INGREDIENTS: 1 chicken, cut up for braising (legs, thighs, wings, breasts split and each half cut across,) or 8 thighs 1 tablespoon Smokey China Rub* Salt and pepper to taste 4 ounces orange juice 2 ounces brandy 2 medium brown onions, sliced into ¼ inch thick half-moons 2 cloves of garlic, peeled, de-germed, and minced...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 12 large scallops, patted dry with white muscle pulled off 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 lb. chanterelles, morels, or other mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1 large shallot, finely minced 10 black peppercorns, toasted in a pan on the stove (this kills the heat of the pepper, leaving behind the fruity flavor. Toast until you...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 6 large artichokes, trimmed to the pale tender leaves, some stem left on if edible 1 cup loose mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoon mint leaves, sliced into fine chiffonade* 3 cloves of garlic-thinly sliced 2 lemons, sliced (optional) plus 1 lemon cut in half for rubbing the cut surfaces Salt and fresh ground pepper...Read More

For a simple yet elegant soup, try this asparagus soup. Subtle and velvety, without any cream. By the way, you do not want this soup to boil — by not allowing it to boil it will retain a greener, more pleasant color. Boil this soup and it will turn an ugly khaki color. INGREDIENTS: 1...Read More

An elegant looking appetizer with lots of bright flavors, perfect with a glass of something bubbly or a dry white wine. INGREDIENTS: 8-12 paper-thin slices prosciutto (enough to cover a 12-14 inch platter) 1/4 pound wedge Pecorino-Romano cheese 1 pound purple asparagus, fattest spears, trimmed and peeled 1 Meyer lemon, cut in half Extra virgin...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch (roughly 1 ¼ pounds) medium asparagus Salt and fresh ground pepper 1 1/2 tablespoon butter 1/1/2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces oyster mushrooms (or buttons) sliced or broken into 1/2-inch bits 1 small brown onion, peeled and cut into medium dice 1/2 loaf of bread such as French, francese, or ciabatta, crust...Read More

This dish is great as a combination of two recipes; the chicken is quite good without the stuffing, and the stuffing makes a nice side dish on its own, as well. Lemon-infused olive oil is available at gourmet shops and better grocery stores. You can find some locally made at various farmer’s markets. Agrumato is...Read More

Although this dish is intended to stuff chicken, it is also quite good on its own as a side dish. The goat cheese is a nice option, but the dish is fine without it. Pine nuts work fine in lieu of pistachios. This stuffing works great in whole chicken, chicken breasts, pork chops, fish, or...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds button mushrooms 1-2 cups balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows) METHOD: Clean the mushrooms. Do this by wiping them down with a clean towel or using paper towels. If you must, lightly rinse them with cold water and dry them with paper towels. Prepare the mushrooms for cooking. Decide on what you will...Read More

  INGREDIENTS: 6 large Portobello mushrooms 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup red wine (or red wine vinegar) 1 cup olive oil 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1/2  tablespoon minced fresh thyme 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled, de-germed, and minced Fresh ground pepper to taste Water if necessary -OR- 2 cups balsamic vinaigrette (see recipe for...Read More