Cuisine: Vegetarian

Frida Kahlo’s Zucchini Salad

Frida Kahlo’s Zucchini Salad is a delicious and refreshing summer salad.In the 1930s, artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo often hosted festive dinner parties—which Frida called “día de los manteles largos,” the days of the long tablecloth—at their Mexico City home. The recipe for this simple Mexican salad of grilled zucchini, avocado, and salty, crumbled añjeo cheese (or Parmesan) was served at a dinner party attended by Mexican composer Carlos Chávez and Nelson Rockefeller. It comes from Frida’s Fiestas written by her step-daughter Guadalupe Rivera and Marie-Pierre Cole.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Mashed Potato Casserole with Sage and Fontina

There's no need to slave away making mashed potatoes at the last minute! This creamy, cheesy, crispy baked mashed-potato casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. The potatoes get mashed with a creamy, tangy mix of crème fraîche, fontina, butter, parsley and sage. It's simply divine.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 8 - 10 Servings

Asparagus, Corn, Tomato & Feta Salad

This Asparagus, Corn, Tomato & Feta Salad is not only beautiful, but also delicious. It's a great summer side dish and perfect to bring as a potluck. You can substitute the feta with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or goat cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings
Asparagus Wasabi Mayonnaise

Asparagus with Wasabi Mayonnaise

I remember first having this Asparagus with Wasabi Mayonnaise years ago at a party in Indiana on Lake Michigan. The combination of wasabi, mayo, soy sauce, lemon juice and a pinch of sugar is ambrosial. I don't even like wasabi!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins

Lemon Marinated Tortellini, Basil & Tomato Skewers

These Lemon Marinated Tortellini, Basil & Tomato Skewers are very easy to make and perfect for a summer party.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: Makes 20 skewers

Baby Zucchini Sautéed with Garlic & Balsamic

People love baby versions of vegetables. This Baby Zucchini Sautéed with Garlic & Balsamic is quick, easy and very flavorful.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servigs

Smoked Olives

My sister-in-law Rhonda brought us these smoked olives from the Suffolk Smokehouse and Deli in the UK. People go crazy for them. They go great with cocktails, beer, and wine.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: Makes 3 cups

Artichoke-Dill Dressing

Marinated artichokes kicks this dressing up a notch. This Artichoke-Dill Dressing has many uses - crostini, potato salad, dip, dressing, etc. The possibilities are endless.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Yields: Makes 1 cup

Toasted Farro & Asparagus Salad

Toasted Farro & Asparagus Salad is a delicious way to eat asparagus, it’s great for a weekday lunch. Farro is a food composed of the grains of certain wheat species. Because it contains more fiber than other popular grains like rice or even quinoa, farro might have even more positive benefits when it comes to digestion and cardiovascular health. It's also exceptionally high in protein for a grain and supplies more than 10 different vitamins and minerals.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Sautéed String Beans with Garlic

These Sautéed String Beans with Garlic are from Din Tai Fung, which is a restaurant originating in Taiwan, specializing in xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings). They have branches in Japan, the US, South Korea, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. It was named one of the top ten restaurants in the world by The New York Times on January 17, 1993. Everything they serve is amazing. The string beans are like no other, crispy, yet tender and silky.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings