Because these caramelized onions are so deeply flavored, any style of extra-virgin olive oil is suitable for this recipe. Be patient while cooking the onions. Long, slow cooking renders them sweet with a lasting flavor. You can prepare them ahead if you wish. And use the best imported balsamic vinegar! The intensity of balsamic vinegar...Read More

Much like a Tom Kha soup, this dish is a great way to cook mussels in a wok and take them to your backyard table for a crowd to share. Great with pilsner-style beer or crisp white wines, this is a great appetizer for a casual crowd to share right out of the wok, soaking...Read More

This recipe uses only three ingredients that are transformed into a “wow factor” appetizer in less than 10 minutes. INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon avocado oil and more, as needed (do not use olive oil — it will smoke) 16 spears fresh asparagus, washed, dried, and trimmed 16 slices prosciutto* METHOD: Preheat the broiler to high. Adjust...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

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 tart can work as a starter or the main course. It even works as a dessert, served with ice cream or sorbet. The recipe is flexible owing to the fact that you can cut the pastry bases to any size you wish. Use a cookie cutter to form many small tarts for a party,...Read More

Grilling is a great way to impart a slightly smoky layer of flavor that enhances these mild and slightly sweet peppers. These grilled mild peppers make a fantastic starter for a party. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Padrón peppers, washed and thoroughly dried 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Coarse sea salt, such as Fleur de Sel...Read More

Who can resist summer-by-the-seaside fried calamari? Squid is at the height of its season in midsummer in the Monterey Bay — and a favorite amongst the locals! INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh squid, cleaned and cut into 1/2 inch rings* 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons flour or semolina 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning 2 cups peanut...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups warm water, 100-105°F 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 4 cups all-purpose flour, (1 lb. 3 oz.) 2 teaspoons sea salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh sage or rosemary, chopped 1 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt METHOD: Pour...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