Southwest Seasoning
¼ cup smoked paprika
1 tsp chipotle power or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
 
Fish Tacos and Coleslaw
12 small corn tortillas
1 ½ pound tilapia fillets
4 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup red onion, minced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 limes, cut into wedges

1. Preheat the broiler on high and put the cooking rack 5 inches below the flame. Cover a broiler pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. Combine the Southwest seasoning ingredients in a small container and set aside.
   
3. Place the tilapia fillets onto the prepared pan and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the Southwest seasoning. Broil until the fish is cooked through, about 7-12 minutes depending on how thick the fish is.
4. In a large bowl combine the cabbage, red pepper, red onions, and cilantro. Prepare the dressing in a small bowl by mixing the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and 2 teaspoons of the Southwest seasoning together. Toss ½ cup of the dressing with the shredded cabbage and vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add more dressing if you like.
5. Warm the tortillas (covered) in the microwave for 1 minute.
   
   ​To assemble the tacos, place a piece of fish and some coleslaw onto each tortilla. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

This is the week to make your lilac syrup. You want to be sure to use flowers that are newly open. If you don't have time to make your syrup; while the flowers are their best, cut your stems and put them in water and store them in the refrigerator for upto 4 days. This help to keep the flowers from opening more and baking in the sun. Make plenty of syrup and store it in 4oz containers in the freezer. You'll have lilac syrup for months to come.

1 cup (packed) lilac flowers-newly opened for best fragrance
½ cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 blue berries for color


Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sugar melts.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the flowers and blueberries, gently press the flowers  to immerse them. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

Strain the syrup, pressing on the flowers to extract as much syrup as possible. Store in a covered container. The syrup can be refrigerated 2-3 weeks or frozen for later use.
 
Uses:
Lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, drizzle over yogurt, ice cream, and cake.

2 oz lilac syrup
juice of one large lemon
seltzer or soda
Ice

Combine the lilac syrup and lemon juice in a tall glass with ice. Add seltzer to taste. Enjoy!

Cocktail Ideas: Add 2 ounces of gin or vodka for a tasty cocktail!

Here is a PDF with a Quick Guide to preparing your first batch of dough and baking. I highly recommend you purchase the book "The New Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day" for recipe details, help, and additional bread recipes. 
You will also find lots of info. on the author's website: Artisan Bread in 5

Serves 6 as a side dish

4 ounces sugar snap peas
4 ounces snow peas, sliced on the bias
4 ounces frozen petite peas, thawed
2 scallions, about ½ cup chopped-or equal about of chives, chopped
2 cups pea shoots or tendrils-water cress or mixed greens can be substituted
2 Tbs fresh mint, roughly chopped
2 Tbs fresh flat leafed parsley, roughly chopped
5 Tbs cider or red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and Pepper
Ricotta salata or parmesan, shaved
Edible flowers for garnish

1. Heat a saucepan filled halfway with water and 1 tsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil. While the water is coming to a boil, prepare an ice bath with ice and cold water, set aside.
2. When the salted water reaches a boil, add the sugar snap peas and the sliced snow peas. Cook for 3 minutes. Remove the peas from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately place them into the ice bath. Once cold, drain and place on a cotton towel to pat dry-as dry as possible.
3. Prepare the dressing by combining the vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a lidded jar. Cover and shake until combined.
4. Place the sugar snap, snow, and thawed peas, into a large bowl with the greens. Add the herbs and enough dressing to lightly coat the salad and gently toss.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately garnished with cheese and edible flowers.

Check out my Facebook Live cooking demo of this salad with the 3 variations below: https://www.facebook.com/thecreativefeast/videos/561124908113428/
​

Make this salad a meal: Hard boiled eggs or poached eggs with roasted potatoes and roasted radishes.

Appetizer: Dress the salad and place on top of toasted bread smeared with ricotta cheese

Pasta: Add the undressed salad to Pasta Carbonara https://www.thecreativefeast.com/recipeblog/pasta-alla-carbonara

Makes about 1 ½ cups
 
4 large egg yolks
1 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs water
 pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
 

1. Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, and cayenne in the blender and blend thoroughly for about 10 seconds. 
   
   
2. Melt butter until bubbling.
   
   
3. With the blender on, slowly pour the hot butter into the egg mixture.  Blend until thickened.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add more lemon juice 1 tsp at a time is desired. Serve immediately or keep in a warm water bath until needed. If you refrigerate left overs, reheat in a warm water bath while gently stirring.

Serve with vegetables, chicken, or fish. 
Too thick?  Add an additional tablespoon of warm water or lemon juice.

Serves 2-4

1 lb cooked salmon or one 14 ounce can salmon
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/3 cup breadcrumbs-unseasoned
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon herb, dill, parsley, chopped
1 stalk scallion, chopped
2 tablespoon oil
2 tablespoon butter
Lemon

1. If using fresh cooked salmon, break up the salmon with a fork. If using canned salmon, drain and reserve liquid from salmon. Leave the bones-they are so soft and will not be noticed in the patties.
   
   
2. In a bowl, combine the salmon, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs. If mixture is too dry to form into patties, add reserved liquid from salmon.
   
   
3. Form the mixture into salmon cakes using about 1/3 cup for each.

   
   
4. Place the oil and butter into a large sauté pan and heat over medium high heat. When the butter has melted and starts to bubble, place the salmon cakes in and cook until browned. Turn over and brown on the other side. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold. Serve with a wedge of lemon.

Serves 4
 
5 oz of mixed greens (arugula, field greens, watercress, frisee)
4 slices day-old artisan bread, cut into ½ inch cubes and toasted until golden.
½ lb thick slab bacon cut into ½ inch pieces
4 shallots (about ½ cup), peeled and chopped
½ cup sherry vinegar, or red wine vinegar plus 1Tbs
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbs fresh tarragon, chopped
1 Tbs flat leafed parsley, chopped
2-4 large eggs-depending on how many eggs you would like per salad
1 Tbs vinegar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
 

1. Place the field greens and the chopped herbs in a large bowl with croutons.  Set aside.
2. In a heavy skillet cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until well browned. Remove all but 2 Tbs of the bacon fat. 
3. Add the shallots to the bacon and cook until the shallots are soft. 
4. Add the vinegar to the pan and simmer to reduce by half. Turn off the flame and had the herbs to the dressing. 
5. To poach the eggs fill a wide, straight-sided sauté pan with water (2 ½-3 inches) and add 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Heat  the water to a gentle simmer. 
6. Break each egg into a teacup. Slide 1 egg into simmering liquid and immediately push white around yolk with a slotted spoon. Add remaining eggs in same manner. Simmer eggs 3-4 minutes. If cooking in batches or ahead of serving time, place the cooked eggs into a pan of lukewarm water until serving time. To warm up the eggs, place in a pan of simmering water for 30 seconds. 
7. Reheat the dressing and remove from flame.  Whisk the olive oil into the cooked bacon and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Pour warm vinaigrette over the green and croutons.  Toss well and divide among plates. 
8. Place 1-2 poached egg onto each salad and serve immediately.

1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu
Kosher salt or sea salt for seasoning
1/3 cup cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons coconut oil

1. To cut the tofu for frying, cut the block in half horizontally to form two rectangular planks.
2. Layer 3 paper towels on a plate.  Place tofu onto the paper towels and put another layer of towels on top and gently press the tofu planks to remove excess moisture.
3. Cut each plank into 1 inch cubes.  Season with salt. 
4. Heat a non-stick skillet with the oil until hot but not smoking. Coat only enough tofu with the cornstarch that you can cook at one time (if you coat too many, the pieces that are waiting to be cooked will get gummy). Place the tofu into the hot oil in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Turn the tofu and continue cooking until all sides are browned. Serve immediately.

Serves 4
1 bundle Soba Noodles
1 Tbs sesame oil
4 cups vegetable, chicken, or beef stock
1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly or chopped fine
1 garlic clove, sliced thinly or chopped fine
2 Tbs soy sauce or Bragg’s Aminos
2 Tbs Oyster Sauce
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 small bok choy, white parts separated and sliced. Greens set aside.
½ package tofu, cut into small cubes
 
Vegetables for soup bowls:
Bok choy greens
1 carrot, shredded
1 cup sugar snap or snow peas, sliced thinly
2 scallions, sliced thin on the bias
4 Eggs, poached or hard boiled-peeled and cut in half

Garnishes:
Sesame seeds
10 leaves Thai basil or sweet basil, sliced thinly
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime, quartered
Sesame oil
Sriracha sauce
 
1.Cook the soba noodles according to package directions (about 5 minutes). Drain well, rinse with cold water and drizzle with sesame oil. Divide the noodle between the bowls.
 
2.In a medium saucepan, heat the stock, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, mushrooms, white parts of the bok choy, and tofu. Heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
 
3.Divide the soup over the noodles and top each serving with the bok choy greens, carrots, peas, scallions, and eggs if using. Serve the soup hot and offer garnishes at the table.
 
Additional options: shredded, cooked chicken, shrimp, steak, pork, Korean seasoned meatballs.

Quarantini
Recipe from-https://thenovicechefblog.com/quarantini/
 
3 oz vodka (or gin)
2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 ounce honey syrup
Lemon twist, garnish
Optional: 1 packet EmergenC
 
Add 2 cups ice to a cocktail shaker.
Add vodka, lemon juice and honey syrup to shaker.
Shake, and then strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.
* EmergenC: run a lemon piece around the rim of the chilled martini glass and dip half the rim into the EmergenC powder. Pour in the drink.

Margarita-Classic
Makes one cocktail

1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila
3/4 ounce orange liqueur
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
optional-1 tsp agave nectar or simple sugar
salt for rim
lime wheel for garnish

Prepare a rocks, coupe or cocktail glass with a salted rim, if desired. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into prepared glass, over ice if desired. Garnish with a lime wheel.

​Recommendations:
         
Silver (or blanco/white) clear
Joven (or gold/oro/dorado) light color
Añejo (or aged)-brandy like in color

Orange liquor- Triple Sec-clear 
​                      Cointreau-brandy influenced-darker in color
                                

​Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita
Makes one cocktail
 
1 cucumber, diced
1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 ounces Silver Tequila (bright) or Anejo Tequila (smooth)
1 ounce orange liquor (bright) or Cointreau (smooth)
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp agave syrup or simple syrup (1 part water: 1 part sugar-sugar dissolved)
1 ounce jalapeno cucumber juice (see instructions below)
Kosher salt for rim
 
Prepare your glass by running a slice of lime around the outside of the rim. Turn the outside rim of the glass though salt and set aside. Add 1 cup ice to cocktail shaker. Pour in Tequila, orange liquor, lime juice, agave, and jalapeno cucumber juice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds. Pour contents into salt rimmed glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Jalapeno Cucumber Juice
Place the chopped cucumber and jalapeno in a blender and smash the pieces down into the pitcher. Blend on high until liquefied, about 30 seconds. (You may need to stop the blender and smash the cucumber pieces down more to get the blade spinning again.)
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a 2-cup measuring cup and pour the liquefied cucumber mixture through the strainer. Using a rubber spatula, press on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids in the strainer. Refrigerate until needed or freeze for later use.
 

​Old Fashioned-Classic
 
1 sugar cube-brown sugar cube is a nice touch
(Or 1 tsp granulated sugar, or 1/4 ounce simple syrup)
2-3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Splash warm water (if using sugar cube or sugar)
2 ounces Rye or Bourbon
Orange peel-garnish
 
In a double rocks glass, muddle the sugar cube or sugar with Angostura bitters and a small splash of warm water until dissolved. If using simple syrup, swirl with bitters in a double rocks glass. Add whiskey and ice (preferable an over size cube)and stir well. Garnish with an orange peel.
 
Variation:
Rosemary Old Fashioned
 
1/4 ounce rosemary syrup
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
2 ounces Rye or Bourbon
Rosemary sprig and orange peel for garnish
 
In a rocks glass combine the whiskey, rosemary syrup, and orange bitters. Add ice and stir to chill the drink. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and an orange peel.
 
Recommendations:
Bourbon-Jack Daniels
             Makers Mark

You can't get easier or tastier than this meal. This is an adaptation of a recipe from the NY Times Cooking section. 

Serves 4
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp dried oregano (or rosemary, or basil, or sage)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 ½-2 lbs small bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4-6 thighs)
4-6 small Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ¾ inch pieces
1 large red pepper, cored, seeded, cut into 1 inch strips
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)
2 Tbs fresh dill, chopped (or parsley, basil, or mint)
Optional: 4 pieces bacon-cut into 1-inch pieces and placed on your baking pan under chicken and potatoes to cook-yummmmmmm!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons oil with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken thighs toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours, covered, in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a sheet pan, drizzle the diced potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss well and move to one side of the pan. Pat the chicken thighs dry (this will help the skin crisp up during cooking) and place them, evenly spaced, on the other side of the pan. Roast for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the oven, toss the potatoes, add the pepper slices, then return everything to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden brown, and the potatoes are tender, 15 to 25 more minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. If the potatoes are not quite tender, remove the chicken thighs to a plate to rest, and return the pan to the oven to roast until tender, another 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Place the chicken, potatoes, and peppers (bacon if adding) on a serving platter, and sprinkle them 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Scatter the feta and dill over the potatoes, sprinkle the whole dish with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Variations: Adjust your protein cooking time as needed.
Try: Thin pork chops-boneless or bone-in, salmon fillets-thick.
      Veggies: Sweet potatoes, fennel bulb, leeks, red or yellow onion-sliced thick

Three breads from the Master Recipe

3 cups (1 1/2 pounds) lukewarm water (you can use cold water, but it will take the dough longer to rise. Just don’t use hot water or you may kill the yeast)
1 tablespoon granulated yeast ( you can use any kind of yeast including: instant, “quick,” rapid rise, bread machine, active dry, or fresh cake yeast*. We’ve always tested with Red Star Yeast and they have a new premium product called PLATINUM, which has worked beautifully in our recipes. You can also decrease the amount of yeast in the recipe by following the directions here. Or you can bake with a sour dough starter, see instructions here.)
*If you use cake yeast you will need 1.3 ounces (37g).
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Morton Kosher Salt (adjust to suit your taste or eliminate it all together. Find more information here)
6 1/2 cups (2-pounds) all-purpose flour (we’ve always tested our recipes with typical supermarket flour. If you use a higher protein flour check here)

Equipment list:
5qt container w/lid 
liquid measuring cup
1  and 1/2 cup dry measure cups
butter knife
1 tbs measuring spoon
dough whisk, or large spoon for mixing the dough 
corn meal of dusting your peel or the back side of a baking pan
pizza peel or baking pan
baking stone to bake the bread on or a cast iron pan or similar if you do not own a baking stone

Serves 4-6
 
2 Tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ¼ inch pieces-on the diagonal
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 ounces butter, unsalted
½ head green cabbage-sliced thinly
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh
1 pound raw shrimp (peeled)-if frozen, thawed        
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup assorted greens-baby spinach, flat-leafed parsley, baby arugula-chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
½ cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over a medium- high heat.  Add the sausage, garlic, and pepper flakes. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
   
   
2. Add the butter, shredded cabbage, thyme, shrimp, and pepper flakes. Cover and cook until the cabbage is wilted and is bright green, about 3-5 minutes.
   
   
3. Add the chopped herbs, lemon zest, lemon  juice, and the heavy cream. Toss the ingredients gently to coat. Simmer for 3 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

​Whether you are a seasoned cook or complete novice, creating a meal from what you've got on hand is always a challenge. We’ve all stocked our pantries as best we could, and are now trying to figure out how to pull it all together to make an easy, healthy, and delicious meal. 
When you need to limit your trips to the grocery store, choose items that have a longer shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes. Expiration dates on packaged foods are protection for the food manufacturers and a guide for you. "When in doubt, throw it out" is my moto. I use my own judgement. I have been known to use food that may be past the expiration date on the package, but I always smell, feel, and taste the item first before I use it. 
​Nutrient Dense Foods in Your Pantry
The focus of your pantry should be on “real food”- food that is less processed, and nutrient dense.
Stock more nutrient dense foods that will keep you full longer and reduce hunger throughout the day.
 
Natural proteins and fats, frozen vegetables, and full fat dairy are a good base for recipes that are flavorful and satisfying.
 
High carb foods like pasta, rice, and grains are not a nutrient requirement for good health. Because of their higher starch/carbohydrate content, these foods should be the smallest portion on your plate or replaced with lower carb vegetable alternatives.
 
Reliance on highly processed packaged snack items should be kept to a minimum. The potato chip add that  says "you can't eat just one" is true. processed packaged snacks are created in a laboratory with the intent to make you crave more. Be good to yourself and stock up on nutrient packed nuts (unsalted), pick up veggies, berries, olives, and other snacks that will not promote hunger. 

You are welcome to download or view the slide presentation

Shakshuka is a classic North African and Middle Eastern dish that’s eaten for breakfast or any meal of the day. Shakshuka means “a mixture” and the traditional version uses tomatoes, onions and spices as the base with eggs poached on top. The best Shakshuka that I have had was at Tatte in Boston. Everything there is delicious!

Serves 1
to serve 2, double the recipe and use a larger sauté pan.
​
1 ½ cups bottled or canned tomato sauce(prepared with no sugar or seed oils)
½ teaspoon cumin, curry powder or other spice or spice mix
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1 small red pepper, sliced (bottled roasted peppers are fine too)
2-3 fresh eggs
Optional: Fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro, grated or shredded cheese of choice, leftover vegetables, shredded chicken, meat, seafood, olives, capers

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees or preheat your broiler. Warm the tomato sauce, seasonings, and red pepper in an 8-inch oven proof sauté pan. Heat until simmering and cook until the peppers are just beginning to soften-about 3 minutes.
2. Create a “nesting spot” for your eggs in the sauce. Break the eggs into the pan. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the eggs have set to your liking. Alternatively, you can place a tight-fitting lid on the pan and cook the eggs. Serve hot.

Servings 4
1 tsp chile powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs cornstarch
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons olive oil
2  boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 large red pepper, cored, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
8 flour tortillas, warmed in the microwave
 
1.In a resealable plastic bag, combine the chile powder with the salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, ¼ cup of water and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the chicken, bell pepper and onion, seal and knead gently to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2.Heat the remaining 2 Tbs of oil in a large nonstick skillet until shimmering. Empty the contents of the bag into the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ¼ cup of water and the lime juice.

3.Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large plate and serve with the warmed tortillas.
 
*Change it up! 
Use sirloin, pork, or shrimp.
If using leftover, cooked meat, add it to the vegetable after they’ve been marinated and cooked.
Make it a stir-fry by adding 2 Tbs soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil. 

Gin and Tonic-Classic
2 ounces Gin
Tonic Water
Lime wedge-garnish
 
Add gin to a highball glass and fill with ice. Fill the glass with tonic water. Garnish with lime wedge.
 
Variation:
Rosemary Scented G &T
Rosemary sprig
 
Recommendations:
Gin
          Classic-Gordon’s Dry, Tanquray 10
          Herbal-Hendrick’s
          Botanical-Uncle Val's Botanical Gin 
Tonic
         Schwepp’s, Fever-Tree

Gin & Soda w/Cucumber and Mint

4 cucumber slices
4 mint leaves
2-3 ounces Gin- this is the time to be picky with your gin. Use a gin with botanical, floral, or herbal notes- Hendrick's Gin, Uncle Val's Botanical Gin are perfect.
Lime wedge

In a tall glass, muddle the cucumber and mint in the bottom. Pour in the gin. add ice and top with soda water. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

Adapted from https://www.mydiaryofus.com/blog/
Prepare the Golden Milk and drink it without the rum for a delicious and anti-inflammatory drink before bed. Serve it chilled or hot if you like. Add the rum to create a tasty cocktail.

2 cocktails

1 can coconut milk (full fat) Thai Kitchen is my favorite
1/4 Tsp. ground turmeric
1 pinch of black pepper (helps for your body to absorb the turmeric)
1/2 Tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp honey 
pinch of salt
4 oz. of spiced or dark rum
ice cubes
Cinnamon for garnish

1. Combine coconut milk, turmeric, black pepper, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and gently heat until coconut milk and honey have melted and the milk has turned bright yellow.  Take off of the heat, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. 
2. Add rum to a cocktail shaker and then pour turmeric milk in along with 5-6 ice cubes and shake until thoroughly chilled.
3. Pour over crushed ice and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Mint is the unsung hero of the herb family. It is such a wonderful addition to a meal any time of year. It always reminds me of spring. I use this vinaigrette as a dressing for side dishes and as a sauce for lamb, seafood, and chicken.

​Makes about 1 1/4 cups

¾ cup avocado oil or olive oil
¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup mint leaves, chopped
½ cup flat leafed parsley, chopped
Kosher salt and ground pepper

1. In a blender, combine the oil, vinegar, and sugar with the chopped herbs and pulse until the ingredients are pureed. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to use this vinaigrette:

• ​Serve as a sauce for lamb, chicken, and seafood
  
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables
  
• Add to any rice dish
  
• Combine with mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing
  
• Toss with sweet peas, asparagus, or any other spring vegetable. 

Serves 6

​Gremolata is a traditional Italian herb paste that is a simple combination of five ingredients: parsley, garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil. With its bright, citrusy flavor, gremolata transforms ho-hum recipes into amazing dishes! Here I’ve combined gremolata with thinly sliced potatoes and roasted them to create a tasty side dish. It’s simple, delicious, and gorgeous!  
Low-carb trick-prepare and cook the stacked potatoes one day ahead and refrigerate. The refrigeration changes the structure of the starches in the potatoes to make them "resistant starches". Resistant starches have a reduced absorption rate in our bodies and helps to keep our insulin low. Learn more about this amazing phenomenon RESISTANT STARCH
 
½ cup loosely packed chopped flat-leaf parsley
Zest of 1 lemon
2 small minced garlic cloves
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 pinch pepper, freshly ground
8-10 Yukon Gold potatoes
 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12 standard muffin cups generously with nonstick cooking spray.

To make the gremolata, combine the parsley, lemon zest, garlic, Parmesan, oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside. 

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about ⅛ of an inch) using a sharp knife or mandolin. Add the potato slices to the gremolata and toss to coat. I use my hands to be sure to coat the potatoes evenly. Stack the potatoes to fill each muffin cup over the rim by about ½ inch. Press the stacked potatoes down firmly. Bake until the tops and edges of the potatoes are browned and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork, about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Cut around each stack with a sharp knife and remove them with a spoon. Serve hot. These can be made one to two days in advance and reheated, covered, in a 300 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through.  

Traditionally prepared polenta is amazing, but it takes lots of stirring and time. If you are looking for a quicker, less labor intensive method for making polenta, baking it in the oven is a nice alternative. Please, never, ever, ever, ever buy pre-made polenta in a package. It is an awful substitute for homemade. I won't say anything more about that. 

1 cup polenta
4 cups hot water
1 teaspoon salt
4 Tbs unsalted butter (or more if you like)         
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
kosher salt and ground pepper 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the polenta, hot water, and salt in a 8X8 pan or other 2 quart baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the liquid is almost absorbed and the polenta is creamy when stirred. Remove from the oven. 
2. Stir in the butter and the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Serve hot or refrigerate for later use.

Polenta Serving Notes:

• If you’d like a firm polenta for grilling, frying, or as an hors d’oeurves leave the polenta in the serving dish until the polenta is firm and cool, about 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.  When firm, turn polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into squares, triangles, or use a cookie cutter and cut into shapes.  
• To Grill: Brush polenta pieces with olive oil.  Grill as desired.
• To Fry: Heat butter in a sauté pan and fry pieces until light brown on both sides.  Serve hot.