Cannellini Bean Salad – Crisp, Creamy, Crunchy, Tangy, Vibrant, Satisfying

French Breakfast RadishesCannellini Bean Salad with Snap Peas, Radishes, Cucumbers, Greens & Goat Cheese Tossed in a Sherry Mustard Vinaigrette

Such a great salad. Full flavored with its tangy Sherry Mustard Vinaigrette dressing, crisp and crunchy with an abundance of garden vegetables and greens, and hearty and satisfying with marinated cannellini beans. Enjoy Cannellini Continue reading Cannellini Bean Salad – Crisp, Creamy, Crunchy, Tangy, Vibrant, Satisfying

Persian Cucumber Yogurt – Mast-O Khiar Dressed for the Holidays

Persian Cucumber Yogurt – Mast-O Khiar Dressed for the HolidaysPersian Cucumber Yogurt as Appetizer, Side Dish, Light Meal

While looking through a magazine last week, a colorful dish of Persian Cucumber Yogurt known as Mast-O Khiar caught my eye. After a bit of research, I adjusted and combined a few recipes to create today’s refreshing, creamy, crunchy and flavorful take on this classic Continue reading Persian Cucumber Yogurt – Mast-O Khiar Dressed for the Holidays

Sunomono – Japanese Cucumber and Wakame Salad

Sunomono – Japanese Cucumber and Wakame SaladSunomono – Quick & Easy, Light & Refreshing

You’ve probably enjoyed Sunomono any number of times at Japanese restaurants. So refreshing and satisfyingly crisp it had to be on the menu in my upcoming Flavors of Japan Cooking Class. So I’ve had a tasty week researching, perfecting and eating ever more balanced versions of sunomono. Continue reading Sunomono – Japanese Cucumber and Wakame Salad

Summer Squash Agrodolce Salad

Summer Squash Agrodolce SaladSummer Squash the Italian Way – With a Sweet and Sour Dressing

The Italian term agrodolce (pronounced “agro-dolchay”) describes sweet and sour sauce made with a reduction of vinegar and sweetener (usually sugar). The name comes from “agro” (sour) and “dolce” (sweet). Summer Squash Agrodolce Salad is an unusual pairing. Traditionally agrodolce accompanies meats, pasta and cooked vegetables. Continue reading Summer Squash Agrodolce Salad

Agua Fresca – Simply Refreshing

Agua Fresca - Simply Refreshing Agua Fresca with Honeydew, Cucumber & Mint

Blended fruit, water and a little lemon or lime juice makes a most flavorful and refreshing beverage for the warm days of spring and summer. Most any fruit can be used to make Mexico’s delicious aguas frescas: mango, papaya, pineapple, watermelon or even pink grapefruit. Continue reading Agua Fresca – Simply Refreshing

Roasted Garbanzos w/ Greens, Tomatoes & Garlic

Roasted Garbanzos w/ Greens, Tomatoes & Garlic

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

There are two ways to go with holiday meals. Go all out with something new that you’ve been waiting for the perfect occasion to serve. Or, serve family favorites that bring comfort and joy to all. This year it’s all about comfort and joy. Continue reading Roasted Garbanzos w/ Greens, Tomatoes & Garlic

Tabouli Salad w/ Quinoa, Avocado & Feta

Tabouli w/ Quinoa, Avocado & FetaA Tabouli Salad Garden

We grow a tabouli salad garden. Our small square-foot garden contains 4 early ripening tomato plants, 6 curly parsley, 2 flat-leaf parsley, about a hundred scallions and 4 large pots of spearmint. Some years we have success with cucumbers Continue reading Tabouli Salad w/ Quinoa, Avocado & Feta