This is a twist on Insalata Caprese, the ubiquitous tomato, mozzarella, and basil “salad” that often features as a starter when tomatoes are in season. This version, however, is more of dessert-meets-the-cheese-course. The basil syrup called for in the recipe was developed originally for making grown-up sodas. INGREDIENTS: 1 pint strawberries, tops removed and cut...Read More

Sweet, fresh cherries make this melon summer salad a perfect choice to serve for brunch.  If possible, use a cherry pitter so cherries can be left whole. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 honeydew melon, seeds and skin removed, and cut into 1/2″ slices 1/4 cantaloupe melon, seeds and skin removed, and cut into 1/2″ slices 1/4 cup minced...Read More

A refreshing and colorful salad, perfect for summertime. INGREDIENTS: Salad 1 head Romaine lettuce, medium-chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup diced green onion, some green included 1 can (11-ounce) mandarin oranges, drained 1 cup smoked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2/3 cup Bing cherries, washed, halved, and pitted Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/3 cup extra-virgin...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1-1/3 cups uncooked quinoa 4 cups water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 mangoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 red...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. celery root, coarsely grated or julienned 8 oz. cooked bay shrimp 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped cornichons 1 tablespoon chopped capers 1 tablespoon EACH parsley, chives, tarragon, minced Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: In a non-reactive mixing bowl, combine grated celery...Read More

An elegant looking appetizer with lots of bright flavors, perfect with a glass of something bubbly or a dry white wine. INGREDIENTS: 8-12 paper-thin slices prosciutto (enough to cover a 12-14 inch platter) 1/4 pound wedge Pecorino-Romano cheese 1 pound purple asparagus, fattest spears, trimmed and peeled 1 Meyer lemon, cut in half Extra virgin...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 lb. haricot vert 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon finely minced shallot 1/2 teaspoon finely minced thyme A pinch of kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper to taste 3-4 ounces crème fraîche METHOD: Top and tail the beans, and cut them into 2-inch lengths. Blanch the beans in a...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. carrots 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons fruity olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 shallot, minced Pinch each of powdered cumin and caraway or 1 pinch of Ras el Hanout (Moroccan spice blend) 2 tablespoons fresh mint, minced METHOD: Peel and grate coarse or use a mandolin. If using a...Read More

Not a fan of goat cheese? Feel free to substitute it with feta or blue cheese. Mache, also known as lambs lettuce, has a slightly nutty taste. INGREDIENTS: 2-3 red beets, oven-roasted in foil until tender 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 cup olive oil 1 cup hazelnut oil 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar Salt and...Read More

This is a nice first course for four people or a meal for two. It is a study of contrasts and complements. The oils of the avocado soothe the mild heat of the chili on the mango and the crisp texture of the lettuce and shrimp contrast with the buttery and smooth qualities of the...Read More