​Meat: The charcuterie part of the board. Estimate serving 4-6 slices of meat per person.

• Pate-Country (hard) or mousse (creamy)
• Cured salami
• Prosciutto
• Pre-sliced salami
• Always slice thinly

 
Spreadables:

• Herb cheese spreads
• Grainy mustards
• Spiced jams
• Pesto
• Vegetable spreads
• Hummus

 
Cheese: With a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Plan to serve 1-2 ounces of cheese per person.

• Goat cheese
• Cheddar
• Smoked cheese
• Yellow or orange cheeses
• Wine-soaked cheese
• Herb flavored cheeses
• Cheese spreads

 
Produce: A mix of fruits and/or veggies. These can be fresh or dried.

• Raspberries, black berries, strawberries
• Dried apricots, pitted dates
• Sliced apples or pears dipped in lemon water
• Star fruit
• Slice cucumber, carrots, celery, fennel

 
Dippers: Variety of crackers, bread sticks, sliced baguette, or mini pita.
 
Savory: This can be nuts, olives, pickles, etc.
 
Garnish: Anything from fresh herbs, edible flowers, chunks of chocolate, colorful vegetable chips

This recipe is delicious and very easy to make. The larger loaf pan is great for serving a crowd on a charcuterie board or as a sliced appetizer plate with the garnishes listed below. I prefer to prepare the pate in smaller pans. When sliced, the smaller size is lovely on a charcuterie board. The cooked pate freezes well for later use. I have also prepared this without lining the pan with bacon slices and it has turned out beautifully.
 
Serves 10-12
Makes one 9x5x3-inch loaf pan Or three 3½X 6” loaf pan Or two 11.75” by 2.25” terrine pans
 
1 cup brandy, Madeira, or sherry
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup minced onion
2 1/2 pounds ground pork
12 ounces bacon (8 to 10 slices), finely chopped
14 bacon slices (for lining pan)
3 garlic cloves, pressed
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon orange zest, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 6-ounce piece ham steak, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips
Coarse sea salt
Garnishes for serving: Cornichons, grainy or Dijon mustard, pickled onion slices, sliced baguette
 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
   
2. In a small sauce pan, bring the brandy to a boil and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cool the reduced brandy.
3. Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over low heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl combine the ground pork and chopped bacon. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the cooked and cooled onion, pressed garlic, salt, thyme, allspice, orange zest, and pepper to the pork mixture and mix gently to combine. Add the beaten eggs, cream, and reduced brandy. Stir until well blended.
6. Line 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with bacon slices, arranging 8 slices across width of pan and 3 slices on each short side of pan and overlapping pan on all sides. Evenly press half of meat mixture (about 3 1/4 cups) onto bottom of pan atop bacon slices. Arrange ham strips in single layer. Top with remaining meat mixture.
7. Fold bacon slices over, covering pâté. Tap the mold on the counter to “settle “ the mixture. Cover pan tightly with foil. Place pan in 13x9x2-inch baking pan an pour boiling water into baking pan to come halfway up sides of loaf pan. Carefully place the pan in the oven. Cook the pâté until a thermometer inserted through foil into center registers 155 degrees, about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
8. Remove loaf pan from baking pan and transfer to rimmed baking sheet. Cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Place heavy skillet or 2 to 3 heavy cans atop pâté to weigh down. Chill overnight. Can be made 4 days ahead.
9. To remove the pate from the pan, place loaf pan with pâté in larger pan of hot water for about 3 minutes. Invert pâté onto platter; discard fat from platter and wipe clean. Cut pâté crosswise into 1/2-inch slices and serve with garnishes.

Serves 8-10 for appetizers
​
1 pound fresh tuna 
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro 
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño 
½ to 1 teaspoon wasabi (1 ½ tsp horseradish can be substituted if you do not have wasabi) 
1 teaspoon sesame seeds 
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion 
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus half a lemon 
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 

1. With a very sharp knife, cut the tuna into 1/8-inch dice. 
2. In a large bowl, combine the tuna with the ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of the cilantro and the jalapeño, wasabi, sesame seeds, scallion and lemon juice. Mix gently and season with salt and pepper.  Serve immediately. If making ahead, do not add seasoning to tuna until just before serving. 
   
   
   Wonton Crisps 

15 square wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon kosher salt
preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Stack wonton wrappers and in half diagonally. Arrange in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and brush tops with sesame oil. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and kosher salt and bake in middle of oven until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer crisps to a rack to cool.

​Makes 4-6 appetizer servings
 
Gnocchi:
1 ½ pounds russet baking potatoes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 
1 egg

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Roast the potatoes until fork tender or steam-do not boil. Boiling the potatoes will add too much moisture to the potatoes and make the gnocchi heavy and dense. While hot, remove the skin and rice the potatoes with a potato ricer(use the disk with the smallest holes) onto your work surface. Spread it out as you work to avoid piling up. You want the potatoes to air cool. You can also use a fork too, do not use a food processor.
2. Form a well in the center of the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of flour and the salt over the potatoes.
3. Crack the egg into the well. Using a fork, lightly beat the egg, and incorporate the remaining ingredients to form a dough. Knead lightly on the work surface until the dough is soft and smooth. Add just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking.
4. Working on a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1-inch in diameter, sprinkling with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut each rope into 3/4-inch bite-size pieces.
5. To roll the gnocchi, you’ll need a fork or gnocchi board to give them ridges. The ridges will catch the sauce. Be sure to use enough flour so that the gnocchi don’t stick, and roll them down the front of the fork tines using your index and middle finger to push on the dough, while holding the fork at a 45 degree angle. Do the same if you are using a gnocchi board. Be sure to flour the board before beginning.
6. To cook, fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water, bring to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Drop in about 2 dozen gnocchi. When they float to the surface, allow them to simmer for about 30 seconds and remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon. Place the drained gnocchi onto a warm platter and cover with hot tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.  Serve hot.

 
Herbed Gnocchi:
When forming the dough, add 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped chives with the egg and incorporate into the dough.
 
Brown Butter Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
4 large sage leaves
Parmesan cheese

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a skillet large enough to accommodate all of the gnocchi without crowding. When the butter begins to foam, add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook, turning as necessary, until they're browned and crisp on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes. Add sage leaves and cook until crisp, 30 seconds. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

 
Baked Gnocci:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 lb sausage meat
1 jar pasta sauce-Rao’s is a favorite
2 teaspoons fennel seed
4 oz whole milk ricotta
8 oz mozzarella, shredded or in pieces
2 tablespoons parsley
Parmesan cheese for serving

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the sausage meat over medium/high heat until its cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
3. Add the pasta sauce, gnocchi, and fennel seed to the pan with the cooked sausage, and stir gently until the gnocchi is coated with the sauce and the sausage is well-distributed.
4. Top with spoons of ricotta and the mozzarella. Bake on an upper rack for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese has crisped up a bit. If you want more of a browned crust, place under the broiler for a few minutes.
5. Top finished baked gnocchi with a sprinkling of fresh parsley and serve warm.

 
To Freeze Gnocchi:
To freeze, place uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours. Transfer baking sheet to the freezer until frozen solid. Transfer to freezer bags. Cook frozen gnocchi in the same way as fresh.

Recipe by Penelope Casas-Tapas: The Little Dishes of Spain

Recipe by Penelope Casas-Tapas: The Little Dishes of Spain

Serves 6
​4 red peppers
2-3 tablespoons chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 clove garlic, lightly crushed and peeled
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt
 
 

1. Place the peppers in an ungreased roasting pan in a 375-degree oven for 17 minutes. Turn the peppers and continue roasting for another 17 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover the pan tightly with foil, and let cool. 
2. Remove the peppers and deglaze the pan with the chicken broth. Reserve. Peel the peppers, remove the core and seed, and cut each into 8 strips. In a skillet heat the oil till warm but not sizzling hot.
3. Add the peppers, garlic, cayenne, and salt and sauté slowly over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the reserved pan juices, cover, and cook slowly 5 minutes more. Can be prepared ahead. Serve at room temperature with bread.

Recipe by Penelope Casas -Tapas: The Little Dishes of Spain

Serves 8
Prepare the figs one day in advance
 
1 cup sugar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 stick cinnamon
4 whole cloves
1 slice lemon
1 pound fresh small fresh figs, or ½ pound dried figs, cut in half
1 ½ lb. sausage (sweet Italian sausage)
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 Tbs. white wine
2 tsp. tomato sauce (unsalted)
salt
freshly ground pepper
 
Figs:

1. Combine the sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon slice in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Add the figs, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool the figs in the syrup and let them sit, covered, at room temperature overnight.

 
Sausages:

1. Pierce the sausage skins with a fork in several places. Heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Cook the sausages in the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the wine until the wine evaporates and the sausages are cooked and browned, about 10-15 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water to the pan if it needed. Remove the sausages, cut them into 1-inch slices and set them aside.

 

1. Pour most of the fat from the pan. Deglaze the pan with 4 tablespoons of water and the remaining 2 tablespoons of wine. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes over low heat.
2. 
   Remove the figs from the syrup. Save the syrup for another use. Add the figs to the pan, along with the sausages. Cover and cook briefly until the fits are heated.
3. Serve from the pan or spear pieces of sausage and fig on toothpicks and transfer them with the sauce to a serving casserole and serve.

 
 
 
Notes: To use the leftover fig sauce-drizzle over Manchego cheese slices or drizzled over ripe brie. It can also be served over cooked fish and chicken.

Recipe by Penelope Casas-TAPAS The Little Dishes of Spain

serves 4
½ -3/4 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined (U-15 count)
Coarse salt
8 tablespoons olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 dried red chili pepper cut into 2 pieces or 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 loaf of artisan bread

1. Dry the shrimp well and sprinkle salt on both sides. Let sit at room temperature of 10 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a shallow 8-inch pan. Add the garlic and chili pepper, and when the garlic starts to turn golden add the shrimp. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are just done.
3. Sprinkle with paprika, parsley, and salt. Serve immediately from the pan with some very good artisan bread.

​Recipes by Julia Turshen Small Victories The entire book is filled with easy, delicious recipes. I love her 'seven lists". They will give you so many quick, easy, and memorable ideas. Here are a few.

​
Seven Bites to Have w/Drinks
 
Affordable Caviar:
Top good potato chips w/small spoonful of crème fraiche (or sour cream) and salmon roe and sprinkle with chopped chives. Be sure to make these just as you eat them and not ahead of time (the chips will get soggy). You can also put out bowls of crème fraiche and salmon roe next to a bag of chips and let your friends assemble their own.
 
My favorite Hors D’Oeuvre Ever:
Put sliced chorizo in a cast-iron pan, set it under the broiler until the slices are hot and slightly crisp, and then drizzle with Spicy Honey-see recipe below
 
Spicy Honey
¾ cup honey
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tsp kosher salt    
2 tsp red pepper flakes
In a small saucepan over high heat, stir together the honey, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the honey mixture come to room temperature. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Spin-Offs:
Drizzle on a pepperoni pizza
Drizzle on chicken, pork or ribs
Drizzle on roasted carrots and sweet potatoes
Spread ricotta on toast and drizzle on the honey
Drizzle on cooked bacon
Serve with biscuits and butter
 
Seven Desserts
 
Peaches in Cold White Wine
Slice ripe peaches into halves or wedges (you can peel them first if you like) and put them into individual glass dishes. Cover with cold white wine (or rose) and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving
 
Sweet Focaccia
Press the dough into a generously buttered sheet pan and drizzle with more melted butter. Dollop with ricotta cheese and sliced peaches (or plums or pitted cherries) and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake at 400 degrees until the exposed dough and fruit are browned and the juices are bubbling, about 25 minutes.

By Serious Eats 
SeriousEats.com is one of my favorite go to recipe websites. Check it out and have fun!


1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 serrano chili or ¼-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper-depending on how hot you like it
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons juice from 2 limes

1. Place onion, chili, half of cilantro leaves, and salt in a mortar and pestle. Pound into a fine paste. Alternatively, combine onion, chili, half of cilantro, salt, and half of lime juice in a food processor or blender and process until smooth paste is formed, scraping down sides as necessary.
2. Split each avocado in half, discard pits, and spoon out flesh into a medium bowl. Roughly mash with a stiff whisk. Add onion/chili puree, remaining cilantro leaves, and half of lime juice (if using mortar and pestle method). Fold to combine. Season to taste with more salt and lime juice. Serve immediately with warm tortilla chips.

 

Makes 8-10 crepes 
 
⅔ cup whole milk
⅔ cup water
3 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons additional melted butter (for the pan)
1 cup mixed fresh herbs- choose your combination: dill, parsley, mint, chive, scallion. Wild edibles from the garden: violet leaves, wild garlic grass, creeping Jenny, small dandelion leaves
1 cup ricotta cheese-whole fat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, zested
salt and pepper to taste
For garnish-edible flowers: violets, chive flowers, pansies, day lilies, rose petals

1. Place milk, water, eggs, and melted butter in a blender and mix until smooth. Add the flour and salt, a little at a time, mixing as you go and scraping down the sides of the jar as needed. This will help to keep flour from clumping. The batter will be thin.
2. Heat an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, brush very lightly with melted butter. While tilting the pan in a circle, laddle the batter in to cover the surface with the batter. If using a 10-inch pan, prepare crepes with 1/3 cup of batter.
3. Sprinkle the batter with the herbs while the batter is still wet. Cook for 30-45 seconds. Using a crepe turner or rubber spatuala, turn the crepe over and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the crepe and place on a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter. Cooled crepes can be stacked if needed.
4. Add the ricotta cheese, extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest and combine using a food processor or immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread 2 tablespoons of whipped ricotta onto the crepe. Fold in half and then fold in half again. Serve sprinkled with chopped herbs and some edible flowers if you have them.

 
Variations

• Add smoked salmon or smoked trout to your crepe for a special brunch dish.
• Fill with steamed asparagus and drizzle with a hollandaise sauce or pesto.
• Add 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated parmesan to the whipped ricotta. Fill your crepes and place in a buttered baking dish or cover with tomato sauce and bake.
• Prepare the whipped ricotta w/ the mozzarella and parmesan as above. Stack your crepes with a thin spreading of whipped ricotta between the layers. Serve as is or baked until warmed through.

 
Williams Sonoma has a good selection of crepe equipment. www.williams-sonoma.com/search/results.html?words=crepe

You can easily and quickly create a beautifully delicious appetizer platter that can satisfy a variety of food styles and dietary preferences. Charcuterie, antipasto, and mazza include a range of different vegetables, spreads, pickles, fruit, nuts, cheeses, and cured meats. 
Adjust the ingredients for different occasions, themes, and food preferences. Scale the portions up or down based on the number of guests who will be enjoying the spread. Connect your tasty creation to a holiday, color theme, country, or season. 

Inspiration
Meze-Middle Eastern, Greek
Creamed goat cheese, hummus, hardboiled eggs, tomatoes, red peppers, feta, olives, almonds, pita

Look through your cupboards, cabinets, and even on your walls. For your base you need something that is food safe or that can be lined with parchment paper. Add character to your creation by using a base that is unusual. It can be made of wood, slate, china, or metal- the more interesting the better. Include a variety of small containers to serve dips, olives, jams, and spreads.

Inspiration
​Spring (white and green)
Green grapes, green apples, green olives, Marcona almonds, celery, cucumbers,
​fennel, brie, herbed cheese spread, crusty bread, crackers​, honey

Inspiration
Antipasto Board
​Cured meats, sliced cheeses, cheese, dried fruit, olives, honey, bread sticks, and crackers 

​Inspiration
Vegetarian Sheet Pan Appetizer
A block of Feta, chic peas, cherry tomatoes, sliced fennel, oil cured olives, carrot sticks, crusty bread

Serves 4-6 as an appetizer

1-pint grape tomatoes
½-1/3 cup black olives packed in oil 
1 lemon, 1/2 cut into thin rounds and the remaining 1/2 left intact, for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes
 Kosher salt and black pepper
1 (6- to 8-ounce) block feta, whole or cut into 1-inch slices
 ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves and fine stems, roughly chopped (optional)
Serve with artisan bread or crackers

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees with a rack set in the lower third. 
2. On a sheet pan, combine the tomatoes, olives, and lemon slices with the olive oil and toss. Add cumin and red-pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, and toss again until evenly coated. Nestle the feta into the center of the vegetables. Roast 15 to 20 minutes. If you want a little charring on top, put under the broiler for a few minutes
3. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with the remaining lemon half for squeezing. Top with fresh herbs, if using.

Variations:

• Instead of feta use tofu or a firm fish (salmon, swordfish, scrod).
• Add canned chick peas and thinly sliced fennel.
• Add broccoli, asparagus, peppers, or other veg and serve as a meal.
• Instead of cumin use smoked paprika or rosemary.
• When cooked, combine all of the ingredients and toss with pasta and serve hot or cold.

Serves 6 entree, 8 appetizer

1-pound thick spaghetti, dry 
1 bottle red wine-table wine-not too dry 
1-tsp sugar 
1/3 cup olive oil
¼ pound pancetta, cut into ½-inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, sliced thin 
½  tsp crushed red pepper flakes 
½ cup flat leafed parsley, roughly chopped
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated Italian table cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling on the finished pasta
 

1. Fill a large cooking pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.  Add 2 Tbs of kosher salt and the dry spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes (pasta will not be fully cooked). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain pasta in colander and return empty pot to stovetop. Dry it with a towel if wet. 
2. Heat oil in the dry pasta pot. Add the pancetta pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain.
3. Add the crushed red pepper and the garlic to the fat in the pot and cook over low heat.  Cook the garlic until it begins to turn light brown on the edges, about 2 minutes. 
4. Add the bottle of wine and the sugar to the garlic in the pot, raise the heat and boil vigorously 2 minutes. 
5. Add the partially cooked pasta. Gently stir with tongs until coated and boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the wine is absorbed, about 6 minutes (pasta will be al dente). Use some of the reserved pasta water if the pan becomes dry.  
6. Add the chopped parsley, grated cheese, the salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with the reserved pancetta.  Serve immediately.

Jacques Pépin's Eggs Jeannette

​Serves 6
Ingredients:
6 large hard-cooked eggs, preferably organic, peeled
2 tablespoons milk
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
Dressing:
About 2 tablespoons reserved egg-yolk mixture (from above)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon water
Pinch of salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Preparation:

• Cut the eggs in half crosswise at the widest point. Remove the yolks and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Mix in the milk, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper; the mixture should be moist and hold together. Stuff the whites with the yolk mixture, reserving approximately 2 tablespoons for the dressing. (The egg yolk mixture adds texture to the dressing.)
• Heat the oil in a skillet, preferably nonstick. When the oil is hot, add the egg halves, stuffed side down, and fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes; they will brown beautifully. (Do not cook the white side.) Remove the eggs from the skillet, and arrange them on a platter or in a gratin dish.
• For the dressing: Put all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor, and, with the motor running, add the oil slowly. Pour the dressing on top of and around the eggs, and serve.

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup Shot
Polenta Bites topped with Pesto and Roasted Cherry Tomato
Oven Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Salami, or Proscuitto
Guava Paste with Manchego Cheese Bites dusted with Ground Pistachio Nuts
Eggs Jeanette-Jaques Pepin
Salmon Cakes with Cucumber and Dijon Cream
​

Serves 2-4
​
2 Tbs olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly 
1-pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half-a color assortment is nice
1/8 tsp of crushed red pepper
2 ears of freshly picked corn, corn cut off the cob
1-pound fresh shrimp, shells removed
5 leaves fresh basil, sliced in strips or 1/3 cup chopped flat leafed parsley
3 Tbs unsalted butter (very cold)
Kosher or Sea Salt and Pepper
 

1. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and the slivered garlic over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic softens and becomes aromatic, about 1 minute.  
2. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper, corn kernels, and shrimp. Raise the heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes. 
3. Add your herbs, stir gently to combine. 
4. To finish, turn off the heat and gently stir in the cold butter to create a velvety finish to your dish.

 
Serve as is, with sliced boiled Yukon Gold potatoes, over pasta, or rice. You can also use this as a topping for bruschetta-cut the shrimp into bite sized pieces for easy eating.

I couldn't wait to leave the theatre after I watched the movie "Julie and Julia". I couldn't wait to get home and make Julia Child's mouth watering bruschetta. This is by far my favorite way to eat summer tomatoes. I am now adding Ina Garten's Homemade Ricotta. Combining recipes from two of my favorite chef's makes the perfect dish. Give it a try!

1 loaf artisan bread(baguette, ciabatta, crusty boule) cut into eight 1/2 inch slices 
1 pound assorted heirloom tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)chopped small
Fruity extra virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, peeled and halved
sea salt or kosher salt
8 basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Optional: slices of fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese spread on the toast
​

1. Toss tomatoes with 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil and about 1 tsp salt.
   
2. Fry bread in 2-3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil in skillet, browning on each side, and adding 1 more Tbs oil if necessary.
   
3. Rub the cut half of garlic over 1 side of fried bread.
   
4. Spoon the tomatoes (with oil and accumulated juices) over bread. Top with chopped basil.

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.

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

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.

The recipe I used came from Julia Turshen's cookbook "Small Victories". I love this book and so will you.  
​I have wanted to make gravlax for years. My biggest stumbling block was having the ingredients on hand and planning three days in advance. Three days ago it all came together. Gravlax is traditionally made with salmon, but I prepared my gravlax with Steelhead Trout and another time using wild salmon.
Don't confuse gravlax with smoked salmon. Gravlax is cured in the refrigerator with a rub of salt, sugar, and dill. The result is a moist, mild and delicious treat. Smoked salmon is cured similarly to gravlax and then cold smoked to add a light, smokey flavor. Aside from the light smokey flavor of the smoked salmon, the biggest difference between the two is that I (and you) can easily make gravlax at home with no smoking required. Once covered in the salt, sugar, dill mixture, the salmon is wrapped in plastic wrap, weighted, and refrigerated for 1-3 days. I like a richer flavor so I let the fish cure for 3 days. 

Serves 6
¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
½ cup kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
A handful of fresh sprigs of dill, roughly chopped
One 1-lb salmon fillet, skin and any pin bones removed
 

1. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and dill. Use your hands to do this so that you break up any clumps in the sugar.
2. Put a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and put half of the salt mixture on the plastic, spreading it to an even thickness that measures slightly bigger than your piece of salmon. Put the salmon on top of the mixture and cover it with the remaining half of the salt mixture. Use your hands to pack the mixture on and around the fish.
3. Wrap the salmon tightly in the plastic wrap, using an extra piece if needed, but leave the ends open so some air can circulate and the liquid from the fish can drain easily. Put the wrapped salmon on a wire rack set on a small, rimmed baking sheet and put another baking sheet on to of the fish. Put something heavy, like a cast-iron pan or a couple of cans of tomatoes, on top of the baking sheet to weigh it down. 
4. Place the weighted salmon into the refrigerator and let the salmon cure for at least 2 days, for a light cure (the salmon will still be moist), or up to 3 days, for a more intense cure. 
5. Flip the salmon once a day and drain off whatever liquid accumulates on the baking sheet. 
6. When the salmon is cured, unwrap it, thoroughly rinse off the salt mixture, and pat dry with paper towels. Thinly slice the salmon on the diagonal. 
7. Serve with toast, cream cheese, and thinly sliced cucumbers.

Triple Creme Cheese
Aged Gouda
Sopressata Salami
Speck-Italan cured ham
Pickled Quail Eggs
Olives
Seasoned Walnuts
Strawberries
Figs
​

 The homemade ricotta is so easy and MUCH better tasting than any store bought brand. I added a variation to the traditional savory ricotta and prepared a dessert version with the help of my favorite food website FOOD52.com. Try them both!

Makes 2 cups
 
4 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 Tbs white wine vinegar
 

1. Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth. 
   
   
2. Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey). 
   
   
3. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth.  Save remaining whey for later use (see below). Use ricotta immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

Honey Ricotta Mousse-Food52.com
​By Flirty Foodie (https://food52.com/recipes/34754-honey-ricotta-mousse)

9 ounces sheep's milk ricotta (or cow's milk), drained -I used 1 cup of the Homemade Ricotta above
1/2 cup whipping cream, well chilled
5 tablespoons honey, divided
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
zest of 1/2 lemon
 

1. Using an electric hand mixer, whip cream in a medium bowl until it forms firm peaks, about 3 minutes.
   
   
2. In a separate bowl whip together ricotta, 3 tbsp honey and lemon zest until smooth. Carefully fold whipped cream into ricotta mixture. Cover and refrigerate for approx. 30 minutes so the ingredients firm up a bit.
   
   
3. Gather two serving bowl/cups. Spoon a layer of whipped ricotta into each bowl. Followed by a layer of honey, approx. 2 tsp to a 1 tbsp honey per dish. Top with remaining whipped ricotta. Garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve and Enjoy