A classic Chinese-style stir-fry, this Ginger Garlic Gai Lan combines crisp-tender stalks of Chinese broccoli with a fragrant sauce of soy, ginger, and garlic. The sweet-tangy glaze perfectly balances the vegetable’s naturally mild bitterness, creating a vibrant, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or grilled meats. If gai lan isn’t available, regular...Read More

Cool, tangy, and refreshingly herbal, this Creamy Mint Dressing brings a burst of flavor to everything it touches. Originally created for the Grilled Strawberry and Little Gem Salad, it’s equally delicious drizzled over grilled shrimp, lamb meatballs, or falafel. The combination of yogurt, white balsamic vinegar, and fresh mint creates a light, velvety dressing with...Read More

This fragrant basil syrup was originally developed for crafting sophisticated “adult” sodas, but its uses go far beyond beverages. Drizzle it over a strawberry-and-mozzarella salad, mix it into cocktails, or whisk it into a light vinaigrette for a touch of herbal sweetness. The subtle infusion of basil — with optional fennel and anise to deepen...Read More

A delightful twist on the classic Insalata Caprese, this salad replaces tomatoes with sweet, ripe strawberries for a dish that feels part dessert, part cheese course. Fresh mozzarella provides creamy balance, while a drizzle of basil syrup and a touch of balsamic vinegar create a fragrant, refreshing harmony of flavors. Light, elegant, and unexpected, it’s...Read More

This elegant summer salad pairs smoky-sweet grilled strawberries with crisp Little Gem lettuce, cool cucumber, and a tangy, mint-infused dressing. The quick balsamic marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill, transforming fresh berries into a warm, jammy accent that contrasts perfectly with the chilled greens. It’s a striking salad for warm evenings — refreshing, unexpected, and...Read More

Making your own fruit vinegar is a simple and satisfying way to capture the flavor of fresh blueberries long after the season ends. There are two classic approaches: the slow method, preferred by purists who allow time to do the work of steeping and mellowing the vinegar, and the quick method, ideal for those who...Read More

This Stuffing with Blueberries, Mushrooms, and Nuts offers a creative twist on traditional holiday sides. Earthy mushrooms, toasted nuts, and fragrant herbs blend with fresh blueberries for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Ideal for stuffing pork chops, chicken, or duck glazed with maple or rosemary, this aromatic recipe highlights seasonal ingredients in a...Read More

This deeply flavored sauce captures the sweet-tart essence of ripe blueberries balanced by the warmth of shallots, brandy, and fresh thyme. Unlike sugary fruit glazes, it’s a sophisticated, savory complement to roasted or grilled meats—especially duck, pork tenderloin, or game. A splash of cognac and balsamic vinegar rounds out the sauce, giving it a glossy...Read More

Sometimes you just crave a taste of childhood, and for me, this classic dressing takes me right back. Based on my taste memory of the Thousand Island served at the long-gone Marshall Field’s Department Store in Chicago, this version is creamy, tangy, and full of nostalgic charm. It’s delicious on turkey sandwiches or salads loaded...Read More

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—this dish is elegantly simple once you see how the two components come together. Tender oyster mushrooms are simmered in a fragrant sake and soy mixture, then tossed with crisp bok choy that’s infused with a light ginger-garlic “tea” made from the vegetable trimmings. The concept was born by...Read More