The first time I cautiously opened a jar of exotic, amber yuzu marmalade, I dipped in a tiny spoon, and tentatively tested. Wow! What was that? Intense concentrated citrus flavor packed into a tiny, tiny bite. Orange, grapefruit, sweetness, kick… Lovely and tingly – flavors that could really wake you up in the morning. Maybe…
Year: 2012
Organic Earth Day Salad
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, when Gaylord Nelson, a US senator from Wisconsin, orchestrated a nationwide “teach-in” about the environment. Now, more than 40 years later, Earth Day is still popular, and “green” is everywhere. In the spirit of being kind to the earth (and to our bodies), I created…
Easy Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. Its tender, green flavor almost tastes like springtime. Try this easy method: simply drizzle some fresh asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast for ten minutes. Add some fresh lemon juice and zest, if you like, or sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese before baking. Any…
Herbed Sweet Potato Rösti
The Swiss gave us rösti, a traditional farmers’ breakfast equivalent to hash browns. Full-bodied potatoes (either cooked or raw) are grated, seasoned, shaped into thin patties, and fried to a crispy golden brown. In this scenario, I’ve swapped out the potatoes for sweet potatoes, and added some fresh, fragrant herbs with a touch of nutmeg…
Grilled Ham, Sweet Potato and Swiss Cheese Sandwich
This recipe began as an experiment following a holiday baked ham and sweet potato dinner. Hungry for lunch, and rummaging around in the fridge the next day, I found a significant amount of leftover food (because I always have to be sure there’s enough for everyone to have seconds and still be able to have…
Hazelnut Praline Sweet Potatoes
Warning! If you are diabetic, dieting, or for any other reason trying to control your sugar intake, read no further. If, however, you are looking for new and wonderful ways to indulge during the holiday season, hazelnut praline sweet potatoes might just be for you. The toasty crunch of the caramelized hazelnuts is a nice…
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
When the mercury rises, and the humidity starts to build, it’s nice to have a few refreshing “go to” recipes in your back pocket. Cool green cucumbers and juicy red watermelon provide a colorful, thirst-quenching option. I like to dress this salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The watermelon absorbs some of the dressing as it…
Luxembourger Green Beans
Bou’neschlupp, a Luxembourgese peasant soup, is the inspiration for this simple, nutritious side dish. Green beans, potatoes and onions are gently simmered in seasoned broth until tender. Cooking with broth adds nutrients, and gives the vegetables a rich flavor and texture. I’ve left out the heavy cream and bacon found in the traditional soup, leaving…
Mint
Did you know that one pound of mint oil will flavor 135,000 sticks of gum? The oil is extracted from mint using a steam distillation process and is highly concentrated. You won’t need nearly that much to enjoy this easy Spring recipe: Grilled Lamb Satay with Herb Dipping Sauce Learn more about mint, or try a couple…
Lemon Ricotta-filled Amaranth Crêpes
Amaranth flour is earthy and fine, and yields light, nut-like crêpes with a delicate texture. The batter consistency is slightly different from one made with a wheat flour base, so use a gentle hand when flipping your crêpes. Fill them with creamy ricotta, flavored with pure lemon zest, and naturally sweetened with just a touch…