First, prepare the seafood gumbo stock (recipe below) very early in the day, or better yet, make it the day before you plan to serve the gumbo. In true New Orleans style, serve gumbo with some crusty bread and an ice-cold beer. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon...Read More

The flavor of ripe, sweet strawberries combined with the slow heat of the peppers gives this easy jam a wonderful zingy flavor. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups crushed strawberries 1 cup minced jalapeño peppers, seeded  1/4 cup lemon juice 1 (2-ounce) package powdered fruit pectin 7 cups white sugar 8 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings, sterilized METHOD:...Read More

This peach ice cream recipe takes about an hour to make from start to finish and is the perfect summer dessert! INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 pounds fresh, ripe peaches – peeled, pitted, and chopped 1/2 cup extra fine sugar 2 cups half-and-half cream 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 3-4 drops green food coloring (optional) 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, chopped METHOD: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the sugar has...Read More

Serve this summery roasted chicken with creamy polenta. INGREDIENTS: 1 (5 lb) whole air-chilled chicken 3 lemons, halved 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling on vegetables 10 garlic cloves, lightly mashed 10 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves Salt and fresh coarse ground pepper 1 yellow onion, peeled, cut into wedges...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup cherry brandy or dry sherry 1/4 cup chicken stock 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons butter METHOD: Season chicken with salt and pepper, and grill until done. While the chicken is grilling prepare sauce....Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted 3 nectarines or peaches, sliced and divided 1-1/2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, cooked, and diced 1-1/2 cups sliced celery 2 tablespoons sliced green onion 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger...Read More

Make this salad ahead of time to allow flavors to marry before serving. INGREDIENTS: 1 sweet navel orange 1 medium fennel bulb 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest 1/4 cup pistachios, toasted A...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 small fennel bulbs, cut into 1/2-inch wedges 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges 6 cloves garlic, smashed 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 bunch fresh thyme sprigs 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skinned 1 lemon, juiced...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 tablespoons chicken broth 1 tablespoon dry sherry 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 2-3 bunches broccolini 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon peanut oil METHOD: In a small saucepan, combine oyster sauce, chicken broth, sherry, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and stir or whisk until...Read More