Simple is best. A nice piece of fish, prepared well, with summer’s bounty of local vegetables : that’s a perfect meal. Today’s recipe honors the last of fresh corn season. Virginia sweet corn is starting to peter out, but fortunately colorful autumn fruits and vegetables are taking its place at the stands. Continue reading
Eating light and cooking minimally go together well. This recipe for shrimp and summer vegetable lettuce cups is colorful, light, easy and versatile as appetizer or entree. You can also customize for spicy heat, types of vegetables and different proteins. Use this as your summer template. Continue reading
Grilling season is here, y’all. You need good barbecue sauce whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or carnivore. Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce is the condiment of your dreams. Whisk good quality ingredients and simmer for five minutes. Done. Store in your fridge for months and months. Continue reading
Spring salads lead to lighter eating for the upcoming summer season. It’s time to step away from heavy foods and crunch into bright, crispy seasonal fruits and vegetables. This Strawberry Sugar Snap Salad has plenty of color and crunch. Moreover, the heady Thai basil dressing and peanuts take this pretty salad in a more exotic direction. Continue reading
Meyer lemons are short in season, yet long in flavor. These thin skinned golden citrus fruits sport a floral aroma. They possess a lemony sweetness that is less astringent than the juice of regular lemons. Because their skin is so thin, one can eat the whole fruit sliced thinly in desserts and savory dishes. Continue reading
Nearly all cocktail recipes in this collection of recipes may be enjoyed alcohol-free as mocktails. Today’s Clementine Cardamom Cocktail is no exception. This is a good thing, for kids and everyone else who avoids spirits. An attractive seasonal beverage, with or without spirits, is a reliable conversation starter and always welcome at the table. What made you think of these flavors? Very likely whatever is in season and paired with herbs and spices not used in past recipes. Continue reading
Did you enjoy good luck greens for New Year’s? Along with Pimento Cheese Cornbread, I had Caribbean inspired Hoppin’ John with coconut milk and citrus and purple kale. I feel lucky. Continue reading
Burgers can be made from just about anything that holds together. We think of beef, turkey and black bean, but seafood makes a tasty sandwich, too. These Sesame Shrimp Burgers remind me of all the shrimp toasts I enjoyed in my student days. My Sesame Shrimp Toasts have a similar flavor and crunch from water chestnuts. Continue reading
The first tender basil leaves taste like summer. Basil finds its way into many a spring and summer meal, like with Basil Buttermilk Soup and Coconut Basil Lemonade . This Basil Caesar Dressing is one way to stretch the basil enjoyment all season long. It keeps well in the fridge for several weeks and a little dollop goes a long way. Continue reading
Strawberries are in season. It’s time to add them to salads, desserts, breads and beverages. This Strawberry Shrub Gin Cocktail has the makings of a tasty mocktail with just the shrub base. Add to gin or a favorite spirit for a delightful seasonal cocktail to start your outdoor entertaining. Continue reading