INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or (or 1 pint raspberries) 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda Whole strawberries, mint sprigs for garnish METHOD: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring...Read More
I like to make berry-infused vinegar to use as part of marinades, sauces, and or salad dressings. When using them in a dressing, I tend to either use them to contrast with sharper, bitter leaves such as escarole, dandelion, rocket, and the like, or I pair them with more delicate lettuces and then add some...Read More
INGREDIENTS: Shortcakes 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup cold butter, cut into pieces 1 cup milk, plus a little extra, if needed 1/4 cup heavy cream Strawberries 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, stemmed and quartered 5 tablespoons sugar Whipped Cream 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled...Read More
This piquant preserve is delicious spread on top of goat cheese on crostini and makes a great hors d’oeuvre. It is equally delicious on cheese or savory scones. INGREDIENTS: 5 cups crushed strawberries (about 5 lbs) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3 tablespoons good quality, aged Balsamic vinegar 6 tablespoons pectin (powdered pectin, like Ball) 7...Read More
The flavor of ripe, sweet strawberries combined with the slow heat of the peppers gives this easy jam a wonderful zingy flavor. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups crushed strawberries 1 cup minced jalapeño peppers, seeded 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 (2-ounce) package powdered fruit pectin 7 cups white sugar 8 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings, sterilized METHOD:...Read More
Make-ahead French toast is a great time saver for brunch! Use extra thick-cut Texas egg bread, if you can find it. Otherwise, use challah or brioche and slice the bread yourself. INGREDIENTS: Butter (for greasing large baking pan) 8 1-inch-thick egg bread slices 2 cups half and half 6 eggs 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon...Read More
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
These pickled strawberries are bright, crunchy, and versatile. They are a delicious addition to salads. They are great coarsely chopped, tossed with fresh herbs, and served with seafood or used as an accompaniment on a cheese plate. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup white wine vinegar 3/4 cup red wine vinegar 6 ounces ice 1 cup sugar 1...Read More
