This simple and elegant dish turns tender summer zucchini into a vibrant vegetable “pasta” that captures the essence of the season. Using a mandolin or fixed-blade slicer, the squash is transformed into long, delicate strands that resemble spaghetti — then quickly sautéed with golden onions, garlic, and fresh herbs until tender and silky. A swirl...Read More

This traditional Italian pasta dish, known as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, is a beautiful example of how just a few high-quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. The secret lies in the details: perfectly al dente pasta, fragrant garlic gently warmed in extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle heat from red chili flakes. Be sure...Read More

This Tuscan Marinara Sauce, known in Italy as Pomarola Toscana, is a rustic tomato sauce that celebrates the pure, sun-ripened sweetness of summer tomatoes. Made with a medley of fresh herbs, vegetables, and olive oil, it’s slow-simmered to coax out depth and richness while preserving the vibrant freshness of the fruit. Perfect for tossing with...Read More

In Mexico, squash blossoms—known as flores de calabaza—are a beloved seasonal ingredient, often folded into soups, tamales, and quesadillas. Their subtle sweetness and tender texture pair beautifully with creamy, melting cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. These Squash Blossom Quesadillas capture the essence of summer: earthy roasted poblano, fragrant epazote, and delicate...Read More

Korean and Japanese cooks often top sliced tofu with a sautéed mushroom medley. The main differences are that Koreans panfry the tofu first, and they garnish the dish with yangnyumjang, a spicy sesame and soy sauce. The Japanese approach is to warm the tofu and then crown it with the hot mushrooms, which have a...Read More

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

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

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 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

Southern Tomato Pie is a beloved late-summer classic that turns ripe, juicy tomatoes into pure comfort. Baked in a flaky crust with basil, green onions, sharp cheddar, and a creamy topping, it’s part quiche, part savory tart. Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp salad and a tall glass of iced tea. INGREDIENTS:...Read More