This pesto can be tossed with pasta for a main course or spread on crostini for appetizers. INGREDIENTS: 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound) 1/2 teaspoon salt plus additional for sprinkling the eggplant 1/4 cup olive oil plus additional for brushing the eggplant 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 5 ounces Pecorino...Read More
Okra is available at KT Farms booth at the farmers markets from July to October. Okra is the most heat and drought-resistant vegetable in the world. Originating from Ethiopia, okra is a member of the mallow family, which also includes cocoa and cotton. INGREDIENTS: 1 large container Greek yogurt (32 oz.) 1/3 cup chopped fresh...Read More
This chunky avocado dip with chopped fresh fruit sounds completely contemporary but it is a time-honored recipe from the town of Comonfort, Guanajuato, published by Diana Kennedy in her excellent cookbook/travel memoir, My Mexico. Chamacuero is the indigenous name for Comonfort, where this recipe is made in the late summer and fall when the pomegranates...Read More
Want to know how to determine if a fig is ripe? A ripe fig will be soft to the touch and may exude a tiny bit of juice from the stem. INGREDIENTS: 10 fresh figs, Black Mission or Calimyrna, cut in half through the stem 10 strips sliced bacon,* cut in half for 20 short...Read More
Unripe, green tomatoes are very abundant in the spring as farmers and gardeners thin out their tomato plants. The unripe cherry tomatoes get pickled and the full-size tomatoes get fried. Serve with the tasty herb mayonnaise (recipe below). INGREDIENTS: For the mayonnaise: 1 egg yolk Juice of 1 lemon A small clove of garlic pounded...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 2 large or 3 small seedless eggplants 1/4 cup olive oil 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup yogurt, drained in cheesecloth for 3 hours 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, or 1 teaspoon dried mint 1/4 teaspoon saffron...Read More
In addition to being a flavorful dipping sauce for warm focaccia or francese, it’s equally delicious drizzled over bruschetta. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, pressed 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 small chilies, jalapeño or Serrano, peeled, seeded and finely chopped 2 teaspoons finely chopped, dry-packed, sun-dried tomatoes 2 to...Read More
Although similar to hummus, this dip has a more robust flavor and should be served warm. It’s also a bit thinner than hummus – just thick enough to scoop up with bread. However, adjust the thickness of the spread to your own preference. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups (about 1/2 lb.) dried fava beans 2 cloves...Read More
This is a creamy, dairy-free traditional Greek spread commonly served as a dip with pita triangles or crackers. INGREDIENTS: 8 slices of day-old white bread, crusts removed 4 tablespoons Tarama carp roe caviar* 2 tablespoons finely minced onion 3/4 cup mild extra virgin olive oil 5 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed METHOD: Remove crusts from...Read More
Made with a simple batter, this savory, feta-studded tart hails from the mountain village of Epirus. Cut into generous wedges and serve as an appetizer with a glass of full-bodied red wine or with a salad. INGREDIENTS: 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon grappa (or vodka) 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon dried Greek...Read More
