A Mediterranean twist on the classic Caprese salad, these Eggplant Caprese Packets transform simple ingredients—eggplant, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil—into a warm, melty, and deeply satisfying dish. Lightly blanched eggplant slices wrap around the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil to form neat little parcels that are gently sautéed until golden and...Read More

Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced, this Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Figs and Thyme is a late-summer favorite that feels both rustic and refined. Golden, pan-seared chicken thighs are braised in a glossy sauce of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and white wine—flavored with shallots, garlic, thyme, and a hint of chili heat. As it finishes...Read More

Elegant, fresh, and full of bright coastal flavor, this dish from Chef Owen Snyder pairs perfectly seared ahi tuna with a zesty slaw of lemon-infused daikon and red onion. The combination of tender sashimi-grade fish, creamy avocado, and crisp micro greens creates a harmony of textures, while a drizzle of lemon olive oil and a...Read More

I love hearty vegetable braises where the vegetables are treated like meat—browned first to develop flavor, then gently simmered in just enough liquid to bring everything together. This rustic summer stew is a perfect example: tender potatoes, golden zucchini, and ripe tomatoes mingle in a light, savory broth infused with garlic, herbs, and soffrito. You...Read More

Crisp, golden spring rolls filled with tender filet mignon, pickled ginger, and bok choy make a striking fusion of East-meets-West flavors. The luxurious beef contrasts beautifully with the light crunch of the wrapper, while the ginger adds a bright note that cuts through the richness. Paired with garlicky, Szechwan-spiced haricots verts and shiitake mushrooms glazed...Read More

This stunning dish balances the richness of seared salmon with the bright, tangy sweetness of kumquats and the delicate anise flavor of fennel. Marinated overnight in Chardonnay, the kumquats become tender and aromatic, forming the base of a silky glaze that beautifully complements the fish. Chef Chris Howe’s recipe from Café La Vie celebrates fresh,...Read More

This elegant dish showcases quail prepared using the spatchcock technique—removing the spine and flattening the bird for even cooking and crisp, golden skin. The trimmings are not wasted; they’re used to build a deeply flavored porcini sauce enriched with shallots, thyme, and a splash of smoky Scotch. The result is tender seared quail paired with...Read More

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort dish where tender peppers are filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, onions, and tomatoes. Baked slowly until the peppers are soft and lightly charred, this dish makes a hearty vegetarian main course or can be enriched with feta or ground meat for added flavor. Colorful, wholesome,...Read More

This Chile Verde is a rich, comforting stew made with tender pork simmered in a sauce of charred tomatillos, chilies, garlic, and cilantro stems for clean, bright flavor. The key steps are browning the meat in batches for depth and charring the chilies for smokiness. Enjoy it spooned over rice as a hearty stew, or...Read More

This eggplant and tomato gratin is a rustic dish that’s quick to assemble—especially if you have soffritto on hand. The flavor depends on ripe, flavorful tomatoes and fresh basil, so be sure to use the best you can find. A spritzer for oil helps evenly coat the vegetables without overdoing it, but a brush works...Read More