath. Make the herb mayonnaise. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, white vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, kosher salt, and water. While whisking like your life depends on it, begin to dribble in the oil a few drops at a time, checking that it’s fully distributed before adding more. Go slowly! Once you’ve added about a third of the oil this way, you’ll have the beginnings of a thick, creamy mayonnaise. Stream in the rest of the oil steadily, continuing to whisk frantically as you go. Once you’ve added all of the oil, fold in the herbs. Set aside as you prepare the other elements. (Note: Mayonnaise can be made a few days in advance and kept in the refrigerator—wait to chop and add the herbs until you’re ready to serve.) Toast the bread slices however you like (I prefer to do it in the stove at 450° F for 4 minutes). While the bread is toasting, peel the soft-boiled eggs in the ice bath. To compile your sandwich, slather one side of each piece of toast with herb mayo. Layer tomato slices on top, and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch each of flaky salt and pepper. Slice the soft-boiled eggs lengthwise and immediately layer on top of the tomatoes, so you don’t lose any yolky dregs! Garnish with a sprinkling of herbs, serve open-faced, and eat immediately.

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

 

2 large handfuls mixed herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, basil, and mint, washed, dried, and de-stemmed

1 clove garlic, peeled

¼ preserved lemon, rinsed and finely chopped

1 T. Dijon mustard

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

Roughly chop your herbs into one large pile. Add the garlic into the mix and continue chopping until the herbs are finely chopped and the garlic is nearly a paste. Spoon into a small serving bowl and whisk in the remaining ingredients. The oil should coat the herbs and pool around the sides of the bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, or more preserved lemon as desired. The flavor should be fresh and a little sour.

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola, Red Roasted Peppers & Kalamata Olives

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola, Red Roasted Peppers & Kalamata Olives

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola, Red Roasted Peppers & Kalamata Olives

 

1 16 oz can of pitted Kalamata olives

1 cup of Gorgonzola cheese

3 to 4 medium size red sweet peppers, roasted

1 loaf of crispy Italian bread, thinly cut into 1/4 inch slices

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, roasted

1 large bunch of Italian parsley

 

Preheat oven to 375. Cut peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Place on a cookie sheet or baking pan and brush with olive oil. Roast until blackened. Place in a brown paper bag to cool and let the skin fall off. At the same time, roast the garlic cloves until soft. In a food processor, put gorgonzola, olives, roasted peppers, and roasted garlic. Pulse on slow speed and slowly add the olive oil until blended but not too soft. Brush bread with olive oil on both sides and toast in oven on a baking sheet until golden. Spread some of the mixture on the top of each slice and garnish with a sprig of parsley.

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

 

2 T. vinegar, ( tarragon or white wine vinegar)

1/4 C.+ 1 T. olive oil

3 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. mustard, (hot english mustard OR Dijon mustard)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

9 mint leaves ( or 1 full branch ),, finely chopped

1 tsp. dried parsley

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

 

Put all of the ingredients into a medium sized bowl and whisk until the mixture thickens.

Avocado Goddess Dip

Avocado Goddess Dip

Avocado Goddess Dip

 

1 avocado, peeled and pitted

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 clove garlic, smashed

2 T. lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1/2 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Store refrigerated. Delicious with zucchini-carrot pancakes or simple vegetable crudites.

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

Herby Poached Egg on A Spring Onion & Chèvre Tartlet

 

1 sheet quality puff pastry dough

1 pound leeks or spring onions or a combination, well-rinsed

3 T. unsalted butter

⅔ C. heavy cream

2 T. fresh tarragon, chopped, divided

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped, divided

2 T. fresh chives, chopped Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces chèvre (goat cheese), crumbled

4 large fresh farm eggs, plus 1 for egg wash

2 T. milk for egg wash

Water

1 T. white vinegar

 

Remove puff pastry from freezer so it can soften slightly while you cook the onions. Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the leeks or spring onions. Melt butter in a large sauté pan, add leeks or onions and cook over low-medium heat, stirring often, 30–40 minutes or until soft and golden. Add cream, 1 T. each chopped fresh herbs (reserving remainder for garnish). Season with salt and pepper. Stir and simmer over low heat, 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside (or refrigerate up to 1 day). Preheat oven to 425°. Roll out puff pastry sheet on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 4 equal rounds using a large biscuit cutter or 4-inch inverted bowl. Place puff pastry rounds onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick each pastry with a fork to prevent uneven cooking. Whisk 1 egg with milk to create an egg wash, and brush lightly onto pastry. Divide onion mixture onto pastry rounds and top each with goat cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. (If pastry rises unevenly during cooking, push down gently with a fork while still warm.) Set aside in a warm place. Fill large saucepan with water, add white vinegar and bring to a simmer. Crack eggs into four individual dishes, taking care not to break the yolk. Slide eggs, 1 at a time, into simmering water. Gently cook each egg until desired doneness, or about 4 minutes for a slightly runny yolk. Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry. To serve, place each egg atop a warm onion tart, sprinkle with remaining chopped herbs and enjoy.

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

 

1 T. Asian chili Paste

2 T. Vegetable Oil

1 lb. Sirloin, cut into ¼” slices

¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped plus ½ C. fresh cilantro leaves

1 tsp. Naam Pla

 

Stir together paste with ½ C. water. Heat wok or heavy bottom skillet over high heat until drop of water evaporates immediately. Add 1 T. oil and heat until almost smoking, then stir fry half meat until browned; transfer to a bowl. Repeat with second half of beef. Return all beef and juices to wok. Add chile paste water and ¼ C. chopped Cilantro and stir fry until liquid is reduced to a quarter cup. Remove from heat, stir in Naam Pla and top with cilantro leaves for garnish.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

 

1 small log (4 ounces) goat cheese

1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon

1 tsp. chopped fresh chervil

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

12 large shrimp, peeled, tail-on and butterflied

12 thin slices of prosciutto

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Drizzle of White Truffle Oil

 

In a small mixing bowl, blend the goat cheese, herbs and garlic together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Press one T. of the filling in the butterfly-cut of each shrimp. Wrap each shrimp tightly with one piece of prosciutto. In a sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the stuffed shrimp and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp cook through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place on a large serving plate. Drizzle the shrimp with truffle oil and serve warm.

Grilled Mushrooms with Rosemary-Lemon Basting Butter & Variations

Grilled Mushrooms with Rosemary-Lemon Basting Butter & Variations

Grilled Mushrooms with Rosemary-Lemon Basting Butter & Variations

 

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon pepper, divided

1 pound white, cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, maitake, and/or king oyster mushrooms, at least 2 inches wide

½ teaspoon vegetable oil

¼ teaspoon table salt

 

Use any mix of mushrooms you like, as long as the caps measure at least 2 inches in diameter. A grill basket is helpful here but not essential. These mushrooms make a great accompaniment to other grilled foods. The parcooked mushrooms can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

 

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add soy sauce, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is simmering and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm until ready to use. Trim tough ends of stems on white and cremini mushrooms and cut in half. Remove stems from shiitake mushrooms. Remove stems from portobello mushrooms and halve caps if smaller than 4 inches; quarter if larger. Trim oyster and maitake mushrooms and tear into 2- to 2½-inch pieces. Trim stems on king oyster mushrooms and slice crosswise ¾ inch thick. Combine mushrooms and ½ cup water in bowl. Cover and microwave for 1 minute. Stir well; re-cover; and microwave until mushrooms have reduced in size by about one-third and liquid has increased to almost 1 cup, about 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes to finish cooking. Drain well. Dry bowl and return mushrooms to bowl. Let stand at room temperature while preparing grill. FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (about 4½ quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over half of grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes. FOR A GAS GRILL: Turn all burners to high; cover; and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave primary burner on high and turn off other burner(s). Clean and oil cooking grate. Toss mushrooms with oil, salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon pepper. Arrange mushrooms on hotter side of grill. Cook (covered if using gas), flipping mushrooms every 2 minutes, until well browned on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes. Carefully brush mushrooms with half of basting butter and continue to cook until butter is sizzling and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer to bowl with remaining basting butter and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

 

Garlic-Parsley Basting Butter

 

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add Worcestershire, parsley, garlic, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is simmering and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm until ready to use.

 

 

Ginger-Miso Basting Butter

 

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon white miso

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add miso, soy sauce, ginger, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is simmering and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm until ready to use.

Pork Chops with Cider, Horseradish & Dill

Pork Chops with Cider, Horseradish & Dill

Pork Chops with Cider, Horseradish & Dill

 

½ cup (120 ml) cider vinegar

½ cup (120 ml) hard or pressed apple cider

2 tablespoons (30 grams) freshly grated or prepared horseradish

½ teaspoon table salt

Pinch of cayenne pepper

 

4 bone-in loin pork chops, ½ inch thick (1½ pounds/680 grams total), preferably at room temperature

Table salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

 

Cooked together, these flavors are my happy place: tangy, sweet, and salty with a mellow, clearing bite.

Whisk the glaze ingredients together in a small dish and set aside. Trim any excess fat around chops until it is but a thin ribbon, no more than ⅛ inch thick. Pat the chops dry with a paper towel, and generously season them with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the oil starts to smoke. Add the pork chops to the skillet, and cook them until they are well browned, about 3 minutes. Turn the chops and cook 1 minute longer; then transfer chops to a plate and pour off any fat in skillet. Pour glaze mixture into the emptied skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook until mixture thickens enough so your spatula leaves a trail when scraped across the pan, about 2 to 4 minutes. Return the chops and any accumulated juices from their plate to skillet; turn to coat both sides with glaze. Cook them over medium heat in the glaze until the center of the chops registers 140 degrees on instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Transfer the chops to a serving platter and pour the glaze from the pan over them. Sprinkle with dill and eat immediately

Garlic Mustard & Olive Oil Bread Dip

Garlic Mustard & Olive Oil Bread Dip

Garlic Mustard & Olive Oil Bread Dip

 

2 cup of leaves Garlic Mustard (and blossoms if available)

1 cup of olive oil (and 3 extra tablespoons)

2 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 tsp. of sea salt

3-4 tablespoons of parmesan cheese (or more if you’d like!)

1 clove garlic (optional if you want it extra garlicky)

Directions

 

Place all your ingredients and half a cup of olive in a food processor. Whirr (blend) to a fine texture, then add another half cup of oil. Pulse till well mixed. Pour into a large, clean jar. Pour over your three tablespoons of additional olive oil to seal off any air from getting into your mixture – keeping it fresher longer. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just remember you’ll need to let warm to room temperature first – otherwise it will be a bit waxy.

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

 

¼ cup sugar (I used turbinado raw sugar)

½ cup water

1 star anise

3 whole cloves

3 whole allspice

⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Lavender leaves and flowers (optional)

3 cups assorted citrus fruit (I used pink grapefruit, grapefruit and navel oranges)

 

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Add the star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, dried red pepper flakes and lavender leaves if available.  Boil for 2 minutes, watching carefully so as not to burn.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Peel the citrus fruit, removing all the pith and seeds.  Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a glass bowl; pour spiced syrup over all, stir to mix. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours.  Serve in a clear bowl to show off the pretty colors.  Garnish with fresh lavender flowers.