Although this may appear like a lot of ingredients, this recipe utilizes two components that are then combined for the end product. The second set of ingredients is used to flavor the choy and uses the stems that would usually be discarded. When I first did this recipe, I was tossing the stems into a...Read More

Use this stuffing with duck, pork chops, or a pork roast, or chicken breasts that have been glazed with a little maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 white onion, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and cut into 1/4 inch dice 1 rib celery, wash and cut...Read More

Use this savory fruit sauce on duck, pork, chicken, or even beef. It will work great for any game as well. INGREDIENTS: 1 large shallot, peeled and minced 1 ounce cognac or brandy 1½ cups blueberries 1 tablespoon (or more if needed) sugar 1-2 tablespoons (more or less as needed depending on how tart the...Read More

While researching how to make blueberry vinegar, I discovered there are two schools of thought. One school always cooks the berries and then strains the vinegar soon after, and the vinegar is almost always sweetened. Then there are “the purists” – those who don’t mind waiting. These are the ones that just mix berries and...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 basket of strawberries, calyx removed, and halved tip to base 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil 1 to 1 1/2 cups unpeeled seedless cucumber, cut into 1/4 inch dice 6-8 cups Little Gem lettuce leaves (or Romaine), torn into bite-sized bits Large flake salt and fresh ground pepper...Read More

This is a twist on Insalata Caprese, the ubiquitous tomato, mozzarella, and basil “salad” that often features as a starter when tomatoes are in season. This version, however, is more of dessert-meets-the-cheese-course. The basil syrup called for in the recipe was developed originally for making grown-up sodas. INGREDIENTS: 1 pint strawberries, tops removed and cut...Read More

This dressing was concocted for Grilled Strawberries and Little Gem Salad, but would work well with grilled shrimp, lamb meatballs, or falafel. It would go nicely with Herbed Chicken Paillards in a sandwich as well. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup mint leaves, packed (Try for the most tender leaves, usually from the ends) 1/4 cup white balsamic...Read More

This simple syrup was developed for adult flavored sodas, but has other functions as well. It can be used to flavor a dessert “salad” of strawberries and mozzarella a la a Caprese salad, or use it in cocktails or salad dressings. With herbs in the mint family (if it has a square-ish stem it is...Read More

The sweet-tangy sauce is a nice complement to the slightly bittersweet taste of Chinese broccoli (gai lan). You can substitute regular broccoli if gai lan is not available. INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), washed and leaves separated from stems 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and de-germed, minced 1 inch of ginger...Read More

Generally, you would find a raspberry sauce served with this dish, along with canned peaches or peaches in syrup. Blackberries have a nice deep flavor which acts as a wonderful complement to the peaches bright flavors, and white peaches have lovely floral notes as well. The quick grilling of the peaches caramelizes some of the...Read More