Garlic Scape Goat Cheese Pesto and Asparagus, Arugula Salad

A Tangle of Garlic ScapesEarly Summer Deliciousness: Garlic Scapes, Asparagus, Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

Two months. That’s how long asparagus season lasts for mature asparagus crowns. That’s two months and/or 24 harvests of in season asparagus, about late May through early July. Last year I was introduced to deeply flavored, locally grown green and purple asparagus.  Continue reading Garlic Scape Goat Cheese Pesto and Asparagus, Arugula Salad

Golden Beet Farrotto – Farro Risotto, Greens, Goat Cheese, Fresh Herbs

Golden Beet Farrotto Golden Beet Farrotto – A Creamy, Saucy, Toothsome Golden Risotto Made with Farro

Intrigued by the name farrotto, I knew at some point I’d give farro-risotto (farrotto) a try. Since farro (pronounced FAR-roh) releases starch as it cooks and maintains a chewy al dente texture, it substitutes well for the traditional risottos Continue reading Golden Beet Farrotto – Farro Risotto, Greens, Goat Cheese, Fresh Herbs

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad – Clean, Crisp, Fresh, Herbal and Bright

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad – Clean, Crisp, Fresh, Herbal and Bright Mediterranean Green Bean Salad with Sweet Pepper, Fresh Herbs, Toasted Hazelnuts, Kalamata Olives & Goat Cheese

One of the advantages of teaching a cooking class or having friends for dinner, I’m driven to perfect unfamiliar recipes. So, there I was with a Mediterranean Green Bean Salad on the upcoming class menu, and only had a recipe to try from the cookbook of a famous chef Continue reading Mediterranean Green Bean Salad – Clean, Crisp, Fresh, Herbal and Bright

Spring Greens with Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette – Vibrant Refreshing Salad for Spring

Spring Greens with Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette –Vibrant Refreshing Salad for Spring
Spring Alive — Spring Greens with Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette, Scallions, Crisp Apple, Toasted Walnuts

A perfect salad strikes a balance between crisp and tender, crunchy and soft, mild and bold, sweet, tart, pungent and bitter, creamy and textured. Spring Greens with Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette strikes that balance perfectly. The combination of both mild and bitter greens, thinly Continue reading Spring Greens with Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette – Vibrant Refreshing Salad for Spring

Cheese Quesadillas with Cilantro, Scallions and Two Cheeses

Cheese Quesadillas with Cilantro, Scallions and Two Cheeses

Cheese Quesadillas You’ll Love – Crisp, Creamy & Flavorful

Preparing for this past Saturday’s Bold Sauces Around the World cooking class (pictured above), I wanted to include a basic cheese quesadilla to serve with Mango Avocado Salsa. Easy enough to do. Or so I thought. The first quesadilla off the griddle was so disappointing. A soggy Continue reading Cheese Quesadillas with Cilantro, Scallions and Two Cheeses

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beet Salad – Gorgeous, Healthy, Delicious

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beet Salad – Gorgeous, Healthy, Delicious
Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beet Salad
With Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Fresh Mint

I’ve always enjoyed beets. But this summer more than ever. The result of changing my method for roasting them. To highlight their naturally sweet and earthy flavor, I marinate and roast them in a savory balsamic vinegar marinade. This is also the key for the most Continue reading Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beet Salad – Gorgeous, Healthy, Delicious

Kale Tabouli with Pear Walnut & Pomegranate

Kale Tabouli with Pear Walnut & Pomegranate
Kale Tabouli Salad – Refreshing, Festive & Flavorful

The jewel-like sparkle of Kale Tabouli, along with its ease of preparation, makes it an ideal salad for Thanksgiving and beyond. Kale Tabouli’s bright flavors from juicy pears, crunchy walnuts and sweet/tart pomegranate seeds provide a great counter to all the richness of Continue reading Kale Tabouli with Pear Walnut & Pomegranate