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Ravioli with Seven Herbs & Ricotta (Ravioli Alle Sette Erbe)

Ravioli with Seven Herbs & Ricotta (Ravioli Alle Sette Erbe)

Ravioli with Seven Herbs & Ricotta (Ravioli Alle Sette Erbe)

 

1 1/2 (680 g) lb. ricotta

1/4 C. loosely packed basil leaves

1/4 C. roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 T. roughly chopped mint

1 T. sliced chives

1 T. roughly chopped chervil

1 tsp. roughly chopped oregano

1 tsp. thyme leaves

Kosher salt

1/4 C. (59 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1 recipe egg pasta dough

2 T. freshly grated pecorino cheese, plus more for serving

 

In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, add the ricotta, the herbs, and 2 tsp. of the salt. Process until the herbs are chopped. With the motor running, gradually add the oil in a steady stream until it is incorporated, the herbs are finely chopped, and the mixture is the consistency of mayonnaise. Reserve 1/3 C. of the cheese mixture and set aside. Divide the dough into four pieces. Using a pasta machine, roll the dough out, starting with the widest setting and then going down until the dough is 1/8 inch thick. Lay out one sheet of pasta. Drop tsp. of filling down one side of the pasta sheet at 1/2-inch intervals. Fold the pasta over the filling and gently press out any air between the filling and the dough. With a fluted pastry cutter, cut the ravioli into small squares (about 1 1/2 inches) and place on a lightly floured baking sheet. Finish the remaining ravioli in the same fashion. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook until they rise to the surface, 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve !4 C. of the pasta water, then drain the ravioli. Toss the ravioli in a bowl with the reserved cheese filling, a little of the pasta water, and the pecorino cheese. Serve immediately with more cheese if desired.

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

soaking and cooking the chickpeas:

3 T. + 1 tsp. salt

4 qt. water

1 lb. dried chickpeas

1 onion, peeled and halved through the core

a few sprigs thyme

1 clove garlic, smashed

1 bay leaf

for the sauté:

1/4 C. pine nuts

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced or thinly sliced

4 C. cooked chickpeas, drained

nice sea salt and pepper to taste

1/3 C. thinly sliced basil or more to taste

a few T. finely minced parsley or more to taste, optional

bread for serving

 

Soaking and cooking the beans: Dissolve the 3 T. of salt into the water. Add the chickpeas and soak for 8 to 24 hours. Drain, and place in a pot with the onion, thyme, garlic, bay leaf and remaining tsp. of salt. Cover with water by three inches. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook at the gentlest simmer for about an hour or until the chickpeas are cooked through. Let chickpeas cool in their cooking liquid. Discard thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and onion. Store chickpeas in their cooking liquid. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over low heat until light brown, about 5 to 10 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate to cool. Making the sauté: Place the oil and chopped garlic in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When the garlic starts sizzling in the oil, add the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to go big on the salt—chickpeas can handle it. I started with 1 tsp. of Maldon sea salt, and then added a pinch more. Add the pine nuts and the herbs, and sauté for a few minutes or until the chickpeas are heated through and nicely coated in the oil and herbs. Serve with more salt and pepper on the side.

Hyssop Baked Peppers

Hyssop Baked Peppers

Hyssop Baked Peppers

 

4 red bell peppers

3 cloves garlic

Salt

2 sprigs hyssop leaves, removed from the stems and finely chopped

Olive Oil

16 ripe cherry tomatoes

8 anchovy fillets

 

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Halve the peppers lengthways, remove and discard the white core and seeds, then lay the peppers, cut side up, in a greased baking dish. They should fit snugly. Peel the garlic, slice it finely and put a few slices in each halved pepper, together with a little salt, a pinch of hyssop leaves and 1 T. (15 ml) oil. (If you are using anchovies in olive oil, use this oil, as it adds extra flavor.) Halve the tomatoes — there’s no need to peel these small tomatoes — and tuck them into the peppers. Bake in the oven until the peppers have almost collapsed and are full of juice. Either drain the anchovies, if in oil, on paper towels, or if in brine, rinse and dry them. Roughly chop the anchovy fillets and stir 1 tsp. (5 ml) into each of the peppers. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, then serve.

Spicy Cod Tacos with Pineapple Lemon Balm Salsa

Spicy Cod Tacos with Pineapple Lemon Balm Salsa

Spicy Cod Tacos with Pineapple Lemon Balm Salsa

 

1 1/2 C. fresh pineapple, diced small

1 clove minced garlic

Juice of 1 Lemon

1/2 red onion diced

1 T. jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 T. brown sugar

1/4 C. fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 red pepper, diced small

4 T. lemon balm, chopped (flat leaf parsley and a little grated lemon zest can be substituted)

 

1 C. flour

2 T. chili powder

1 T. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground thyme

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

2 lb. fresh boneless cod fillet, cut into approximately 1 1/2 x 4 inch pieces

Canola Oil, for frying

8 (6 inch) flour or corn tortillas

 

Toss together first 12 ingredients in a glass or ceramic bowl to make the salsa. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours if possible, before using. Mix next seven ingredients in a shallow pan to form spiced flour. Heat about a quarter inch of canola oil in a cast iron skillet. Dredge cod in the spiced flour mixture, and then pan fry quickly until golden brown. Move to paper towels with slotted spoon to drain. Warm tortillas by wrapping in foil and placing in oven for several minutes, or heating them on a grill for a few seconds on each side. Place one or two pieces of fish in each tortilla, top with salsa, and serve.

Lemon Balm Vinaigrette

Lemon Balm Vinaigrette

Lemon Balm Vinaigrette

 

1 T. shallots, minced

2 T. lemon balm, minced

½ tsp. lemon zest

6 T. fresh lemon juice

4 T. white wine vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. brown sugar

8 T. vegetable oil

 

Mix all ingredients but vegetable oil together, then slowly blend in the oil. Mix well before serving.

Make a Cooking Wreath from Herbs

Make a Cooking Wreath from Herbs

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It’s pretty simple, a wreath woven together out of cooking herbs. I used to sell them in little cellophane bags with a couple of recipes attached. To use the wreath, you simply started a pot of soup or stew boiling and about 15 minutes before the end of the cooking, you simply drop the entire wreath into the pot for seasoning. The flavor is delicious!

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Step 1, pick a long sprig of rosemary. New, this year’s growth is best simply because heavier wood is more likely to break than to bend. You can use any of the following to work into your wreath, all with good flavor: Rosemary, Thyme (any variety), Sage, Garlic chives, Chives (leaves and/or flowers), Oregano, Basil, Lavender (flower spikes), Hyssop, Parsley and Lemongrass (even if it’s already brown it still have flavor).

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To begin your wreath, choose a nice, long sprig of hyssop or rosemary and bend it into a circle, twisting the ends around each other. Hold in place with your thumb and forefinger while you wrap another sprig of a different herb in the other direction (or tie the ends together temporarily with plain white string).

You want to weave each sprig in the opposite direction of the first so they hold each other in place. Don’t get discouraged, it gets easier as you work. (You may want to make several on your first try to get the hang of it).

Step 2, Weave each of the herbs into your wreath, using only the stems and leaves, no string. Tuck ends under and over an earlier sprig and keep adding more. You want to end up with a wreath that is about four inches across, or smaller. Use lemongrass or garlic chives as the last herb, wrapping  it around like a ribbon and tucking each end under another sprig to hold it in place.

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Step 3, When your wreath is finished, trim off any extra ends that are sticking out and put the wreathes in a dark place, like a pantry, on paper and let them dry until crisp.
Attach a string and a recipe if you wish and your cooking wreath is ready to give to a friend.

To use the wreath, remove the string and drop into an already boiling pot of soup or stew. It’s best to add the wreath during the last fifteen or twenty minutes of cooking (this is true of adding any herbs, fresh or dried; add them too soon and the cooking removes the flavors, so add herbs in the last minutes of cooking for the best flavor).

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Recipes to choose from for attaching to the wreath:

Autumn Herb Wreath Chicken Soup

2 1/2 quarts water
2 chicken breasts
1 stalk celery, diced
1/2 cup diced onion
2 carrots, peeled, sliced
The entire cooking wreath
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Dash salt and pepper, to taste
*Optional: 1/4 cup brown rice, rinsed

Bring water to a boil and add the chicken and vegetables. Cook until the chicken is tender, about 20 minutes, remove chicken and dice, and then add back to the soup. Add the optional rice and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking 10-15 minutes. When you add the rice/pasta, also remove the ribbon from the cooking wreath and add the wreath to the pot of simmering soup. Simmer until rice is done, remove wreath and serve.

Vegetarian Herb Wreath Soup

A vegetarian friend would receive this recipe card attach to their cooking wreath:
2 1/2 quarts water or vegetable broth
Bring water to a boil and add an assortment of your favorite diced vegetables: celery, potato, carrots, a turnip, some cabbage, onion, garlic, 1 slice ginger, etc. about 3 cups total.
*Optional 1/4 cup brown rice, rinsed

Simmer vegetables and rice until tender, about 15-18 minutes. Add the cooking wreath (with the ribbon removed) after 10 minutes of cooking, and continue cooking until rice is tender. Remove the wreath and serve.

 

Vignarola: An Italian Spring Stew

Vignarola: An Italian Spring Stew

10 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 heaping tsp. minced fresh spearmint
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 C. Italian dry wine, preferably Frascati
3 medium artichokes, cleaned, trimmed and sliced into 1/4″ slices
1 1/2 C. new potatoes
2 small white onions
3 1/2 lb. fresh fava beans, shelled and peeled
3 lb. fresh peas, shelled (or 1 lb. package frozen peas)
3 heaping tsp. minced Italian parsley
1 lemon, juiced

Heat 4 T. of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, mint, a pinch each of salt and pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and about 1/2 C. cold water. Add the artichokes and cover the saucepan. Raise the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the artichokes are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Peel the potatoes and slice them into rounds the thickness of a quarter. Peel and thinly slice the onions. Heat 4 T. of the oil in another saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the fava beans and potatoes to the onions and cover with cold water. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Add the shelled peas to the favas and potatoes, topping with hot water to keep the vegetables covered. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat. With a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to the saucepan with the artichokes. Stir in a pinch each of salt and pepper and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve the vignarola hot in soup bowls drizzled with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

Pasta with Garlic, Shrimp and Fresh Herbs

Pasta with Garlic, Shrimp and Fresh Herbs

1 lb pastaDSC_78141
1/2 lb. shrimp, shells removed
3T olive oil
8-16 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 C. fresh herbs, chopped (any combination that appeals)
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
Black pepper
1-2 C. milk or heavy cream
1 lemon
Parmesan Cheese

Cook the pasta according to package directions, add the shrimp during the last two minutes of cooking time. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until very lightly browned. Return the pot of drained pasta to medium heat and add the garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Add the milk or cream slowly and mix until a little sauce forms around the pasta. Taste and re-season if necessary (it will probably need a little more salt). Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and Parmesan on top.

Gin Spiked Mint-Fennel Sorbet

Gin Spiked Mint-Fennel Sorbet

This dessert is reminiscent of a cocktail and is the epitome of refreshing on a hot summer night. Basil can be substituted for the mint.

2 bulbs fennel
1 1/2 C. sugar
3 bunches mint, leaves plucked from stems
4 limes, juiced
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 C. gin
1 egg white

Chop fennel. Place in a nonreactive pot and add 4 C. water. Cover and simmer until very tender, approximately 30 minutes. Cool completely. Combine 1 1/2 C. water with sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Cool simple syrup completely.. Purée the fennel with the water it was cooking in, 2 C. simple syrup, mint, lime juice, salt, gin, and egg white in a blender for 1 minute. Strain through a cheesecloth. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Process in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Nectarine and Peach Jam with Lemon Verbena

Nectarine and Peach Jam with Lemon Verbena

This is refrigerator jam, allowing you to skip the fuss and time of canning.

1 lemon
3 pounds ripe nectarines or peaches, or a mix, pitted and sliced
730 grams sugar (3 and 1/4 C.)
Pinch salt
10 sprigs fresh lemon verbena

Grate zest from half the lemon and place zest in a large saucepan. Juice lemon and add the juice to the zest. Toss in fruit, sugar, salt and lemon verbena and bring to a simmer. Turn mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate overnight. The next day, if you plan to can the jam, prepare the jars according to the instructions here. Strain the liquid from the mixture into a wide, shallow pot or large skillet, reserving the fruit. Bring liquid to a simmer and cook until it thickens enough to wrinkle on the surface when you push it with a spoon (a candy thermometer should read 220 degrees). Remove lemon verbena from fruit and add fruit to the pot with the syrup. Simmer fruit gently until mixture looks very thick and jamlike. You can test the jam to see if it’s ready by freezing a small plate. Drop a bit of the jam on the plate, let it cool for a minute and then push it with your finger. The top should wrinkle. If syrup is thin and runny, keep cooking and test again in a few minutes (return plate to freezer in the meantime). If canning, spoon into hot sterilized jars and process as directed. Otherwise, let jam cool, then store in refrigerator or freezer.

Penne with Peas, Pea Greens and Parmesan

Penne with Peas, Pea Greens and Parmesan

1 pound fresh peas, shelled (about 3/4 C.)
6 oz. pea shoots (tendrils, shoots, leaves) (1/2 big bunch), curly tendrils removed and discarded
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch young spring onions or scallions, cleaned and finely chopped (about 1/2 C.)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 T. chopped fresh tarragon
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
¾ pound penne
1 to 2 oz. Parmesan, grated (1/4 to 1/2 C., to taste)

Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Meanwhile, steam the peas over an inch of boiling water for 4 minutes, until just tender. Transfer to a bowl. Add the pea shoots to the steamer and steam 2 minutes, until just wilted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool until you can handle them. Do not discard the steaming water; pour it into a measuring cup. Squeeze out excess water from the pea greens and chop medium-fine. You should have about 1 C. chopped leaves and tender stems. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add the chopped spring onion or scallions. Cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the pea shoots and stir together for about a minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the peas, tarragon and parsley and about 1/4 C. the steaming water and heat through. When the water in the pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add the pasta. Cook al dente, using the timing instructions on the package as a guide but checking the pasta a minute before the time indicated is up. When the pasta is ready, using a ladle transfer 1/2 C. the pasta cooking water to the pan with the peas and pea shoots. Drain the pasta and toss at once with the vegetables and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Peruvian Seafood Stew with Cilantro Broth

Peruvian Seafood Stew with Cilantro Broth

A flavorful Cilantro Broth is the star of this Peruvian Seafood Soup…use the broth as a jumping off point for your own version, adding chicken or chickpeas instead of seafood if you prefer.

2 Tablespoons oil
1 yellow or white onion- diced
1 fresh green ancho chili – chopped
1 green bell pepper – chopped (optional)
6 cloves garlic – rough chopped
1 Tablespoon coriander
2 teaspoons cumin
4 cups chicken broth or stock
3 cups water – divided
4 cups small diced potatoes
2 cup diced carrots
2 whole bunches cilantro, including small stems
2 lbs seafood, mixed -shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish, (or sub cooked chicken, or chickpeas)
½ teaspoon- ¾ teaspoon salt
cracked pepper
2 limes
cilantro and sour cream for garnish
crusty bread for dipping

Heat oil in a large heavy bottom pot, over medium high heat. Add onion, and sauté for two minutes, stirring often. Add ancho chili and bell pepper. Turn heat to medium and sauté until tender about 10 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and spices and cook for two minutes or until fragrant. Scrape this all into a blender and set aside. In the same pot, add 4 cups chicken broth or stock, plus 1 cup water.
Bring to a boil. Add the small diced potatoes and carrots and simmer over medium heat until just tender, about 10 minutes. In the meantime, add two whole bunches of cilantro to the blender, stems and all. I usually cut or twist off 1-2 inches off the stems, leaving the rest. Add 2 cups lukewarm water to the blender. Bend everything until VERY smooth, at least 45 seconds. Do not add this yet, just have it ready. Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, add the seafood and simmer until desired doneness, or about 3-5 minutes. When seafood is cooked, stir in cilantro mixture from the blender.
Heat, but do not boil too long, or you will lose the lovely green color Squeeze the limes – I used 1 ½ limes. Taste, adjust adjust salt. Serve in bowls with cilantro sprigs, sour cream (optional) and crusty bread

Lamb Chops with Greens and Sorrel Salsa Verde

Lamb Chops with Greens and Sorrel Salsa Verde

  • 8 1 1/2-2“-thick lamb loin chops (about 3 pounds)
  • 2/3 cup sorrel or spinach leaves
  • 1/3 cup mint leaves
  • 1/3 cup parsley leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided
  • 4 ounces king oyster or maitake mushrooms, cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch mustard greens, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (add up to 3 tablespoons total if using spinach)
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

Pat lamb dry; season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour. Meanwhile, purée sorrel, mint, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, about 1 garlic clove, and ⅓ C. oil in a blender, scraping down sides as needed, until mixture is smooth. Season salsa verde with salt and pepper; set aside. Prepare grill for high heat (or heat a grill pan over high). Grill chops, turning every 2 minutes or so, until well browned and beginning to char and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 125°, 8–10 minutes. Let lamb rest at least 10 minutes. While lamb is resting, heat remaining 2 T. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook mushrooms, tossing occasionally, until well browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Reduce heat to medium and add shallot and remaining garlic to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is softened and starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Add greens; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. Return mushrooms to skillet and toss to combine. Stir in vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Stir lemon juice into salsa verde; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve lamb chops over mustard greens with salsa verde. Do Ahead: Salsa verde (without lemon juice) can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Add lemon juice before serving.

Dill-Hazelnut Pesto

Dill-Hazelnut Pesto

1 1/3 C. fennel fronds
1 C. fresh dill fronds
1/4 C. roasted hazelnuts, skinned
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 C. hazelnut oil
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Blend the fennel, dill, hazelnuts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade attachment until well combined. Add the hazelnut oil, then the olive oil in a slow, steady stream with the motor running. Salt and pepper to taste. Use the pesto immediately or
transfer to an airtight container, cover with a thin layer of olive oil, and refrigerate until ready to use. Stored in the refrigerator, the pesto will keep for about l week.

Charred Lemon-Mint Chimichurri

Charred Lemon-Mint Chimichurri

This sauce works well with grilled meats (especially lamb chops and steak) and fish (try fresh sardines or halibut), but it’s a good accompaniment to vegetables too. Drizzle it on thick slices of tomato, grilled zucchini, or to dress a grainy salad or cucumbers.

1 small lemon
1 small jalapeño
1 C. flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 C. fresh spearmint leaves
3 tsp. fresh oregano leaves
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. coarsely chopped shallot
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

Cut off the blossom and stem ends of the lemon, removing enough so that you can see the pulp on both ends. Cut the lemon into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place in a small bowl with the whole jalapeño. Toss with a little bit of olive oil and salt, and grill or broil until slightly charred. Return them to the bowl, and cover with a plate. The steam will cause them to soften and collapse slightly, and make the skin of the jalapeño easy to remove. Peel and seed the jalapeño (leave all or some of the seeds and membrane if you prefer some spice). Remove any seeds from the lemon slices. Put about 4 slices of lemon and the jalapeño in the bowl of a food processor with the parsley, mint, oregano, garlic, shallot, and vinegar. Pulse the ingredients in short bursts to chop and combine without creating too fine a purée. With the motor running, drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Remove the sauce and let sit at least 2 hours or up to overnight, during which time the flavors will develop.

Savory Mint Sauce

Savory Mint Sauce

This is one of the simplest sauces to make, and one of the most versatile. In Sicily it is known as zogghiu and is believed to be Maltese in origin. It is used to dress grilled fish, meat, and vegetables. It is also delicious spooned onto grilled bread and topped with fresh summer tomatoes. In this version, I’ve added some chopped walnuts to the basic sauce for a little extra body. See the variations that follow for more ways to switch up this spunky, garlicky sauce.

2 lightly packed C. (28 g) fresh mint leaves
2 lightly packed C. (28 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. fine sea salt
1/4 C. (28 g) coarsely chopped walnuts
3 T. white wine vinegar
3/4 C. (165 g) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to cover

Place the mint and parsley leaves, garlic, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Pulse briefly to chop the leaves. Add the nuts and pulse again until everything is coarsely chopped. With the motor running, add the vinegar, 1 T. at a time. Turn off the motor and scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Then, with the motor running, drizzle in the oil. You should end up with a sauce that is somewhat thinner than classic basil pesto, but thick and spoonable nonetheless. Scrape the sauce into a jar or container and top off with a thin layer of olive oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you like, divide the sauce between two or three containers before storing.

Variations
Add 3 or 4 anchovy fillets and 1 T. capers.
Substitute almonds for the walnuts.
Add a handful of finely chopped olives and a generous pinch of dried peperoncini flakes or minced fresh peperoncini.

Garlic Scape and Arugula Pesto

Garlic Scape and Arugula Pesto

8 ounces/225 S garlic scapes (2 to 3 bunches)
1 cup/20 g packed arugula leaves
1/2 cup/70 g pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup/25 g grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup/60 ml olive oil, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chop the garlic scapes into l-inch/2.5 cm lengths and combine them with the arugula leaves, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until a paste begins to form. Remove the lid and scrape down the bowl, if necessary. Once you’ve gotten to a chunky paste, slowly stream in the 1/4 cup/60 ml of olive oil with the motor running and process until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to taste. Pack the pesto into a half-pint/250 ml jar (if you’re freezing it, try dividing it between 2 quarter-pint/125 ml jars). Cover with a thin layer of olive oil (it keeps out the oxygen and prevents the top of the pesto from browning) and either refrigerate or freeze. It will keep in the refrigerator for at least a week, or in the freezer for up to a year.

Blistered Radishes with Parsley

Blistered Radishes with Parsley

16 radishes
1 T. unsalted butter
¼ C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground unrefined sea salt

Chop the radishes into ¼-inch dice and set them in a bowl while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter foams, decrease the heat to medium-low and stir in the radishes. Cook the radishes in the butter, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, until their skins blister slightly. Sprinkle them with the parsley and season with salt to suit your preference. Serve warm.

Brown Butter Sugar Snap Peas with Mint

Brown Butter Sugar Snap Peas with Mint

1 pound sugar snap peas, strings removed
1 tsp. unsalted butter
15 medium-sized fresh mint leaves, chopped roughly
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large sauté pan over high heat, add the butter. The butter will foam up, subside, and after approximately 30 to 40 seconds, begin to turn golden brown. Brown butter has a slight nutty favor that works well with this dish. Once the butter has turned golden brown, mix in the sugar snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the mint and the lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper, mix together, then serve immediately.

Blackberry Anise Hyssop Sorbet

Blackberry Anise Hyssop Sorbet

4c Blackberry
1/3 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Lemon Juice

Toss blackberries with sugar and let it sit half a day to overnight. In a non-reactive pan, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Puree all ingredients on low speed in your blender; be careful not to grind up the seed. Strain and cool over ice bath.
Anise Hyssop syrup

30g/1oz. Anise hyssop, cleaned and destemmed
¾ C. sugar
I tsp. honey or agave nectar
1 ½ C. water

Bring sugar, honey and water to a boil. While it’s hot, pour it over the cleaned anise hyssop. Let it steep for one hour. Strain anise hyssop and cool the syrup over an ice bath.

Combine cooled puree and syrup together with:

1 tsp. freshly juiced lemon
1/8 tsp. salt

Chill mixture in the fridge at least 3 hours or overnight. Churn it in an ice cream maker. Enjoy with more fresh berries, toasted almond, and fresh whipped cream on top!

Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil

Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil

1-1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
16oz. packaged gnocchi
1-1/2 tsp. butter
1 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 C. frozen corn
1/4 small onion, chopped
salt & pepper
2 garlic cloves
8 leaves basil, chopped & divided
1/4 C. half & half
2 tsp. freshly grated parmesan cheese

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi then spread in one layer and sauté undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Toss then continue sautéing for 3-4 more minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Remove skillet from heat then set aside. Meanwhile, heat butter in another large skillet then add zucchini, corn, and onion, and then season with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes, then add chopped garlic and half the basil, and then sauté for 30 more seconds. Remove skillet from heat then add half & half and parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Pour mixture into skillet with gnocchi then toss to combine. Season with more salt and pepper if necessary then serve topped with remaining chopped basil.

Fresh Zucchini & Arugula Salad

Fresh Zucchini & Arugula Salad

1 large zucchini
1/2 C. feta crumbles
1/4 C. chopped parsley
2 scallions, sliced
2 tsp. good quality olive oil
1 tsp. good quality aged balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
2.5 oz. arugula

Grate the zucchini with a mandolin, and combine with the feta, parsley, scallions, olive oil, and balsamic in a large bowl. Season to taste with a pinch or so of salt and pepper. Add the arugula and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Herbed Lemony White Bean Salad

Herbed Lemony White Bean Salad

2 15oz. cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 tsp. chopped parsley
2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1/4 C. minced red onion
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. good quality olive oil
salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and season the salad to taste with salt and pepper. Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Fried Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarine Stacks with Balsamic Glaze

Fried Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarine Stacks with Balsamic Glaze

4 large nectarines or peaches, sliced into rounds
12 large basil leaves
12 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 thick round slices
1 C. panko bread crumbs
1/4 C. flour
1/3 C. parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne

1/2 C. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. brown sugar (optional)

Add vinegar and brown sugar, if using, to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a very low simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until liquid reduces by about half and is slightly syrupy. Remove from heat, pour vinegar in a bowl or glass to pour, and set aside to cool and thicken. In a large bowl, combine panko, flour, parmesan, salt, pepper and cayenne, mixing thoroughly to combine. In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Take each slice of fresh mozzarella and coat it in the beaten egg, then dredge it through the bread crumb mix, pressing on both sides to adhere. Repeat with the remaining slices. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tsp. olive oil and sear both sides of the nectarines for 1 to minutes until just warmed, but still somewhat firm. Alternately you can also grill the nectarines directly on the grill. Keep the nectarines warm. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and when hot, fry coated mozzarella, turning carefully once or twice, until golden and cheese starts to melt but still retains its shape, about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels. To assemble, place one nectarine to a plate, top with 1 slice of fried mozzarella and then a basil leaf. Repeat the layer one more time and finish with a nectarine. Garish with basil and freshly grated pepper. Drizzle on the balsamic glaze.

Minted Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad

Minted Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad

Mint Chive Dressing:
3 T. white wine vinegar
1 T. chopped fresh mint
1 T. snipped fresh chives
2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil

Snap Pea Salad:
2 (8- oz.) bags Sugar Snap Peas
1 C. very thinly sliced radishes
1 C. thinly sliced and quartered red onion
pepper to taste freshly ground
Baby arugula (optional)

Whisk together vinegar, mint, chives, honey, salt and garlic in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until oil is incorporated. Place sugar snap peas, radishes and red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat; season with pepper. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Serve over arugula, if you like.

Candied Angelica

Candied Angelica

Candied Angelica

 

3 -4 sprigs angelica, at least 2 years old

1 cup caster (superfine) sugar

1 T. baking soda

caster sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

 

Cut angelica stalks in their 2nd year. Unlike many other plants, the big stalks are better as long as they are still green (not purple or white). De-leaf, remove leaf stalks and cut into pieces of about 6 inches, and soak in cold water for about 8 hours. Boil water and plunge the stalks inches Boil until the stalks begin to soften (add about half tsp. of baking soda per pint of water to keep the vivid green color, which is associated with ‘real’ candied angelica that is found in France) It also helps to soften. Cool under running water, drain, then peel removing the long stringy parts on the outside of the stalks. Put them into a syrup made up of of 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water: soak for 24 hours. Cook in them in the syrup and repeat once a day for four days, by which time the angelica should be translucent without losing shape. Remove the angelica stems from the pan and let them drain on a covered rack or screen until dry and glossy. You can roll the stems in caster sugar, BEFORE drying them on the rack/screen if you wish.). Store in an airtight tin or jar, and in a cool, dark place; they will last for up to 2 years in the right storage conditions. Cut the stems into appropriate lengths and use to decorate cakes, trifles, desserts, or ice cream sundaes.

Lemon Verbena Syrup & Limeade

Lemon Verbena Syrup & Limeade

Lemon Verbena Syrup

This beautiful syrup is the perfect introduction to the allure of lemon verbena.

2 C. water
1½ C. sugar
handful fresh lemon verbena leaves

In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally to dissolve the sugar crystals. If sugar doesn’t fully dissolved by the time the syrup boils, lower the heat, continue cooking until syrup clears, and then bring back to a boil. Remove from the heat. Stir in lemon verbena leaves, cover the pan, and let steep for at least 30 minutes. When steeping is complete, remove lemon verbena leaves from the syrup and discard. Decant syrup into a glass container and store in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it.
Lemon Verbena Limeade

1 C. cold water or soda water
½ C. Lemon Verbena Syrup
¼ C. fresh lime juice
ice
2 tips or 4 leaves of lemon verbena
2 wedges of lime

Fill two 12-oz. glasses with ice. In a small pitcher or 2-C. measuring C. with a pouring spout, add water, Lemon Verbena Syrup, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Divide limeade between the two glassed and garnish each with lemon verbena and a lime wedge.

Mussels in Green Sauce (Moules au Vert)

Mussels in Green Sauce (Moules au Vert)

Mussels in Green Sauce (Moules au Vert)

1 C. (250 mL) chopped herbs, such as basil, chervil, sorrel, chives and sage (or a mix)

2 T. (30 mL) capers

½ tsp (2 mL) chopped garlic

3 anchovy fillets

¼ C. (60 mL) olive oil

1 C. (250 mL) white wine

2 lbs (1 kg) mussels

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 T. (15 mL) lemon juice

Combine herbs, capers, garlic, anchovy fillets and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside. Bring wine to a boil in large pot over high heat. Add mussels, cover, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes or until mussels open. Discard any that do not open. Stir in green sauce, toss everything together, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a spritz of lemon juice.

Tomato Omelets with Marjoram

Tomato Omelets with Marjoram

Tomato Omelets with Marjoram

Ruth Bass, who wrote a series of books celebrating the use of herbs in cooking, says there are two ways to mingle tomato, marjoram, and eggs. You can cut cherry tomatoes in half, heat a little olive oil in a small skillet, put them in cut side down, and then serve them sprinkled with fresh marjoram next to eggs. Or you can turn out this omelet, which combines tomatoes, marjoram, and farmer cheese.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped

3 large shallots, minced

1 cup farmer cheese, crumbled (farmers cheese is a form of cottage cheese, from which most liquid has been pressed)

2 teaspoons minced fresh marjoram

8 eggs

¼ cup water

salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons butter

 

Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the tomatoes and shallots and cook until soft, stirring frequently. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and marjoram. Set aside. Beat the eggs with a fork until they are light and well blended. Add the water and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a large omelet pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, swirling to coat pan. Add the eggs to the pan. With one hand, shake the pan back and forth while stirring the eggs with your other hand. Stir, using a fork held flat so as not to break through the bottom of the omelet. When the eggs begin to form curds and set along the bottom, stop stirring. With the back of the fork, spread the eggs evenly around the pan. Spoon the tomato mixture across the middle of the omelet. Let cook another minute or so.

Tilt the pan up and use the fork to roll the top third of the omelet onto the filling. If you want the omelet lightly browned, let it sit for a few seconds. Tilt the pan over a serving platter and make a second fold by sliding the omelet out of the pan, seam side down, onto the platter. Serve immediately.  For scallion omelet, use only 2 tomatoes and add ½ C. chopped scallions.

Rocket, Fennel and Herb salad with Goat’s Cheese

Rocket, Fennel and Herb salad with Goat’s Cheese

Rocket, Fennel and Herb salad with Goat’s Cheese

 

¾ ounce pack marjoram, washed and picked

8 x 15 ml spoons extra virgin olive oil (15ml = 1 T.)

2 x 3.5 oz packs goat’s cheese

50 g pack organic rocket (2-3 C.)

1 fennel bulb, halved and very finely sliced

50 g pitted black olives (1/2 C.)

¾ oz. pack lemon basil, washed and picked

Juice ½ lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 red chillies, deseeded and finely sliced

 

Preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, Gas Mark 6. Place the marjoram in a mortar and grind with a pestle, alternatively, finely chop. Combine with 2 x 15ml spoons of the olive oil and rub all over the goat’s cheese. Place the goat’s cheese on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Place the rocket, fennel, olives and lemon basil in a bowl, dress with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice and season to taste. Divide between 4 serving plates, crumble over the cheese and scatter with the chilli.

Tomato Strata

Tomato Strata

Tomato Strata

12 slices sourdough or regular French bread, cut in 1/2-inch diagonal slices

3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil and drained)

1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups mixed grated Fontina and Gruyère cheeses

4 eggs

2 egg whites

3 cups evaporated skim milk

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray; line the dish with six slices of the bread. Arrange the tomato slices and sun-dried tomatoes over the bread; scatter the basil leaves on top, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle Fontina and Gruyère over all. Lay the remaining bread slices over the cheese and press down.  In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg whites together until they are foamy. Add the milk, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well. Pour this mixture over the bread. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 35O°F. Sprinkle the strata with the Parmesan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffy and golden brown.

 

Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Blood Oranges, Avocado, Mint & Feta

Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Blood Oranges, Avocado, Mint & Feta

Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Blood Oranges, Avocado, Mint & Feta

 

Wild Miner’s lettuce

2 green onions, tops and stalks sliced

1/8 cup chopped fresh mint (or to taste)

2 blood oranges, peel and pith removed, sliced into rounds

1/2 ripe avocado, diced

goat or cow’s milk feta cheese

champagne vinegar

olive oil

Directions:

 

Gently rinse and spin dry the Miner’s lettuce. Place in a large bowl with the green onion and mint. Drizzle in equal amounts of champagne vinegar and olive oil (about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Toss lightly, taking care not to crush the tender leaves.  Plate the greens. Top with avocado, blood oranges, and feta cheese. *Add additional protein if desired. Smoked salmon is divine!

Chicken and Haloumi Skewers with Crispy Oregano and Lemon

Chicken and Haloumi Skewers with Crispy Oregano and Lemon

Chicken and haloumi skewers with crispy oregano and lemon

 

1 pound chicken breast fillets, cut into ¾” pieces

1 T. lemon juice

sea salt and cracked black pepper

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

8oz. haloumi, cut into 16 ¾” pieces

6 sprigs oregano

lemon wedges, to serve

natural Greek-style (thick) yogurt, to serve

 

Place the chicken, lemon juice, salt, pepper and half the oil in a large bowl and toss to combine. Thread the chicken and haloumi onto skewers. Heat 1 tsp. of the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the oregano and cook for 30 seconds or until crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan, reduce heat to medium and add the skewers, in 2 batches, and cook, turning, for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with the crispy oregano, lemon wedges and yogurt.

Halibut With Sorrel Butter Sauce

Halibut With Sorrel Butter Sauce

Halibut With Sorrel Butter Sauce

 

1/2 cup common sorrel leaves, stems discarded

2-1/2 cups fish fumet or stock

2/3 cup heavy cream, divided

1/4 cup white vermouth or dry white wine

6 T. unsalted butter, room temperature

2 tsp. lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Four (6-ounce) skinless halibut fillets (about 1-3/4-inches thick)

1 T. canola oil

 

Line a broiler pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray, set aside. Stack the sorrel leaves, roll them up tightly into a cigar shape, and slice crosswise into thin ribbons. In a large saucepan, bring the fish fumet, half of the cream, and the vermouth or wine to a boil over medium high heat. Boil until the mixture is reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 15-20 minutes over medium-high heat. Add the remaining cream, butter, and lemon juice to the sauce and cook over medium low heat until the butter has melted, about 2 minutes. Set aside a few pinches of the sorrel for garnish. Add the rest of the sorrel ribbons to the sauce, stir, season to taste with salt and pepper, and keep warm over very low heat. Adjust the oven rack so that it is 4 to 6 inches from the broiling element. Place the fish on the prepared broiler pan, brush with the oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil until opaque in the center, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with the sorrel sauce and garnish with reserved sorrel leaves.

Leek and Fish Stew with Herb Salad

Leek and Fish Stew with Herb Salad

Leek and Fish Stew with Herb Salad

 

2 T. olive oil

2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut lengthwise, then into ½-inch semi-circles (see note below*)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

½ C. dry white wine or white vermouth

4 C. fish stock (see note at top of recipe)

2 C. small baby potatoes (white or red), cleaned and cut into ½-inch slices

1 pound white fish, such as cod, haddock, or monkfish, silvery skin removed

Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided (saving ½ for the herb salad)

 

HERB SALAD

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Finely grated zest and fresh juice from ½ lemon (reserved from the stew’s ingredients)

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp.  Old Bay seasoning

1 C. mixed fresh herb leaves (choose any combo of parsley, cilantro, dill, chervil, tarragon, chives)

 

Your fanciest olive oil for drizzling

Crusty baguette for mopping up the broth

 

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepot over medium heat; add leeks and garlic and season with salt and pepper. When the leeks are translucent but not browned, add wine or vermouth. Bring to a boil and add fish stock. Return to a boil, add potatoes and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. Add fish fillets, cover pot and turn off heat. The fish will cook through in the hot broth. Smaller fillets like sC. will cook in 5 minutes; larger pieces like cod or monkfish will take 10 to 12 minutes. While the stew rests, make the herb salad: Combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, honey and seasoning in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Chop and then add fresh herbs, tossing gently to coat. Taste for seasoning. When the fish is cooked, add the lemon juice and zest to the stew. Gently break the fillets into large pieces, ladle the stew into warm bowls and garnish with herb salad. Drizzle with your fanciest olive oil, serve with hot crusty bread and take heart in the fact that sunnier days await. *Note: Leeks are notorious for hiding dirt or sand in their many layers. Once you’ve sliced your leeks, soak them in a bowl full of cold water, then drain and rinse.

Chive Oil & Chive Blossom Vinegar

Chive Oil & Chive Blossom Vinegar

Chive Oil & Chive Blossom Vinegar

 

Clip blossoming chives near the base of the stem, trimming off brown or dried parts. Pick off blossoms. Chop stems into 1/2″ lengths.

 

For vinegar, pack blossoms into pint jar (or jars, depending on how many blossoms you have and how much vinegar you’ll use). Fill jar with vinegar to within 1/2″ of top. I used white wine vinegar, but some recipes call for white vinegar, which to my taste would be too strong; others call for white balsamic vinegar. Seal with lid, but not too tightly, to allow vinegar to breathe. Store in cool, dark place for two weeks. Strain into clean jar(s) and seal with lid(s). Keep up to six months in a cupboard away from heat or light.

 

For oil, place chopped chives, a few blossoms and enough oil to cover in a blender. Blend on high until completely pulverized then add more oil to thin it. Pour into lidded container and place in refrigerator for four days. Bring to room temperature, strain through fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into medium bowl or pint measuring C., then pour strained oil into ice cube tray and freeze. Pop frozen cubes out of trays and place in zip-lock bag. Store in freezer and thaw as needed.

Chimichurri Herb Mash

Chimichurri Herb Mash

Chimichurri Herb Mash

 

1 C. parsley, finely chopped

1 C. mint, finely chopped

1 C. basil, finely chopped

2 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 C. olive oil

Salt & white pepper, to taste

 

Mix all of the above ingredients until well combined. Let sit for 30 minutes so that the flavors blend. Use to season mashed potatoes.

Preserved Lemon Cilantro- & Scallion Pesto

Preserved Lemon Cilantro- & Scallion Pesto

Preserved Lemon Cilantro- & Scallion Pesto

 

⅓ cup pepita (pumpkin) seeds or sesame seeds

1 T. chopped preserved lemon, seeds removed

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. chopped garlic

¼ tsp. fine sea salt, plus more

2 bunches scallions, cut into 1-inch lengths (2 C.)

1 bunch cilantro including stems, cut into 1-inch lengths (2 C.)

6 T. vegetable oil

2 T. soy sauce, plus more

 

Heat the seeds in a small pan over medium-low heat and toss every couple of minutes until toasted and light golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes for pepitas. Transfer to a shallow dish to cool. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the preserved lemon with the pepitas, garlic and salt until roughly smashed. Add the scallions and cilantro and pound into a coarse paste, then stir in the oil and soy sauce. If using a food processor, pulse the pepitas, garlic and salt to coarsely grind. Add the scallion and cilantro and pulse into a coarse paste, scraping the bowl as needed. With the machine running, add the oil and soy sauce. Stir in more oil for a runnier sauce if desired, then season to taste with soy and salt.

Champagne Chicken

Champagne Chicken

Champagne Chicken

 

1 C. champagne

12 sprigs fresh thyme, minced

3 T. fresh lime juice

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 large sprigs fresh rosemary, minced

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

Fresh rosemary sprigs

 

Combine champagne, thyme, lime juice, garlic, and rosemary in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade and place in a small roasting pan. Reserve marinade. Roast chicken 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade. Place chicken on a platter and cover to keep warm. Pour pan juices into a saucepan. Add remaining marinade. Cook mixture over medium-high heat until reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serves 2.

Tomato, Camembert & Gruyere Tart

Tomato, Camembert & Gruyere Tart

Tomato, Camembert & Gruyere Tart

 

1 1/2 C. all purpose flour

6 T. cold unsalted butter (3/4 stick), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper

2–3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 T. water

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/2 C. Gruyere, grated

4 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices and seeds removed

6 ounces Camembert, sliced into 1/8-inch strips

1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 C. fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

1 clove garlic, minced

 

Make the tart dough: Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, combine the flour, butter, salt, and pepper until mixture resembles coarse meal. Using a fork, mix in 2 T. of the oil and the water just until the bottom of the mixture begins to cling together. If necessary, add an additional T. of oil. Gather into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out the chilled dough into a 14-inch circle and place it into a tart pan. Spread the mustard over the bottom of the tart shell. Sprinkle the Gruyere evenly over the mustard and alternately place the tomato slices and the Camembert over the Gruyere. In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, all of the herbs and the garlic together and brush two-thirds of the mixture over the tart. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 35 minutes. Remove the tart and brush it with the remaining oil. Serve warm.