Monthly Archives

August 2018

MIDWEEK BLUES – PAN SEARED SALMON AND ROASTED BABY BOK CHOY

GRILLED SALMON WITH BOK CHOY AND REMOULADE

Pan searing is one of the best ways to prepare salmon, as it yields crispiness and adds tremendous flavor.  If you aren’t a fish skin lover, that’s because you have been served soggy and disgustingly greasy skin, so the norm is to ask for skinless filets.  However, and this is a HUGE however, crispy salmon skin is so decadent and addicting, you will never buy skinless salmon ever again. Here is to roasting perfectly 100% every time Get the fish…

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STRAWBERRIES – THE RED JEWEL OF SUMMER

We are on the last august stretch and strawberry season is almost coming to an end.  The summer heat is still cloying, and we are all still dealing with sticky humidity in some parts of the country.  It seems rather incongruous, fall preparations will get underway soon, and the holidays will be descending upon us with a vengeance.  Where has the year gone? So, take advantage of the last, sweet red morsels at the farmer’s market stands.   If you haven’t…

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INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN

BUTTER CHICKEN

Very popular dish to come from the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Delhi, where it’s served in most households and restaurants.  It was concocted to use leftover tandoori chicken and remove the dryness from the day before.  The chicken is typically marinated in some yogurt, lemon juice and a spice mixture and then cooked in a rich butter, cream sauce.  The inherent differences between Tikka Masala and Butter chicken is that Tikka tends to be spicier and butter is indeed creamier.…

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ARTICHOKES – INTIMIDATING YET SPLENDID

STUFFED OVEN ROASTED ARTICHOKES

“Artichoke: the vegetable of which one has more at the finish than at the start of dinner”. Lord Chesterfield” One of the many reasons why 2018 is commemorative, it celebrates the 70thanniversary of when Marilyn Monroe was crowned Artichoke Queen in Castroville, California in 1948.  Since she was and still is such a sex symbol, one could go as far as saying once you’ve eaten a well-prepared artichoke, you’ll realize that it’s as good or even better than sex.  That…

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CHIVES GLORIOUS CHIVES

CREME OF ASPARAGUS

Chives are somewhat misunderstood as most people believe they’re the finishing touch when presenting any dish. However, they are the kissing cousins to leeks, scallions and onions (belonging to the lily family), and their flavor is subtle, unlike the sharp onions and scallions.  Leeks are more delicate and less pungent, however, chives with their green flavor and subtle oniony undertone are utterly incomparable. A last-minute sprinkling of savory chives intensifies the taste of any dish, taking it from good to umami…

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MIDWEEK BLUES – PASTA WITH CLAMS

PASTA WITH CLAMS

This exquisite and exceptionally simple pasta is perfect to clear away your midweek blues.  It’s packed with garlic and a judicious amount of red pepper flakes to add a reasonable punch.  With the wine, tomato, loads of parsley and the unusual addition of very thinly sliced scallions, its simplicity at its best. You’ll reminisce of lazy summer days by the Italian seaside and if you haven’t jumped across the pond yet, it’s guaranteed to fire up your senses and add…

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PULLED PORK SANDWICH WITH MANGO BBQ SAUCE

PULLED PORK SANDWICH

When you talk about pulled pork sandwiches, this one is a serious contender to add to your recipe arsenal.  It delivers not only sensational flavors that your tastes buds will rejoice, but your audience will realize the amount of pride and love you’ve injected into the preparation.  There are a few steps which can become laborious, so you may want to prepare this at your leisure over a weekend.  But since this pork-a-liscious taste sensation that will have your guests…

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BEEF BIBIMBAP

BIBIMBAP

Many of you are probably clueless as far as bibimbap goes. How to pronounce it, let alone having actually tried it.  Be courageous and bold because once formal introductions have been exchanged between you and bibimbap, your taste buds will explode and you’ll literally crave it at least once a week. Bibimbap is not only stunningly beautiful to behold but it’s one of the quintessential fares in Korean cuisine. It’s a ubiquitous staple at almost every Korean household, making good…

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YOU AIN’T NOTHING BUT A STREET TACO

STREET TACOS

Indisputably, nothing speaks Mexican or Tex-Mex like street tacos.  They’re a veritable craze taking over specialty gastropubs and one of the many elevated offerings within the food truck movement, all putting their own unique spin to create taste sensations across the nation. Together with the glamburger and the dawg, street tacos have become exalted showstoppers, no longer the ever-present staple at tail gate parties and BBQ’s.  They’ve all have food-cult disciples with every Yelper and Instagrammer vying for top banana,…

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PROVENÇAL TUNA SANDWICH – PAIN BAGNAT

PAIN BAGNAT

Originating from the French region of Provence, this is a tuna sandwich on steroids where mayo is never a participant.  It’s offered at every bakery and found in most outdoor markets, as it’s very affordable. It showcases all the ingredients popular to region and best of all, the longer it sits after it’s been assembled, the most superb marriage of flavors occurs.  Which makes it a perfect choice for a picnic or take along lunch. It’s a Salade Niçoise slapped between…

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CANNED TUNA? GOURMET ALL THE WAY

TUNA SALAD

We all partake of tuna – it’s the lunch of champions because let’s face it, you can add pretty much the kitchen sink.  Yeah, we know the customary participants – mayo, celery, boiled eggs, pickles.  Boring! TUNA.  We all know is one the most remarkable proteins around. We’re not just referring to the beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids (canned sardines and salmon comprise even more), but it contains amino acids and it’s bio-available (which means it’s absorbed into your system quickly). …

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MIDWEEK BLUES – ROASTED CHICKEN LEGS WITH ORANGE & FENNEL

ROASTED CHICKEN WITH FENNEL

When you inject good mojo and pride into anything, even chicken legs can be transformed into something so infectious, your taste buds will sing.  This one-pan chicken dish will easily become one of your favorites of all time.  It’s simple preparation and stellar results makes for an effortless summer recipe. The fennel will caramelize around the edges and its subtle anise undertone will pair beautifully with the citrusy flavors, making it a heavenly combination with chicken.  Accompany this with a…

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Pantry Rat