Cuisine: Vegetarian
Crunchy Chickpeas 3 Ways
To me, snacks are all about texture and crunch. This is a very healthy, yet satisfying snack. You could slip these in among the chicken wings at your party. I have done in 3 ways. Please note that the chickpeas I used were very small and cooked much faster than 40 minutes. Watch them carefully after 30 minutes in the oven.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Spaghetti with Goat Cheese, Mint and Peas
This Spaghetti With Goat Cheese, Peas & Mint is ultra-easy to prepare. The flavors of early spring are highlighted with peas that are smashed with fresh mint, lime zest and juice finished with creamy goat cheese. Most of the peas are smashed, but about a third are left whole for refreshing bursts. Both the zest and the juice add a hit of acid and bring out the nuances of the peas and mint.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Turkish Style Hummus
I make a lot of hummus for the kids at school. I don't think people realize how easy it is to make. I was talking with some friends (and you know who you are!) about Turkish Hummus which doesn't use tahini. This Turkish Style Hummus recipe uses Greek yogurt and plenty of fresh garlic and paprika for a tangy bite. The key to making great hummus is to peel the chickpeas. I have always known this, but never actually peeled the beans. I decided to make it properly and I have to say it does make a difference. If you want to come over, I will give you a glass of wine and you can peel my chickpeas, while I make dinner, of course!
- Prep: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Asparagus and Peas with Creamy Tarragon Dressing
Brighten up your dinner table with Asparagus and Peas with Creamy Tarragon Dressing. This simple side dish is tossed with a bright, tangy dressing. Delicious hot, at room temperature or chilled. Tarragon was very popular in the '80s food scene and has a warm, sweet, anise/minty aroma and flavor and is indispensable in classic French cooking.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Bon Appétit’s Best Risotto
My daughter's boyfriend Pierce is not often seen in the kitchen cooking, but he made this amazing risotto. Risotto is not an easy thing to pull off, but he did it! Risotto is like a clingy baby. You can’t put it down, you can’t walk away from it, and you can’t ignore it. Its needs are simple, it just wants all of you. And if you give it all of your patient attention, it will turn into a puddle of love. This simple, pure, unadulterated version stands up on its own, but it also makes an excellent canvas for seasonal ingredients. The recipe includes toppings for all four seasons.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs
- Yields: 8 Servings
Mushroom Carbonara
My family loves carbonara. It's one of the things I make often. This Mushroom Carbonara is the perfect midweek meal. Mushrooms take the place of the traditional bacon in this vegetarian carbonara recipe. A deep browning on the umami-packed mushrooms, coupled with garlic and shallots, takes this dish to a whole other level.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Burrata
My daughter Grace made this wonderful Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Burrata for my birthday dinner. It was so fresh and and delicious. The sweetness of the citrus is in perfect balance with the bitter radicchio. Grace made up her own dressing by adding honey, orange juice, zest, and chopped mint. I am beaming with pride! My girls know how to change recipes to suit their tastes.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Spicy Lightly Pickled Cucumbers
These Spicy Lightly Pickled Cucumbers are simple and quick to make. They are spicy, sweet and crunchy. What more could you want in a pickle?
- Prep: 5 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Potato-and-Carrot Mash
This Potato-and-Carrot Mash is outstanding. Why didn't I think of this before? It's very healthy and a great way to spruce up your regular boring mashed potatoes. Perfect for Easter dinner.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Broccoli Pepper Jack Gratin
This Broccoli Pepper Jack Gratin takes your average cheesy broccoli up a notch. This jacked up version makes a crave-worthy side dish.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 10 Servings