Here is a very tasty and simple side dish that will become a family favorite in no time. Since pine nuts are very expensive these days, I substitute sliced almonds or pistachios. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound broccoli florets 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon minced garlic...Read More

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity — we serve it throughout the year. Fruity hot olive oil coats the leaves, with a splash of lemon to brighten the flavors. For a special treat, use crinkly Bloomsdale spinach or combine it with tender chard, young mustard, and beet greens. Just remember to wilt the...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons oil 3 cups shredded carrots, peeled and trimmed 1/2 onion, sliced finely 2-4 garlic cloves, de-germed and minced 1 tablespoon of herbs of your choice 1/4 cup white wine Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer,...Read More

Here’s a twist on glazed carrots with Moroccan accents. While the orange flower water is not essential, it really does add an extra dimension that’s delightful and mysterious all at once. INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch carrots (1-1½ pounds), peeled and cut into quarter-inch thick slices on the diagonal 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 tablespoon sugar or...Read More

Here’s a variation of my favorite cauliflower preparation. If the oranges and really dark, like a prime season Moro, it may stain the outside of the cauliflower dark for a cool visual. INGREDIENTS: 1 head of white cauliflower, cored and cut into florets, florets halved 2 ripe Moro or Tarocco (or other) blood oranges 1...Read More

Chef Charles Phan of the Slanted Door, one of San Francisco’s hottest Asian bistros, shares his coveted recipe for braised pea greens seasoned with the flavors of garlic and sesame. This preparation complements fish or chicken dishes beautifully or can be served over rice for a light lunch. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh pea shoots (New...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch of collard greens 1 half of a spring red onion 1 teaspoon bacon fat 2 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 cup dense chicken stock 2-4 tablespoons olive oil 4 ounces orange juice Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste METHOD: Bring a 3-quart sauté pan of water to...Read More

My daughter inspired this dish when she was going through her mermaid phase and I was tired of endless broccoli. I wanted collards and needed a hook to get her to try these. It was wildly successful, and spawned variations. INGREDIENTS: 1 small bunch of collards, cut into a fine chiffonade Water to cover by...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 9 baby artichokes 1/2 cup dry white wine Juice from one lemon 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic salt 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup water Freshly grated Parmesan cheese METHOD: Rinse baby artichokes. Using a sharp knife, trim the artichoke stem, leaving one inch of the stem. Trim one inch of tip...Read More

This is an easy cooking alternative to boiling artichokes. INGREDIENTS: 2 large artichokes, rinsed and trimmed (remove the entire stem) 1 whole lemon, cut in half 4 cloves of garlic, cut into slivers 4 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt to taste 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil wrap METHOD: Preheat oven to 425°F. Squeeze the juice...Read More