Cuisine: Side dish

Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Sauce

My daughter Zoe has been doing the Bon Appétit, Basically 10 x 10 recipe, which is "Ten weeks, ten recipes that will make you a better cook". I'm not sure what week this is, but I'm very impressed with how she has been cooking. This Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Sauce looks really good. I didn't have any, but I will insist she makes it at our house soon.

By Leslie Blythe

Lemon Brown Rice with Garlic and Thyme

This Lemon Brown Rice with Garlic and Thyme is probably some of the best rice I've ever made. I actually made it a long time ago, but the photo was so bad I didn't post it. This photo isn't great either! This tangy brown rice dish can be served warm, or chilled as a salad or side.

By Leslie Blythe

Haricots Verts and White Beans with Shallot Vinaigrette

This recipe for Haricots Verts and White Beans with Shallot Vinaigrette is a wonderful combination of creamy white beans and slightly crunchy haricots verts, which makes an interesting textural mix, and it’s sturdy enough to stand at room temperature for several hours. I love anything that I can make ahead. Truth be told, I did not soak the beans overnight, I used canned beans! I was a bit pressed for time.

By Leslie Blythe

Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin

Hasselback potatoes are a recipe developed at one of Stockholm's popular old Restaurant Hasselbacken. You normally make thin slices in the potatoes but not all the way through. This recipe for Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin uses potatoes that you slice all the way through. They're made with whole grain mustard, heavy cream, dill seed, cheddar cheese and topped with fresh dill. YUM!

You can play around with the way you place the potatoes in this gratin: back and forth in rows, concentric circles, or randomly. Any way you choose will result in the same crunchy, cheesy top.

By Leslie Blythe

Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans”

I serve these Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans” with the Italian-style Slow-Roasted Pork Roast with Oranges & Onions. They go perfectly with it. These beans are a typical dish from Tuscany, particularly in the Florence area.

By Leslie Blythe

Baby Potatoes with Roasted Hatch Chile Vinaigrette

Yes, It's Hatch Chile season! I LOVE them. This year I did not opt to buy a 35-pound bag of roasted chiles, mainly because I have no room in my freezer which makes me very sad! I bought a small bag at Whole Foods and roasted them (or should I say, I asked my husband to roast them!) on the Big Green Egg. This recipe for Baby Potatoes with Roasted Hatch Chile Vinaigrette comes from Melissa's Produce. I simplified it a bit. I love using baby potatoes because they cook very quickly.

By Leslie Blythe

Creamy Corn Salad

It seems like I've been posting a lot of corn salads lately. I have at least 6 different kinds on my blog. I guess you could say I like corn! It could have something to do with being raised in Indiana. This version has a creamy dressing and uses roasted red peppers and fresh basil.

By Leslie Blythe

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice, and sometimes referred to as ratatouille niçoise. Ratatouille is a great way to use up some of your homegrown vegetables.

By Leslie Blythe

Lemony Israeli Couscous

This is the Lemony Israeli Couscous that I served at the outdoor concert last weekend. I used Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blends which has Israeli Couscous in it with some quinoa and orzo pasta.

By Leslie Blythe

Grilled Fairy Tale Eggplant with Rosemary

Fairy Tale eggplant offers a delicious, delicate flavor and delightfully creamy bite. They are smaller than regular eggplant at mere two to four inches, this variety is less seedy and less bitter, too. It gets tender quickly when cooked. This Grilled Fairy Tale Eggplant with Rosemary is quick to grill or roast in the oven.

By Leslie Blythe