Recipes
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Mixed Greens Salad with Dried Figs, Cranberries, Walnuts & Goat Cheese, Served with Citrus Vinaigrette
I had all these different dried fruits and nuts left over from my various creations. I decided to toss them with some beautiful winter greens, some goat cheese (everything is better with goat cheese!) and make a citrus vinaigrette, since I had copious amounts of limes in the garden. It turned out to be my family’s new favorite salad. It’s a perfect way to either to start your meal, as we do in the U.S., or end it, as they do in Europe. It could actually be it’s own meal in itself since there’s so many goodies in there. Feel free to change up the dried fruits and nuts so whatever you find in your pantry.
Pimento Cheese Ball with Crostini
This is a spicy, cheesy concoction that’s the signature dish at the Master’s Golf Tournament and I’m sure will soon be a staple at your house! This is my version. Make sure you start with a really good sharp cheddar (I like to use Tillamook cheese from Oregon). The spread is insanely addictive and pairs so wonderfully with crostini, pita chips, or crackers or you can feel a little healthy serving it with crudités. I love it because it can be made up to a week ahead. Just pull it out about an hour before serving. That cheesy goodness, that slight kick of cayenne pepper at the end that catches you by surprise, will have you going back for more.
Tri-Color Blue Cheese Coleslaw
This is going to be your go to summer salad! If you like coleslaw, but don’t like ones that are heavy on the mayo, then this is for you. The crunchy, shredded, red and green cabbage and sweet grated carrots are tossed together with a tangy, but light, creamy dressing. Then there is the explosion of bleu cheese that sneaks in there hidden in all the slaw-y goodness, finally topped with the crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s a party in your mouth! It is a stunning accompaniment to other grilled items like burgers, ribs, and all things summer.
Candied Glazed Butternut Squash
This is a dish I know you’ll be making all winter long. The butternut squash is tossed with a simple mixture of sugar, butter, and spices, then roasted until it’s soft and caramelized. It seriously tastes like candy!
Orzo, Pancetta, Feta & Greens w/ Basil Lemon Vinaigrette
This is one of my favorite salads to make. It makes an excellent starter dish, served along the main course or can be served as a light main dish. The crispy pancetta, sautéed onion, and wilted spinach are all tossed together with orzo pasta and a lemony basil vinaigrette. Crunchy toasted walnuts and creamy feta are tossed in and really complete this dish. One thing I love about this salad is that there are so many different kinds of feta to experiment with. I prefer the French feta because of the balance of creaminess and saltiness, but I am currently working my way through the feta counter at the Middle Eastern market near me. They are so superior in taste to the pre-crumbled packages at the market. I encourage you to try and find a market near you. It makes a great salad to enjoy under the setting sun in the summer air.
Apple & Walnut Crostata
Every western culture has their own take on how to combine butter, flour, sugar and fruit into a delicious dessert. And that starts with the pastry. This recipe gives a beautiful versatile pastry that is made in the food processor in minutes, freezes well, and can be pulled out for a multitude of uses. A perfect ending to this trifecta of winners in this meal.