You must own "Six Seasons" by Joshua McFadden. This book will open your palate to the wonderful combination of "sweet savory" and to imaginative ways to prepare vegetables in any season. 

Serves 2
​3/4 pound steak tips
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound broccoli, stems trimmed and peeled, stems sliced crosswise into 1/8-inch coins and tops cut into florets
1/3 cup Caper Raisin Vinaigrette (recipe below)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
 

1. Season the steak well with salt and pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.
2. Heat a heavy medium pan over high heat. Blot off any excess moisture from the surface of the steak, add it to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the first side is nicely browned and the steak looks about one-third done.
3. Flip the steak and cook until rare or medium-rare-about 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to rest and tent with foil. Don't wipe out the skillet.
4. Place broccoli florets and coins into the  hot pan, increase the heat to high, add 1/2 cup water, cover, and steam for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover and cook until the broccoli is tender and the water has evaporated, another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the size of your florets.
5. Remove the pan from the heat, add 1/3 cup vinaigrette, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust with more vinaigrette, salt, or pepper.
6. Slice the steak across the grain. Arrange the broccoli on a plate or platter, top with the steak and any accumulated juices, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over everything, and serve right away.

Caper-Raisin Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup golden raisins
3 garlic cloves, peeled
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
one 2-ounce can anchovy fillets, drained
3/4 cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt

1. Put the vinegar and raisins in a little bowl and let the raisins plump for about 30 minutes.
2. Put the garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely minced, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the capers and anchovies and pulse until you have a coarse paste. Add the parsley and pulse until completely chopped, again scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
4. Add the raisins and vinegar and pulse until the mixture is blended but still slightly coarse. Scrape the mixture from the processor into a bowl and whisk in the olive oil to make a slightly chunky dressing. Taste and adjust with salt or more oil, if needed. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Serves 6
​1 ½  tablespoons olive oil 
4 cups, about 1/2 small loaf of Artisan bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/2 pounds heirloom tomatoes-variety of colors, cherry tomatoes, large tomatoes-cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup Liz's Vinaigrette
1/4  red onion, thinly sliced 
10 large basil leaves, cut thinly
1 ½  tablespoons capers, drained 

1. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan. Add the bread and salt and cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently until the bread is toasted and brown. Add more oil as needed. 
2. Place the toasted bread into a  large bowl. Add the tomatoes, red pepper, and 1/2 cup of Liz's Vinaigrette. Toss well to coat and let the salad rest for about 15 minutes. 
3. Add the sliced onion, basil leaves, and capers and toss again. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Serves 4
​1 lb cucumbers, peeled, seeds scooped out, and sliced ¼ inch thick
1 small handful mint leaves, roughly chopped
3 scallions, sliced on the diagonal into long, thin slices
1 Kosher or sea salt & lots of freshly cracked pepper
¼  cup white wine vinegar
¼  cup walnuts, almonds, or pecans, lightly toasted
½  cup yogurt, plain-whole fat
1 tiny handful rose petals
½  tsp rose water
 
1.Place the cucumber slices into a colander or strainer and toss with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out the excess moisture. Blot the cucumbers dry with a paper towel. Transfer to a large bowl.
2.Mix the rose water and vinegar together, add to the cucumbers and toss. Add the yogurt and toss again. Add the scallions, nuts, mint, and cracked pepper and toss again. Taste and adjust with more vinegar, salt, or pepper.  Serve soon.

​Serves 6
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 small seedless watermelon
1 pint cherry tomatoes (assorted colors)
2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion or scallions
2 tablespoons chopped mint
2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Pepper, freshly ground
½ cup feta cheese 
½ cup assorted edible flower petals (nasturtium, calendula, garlic, chive, cherry tomato, cucumber)

1. To create the glaze, bring the balsamic vinegar and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vinegar is reduced and syrupy, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool. *You can purchase a balsamic glaze if you prefer.

 

1. Remove the rind from the watermelon and slice into 1 ½- inch thick slices. Cut disks from the watermelon slices using a 2 ½- inch cookie cutter. Save the leftover melon for nibbling.
   
   
2. Slice the tomatoes in half from top to bottom. Cut the feta into tiny cubes and set aside for garnish. Combine the sliced tomatoes, onion, herbs, and olive oil in a bowl and toss gently with salt and pepper to taste.  
   ______________________________________________

To serve as a plated appetizer:
Place a watermelon disk on each plate. Evenly distribute the tomato and herb mixture onto the top of each watermelon disk and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkling of feta and flower petals.
 
To serve as a salad:
Remove the rind from the watermelon. Cut the watermelon into 1 inch cubes. Place 4 cups of watermelon into a large bowl. Combine with the tomatoes, slice onions, and herbs. Toss gently with 2-3 tablespoons of the balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with flower petals and feta. Serve.    

Serves 4 as a side dish 
​
2 cups radishes cut in half or in quarters depending on their size. 
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ tsp kosher salt
2 grinds of fresh black peppercorns
2 tablespoons mint, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a bowl, toss the radishes with the olive oil and salt and pepper.
   
   
2. Place the seasoned radishes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 7-10 minutes. Check to ensure the radishes are fork tender. 
3. Place the radishes into a serving bowl and toss with the fresh mint. Serve hot.

If cooking in an oven, heat the oven to 400F and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the radishes are fork tender.

Serves 2 as an entrée or 4 as an appetizer

4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-pound shrimp (25-30 count or larger), peeled and deveined
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
grated parmesan cheese for serving
1 lemon cut into wedges for serving
Optional additions: 1 tablespoon capers and/or 1 tablespoon sundried tomatoes, chopped 
       

1. Place the butter, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes into a 7-inch round baking pan and place into the basket of your air fryer (include optional capers and sundried tomatoes if using). Cook at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. 
   
   
2. Add the shrimp to the melted butter mixture and toss to coat the shrimp. Place the pan back into the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. 
   
   
3. Remove the pan from the air fryer and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Toss and serve in the hot pan with artisan bread for dipping and lemon wedges for squeezing. 

Serving options:
2 cups cooked pasta-toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and butter mixture.
1 cup cooked rice-serve the shrimp and butter mixture over the rice.
2 cups spiralized zucchini cooked in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 4 minutes. Toss gently with shrimp mixture and serve hot.

This recipe can be made in your air fryer, oven, on the grill, and with steamed corn. 

Serves 4 
4 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 ears of corn-medium sized to fit in air fryer
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup shredded Queso blanco cheese or parmesan cheese
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges   

1. Place the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes into a 7-inch round baking pan and place into the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Remove the pan and set aside.
   
   
2. Brush some of the melted butter mixture onto each piece of corn to lightly coat. Place corn into the basket of the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. 
   
   
3. Remove the corn from the air fryer and place onto a serving platter. Drizzle the corn with the remaining butter mixture, sprinkle with the cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges.

Options:
Herbs: If you are not a fan of cilantro, use chopped parsley and/or basil. 

Cheese: Ricotta salata, mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp cheddar are all delicious alternatives.

Anyone can make these pretty little canapés. Will it help you to think of them as little open-faced sandwiches? That is really what they are. They are little sandwiches prettied up. There are a few tips I want to share to help you enjoy the preparation and the decorating of these tasty treats.

Tips:

1. Bread-I like Pepperidge Farms white or wheat bread-the thinnest they make. In general, I use thinly sliced breads. I stay away from breads that are dry and crumbly, and I don't find those little rye breads very tasty. I do like crackers that don't break apart with the first bite-too crispy is not good.
   
2. To keep your canapés bread or cracker from getting soggy the first layer should be some type of fat. Cream cheese, butter, hard or soft cheese-any high fat, spreadable condiment should be fine (not oil). The fat acts as a barrier between the bread/cracker and a water containing ingredient.
3. Decide if your flavor will come from the spread or the toppings. Canapés are a small bite and the flavor is a big factor. If you want the spread to provide the main flavor, you can season the spread with herbs, spices, citrus, or anything you would like. I like pesto, olive tampanade, and other spreads. If the toppings add the flavor, keep your spread simple, but of good quality. Plain salted butter or cream cheese are excellent choices. 
4. Toppings should be thinly sliced and easy to bite. 
5. Garnishes of herbs and edible flowers should be fresh and dry.
6. Design with color and texture. Think of each canapés as a blank canvas and you are the painter.
7. If preparing ahead of time, store in the refrigerator with a lightly dampened paper towel sitting directly on the canapés. Cover that with plastic wrap loosely wrapped on top or in a covered container. Preparation can be done 2-3 hours ahead.

Ingredients from the photos above:
Cream cheese, radishes, dill flowers, bachelor button petals, chamomile flowers, Thai basil flowers, dill, borage flowers, marigold petals.

This recipe is adapted from my good friend John Lastowka. John is a man of many talents and is passionate about farming the good earth. I am learning so many things from him. I hope you enjoy his pickles.

​2-3 cups cucumber, peeled or unpeeled, sliced ¼ inch thick-use as many as it takes to pack the jar.
1 cup red onion slices-sliced ¼ inch thick
½ cup vinegar-white, apple cider, or red wine vinegar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon coarse salt
3 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup onion, sliced thinly-red or Vidalia 
1 tablespoon fresh dill and or large dill flower
2-quart jar with tight fitting lid
 
Additions:
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 chive flowers
2 tablespoons chopped chive or scallions
 
1. Layer the cucumbers and red onion in the jar, pressing to pack them in. 
2. Pour and sprinkle the remaining ingredients into the jar. Cover tightly and shake to mix ingredients. For the first hour, shake the jar several times to help dissolve the sugar and water and combine evenly. 
3. Place the jar in the refrigerator. The pickles will be ready to eat in 2-3 hours and get tastier over time. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

​Note: I reuse my pickling liquid for a second batch.
 
Vegetable options:
Cucumbers, zucchini, cauliflower, thinly sliced beets, green tomatoes, blueberries, peaches, plums

 6-8 servings
​
1 ½ cup crushed cookies (ginger snaps, chocolate wafers, graham crackers)
 2 eight-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature 
1 14-ounce can (1 1/4 cups) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-12 package frozen raspberries (keep frozen)

1. Divide the crushed cookies evenly between 4-6 ounce glasses or dishes. 
   
   
2. Using a food processor or mixer, combine the cream cheese, condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Process until smooth. 
3. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie crumb layer. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or up to 4 days. Top with sliced or whole berries. Serve cold. 

Alternatives:
Substitute the vanilla extract with 2 tsp rose water.
Use fresh or frozen berries-thaw frozen berries before topping your dessert.
Use your favorite jam or lemon curd in place of berries.

Serves 4 with leftovers

5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets and cut stems (about 1 pound of florets)
¼ cup of red onion, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup mayonnaise (or ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt)
2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey, or 1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste.
 
Additions: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, 1 cup peas, chopped celery, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds.
 

1. Combine the cut broccoli florets and stems, chopped onion, and dried cranberries in a large serving bowl. 
   
   
2. In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar and honey. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill thoroughly before serving. The salad will keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days.

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
½ cup water
¼ cup granulated sugar-add more or less depending on how sweet your berries are
Zest of ½ lemon or orange 
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup blueberries
Pinch salt
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
                ¼ teaspoon dried lavender
 

1. Combine the blueberries, water, sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until the blueberries burst, about 5 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.
3. Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the blueberries over a low flame. The sauce will thicken immediately. Continue to cook while stirring for 1 minute.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and gently stir in vanilla, lemon zest, ½ cup blueberries, and optional herb if using. Let the sauce cool down and refrigerate until ready to use. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

​Serving suggestions: 
Topping: Serve over ice cream, yogurt, cake, French toast, or pancakes. 
Soup: Add heavy cream and/or sweet wine to create a cold blueberry soup. Add additional berries (raspberry, black berry, strawberry).
Savory Sauce: Heat the desired amount of sauce in a saucepan with 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper.   Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve over pork, chicken, or fish. 

Many times I come across a recipe from a website or cookbook and it finds a home in my pantry. This mayonnaise recipe is one. I discovered it online at Inspired Taste.
​I began preparing homemade mayonnaise when I discovered that most of the store bought mayonnaise is made with canola oil and/or soybean oil. Both are highly processed seed oils that cause inflammation and are no longer part of my pantry. Mayonnaise can be tricky so the search for a "fool proof" method took some time. Inspired Taste does a great job of trouble shooting the method of making your own mayonnaise and offers lots of helpful tips. Below is their recipe. I did change the oil from grapeseed, safflower seed, and canola to avocado and light olive oil. Be sure to check out their site for more tips and recipes. 

Fail-Proof Homemade Mayonnaise
​https://www.inspiredtaste.net/25943/homemade-mayonnaise-recipe/
​
1 large egg at room temperature (or pasteurized egg)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
1 cup (240 ml) neutral flavored oil, avocado oil, light olive oil, ½ olive oil combined with another light oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional

 
1.Add egg to the bowl of a food processor (or immersion blender) and process for 20 seconds. Add the mustard, vinegar, and salt. Process for another 20 seconds.
 
2.Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, turn the food processor on then begin to slowly add the oil in tiny drops until about a quarter of the oil has been added (this is critical for proper emulsification).
 
3.When you notice that the mixture is beginning to thicken and emulsify, you can be a little less strict. With the processor on, continue to add it slowly, but increase to a very thin stream instead of drops of oil.
 
4.When all of the oil has been added, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl and process for an extra 10 seconds. Taste mayonnaise for seasoning then add salt, lemon juice or extra vinegar to taste.
 
5.Note, if the mayo seems too thin, slowly stream in more oil with the processor running until thick.
 
ADAM AND JOANNE'S TIPS

• Storing Homemade Mayonnaise: Store covered in the refrigerator up to a week.
• Raw eggs: When choosing eggs for homemade mayonnaise, go for fresh, properly refrigerated, clean grade A or AA eggs with intact shells.
• Olive oil: Olive oil can be a little overpowering so use one that’s light and fruity and consider only replacing half of the oil called for in the recipe with olive oil and use something more neutral for the rest.

Serves 4
3 black plums, pitted and thinly sliced
Cucumber-about 2 cups thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
¼ cup parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped mint
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons rosewater-to taste (1/4 tsp rose extract-adjust to taste)
¼ cup fresh rose petals for garnish
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
 

1. Combine the plums, cucumber, parsley, and mint, in a bowl. 
2. In a small jar combine the oil, vinegar, and rosewater and shake to combine.
3. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with the rose petals.

Serves 2-4
2-4 tbs Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil or other high heat oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 large red pepper, sliced
5 cloves garlic, chopped
2- inch piece fresh ginger, chopped

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into florets
1/3 lb snow peas, cut thinly
3-4 Tbs Soy Sauce

1-2 Tbs Toasted Sesame Oil
1 bunch cilantro (a handful with stems) or flat leafed parsley- chopped
Optional: Cooked rice, or noodles
 

1. Heat your pan over high heat. When hot, but not smoking, add the oil, onions and red pepper and cook, stirring with tongs for about 2 minutes.

1. Add the garlic, ginger, and broccoli florets with ¼ cup of water and cover immediately. Steam for 3 minutes. 
2. Remove the cover, add the snow peas and continue cooking, uncovered for two more minutes. 
3. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil 
   stirring to coat the vegetables with the sauce. Serve the stir-fry vegetables sprinkled with cilantro or parsley. Serve alone or over cooked rice or noodles.

Low-Carb Noodle Option: Shirataki noodles are a low- carb alternative to rice and pasta. To prepare: Rinse the noodles well and drain. Heat a large sauté pan. “Dry fry” (no oil) the noodles while moving them about with tongs or large fork for about 3 minutes to dry off excess water. Serve hot with stir-fried vegetables.

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
10 ounces frozen spinach, pressed to drain well 
2 (5 ounce) cans Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, quartered lengthwise 
8 ounces linguini
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese for grating

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the pasta to the boiling water, stirring occasionally, and cook until the pasta is al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large sauté pan with the olive oil, sliced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Add the capers and spinach and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. 
3. Add the tuna, with the packed olive oil to the pan. Combine the ingredients gently, breaking up large pieces of tuna. Reduce the heat to low and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Transfer the pasta into the skillet. Add the chopped parsley and ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. With the pan over low heat, gently toss the pasta with tongs to coat the pasta evenly. Add additional pasta water if necessary. Serve immediately with Parmesan on the side.

FOOD52 is my go-to recipe website. Here is another of my favorite recipes. Visit FOOD52 any time you are looking for a new way to prepare any favorite or new ingredient that comes your way.

Roasted Rhubarb and Strawberries
By LADYSTILES via Food52

​Serves 4

2 cups hulled strawberries, cut in half
3 cups roughly chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack positioned in the middle of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large cooking dish with parchment paper, this is a juicy dish and you don't want the delicious juices running all over your oven.
   
   
2. In a large bowl mix the strawberries and rhubarb. In a small bowl whisk together the maple syrup, sweet vermouth, balsamic vinegar and salt. Pour this over the rhubarb and strawberries, gently tossing until coated. Spread the fruit out on the baking dish in a single layer, drizzling the juices over the fruit and slide into the oven.
   
   
3. Roast the fruit for about 40 minutes, the juices should be thick and the rhubarb tender to touch. Transfer to a bowl once out of the oven and still warm. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one week Serve spooned onto ice cream or a slice of sweet bread, a biscuit, oatmeal or french toast.

Serves 4

​1 pound fiddle head ferns, trimmed and washed
2 Tbs unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
Kosher salt and pepper

1. If the fiddleheads are clean, you can move to step 2 and sauté them with the butter and garlic. If the fiddleheads have brown fronds in the center, blanch in boiling water. Bring 2 quarts water and 1 tsp salt to a boil. Drop the fiddleheads into the pot of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Skim any brown “fuzz” from the water.  Drain the fiddleheads in a colander and rinse with cold water. 


2. Place the butter, garlic, and fiddleheads in a large sauté pan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until the fiddleheads are just fork tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.  


Additions:
Lemon zest
Orange zest
Feta, parmesan, or goat cheese
Garlic scapes- sauté with fiddleheads

Serves 4
2-3 cups strawberries, stemmed 
¼ cup sugar, plus 2 Tbs
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract or rose water (if using rose extract use ¼ tsp)

1. Slice half of the berries and set aside. Crush the remaining berries gently with a fork in a bowl. Combine all the berries with ¼ cup of sugar and let them sit for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes. The sugar will draw out the berry juices. 
   
   
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cream, 2 Tbs sugar (or less if you prefer), and vanilla. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.  
   
   
3. Gently swirl the berry mixture into the whipped cream - do not mix it so thoroughly that it looks like pink yogurt, it should look “marbled”.  Spoon into glasses so you can see the marbled effect, decorate each one with a sprig of mint.  Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

 
For a zesty addition add 1/3 cup Greek yogurt. Add the yogurt tablespoon by tablespoon into the whipped cream, whipping after each addition to keep the cream fluffy.

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