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
These delectable blue cheese “cakes” puff up like light miniature soufflés while baking and settle back into the ramekin as they cool. Serve on a bed of lightly dressed baby greens with a generous dollop of the sweet, tangy onion pear relish for a light luncheon or as an appetizer. INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 lb. cream...Read More
This dish was inspired by a small plate that a chef sent out one hot night almost thirty years ago. It was one of those things where the chef was being thrifty, but I would have paid gladly for this great combination of cool crunch and silky, nutty-flavored sauce. As it was, the waitress brought...Read More
Most people think of hummus made with chickpeas, but this version using chestnuts is equally delicious! INGREDIENTS: 10 oz roasted chestnuts 1/2 cup tahini paste 1 large garlic clove 1/2-1 cup water Juice of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and pepper, to taste Pita chips METHOD: Place...Read More
Somewhere between an appetizer and a dessert, cheese date balls are delicious served with sherry, port, or dessert wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, slightly softened 1 tablespoon milk 1/2 cup finely chopped dates 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts Extra finely chopped nuts for rolling METHOD: In a food processor mixing bowl, mix...Read More
Serve candied pecans with a festive wine for a holiday appetizer or sprinkle a few into salads. For a delightful homemade gift, make up a few batches and place them in airtight jars. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 teaspoons water 2 cups pecans METHOD: Preheat the...Read More
This is a brightly colored and flavorful shrimp cocktail that uses an autumnal fruit salsa instead of standard cocktail sauce. The jewel-like colors make it perfect for holiday tables, and the bright flavors go well with celebratory champagne. If you want to really pull out the stops, substitute or add chunks of cooked and chilled...Read More
Succulent wine-poached pears stuffed with a creamy blue cheese filling are equally delicious as a first course or sophisticated dessert. Poached pears also make a sublime addition to a weekend brunch menu. INGREDIENTS: For Poached Pears: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 vanilla bean, split, scraped 1 sprig fresh rosemary Rind of 1...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
Here is my version of this Lebanese eggplant dish. The tricks are to use a good qualityolive oil, fresh eggplant so the dish is not bitter, and grill the eggplant for a nice charred, smokey flavor. If you can’t grill use the broiler, but lower the rack so the eggplant has time to take on...Read More
