These fritters are alive with texture, which blends beautifully with the seasoned batter.  Use as a base to a Fall salad, or a side to roasted meats.  Prepared in smaller rounds they are perfect for service with a cheese board.  The final garnishment of sweet potato and pear in a sauce is an outstanding punctuation to the sweet and savory combination of flavors.

Serves 6 as a side dish or accompaniment; serves 10 as an appetizer portion

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose, unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 eggs
½ cup whole milk
2 cups firm (but ripe) Bosc pears (about 4 medium), peeled and cored and chopped into 1/4” dice
½ cup leeks (about 2 large), white parts only, rinsed, drained and coarsely chopped
½ cup coarsely chopped shiitake mushrooms
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons grapeseed (or other neutral) oil

Preparation

Into the bowl of a standing mixer, sift to combine the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and ground ginger.  Add the brown sugar and stir to combine.  In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and milk and lightly whisk to combine.  Fit the standing mixer with the whisk attachment, and place the bowl into the stand mixer.

With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and continue whisking until you have a smooth batter.  The batter will be heavy and thick.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, leeks, mushrooms, and herbs.  Add ½ cup of the seasoned fritter batter to the bowl and stir.  Add up to ½ cup more batter as needed to just bind the pear mixture.

[Chef’s Note: You should have a scant amount of the batter remaining. Take care to use just enough to bind the ingredients.  The batter here is meant to be a binder, not a filler.]

Place a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium heat.  Add 1 tablespoon each of the butter and oil and whisk to incorporate once the butter has melted.  Using a large spoon, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter in the sauté pan for each fritter.  Repeat until the pan is full, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.  Sauté each fritter about 2 minutes per side, or until golden.  Be sure not to overly brown them, as you want a nice, golden color.  Transfer to a warmed plate; add the additional butter and olive oil to the pan and repeat.  Serve immediately.

Sweet Potato and Sekel Pear Sauce

Ingredients

1 large sweet potato
2 medium ripe but firm Sekel pears
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon allspice
1 cup chicken broth, heated

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Coat the sweet potato, pears, and cloves of garlic with the olive oil.  Prick the sweet potato with the edge of a knife on each side, and place into a medium-sized roasting pan with the pears and garlic.  Bake until soft about 20 minutes for the pears, about 30 for the sweet potato, and about 45 for the garlic.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool until manageable.  For the sweet potato, slice the potato in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out of the skin.  Place into the bowl of a food processor.  Slice the pear in half and remove the seeds and core.  Scoop the remaining flesh out and add to the bowl of the food processor.  Peel the garlic and add it to the bowl.  Process in several pulses to combine.  Add the ginger, honey, and allspice.  Process until the fruit and vegetables are pureed and the flavor components incorporated.  Through the chute of the food processor, add the chicken broth while the machine is running, just until a sauce consistency is achieved.

Serve immediately, or keep warm on stove top adding additional chicken broth as needed before serving.

Recipe and photo by Donna Marie Desfor

A simple dessert to warm you up on chilly nights, there is no better way to celebrate the comforting flavors of fall than with this bread pudding. Sweet caramelized apples and toasted bread cubes sing in a warm cinnamon-laced custard. The cider caramel sauce itself is divine, but particularly so when generously poured over the voluptuous pudding.

Find this recipe in our Gilded Fork Cookbook!

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

For the bread pudding:
4 apples (Braeburn, Gala, Fuji or Empire recommended), peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
pinch of salt
1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 loaf of Brioche or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 vanilla bean (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla (increase to 1 tablespoon if omitting the vanilla bean)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
4 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted

For the cider caramel sauce:
1 cup apple cider
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

8×8 baking dish
Large saucepan
Non-stick baking spray
Pastry brush
Rubber spatula
Tall non-reactive metal pot
Whisk
Wooden spoon

Preparation

For the bread pudding:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toast the bread cubes in the oven until they are crispy, but not burnt, about 10-15 minutes. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Add the vanilla bean, brown sugar and salt, stir until the sugar is dissolved and then add the apples. Sauté the apples until caramelized and the sugar becomes a thick syrup consistency. Set aside to cool.

Combine the heavy cream, milk, vanilla and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the eggs, yolks and sugar. Remove the milk from the heat and slowly temper the eggs with the hot milk, whisking as you combine the two. Whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg and remove the vanilla bean. Pour the liquid over the bread cubes in a large bowl; add the caramelized apples, walnuts or pecans and mix to combine. Let sit for about 1 hour to completely soak all of the bread with the liquid.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with either non-stick baking spray or butter. Place the soaked bread cubes into the prepared baking dish and gently press to create and even layer on the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the custard is set and bread is puffed and golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.

For the cider caramel:
Place the apple cider in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil over a medium flame and simmer until the liquid has reached a dense syrup-like consistency and has reduced to approximately 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool slightly.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and lemon juice in a tall non-reactive metal saucepan. With one hand work these two ingredients together until it feels like wet sand. With a wooden spoon, stir the sugar constantly over low heat only until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step prevents the caramel from becoming grainy. Remove from heat and using either a pastry brush or your hand, clean the insides of the pan so that there are no stray granules of sugar on the sides. Do not stir.

Return the pot to the stove and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cook, without stirring but swirling the pan occasionally, until a golden caramel color is reached. In a separate pan or in the microwave, heat the cream to slighlty warmer than room temperature. Remove the caramelized sugar from the heat and carefully whisk in the warmed cream. It will spatter and boil up, so it is best to stand back when adding the cream. Place back on the heat and whisk to remove any remaining lumps of sugar. Quickly pour into a clean glass or metal bowl to cool. Whisk in the butter, salt and reduced apple cider. Let cool to room temperature.

[Chef's Note: We use the "wet method", which when just enough water is added to sugar to make it a sandy texture, to make caramel in this recipe. During the boiling process, any excess liquid evaporates, causing the syrup to thicken, the sugar concentration to increase, and eventually the color to change from opaque to a rich, golden brown. This method takes longer than the "dry method", cooking sugar without the addition of water, but is easier to control and does not burn as easily.

When making caramel, there is always a danger of crystallization, which can give the finished caramel a grainy texture and cause it to cook unevenly. If the pan or spoon is not completely clean, if the syrup is stirred once it boils, or if the sugar is not properly dissolved, you are bound to get lumps of sugar that will agitate and crystallize in the caramel. However, this is easy to avoid by using a clean pot, adding a pinch of an acidic ingredient such as cream of tartar or lemon juice, and taking caution not to stir the sugar once it boils. Swirling the pan during cooking also helps to evenly distribute heat and color to the sugar without stirring.]

Service

Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzled with caramel sauce. Bread pudding is delicious eaten cold, too. For easier slicing, refrigerate the bread pudding for a few hours and then reheat before serving.

Variations

Bread pudding adapts well to improvisation. Try using a variety of breads, if available, and other flavorings such as grated lemon zest, cardamom or star anise. Pears and other fruits can also be substituted for the apples.

Recipe by Monica Glass
Photo by Andrea Meyers

Summer fruits offer a variety of levels of sweetness from ripening sugars.  In this dish, we capture two distinct but complementary flavors and textures and wrap them together in a spicy, sweet fruit syrup.

Serves 6 as a side dish or appetizer

Ingredients

For the nectarine syrup:
2 ½ cups very ripe nectarines (or white peaches), pitted and chopped
1 dried red chili pepper (or ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper (preferably pink peppercorns)

For the timbale:
4 medium-firm, ripe heirloom tomatoes, seeded and diced to about ¼” (about 1 ½ cups)
2 cups nectarines, pitted and diced to about ¼”
1 tablespoon chervil leaves, plus additional leaves for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme, chopped, plus additional leaves for garnish
¼ cup dessicated coconut, or unsweetened
1 teaspoon high quality extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus additional for garnish
Sea salt crystals

Preparation

Place the nectarines (or peaches, if using) in a blender and puree until smooth.  Pour the puree through a mesh sieve placed over a medium saucepan, pressing on the solids to extract as much nectarine liquid as possible.  Add the dried red chili pepper or crushed red pepper.  Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and reduce by about one half.  Remove the chili pepper and strain the liquid through a mesh sieve into a clean glass bowl.  Add the honey and lemon juice and mix to combine.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  Taste.  Adjust the seasonings by adding salt or pepper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and nectarines, the chervil, thyme, and coconut.  Add just enough of the nectarine syrup to flavor the tomato and nectarine mixture, and gently combine.  The mixture should be thick and hold together.  If necessary, add the olive oil to moisten the mixture and gently toss.

Place a 2” (or larger) diameter round mold on a chilled plate.  Fill the mold with the nectarine tomato mixture.  Carefully remove the mold.  Plate each serving before garnishing.

Service

Once each serving is plated, garnish with additional chervil leaves, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.  Crush sea salt crystals between your fingers and lightly sprinkle each timbale with a small bit of the crushed crystals.

Recipe by Donna Marie Desfor
Photo by Kelly Cline

This is the rustic approach to ravioli or lasagna, and one that saves time while delivering the same magnificent taste.  Despite the lack of precision in its creation, it always appears lovely and inviting at service.  The Basil Sauce “Mignonette” with a garnish of fresh diced garden tomatoes makes this a gorgeous plate to serve as an appetizer, pasta or main course.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups filling

Ingredients

Basil Pasta Dough, rolled and cut through the width to make small sheets of dough
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup Buffalo Mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated
¼ cup Danish Fontina cheese, shredded
¼ cup whole milk Ricotta cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sea Salt
2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (choose basil, chives, parsley, oregano, marjoram, thyme, or any combination)
Olive oil
Basil Sauce “Mignonette” (recipe below)
Fresh tomatoes, finely chopped, for garnish

Preparation

Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Lightly oil a large cookie sheet.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the four cheeses and garlic.  Add the fresh herbs and gently stir to incorporate throughout.

Place the pasta dough rags into the boiling water and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked through.  Drain.  Separate the “rags.”

Place half the rags on the prepared cookie sheet about a 1/2-inch apart.  Place a small mound of the prepared cheese mixture in the middle of each rag (about 1/4 of the size of the pasta rag).  Take the remaining rags and place one on top of each cheese mound, lightly pressing the rag down and around the mound.  Lightly coat or spray the top of each rag with olive oil and place in the oven.  Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt.

Service

Plate 3 filled pasta rags on a warmed dinner plate.  If the cheese is not oozing from in between the pasta sheets, slice through the pasta where the cheese mound is located to allow it to bubble through.  Lightly drizzle the Basil Sauce “Mignonette” over the pasta rags and garnish with fresh diced tomato.  Serve immediately.

Basil Sauce “Mignonette”
Often thought of as strictly an oyster “sauce,” Sauce Mignonette is a French mixture of freshly-ground pepper, shallots, and wine vinegar.  We used an aged balsamic for the Pasta Rags with Four Cheese Filling here, as the irrepressible combination of cheese, basil, and tomatoes is eloquently elevated to a gastronomic experience with the addition of aged balsamic in this sauce.

Makes a generous 1/2 cup

Ingredients

White, Green and Pink peppercorns, combined and coarsely ground to yield a scant 2 tablespoons
2 medium shallots, sliced paper-thin
1/2 cup aged balsamic vinegar (substitute high-quality white wine, white balsamic, or aged sherry vinegar)
¼ cup gently-packed basil leaves, chopped into a chiffonade

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients in a small glass bowl.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Can be prepared a full day in advance.  The flavors and aromatic quality of the sauce will develop over time, so allow at least a few hours for your sauce to cure.

Recipe and photo by Donna Marie Desfor

Cranberries are a sweet but assertive fruity complement to this moist, yet crumbly golden cornbread. This recipe is a tasty twist to traditional cornbread, combining the best qualities of cranberry sauce and cornbread. It will surely make for an attractive addition to your holiday table!

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

For the topping:
12 ounces (1 bag) fresh cranberries
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

For the cornbread:
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Equipment

8-cup baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inch pans, 9×5 loaf pan or 10 miniature loaf pans)
Parchment paper

Preparation

Prepare the topping:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease the pan using butter or non-stick cooking spray, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, and grease the pan again.

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss well to evenly distribute. Spread the cranberry mixture in the pan over the parchment paper. Set aside.

Prepare the cornbread:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together the butter, eggs and buttermilk and another bowl, and then add to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Pour the batter over the cranberries in the pan. Lightly tap the pan against the counter to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven until golden or a toothpick or tester comes out clean, about 25 minutes depending on the pan size. Cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, invert and remove parchment paper.

Service

The cornbread can immediately be served warm, but is also delicious when eaten a day or two later at room temperature.

Variations

The best thing about cornbread is that it is so versatile. Everything from savory bacon bits and cheese to sweet blueberries and honey make a terrific addition. Mix cranberries into the batter rather than use as an attractive topping, or bake in a cast-iron skillet to mimic the traditional Southern method.

Recipe and photo by Monica Glass

We are huge fans of risotto, as we welcome the return of cooler temperatures, when once again rich, hearty dishes return to favor.  This is a variation of a spring vegetable risotto, and the addition of the caramelized Bosc Pears, plus a hint of fall spices, serve as autumn’s calling card.  This is an ideal on its own as a main course, or as a side to slices of pork tenderloin, roasted or grilled duck, or a perfectly cooked veal chop.

Serves 4 as a main course; Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish

Ingredients

For the vegetables:
½ cup fresh carrots, small dice
½ cup frozen or high-quality fresh peas (See Chef’s Note)
2 large leeks(white and light green parts only, sliced lengthwise, then sliced on a diagonal), rinsed and drained
Kosher salt

For the caramelized pears:
6 firm (but ripe) Bosc pears (about 2 to 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut into a large dice (¾”)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt
1 tablespoon light brown sugar

For the risotto:
2 quarts chicken broth (can substitute vegetable broth)
½ cup coarsely chopped applewood smoked bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups arborio rice (risotto)
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
½ cup white wine (Riesling works well here, though a Chardonnay is fine)
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, or more to taste
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Asiago cheese shavings, for garnish
Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

Preparation

Place the chicken (or vegetable) broth in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to low, and keep the broth hot for the risotto preparation.

Blanch the vegetables:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat.  Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and filling it with cold water.  Add the carrots to the boiling water and blanch them for about 3 minutes, just until they start to soften and become bright orange.  Remove with a slotted spoon and place in the ice water bath.  Return the water to a boil and add the peas, blanching for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green.  Remove with a slotted spoon, add to the same ice water bath as the carrots.  Add the leeks to the boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes until just tender.  Remove the leeks and add to the ice water bath.  Once the leeks have cooled, drain the vegetables and set aside.

[Chef’s Note: At this time of year, unless you can find excellent fresh peas, we recommend using frozen ones, both due to their texture and sweetness.]

Caramelize the Bosc pears:
Place the butter and olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.  Season the pears with sea salt and add to the pan.  Sauté over medium heat until the pears are browned and the edges crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes.  Add the brown sugar to the pan and toss the pears to coat.  Allow the pears to cook about 2 minutes more, until caramelized.  Set aside.

Prepare the risotto:
Place a large risotto pan, or large heavy saucepan, over medium heat.  When hot, add the bacon and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  Add the olive oil and the onion and sauté about 2 minutes.  Add the garlic, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, and cook until the onion is softened, about 2 minutes more.

Reduce the heat just below medium, and add the rice.  Stir until coated.  Add the sage.  Cook, stirring until the rice begins to turn a milky white, about 5 to 7 minutes.  Add the wine.  Cook, stirring frequently until the wine is absorbed, about 3 minutes.  Ladle about 1 cup of the broth into the rice mixture and cook, stirring often, until the broth is almost completely absorbed.  Continue cooking and stirring the rice, adding 1 cup of broth at a time, but only when the previous cup has been absorbed.  After about 15 minutes, begin tasting the rice and adding the broth in smaller amounts until the rice is cooked through.  When the risotto is done it should be creamy with a slight firmness (al dente) to the bite.  Your total cooking time should be about 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove from the heat.

Stir in the butter, the parsley and season with salt and pepper.  Gently fold in the vegetables.  When incorporated, gently fold in the caramelized pears.

Service

Place the risotto in warmed serving bowls.  Garnish with Asiago cheese shavings.  Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo by Donna Marie Desfor. Originally published 9/05.

Fall’s bounty of fresh pumpkins, crisp sweet bell peppers, and tender zucchini blend tastefully together over creamy, warm polenta. Roasting the pumpkin pieces along with the other vegetables releases their natural sugars, making them tender and rich with caramelized flavor. This simple dish will be sure to please anyone on a cool autumn evening.

4 servings

Ingredients

For the roasted pumpkin and vegetables:
3 cups fresh pumpkin, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh sweet red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper, to taste

For the polenta:
4 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup polenta or course ground cornmeal
2 cups half and half
¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Equipment

Roasting pan
Serrated knife
Medium saucepan
Large non-stick skillet

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Prepare the roasted pumpkin and vegetables:
Using a serrated knife, cut and peel the pumpkin into 1-inch pieces. Next, cut the red bell pepper and zucchini into 1-inch pieces. Place vegetables in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle about half of the olive oil over the vegetables and gently toss. Spread the vegetables into a single layer and place in the oven for about 20 minutes or until tender and caramelized. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

[Chef’s Note: It is important to cut all the vegetables about the same size so they roast evenly.]

Prepare the polenta:
While the vegetables are roasting, combine the water, salt and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the temperature, and slowly add the polenta while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. When the polenta is completely incorporated into the water mixture and smooth, slowly pour in the half and half. Continue to stir well. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and continue to stir for about 5 minutes or until polenta is creamy and smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Sauté the roasted vegetables:
When the vegetables are roasted and slightly cooled, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic as it will become bitter. Add the roasted vegetables and toss with the garlic and oil for about 4 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Service

Spoon a portion of the polenta onto a serving plate and top with the roasted pumpkin vegetable mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo by Lia Soscia

We presented this recipe earlier as a great marinade for chicken or meat, but it’s equally delicious on roasted vegetables, especially fennel, which has a crisp brightness.  The sweetness of the honey and balsamic vinegar bring out the aroma of the lavender, and create a lovely brown glaze.

Makes about 1 cup of marinade

Ingredients

1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 teaspoon lavender
½ cup honey
1 ½ teaspoons marjoram
1 garlic clove, minced
1 shallot, minced
¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar

Vegetables suitable for grilling or roasting: Fennel, red peppers, corn, potatoes, or other root vegetables

Equipment

Non reactive mixing bowl
Pastry brush
Roasting pan

Preparation

Combine all marinade ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and stir thoroughly.

Preheat the oven to 350° F or prepare an outdoor grill. If using fennel, trim the fronds and shave off the bottom of the root end. Slice into wedges, but leave the root intact in the bottom of each piece to keep them together. If using other vegetables, cut into large pieces. If oven roasting, you may marinate the pieces in advance. Place in a roasting pan at roast for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, baste the vegetables with the lavender honey marinade every 5 minutes or so for an additional 20 minutes or until completely cooked.

[Chef’s Note: If you are roasting in the oven, feel free to marinade the veggies before hand. If grilling over flame or charcoal, do not marinate, but rather drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, and grill, basting the vegetables near the end of cooking so as not to burn the marinade.]
Recipe and photo by Mark Tafoya

Artichokes are immensely satisfying, partly because enjoyment of the sweet tender flesh from the hearts is the result of a lot of hard work! But it doesn’t have to be difficult to prepare artichokes; this simple classic is so satisfying, and here we explain the basic technique for preparing artichokes for any recipe. The accompanying herbed mayo is refreshingly tart thanks to the addition of lemon zest and juice, and is especially resplendent when tarragon is used.

4 servings

Ingredients

4 large artichokes
2 lemons, 1 zested
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon, or chervil), minced
1 cup mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Equipment

Sharp knife, kitchen scissors, spoon, pot with steamer insert

Preparation

Fill a pot with a steamer insert with about 1-2 inches of water and set it to boil, covered. Meanwhile, fill a bowl with very cold water and the juice of one of the lemons. Have this ready before prepping the artichokes so you can immediately plunge them into the acidulated water to prevent discoloration. Reserve the squeezed lemon halves and put them in with the hot water.

Prepare the artichokes:
Working with one artichoke at a time, and using a very sharp knife, trim the bottom of the stem of each artichoke, and trim the outer skin of the stalk. Leave as much of the stalk as possible, since the tender inner part is edible and quite good. Next, cut the top ½”-1” off each artichoke, being sure to remove the spiny tips. Remove the outermost leaves, and then with kitchen scissors snip the spiny tips from the remaining leaves.

Gently loosen the tightly packed inner leaves to get at the inner leaves and the choke. Using a spoon, gently dig into the center and scrape inward, pulling out the choke. Be sure to scrape away all the hairy fibers, as they are inedible and irritating.

[Chef’s Note: An alternative way to clean the artichokes, depending on the needs of your recipe, is to first snip off the spiny tips, then to quarter them while still whole and scrape out the choke from each quarter.]

Rinse the artichoke to remove any last fibers from the choke and immediately plunge into the acidulated water. Repeat the process with the remaining artichokes.

Place the artichokes in the steamer basket stem-side up so they fit snugly. Cover and steam for 25-30 minutes, until an outer leaf pulls away easily and the stalk is knife tender.

Prepare the herbed mayonnaise:
While the artichokes steam, prepare the mayonnaise by adding the minced herbs, lemon zest and juice to the mayonnaise and mixing thoroughly to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Service

To serve hot, drain the artichokes upside down for a minute or two, then plate with a small bowl of herbed mayonnaise on the side for dipping. The outer leaves can be pulled off and dipped into the mayo, then the fleshy bit at the bottom of each leaf eaten by scraping with the teeth. Once the outer leaves have been removed, the heart and bottom can be eaten with a knife and fork.

The artichokes can also be served chilled or at room temperature. To store, place cut-side down in an airtight plastic container.

Recipe by Mark Tafoya

Although asparagus is available year-round, it is a traditional side dish for any spring feast (and best when freshly picked from the farm). The rich essence of freshly minced tarragon adds a lovely flavor to the velvety butter sauce, making it a perfectly luxurious way to dress up freshly roasted asparagus. The extra sauce will not go to waste either: It can complement your favorite grilled or pan-sautéed meats.

4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
¾ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest

Equipment

Sheet pan
Small saucepan
Whisk

Preparation

Prepare the asparagus:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rinse and dry the asparagus. Trim off the tough ends by holding one asparagus stalk at both ends and bending. The asparagus will break where it becomes tender. Use this piece of asparagus as a guide to trim the remaining stalks with your knife.

Place the asparagus stalks on a sheet pan and drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and blend well. Roast in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or to desired doneness. Set aside.

[Chef’s Note: Be sure all the stalks are in a single layer in the roasting pan so they roast evenly. If they all do not fit in the one pan, use two; a crowded pan will create steam and inhibit the asparagus from roasting properly.]

Make the tarragon butter sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. While whisking, add the flour to the melted butter, slowly incorporating it to prevent lumps. Keep whisking and cooking the roux for a minute or two until it is smooth and well blended. Slowly add the whole milk ¼ of a cup at a time while whisking constantly. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Keep adding the milk until it reaches the desired consistency (coating the back of a spoon). Add the white wine vinegar and the minced tarragon. Cook the sauce for a few minutes longer, whisking as it cooks. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon the sauce over the roasted asparagus spears and garnish with the lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo by Lia Soscia

Root vegetables are just about all that we get in some winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. They may seem boring, but a simple roast with fresh herbs can make them come alive and perk up a cold winter night.

4 servings

3/4 pound rutabaga
1/2 pound carrot
1/2 pound onion
1/2 pound yam, fresh
8 large garlic cloves, whole
7 sage leaves, fresh
2 rosemary sprigs, fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Peel the rutabagas, carrots, onions, and yams. Cut them into large evenly sized pieces. Cut the yams larger than the other vegetables because they cook faster. Place all vegetables except the yams in a large bowl with whole garlic cloves. Mix them well along with the sage and rosemary leaves. Drizzle the root vegetables with olive oil and toss to coat well. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan and pour the vegetables in. Season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables for about 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and add the yams, tossed with a little olive oil. Return the pan to the oven and continue to roast the vegetables until caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 to 40 minutes longer. Remove and cool slightly before serving.

[Chef’s note: You can substitute any winter vegetables that are available, such as parsnips, turnips, celeriac, or winter squash. Just be sure to cut vegetables into even sizes. If using winter squash, cut the pieces larger as you would with the yams in the recipe.]

Recipe by Chef Mark Tafoya

This is a seasonal take on a popular side dish. Fresh cranberries provide a pleasing tartness and bright color to accompany any of your favorite fall meals, but we love the simplicity of this dish!

4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
1/4 cup honey
1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup scallion, green tops, chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Preparation

To prepare the cranberries:
Place the cranberries in a large pot with just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and continue to cook until the cranberries have popped. Drain and mix well with the honey. Set aside.

To prepare the couscous:
Bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the couscous and mix well. Remove from the heat and cover. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the couscous with a fork. Set aside.

Heat the butter and olive oil in a sauté pan until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and scallions and sauté until soft. Do not brown. Add the fresh cranberries and minced parsley and mix well. Remove from heat and toss with the cooked couscous.

Serve immediately.

Recipe by Lia Soscia

This simple dish showcases the beauty of bell peppers. Unlike the overly cooked, soggy meat-filled stuffed bell peppers we may have grown up with, these peppers are like little boats of tender crisp summer vegetables, accented with the savory tang of Halloumi cheese.

4 servings

Ingredients

5 red or yellow bell peppers
1 zucchini (or any other seasonal vegetable)
4 tablespoons olive oil (you may use garlic or herb flavored oil)
1 ½ cups Halloumi cheese
4 tablespoons pine nuts

[Chef’s Note: Halloumi cheese is a product of Cyprus, and is a sheep’s milk cheese which has been preserved in brine. It is known as “the cheese that grills” because it browns nicely when grilled or fried. If you can’t find Halloumi in your local specialty market, you may substitute Ricota salata, a firm aged Asiago, or any other cheese you really love!]

Equipment

Broiler pan

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

Cut 4 of the bell peppers in half and take out the seeds and the white ribs, but leave the stems on. Seed and chop the remaining pepper along with the zucchini. Place on a baking sheet and fill the pepper “boats” with the mixed vegetables, drizzling with half the olive oil, and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges of the peppers begin to char.

Dice the Halloumi cheese and mix in with the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle pine nuts on the top and drizzle with the remaining oil. Return to the oven and bake for 15 more minutes, until the Halloumi starts to melt and the tops are nicely browned. If necessary, place under the broiler or salamander for a few minutes to brown the top.

Serve warm.

Recipe by Mark Tafoya

O-Hitashi is a traditional dish served in Japan. The term refers to any fresh vegetable that has been lightly boiled and made into a salad. This version is simple, yet elegant in its presentation, topped with toasted sesame seeds. Long leaf Japanese spinach works best, but you may use baby spinach.

4 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds tender spinach or baby spinach
3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
2 tablespoons dashi stock or mirin
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Salt, to taste

Preparation

Toast the sesame seeds:
Put the sesame seeds in a dry sauté pan and stir or toss constantly just until they are toasted and start to pop. Remove from the heat and set aside on a plate until ready to use.

Boil the spinach:
Prepare a pot of lightly salted boiling water, and have a “spider” or slotted spoon ready. If using long-leaf spinach, hold the leafy part and place the stems in the boiling water first. After 15 seconds, drop in the leaves and cook for another 20 seconds. If using baby spinach, place all in the pot at once and boil for only 15 seconds. Lift the spinach out with a spider and immediately place under cold running water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out all the excess water by hand, and form into a large ball.

Mix the soy sauce and dashi, then pour over the spinach. Mix well and leave to macerate.

[Chef’s Note: Dashi is a staple stock in Japan, made with dried konbu kelp and shaved bonito flakes. While not difficult to make, it can be rather difficult to find the ingredients outside of specialty stores or Asian markets, but a powdered dashi mix is widely available, and will work well in a pinch. If you can’t find dashi powder, you may substitute water or mirin.]

Drain the spinach and squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands. Form the spinach into a log shape about 1 ½ inches in diameter, twisting the stems a little so the whole mass stays together. Using a very sharp knife to achieve a flat edge, cut into 2 ½- inch cylinders and form again into rounded mini-towers, squeezing them together again to make them firm and hold together. Sprinkle lightly with salt, to taste, and dip one cut edge into the plate of sesame seeds, pressing firmly to adhere. Place standing up on plates (seeded side up) and serve.

Variations

As O-Hitashi is a general technique, you may use any vegetables or fresh greens, such as arugula, watercress, or deep green lettuce.

This dish may also be served simply and more casually in a dish, without forming into towers.

Recipe by Mark Tafoya

This traditional New Orleans dish is the perfect accompaniment to a spicy Gumbo, and is even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. Feel free to play around with the seasonings to achieve the flavor you like.

8 servings

Ingredients

1 pound red kidney beans, dry
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
5 ribs celery, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ pound diced smoked ham
½ pound chorizo or hot Creole sausage
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
2 bay leaves
Tabasco sauce, to taste
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
1-2 teaspoons Creole seasoning blend, to taste
Salt to taste
3 cups hot steamed white rice

Preparation

Soak the beans overnight. When ready to cook, drain the beans and replace with fresh water. Place over high heat until the pot comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer over medium heat until the beans are tender but still solid, about 45 minutes to an hour, then drain.

[Chef’s Note: Soaking the beans overnight helps them to cook faster, and replacing the water before boiling helps to rinse away some of the indigestible enzymes which sometimes produce, um, shall we say, a little excess air. Be sure to keep the beans covered with plenty of water while boiling.]

While the beans are cooking, sauté the onions, celery, and bell pepper (the holy trinity of Louisiana cooking) until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. After the beans are boiled and drained, add the sautéed vegetables to the beans, then add the diced ham, hot sausage, thyme, bay leaves, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, and just enough water to cover.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the flavors have blended and the beans have softened. Stir from time to time to be sure that the beans do not stick to the bottom. They should break down and start to get creamy. Adjust seasonings as you go along. Serve hot over freshly steamed long grain white rice.

Recipe by Mark Tafoya

A Southwestern twist on a holiday classic, we think our sweet potato dish beats the heck out of any version topped with mini-marshmallows! The chipotle paste is a great accompaniment that will kick up any side dish (Our kitchen elves like to put them on scrambled eggs and chilaquiles). Just be careful to add the paste in small increments, as it can be very hot. Any extra will keep well in the refrigerator for a few weeks. The slight hint of lime here brightens the dish to keep it from being heavy.

6 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup half and half
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick

For the chipotle paste:
1 small can chipotle chiles en adobo

Preparation

Prepare the chipotle paste:
Remove the whole chiles from the can and chop them finely. Mix them with the remaining adobo sauce and mix well. Set aside.

[Chef’s Note: This will keep for a few weeks if you keep it tightly covered in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The vinegar in the adobo sauce acts as a natural preservative.]

Prepare the sweet potatoes:
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. Put the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a boil.

[Chef’s Note: When boiling root vegetables or tubers, it is essential to start them in cold water, so that they cook through without the outside cooking too quickly and getting mushy. A good rule of thumb is that any vegetables grown below the ground should be started in cold water, and any that grow above the ground should be started in hot water.]

Reduce the heat and simmer the sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water and return the potatoes to pan. Set the pot back on medium-low heat for a minute or two, stirring constantly, to evaporate any remaining water, then remove from the heat. Add some of the half-and-half, the butter, and lime juice, and mash to the desired consistency. Cook over medium heat for another 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Stir in the brown sugar, salt to taste, and ½ tsp. of freshly grated cinnamon into the mashed potato mixture. Add some chipotle paste to the mixture, to taste, and stir thoroughly to blend. Reserve the remaining chipotle paste for another use. Sprinkle the top with another ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon just before service.

Recipe and photo by Mark Tafoya

This is a traditional dish in New Mexico, which the Pueblo Indians taught to the Spanish. Calabaza means squash or pumpkin in Spanish, and this dish uses any squash that is in season. In the summer, use zucchini and yellow squash, and in the autumn and winter months, use butternut squash or pumpkin. This side can become a main dish by putting it in a casserole and baking it with chicken or beef. This version is vegetarian and cooks on top of the stove in 20 minutes.

6 servings

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1½ cups yellow squash, sliced
2½ cups zucchini, sliced (or replace the summer squashes with 4 cups winter squash)
2 cups corn kernels (fresh is best, but frozen will do)
2 scallions, sliced
1 cup green chile, chopped
1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup cilantro, chopped (you may substitute parsley)
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Mixed herbs, to taste (oregano, marjoram, and cumin)

[Chef’s Note: This recipe is best with Hatch green chile from New Mexico, which is available fresh in September and October. However, you can find it in cans throughout the year. It’s been roasted with the skins removed for ease of use.]

Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet or wok and sauté the onion for about 4 minutes over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté 2 minutes longer.

Add the squash and zucchini and sauté 5 minutes more, until softened.

[Chef’s Note: If you’re using winter squash, be sure to dice it in small cubes, about ½-inch. Sauté a little longer than you would summer squash.]

Add the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil with the corn, scallions, and green chile and sauté 3 minutes longer.

Stir in the tomatoes, cilantro, and beans and heat through, about 5 minutes.

Season with salt and herbs. Serve immediately.
Recipe and photo by Mark Tafoya

In celebration of Father’s Day, Jennifer shares one of her favorite family dishes – a very simple rustic Italian side dish that is perfect for summer weather. One of the “relics” her father brought to America from Calabria, this dish was often made with ingredients fresh-picked from his garden. “Sofrito” in Italian typically means a sautéed combination of vegetables with garlic and olive oil.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large purple eggplant (or 2 small)
2 large onions
4 white potatoes
2 red peppers
2 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

Large cast iron or stainless steel skillet

Preparation

Slice the eggplant, potatoes, peppers and onions into lengthwise strips, rustic style.

[Chef’s Note: There is no need to peel or salt the eggplant in this dish, as it is simply tossed in with the rest. The final product will have a soft consistency, so it will release its juices into the dish.]

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. It should shimmer. Sauté the potatoes, onions and peppers for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften and the onions are translucent. Add the eggplant and allow the mixture to cook until the vegetables begin to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Add olive oil if the pan becomes too dry. Add garlic just before finishing and cook for another minute or so, being careful not to let it burn.

Serve immediately.

Recipe by Jennifer Iannolo

We REALLY love ice cream.  So much so, in fact, that we’ve been known to even sneak it into a meal.  But savory ice cream?  Strange as it may seem, garlic ice cream is very similar to a garlic custard in taste, but boasts the cool smoothness and creaminess we love in an ice cream.  It’s like a savory crème anglaise in frozen form.  The touch of honey helps to develop the natural sweetness of the garlic and balance the savory quality.  Try one bite of this cool sensation with luscious mashed potatoes, steamed green beans  or the crispy crust of a grilled steak – we guarantee it will send your tastebuds soaring and swooning for more!

Yields 1 quart

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
6 egg yolks
1 tablespoon honey
Pinch of salt
Pinch of white pepper

Equipment

Ice cream machine

Preparation

In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, cream and garlic just until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat, cover, and let infuse for 20 minutes.

Place a medium-sized bowl inside of a larger bowl filled with ice water. Set aside.

Half-fill a clean saucepan with water and heat over medium heat until just simmering. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and honey until smooth and pale yellow. Reheat the cream mixture just until it begins to steam, not letting it boil, and in a slow and steady stream, add it into the yolks, whisking briskly as you pour.

[Chef’s Note: This step is called tempering the eggs. Slowly bring the eggs up to temperature by adding a little hot liquid at a time so as not to shock, and cook them by adding the hot liquid all at once.]

Stir the mixture together thoroughly and then place the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water. Stir slowly but constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, but do not bring to a boil or it will most likely curdle. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the ice cream base into the medium bowl that is set in the larger bowl of ice water. Let cool completely and then freeze the custard in an ice-cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Service

Serve as an accoutrement atop mashed potatoes or a piece of meat for a creamy contrast and surprising zing to any meal.

Recipe by Monica Glass

Potatoes are a nice blank canvas for many aromatic tastes.  Roasted garlic, with its nutty smooth flavor and homey richness, is the perfect flavoring for simply smashed potatoes.  The balsamic reduction (not shown) complements the ensemble, and can be used in many other recipes, which we like.  Be sure to choose a waxy variety of potato so as to avoid any unnecessary starchiness.

4 servings

Ingredients

2 heads of garlic, top ¼ inch sliced off
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced
3 tablespoons butter
¼ to ½ cup heavy cream

½ cup balsamic vinegar

Preparation

Roast the garlic:
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Place the heads of garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Close foil over garlic and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Cool slightly. Squeeze garlic from the skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork. Set aside.

Make the balsamic reduction:
Place ½ cup of balsamic vinegar in a small heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced to a syrup. Be careful not to burn the syrup. You should have about 1/8 cup. Cool and transfer to a squeeze bottle.

Prepare the potatoes:
Put potatoes in a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until fork tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the potatoes. Put the potatoes back into the pot and return to low heat. Cook for 1 or 2 more minutes, stirring constantly to dehydrate the potatoes. Remove from the heat and add butter and roasted garlic. Use a hand held masher to mash potatoes to desired consistency. Add cream until the potatoes reach the desired consistency. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

[Chef’s Note: When boiling potatoes or any other root vegetables, it is important to start with cold water, and then bring to a boil. The opposite is true when boiling vegetables which grow above the ground.

For a more rustic look and texture, leave the potatoes unpeeled and smash with a fork, leaving larger pieces. Stir in the roasted garlic after smashing the potatoes, again, leaving larger bits visible.]

Service

Mound some of the garlic smashed potatoes in the center of the serving plate. If using as a side dish with roasted meats, place the main ingredient over the potatoes or on the side. Squeeze out small drops of balsamic reduction around the plate, or drizzle directly over the potatoes, as desired.
Recipe by Mark Tafoya