INGREDIENTS: 2 – 3 lbs. baby beets, cooked and sliced 3/4 cup fresh orange juice Zest of 1 orange 1 tablespoon cornstarch 4-inch vanilla bean, cut in half (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract) Pinch of cardamom Salt and white pepper to taste METHOD: Prepare beets. Set aside. Place 1/2 cup orange juice, orange zest,...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 4 12 oz. salmon fillets 1/2 lb. kumquats 2 bulbs fennel, with tops 1/2 lb. spring greens lettuce mix 1 large onion, finely diced 6 cloves of garlic, minced 1 bottle of a fairly nice chardonnay Salt and pepper Coconut oil, for frying METHOD: Slice the kumquats, place in a container with a sealable...Read More

Amazu (Sunomono or Cucumber Salad Dressing) 1 cup rice vinegar 1 cup dashi (see Miso Soup recipe) 5 tablespoons sugar In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients vigorously until sugar goes into suspension. Use amazu as a base for any number of light salad dressings. Orange Dressing 3 tablespoons amazu 3 tablespoons orange juice Dash...Read More

Fruit-based “cool waters” are sold throughout Mexico from giant glass jars, their vivid hues as inviting as their luscious flavors. Almost any ripe fruit—cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, watermelon, papaya, and more — is transformed into a refreshing cool drink by simply puréeing it with water and sugar. Feel free to combine fruits; one delicious blend is...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 small melon (very sweet variety such as Charentais or Sharlyn) 2 medium cucumbers 1/2 cup feta cheese 2 slices bacon 1 bunch opal basil Lemon basil vinaigrette (recipe below) METHOD: Peel the melon and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Peel cucumbers and slice lengthwise into strips about 1/4” thick. Cook bacon in a...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 4 cups mixed, unpitted olives (i.e., picholine, Nicoise, and kalamata) 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Wide zest strips of peel from 1 lemon and 1 orange 4 dried bay leaves 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (removed from stems) 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped Garlic Confit (recipe below) 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar METHOD: Combine...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 6 fillets wild caught salmon (about 2 pounds), pin bones removed (use skin-on fillets for grilling) 
 1/2 cup honey 
 3/4 cup sweet white wine, such as Riesling or Chenin Blanc 
 1 tablespoon citrus zest, grated (pink grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange or a combination) 
 1/2 cup fresh citrus juice (pink grapefruit...Read More

This appetizer is full of late-summer flavors and is wonderful served with a glass of wine on a warm evening. Feel free to use several varieties and colors of cherry tomatoes. INGREDIENTS: 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 11 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved Scant 1/4...Read More

This late summer dish features chicken that is pan-seared in a skillet and then braised in the oven with a fresh fig sauce. Easy and delicious! INGREDIENTS: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 2 shallots, peeled and finely sliced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 12 fresh, ripe medium figs 1/4 cup honey 4 cups port wine pinch of salt 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 lemons, zested 2 oranges, zested 2 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 8 peppercorns Honeyed Cream ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey Mint leaves, for garnish METHOD:...Read More