Cuisine: Side dish

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

Sautéed Corn and Zucchini with Basil

I know I have been posting a lot of recipes for corn, but I grew up in Indiana. There really is nothing better in the summer when the white, sweet corn is at its peak. This recipe for Sautéed Corn and Zucchini with Basil uses up some of the zucchini from your garden with fresh basil.

By Leslie Blythe

Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso Dressing

I love making spinach salads because you can put the dressing on in advance and it won't wilt as quickly as lettuce. This Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso Dressing takes your salad "out of the ordinary" category. The combination of chili and miso delivers spicy umami flavor. Truth be told, I cheated and bought already grilled frozen corn from Trader Joe's. I try to always have it in the freezer. It has a great smoky flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

Chopped Roasted Beet and Blue Cheese Salad

I love beets, especially picked ones. I could eat them for breakfast! This Chopped Roasted Beet and Blue Cheese Salad combines the earthiness of the beets with a tangy vinaigrette, fresh dill (another favorite!) and chopped green onions. I'm sure not everyone will eat this at my dinner table, but certainly will!

By Leslie Blythe