Month: June 2011

  • Berries and Sugar Crepes

    Serves 6 Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup milk 1 cup whole-wheat flour ¼ teaspoon salt 2 eggs, beaten ¼ cup turbinado sugar (white sugar is okay as well) Raspberries Blueberries Blackberries Strawberries Creme fresh Sugar, coarse or regular Powdered sugar Directions In a large bowl toss together whatever berries desired and sprinkle with…

  • Summer Sausage and Herb Cassoulet

    Serves 4-6 Ingredients Olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine ½ tablespoon lemon zest 2 pounds cranberry beans, shelled 1 cup white wine 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock ½ cup fresh thyme leaves ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper…

  • Whole Grain Onion Tarts

    Serves 6 Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups red onion, sliced ½ cup goat cheese 1 tablespoon chives 1 tablespoon parsley Salt/pepper Whole wheat puff pastry Directions Preheat oven to 375°. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add butter. Cook red onions until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, and…

  • Summer Squash Soup with Basil-Mint Pistou

    Serves 4-6 Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium shallot, chopped fine 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 2 medium zucchini, chopped 2 patty pan squash, chopped 1 yellow zucchini, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 3 cups onion broth or light vegetable stock ½ cup fresh basil leaves ¼…

  • Tarragon Apricot Bubbly & Blueberry Tarragon Bubbly

    Makes several bubbly drinks Ingredients ½ cup fresh blueberries (smashed) or fresh apricots (chopped) 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves ½ cup raw or unprocessed sugar ½ cup water Cava, champagne or prosecco Blueberries for garnish Directions In a medium saucepan combine the apricots or blueberries, tarragon, sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce…

  • Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

    Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 small shallot, chopped fine 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar 1 pinch chili flakes ½-1 cup goat cheese 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine ½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine ½ tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine 1 jar piquillo peppers Olive oil & garlic Sherry vinegar garnish Salt Directions In a medium bowl,…

  • Manchengo Cheese & Ham Croquettes

    Serves 6 Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small medium yellow onion ½ cup flour ¾ cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 eggs ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 cup Serrano ham, chopped 1 cup manchengo cheese, grated 1 cup bread crumbs Oil for frying Directions In a medium sauce pan,…

  • Fresh Herbed Almonds

    Serves 6 Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 cups whole blanched almonds 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 teaspoon maldon salt Directions In a medium skillet heat oil on medium high heat. Add chili flakes and…

  • Cava melon Sangria

    Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1 cup honeydew melon, balled 1 cup cantaloupe, balled ½ cup galia melon, balled ½ cup basil, chopped ½ cup mint, chopped ¼ cup honey Juice and zest of one lemon, lime and orange 2 bottles cava or an effervescent white wine Directions Muddle basil, mint, honey, zest and juice and…

  • Rose Berry Sangria

    Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients ½ cup raspberries ½ cup blackberries ½ cup blueberries ½ cup chopped strawberries 2 bottles of rose wine 1 bottle sparkling water 1 cup citrus herbal simple syrup Directions To make the herbal citrus simple syrup place a handful of herbs of choice, 1 lemon sliced, 1 orange sliced, ½ cup…

  • Red Basil White Stone Fruit Sangria

    Serves 6-9 Ingredients 1 cup red basil peach syrup (recipe follows) 2 bottles white wine, sauvignon blanc or chenin blanc or white table wine 1 cup Cointreau 1 peach, sliced 1 apricot, sliced 1 plum, sliced 1 nectarine, sliced ¼ cup raspberries 2 cups soda water Directions Combine the red basil peach syrup, wine, and…

  • Red Basil Peach Syrup

    Makes 1 cup Ingredients ½ cup red basil leaves ½ cup sugar ½ cup water 1 ripe peach, chopped Directions Combine the basil, sugar, water and peaches in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about five minutes. Take off heat, cool and blend until smooth.

  • Dried Strawberry Lime Salt

    Makes ½ cup An amazing little salt garnish for a plethora of desires, most importantly making the rim of you margaritas a tasty treat. Ingredients 1 tablespoon lime zest 1 tablespoon dried strawberries, crushed into dust ½ cup pink Himalayan coarse sea salt (maldon salt ok as well) Juice of 1 lime Directions In a…

  • Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

    Makes 2 dozen cookies Ingredients 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup turbinado sugar, plus extra 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated ½ teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed ½ cup buttermilk Course sugar for…

  • Strawberry Margaritas with Dried Strawberry Lime Salted Rims

    Strawberry Margaritas with Dried Strawberry Lime Salted Rims

    Makes 1 margarita Perfectly simple and delicious, a fresh strawberry margarita says summer like few other things do. With eh addition of the strawberry lime salted rim this drink becomes exquisite Ingredients 2 ounces tequila (white or pink is best) 1 ounce orange liquor (triple sec or grand marinier type) Pinch of lime zest Juice…

  • Local New Jersey Strawberry Jam

    Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest ½ cup rose wine or water Directions Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small sauce pan, continue to boil a few minutes, around 3-4 and then reduce heat to a simmer…

  • Strawberry Vinaigrette

    Makes 1 cup Ingredients 2 strawberries, mashed 1 tablespoon shallots, chopped fine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar ¼ cup almond oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Directions In a medium or small bowl whisk together all ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Toss together with salad or…

  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Almonds and Strawberry Vinaigrette

    Serves 4-6 A lovely savory way to enjoy peak berries and even more enjoyed alongside a glass of cold sparkling white or rose wine! Ingredients 4 cups baby spinach leaves 1 medium or small red onion, halved and sliced thin 10 medium strawberries, quartered 1 cup Bulgarian feta, crumbled 1 cup almonds, toasted and sliced…

  • Strawberry Sodas

    Strawberry Sodas

    Makes 1 soda A lovely and seasonal option for sugary sodas, kids and adults won’t be able to refuse this sweet delightful drink that will forever be reminiscent of summer to your palette. Ingredients 2-3 ounces strawberry puree (recipe follows) Seltzer water Ice Directions In a glass filled with ice combine the strawberry puree depending…

  • Local Strawberry Week

    Local Strawberry Week

    We all have local strawberries in our communities that we wait all year for and then gorge ourselves with the sweet juicy flavors that are impossible to achieve any other time of the year. This week’s featured recipes are the little beloved gems we call strawberries and our appreciation for the sensational taste they give…

  • Jersey Peach Popsicle Bites

    Serves 6 Ingredients 2 cups jersey peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped ½ cup water ½ cup honey Directions In a medium sauce pan place the peaches, honey and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for about 2 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool. Once cool, blend into…

  • Strawberry Creamsicles

    Strawberry Creamsicles

    Makes 6-9 popsicles Ingredients 1 pint fresh strawberries, stems removed and chopped 1⁄3 cup honey 1⁄3 cup water 4 egg yolks 1 cup cream 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon orange zest 1⁄3 cup fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions In a medium sauce pan place the strawberries, honey and water and bring to…

  • Watermelon Mint Lime Cubes

    Serves 6 Ingredients Zest of 1 lime Juice of 2 limes ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped fine ½ cup raw sugar or regular sugar 2 cups watermelon cubed into ½ inch cubes Directions In a mixing bowl combine the lime zest, mint, lime juice, and sugar and whisk until all sugar is incorporated. Place…

  • Blueberry Vanilla Cream Yogurt Pops

    Makes 6-9 popsicles Ingredients 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup cream 1 cup vanilla yogurt ½ cup honey Directions Blend up all the ingredients and pour into popsicle molds and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours. If you do not have popsicle molds pour into wax paper cups and freeze for about…

  • Fresh Ginger Whole-Wheat Nutmeg Butter Cookies

    Makes 6-9 cookies Ingredients ¼ cup butter, soft ¼ cup turbinado sugar or raw unprocessed sugar 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg yolk ¾ cup whole-wheat flour Pinch of salt Directions Pre-heat oven to 375°F. In a small mixing bowl…

  • Spring Carrot Soup with Cilantro-Lime Créme Fraiche

    Serves 1-2 Ingredients 1 tablespoons canola or olive oil 1 clove garlic, chopped fine Zest of 1-2 limes (reserve half of the cream fraiche) 3 medium carrots, chopped, peels on 1 cup water Juice of ½ a lime Salt Black pepper Cilantro-Lime Créme Fraiche, to garnish (recipe follows) Directions In a heavy bottomed soup pot…

  • Cilantro Lime Créme Fraiche

    Makes 2 tablespoons Ingredients 2 tablespoons créme fraiche 1 tablespoon lime juice Pinch of lime zest ½ tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped fine Salt Directions Place all ingredients in a small bowl, and whisk. Set aside.

  • Solo Fish Dinner of Mackeral, Fennel Olive & Herbs with Lemony Spring Potatoes

    Serves 1-2 Ingredients 1 small whole mackerel, cleaned and deboned if possible Salt/pepper 1 small fennel bulb, sliced thin ¼ cup calamata olives, pitted and sliced 1 lemon (half sliced and the other juiced) Baby spring potatoes, cut in half 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved…

  • Spring Mix Salad with Herbed Onion Dressing

    Serves 1-2 Ingredients 1 tablespoon shallot, chopped fine 2 green onions, sliced thin 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped fine 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil Pinch or two of salt Pinch or two of black pepper 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (optional)…

  • Herbed Portabella Quiche

    Makes 1 mini quiche Ingredients 1 large potabella mushroom stem removed 2 eggs, beaten 3 cherry tomatoes, sliced 2 green onions, sliced thin 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine ½ tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine Salt/pepper 2 tablespoons half and half 2 tablespoons gruyere cheese, grated 1 tablespoon parmesan…

  • Massaman Beef Curry

    Serves 6 Ingredients 1 pound beef, sliced or cubed (about 1 inch-chunk or sirloin is best) 2 teaspoons grated ginger 1 can 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce of tamari 1 tablespoon canola oil or peanut oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 medium yellow onion, chopped small 1 small shallot, chopped…

  • Mussels with IPA & Thai Red Curry & Lime

    Serves 6 Ingredients 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped fine Zest of 1 lime 1 small red onion, chopped fine 3 tomatoes, chopped medium Juice of 2 limes 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste ½ cup IPA beer ½ stick butter 1 teaspoon maldon…

  • Thai Green Coconut Curry & Vegetables

    Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon canola oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 medium red onion, sliced thin 1 red bell pepper cut into 2 inch thin strips 1 medium carrot cut into 2 inch thick strips 1 medium sweet potato, cubed in small cubes 1 thai green…

  • Massaman Thai Curry Paste / Gaeng Massaman

    Makes 1 cup Ingredients 5 small fresh red chilies 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped fine 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt 2 tablespoons galangal root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons lemongrass bulb, cleaned and trimmed and chopped fine 2 tablespoons lime zest 2…

  • Thai Red Curry Paste / Gaeng Phet

    Makes 1 cup curry paste Ingredients 5-10 small fresh red chilies (10=HOT) 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped fine 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt 2 tablespoons galangal root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons lemongrass bulb, cleaned and trimmed and chopped fine 2 tablespoons…

  • Thai Green Curry Paste / Gaeng Keow Wan

    Makes 1 cup curry paste Ingredients 5-10 small fresh green chilies (10=HOT) 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped fine 3 teaspoons coarse sea salt 2 tablespoons galangal root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and chopped fine 2 tablespoons lemongrass bulb, cleaned and trimmed and chopped fine 2 tablespoons…

  • Berries & Basil African Red Bush Iced Tea

    Berries & Basil African Red Bush Iced Tea

    Makes 1 pitcher Truly a delightful and deliciously sweet iced tea! Speckled in colorful berries sweet and ripe with flavor this tea is sure to delight and impress the fanciest of folk! Ingredients ½ cup fresh basil leaves 1 cup white sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoons blueberries, smashed 1 tablespoons raspberries, smashed 1 tablespoon…

  • Hibiscus Lemon Mint Quencher Herbal Iced Tea

    Makes 1 pitcher Hibiscus has long been associated with quenching thirst, despite is drying effects from the taste on the tongue itself, this hibiscus quencher gives and added relief of thirst by adding mint and lemons, which are also known to be relievers for thirst. Perfect for the hottest of days and perfect for even…

  • Tarragon & Mint Refreshing Peach Iced Tea

    Tarragon & Mint Refreshing Peach Iced Tea

    Makes 1 pitcher Tarragon and mint have a history of being a truly refreshing duo in the dead of summer’s heat. The addition of summer sweet peaches only makes for a sweeter ad perhaps more sultry experience! Ingredients ¼ cup fresh tarragon leaves ½ cup fresh mint leaves ½ cup sliced peaches 1 cup turbinado…

  • Lavender Black Iced Tea

    Lavender Black Iced Tea

    Makes 1 pitcher Summers in Provence load the air with the scent of lavender so potent that one cannot stop imaging all the possibilities in the kitchen. If you are not lucky enough to find yourself wandering the hills of Provence picking the wild lavender, than the obvious next best thing is the abundance of…

  • Zucchini and Marjoram Quiche

    Serves 6-9 Ingredients 1¼ unbleached all purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into ½ inch cubes 4 tablespoons (or more) ice water 6 eggs 2 small zucchinis, sliced thin ½ cup red onions, sliced thin ½ cup fresh marjoram leaves Salt/pepper 1 cup half and half ¼ cup gruyere cheese,…

  • Pesto Pasta Carbonara

    Serves 4-6 A classic recipe herbalized, just the way summer basil likes it! Ingredients 10 ounces orecchiette or small shell pasta or pasta of choice, cooked ¼ cup fresh pesto (using herbs and pesto of your choice) 2 eggs (room temperature) ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated 6 slices thick cut bacon 2 cloves garlic,…

  • Eggs in Herbal Purgatory

    Serves 6 This quick and easy dish has its origins in Naples and originated as a means to use up leftover sauce at breakfast time. The eggs are essentially cooked in the tomato sauce, hence the purgatory! Many cultures all over the world utilize this Italian idea, this recipe has more of the Middle Eastern…

  • Beet Pickled & Herbed Deviled Eggs

    Serves 6 Ingredients 1 red beet, peeled and chopped 1 cup water ½ cup champagne vinegar (citrus) 2 teaspoons sea salt 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon grainy mustard 1 tablespoon citrus vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh grated horseradish ½ cup (total) chopped chives, tarragon, parsley Salt/pepper Directions In a small saucepan…

  • Ger-Nis Herbal Pisco Sour

    Makes one drink Ingredients 2½ ounces Pisco ½ ounce herbal simple syrup Juice of 2-3 limes 1 egg white Bitters Directions In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a 6 ounce glass and drop a few drops of bitters on the top of the frothed…

  • Whole Wheat Broccoli Calzones

    Makes 4-6 calzones Ingredients 1 recipe Ger-Nis Whole Wheat Pizza Dough 2 cups broccoli florets 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup ham, cooked and chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour ¼ cup milk 1 cup milk cheddar cheese, grated 1 teaspoon salt Black pepper Directions Preheat oven 425°F. Roll…

  • Spring Greens Pizza Bianca with Goat Cheese & Tomatoes

    Makes 1-12 inch pizza Ingredients 1 Ger-Nis Pizza Dough Recipe 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons coarse salt ¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped fine 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup fresh spinach 1 cup fresh Swiss chard, chopped 1 cup fresh dandelion greens, chopped 1 cup crumbled goat cheese 1…

  • Wild Mushroom & Tallegio Pizza

    Makes 1-12 inch pizza Ingredients 1 Ger-Nis Pizza Dough Recipe 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon truffle oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2 cups wild mushrooms, chopped ½ pound Tallegio cheese, sliced 2 cups rocolla leaves (wild arugula) Maldon salt Directions Preheat oven to 500°F. Roll our pizza dough into 12 inch circle and…

  • Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Basil Calzone

    Makes 4-6 calzones Ingredients 1 Ger-Nis Calzone Dough Recipe 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, deseeded and chopped Olive oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 medium red onion, chopped 1 fresh red chili pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup fresh basil leaves 2 cups…

  • Basic Marinara

    Makes 2 cups of sauce Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 9 medium tomatoes, chopped ¼ cup garlic, chopped fine 1 small yellow onion, chopped fine 1 carrot, chopped fine 1 red pepper, chopped fine 1 green pepper, chopped fine ½ cup red wine 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon salt 1…

  • Calzone Dough

    A calzone is simply an Italian savory turnover of sorts that is made by folding pizza dough in half and forming a “pizza pocket”. The pizza pocket is then filled with sauces and/or vegetables combined to create the flavor and textures of your choice. Ingredients 1½ packets active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 3…

  • Basic Pizza Dough

    Ingredients 1 packet active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 2½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar or honey Olive oil Dried herbs (optional) Directions In a large bowl gently mix the warm water, yeast and honey until frothy and creamy for about 1-2 minutes. Let stand for 1 minute for activation…

  • Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce

    Serves 10 to 12 Ingredients 9 tablespoons unsalted butter 1½ cups packed light brown sugar ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 firm-ripe bananas, peeled and cut crosswise into ¾-inch thick slices ¼ cup banana liqueur ½ cup dark rum 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 cups heavy cream 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract…

  • Caramel Sauce

    Makes ¾ cup Ingredients ¾ cup sugar 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup whole milk Directions Combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a medium heavy saucepan and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Let boil without stirring until the…

  • Traditional Hollandaise Sauce

    Ingredients 4 egg yolks 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick) Pinch cayenne Pinch salt Directions Vigorously whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together in a stainless steel bowl and until the mixture is thickened and doubled in volume. Place the bowl over a saucepan containing barely simmering…

  • Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce

    Makes 1 cup of sauce Ingredients 3 egg yolks 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne, or a few dashes Tabasco sauce 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (if using salted butter, skip the added salt) Directions Melt the butter slowly in a small pot. Try not to let it boil – you want…

  • Eggs Sardou

    Serves 4-6 Ingredients 8 poached eggs 8 cooked or canned artichoke bottoms 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup milk 4 cups cleaned spinach leaves Salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce to taste ½ cup minced ham 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 cup Hollandaise Sauce Directions Rinse artichoke bottoms and place in a saucepot. Cover…

  • Shrimp Remoulade

    Serves 8 Ingredients For the Old Bay Steamed Shrimp 4 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning 1 cup vinegar 1 cup water 2 pounds shrimp, in shells For the Remoulade Sauce 1½ cups mayonnaise ¼ cup diced celery ½ cup sliced green onions 2 tablespoons minced garlic ½ cup Creole mustard (such as Zatarain’s) ¼ cup chopped…

  • Beignets

    Makes about 30 Ingredients 1 package dry yeast 4 tablespoons warm water 3½ cups plus 2 tablespoons flour 1 tsp. salt ¼ cup sugar 1¼ cup milk 3 eggs, beaten ¼ cups melted butter Oil for deep frying Powdered sugar for dusting Directions Combine yeast and warm water, set aside. Whisk flour, salt and sugar.…

  • Brandy Milk Punch

    Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1 cup brandy 1 cup dark rum 1⁄3 cup white créme de cacao ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups whole milk Directions Place all ingredients in a large pitcher and put into tall glasses over ice! Recipe by Paul Clarke, seriouseats.com (adapted)

  • Melon Basil Blender Ice

    Melon Basil Blender Ice

    Serves 4-6 A simply luscious and elegant way to enjoy summer melons, without much fuss and clean up! Many herbs pair well with melons and you can try this herb melon combo with most melons. Here are a few Ger-Nis house favorites; watermelon and mint, cantaloupe and thyme, or even Crenshaw and opal or red…

  • Strawberry Sorrel Ice Cream

    Strawberry Sorrel Ice Cream

    Makes ½ gallon Early summers on the east coast surprise us with fresh sorrel and this wonderful herb is certainly undervalued and appreciated. Here we take two of early summer’s best wonders and put them together in a perfectly grassy, tart and sensuous way, creating a pathway towards craving more sorrel in your life. Ingredients…

  • Mocha Ice Coffees (Askinosie Chocolate)

    Mocha Ice Coffees  (Askinosie Chocolate)

    Makes 4 Ice coffees Askinosie chocolate is an amazing little chocolate company located in Springfield, Missouri. Their chocolate is all fairly-trades with grower’s stake in the process and 100% direct cooperation with the growers, which we support fully! In addition they have only 3 ingredients to their cocoa beans, cocoa butter (which they make with…

  • Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Granita

    Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Granita

    Makes 1 pints of granita This cold icy treat is so simple and refreshing on a hot day as well as showcasing the very best of blueberries for peak season. Ingredients 1 cup blueberries ½ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¾ cup honey 1 cup plain yogurt Directions In a blender place all…

  • Guava Jam

    Ingredients 2 cups guavas, chopped fine (skins, seeds and all) (about 10 guavas) 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 pinch of salt Directions Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan on low heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until all ingredients are cooked down. Turn up heat…

  • Empanadas de Guayaba (Guava Pie Pockets)

    Makes 15-20 empanadas Ingredients 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons sugar 12 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces 2 egg yolks ¾ cup water (ice cold) Guava Jam (recipe follows) Powdered sugar (optional) Directions In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry…

  • Pineapple Preserves

    Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup pineapple, chopped small to fine 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon lime zest 1 vanilla bean, cut and scraped (scraped parts reserved) ½ teaspoon cinnamon, freshly grated ½ teaspoon ground cloves Directions Place all ingredients in a medium sauce pan on low heat and cook slowly…

  • Semita de Piña (Pineapple Tart)

    Makes about 12 tarts Semita is the most popular pastry in El Salvador and its basically a bread dough filled with jam. The most popular filling is pineapple utilizing El Salvador’s sweet pineapples! Ingredients 1 cup milk ½ cup butter, unsalted ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1⁄3 cup warm water 1 package active dry…

  • Pasteles de Tres Leches con Mango (Three Milk & Mango Cake)

    Serves 6-9 Ingredients 1½ cup all purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon, freshly grated 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated ½ cup butter, soft 1 cup sugar 6 eggs 1 vanilla bean, cut and scraped (insides reserved) 2 cups mango, ripe and chopped small ½ cup vanilla…

  • Flan de Leche (Caramel Custard)

    Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 cup sugar ¼ cup water 4 eggs, beaten 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup of whole milk 1 fresh vanilla bean, cut open and scraped out ½ cup sugar Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 6-8 ramekins. In a medium saucepan combine the sugar and water and bring…

  • Batido de Banana y Fresa (Strawberry Banana Shake)

    Makes 3-4 milkshakes Basically a milkshake, although a much looser version, often served over more ice cubes to keep very cold and fresh. Batidos showcase the fruits often associated with Central America and their rich and sweet flavors that are the very essence of their desserts. Ingredients 1 cup fresh strawberries, de-stemmed and chopped 1…

  • Raspados de Frutas Tropical (Tropical Fruit Snow Cones)

    Makes quite a few snow cones Most of us don’t have ice scrapers in our kitchen for snow cones so this raspado recipe is modified to utilize the tools we all typically have in our kitchen while still being able to enjoy the authentic taste of a snow cone! Ingredients For a mango raspado 2…

  • Cabbage & Bean Salad with Spicy Pesto Vinaigrette

    Cabbage & Bean Salad with Spicy Pesto Vinaigrette

    Serves 6 Ingredients 1 cup red cabbage, shredded ½ cup carrots, grated 1 red pepper, sliced thin 1 orange pepper, sliced thin 1 cup sliced radishes 1 cup baby greens 1 red chili pepper (fresh) and chopped 2 cups cannellini beans ¼ cup champagne vinegar Juice and zest of one lemon ¼ cup olive oil…

  • Basil Sauce

    Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup basil leaves 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup olive oil Directions Mix the ingredients up in a blender until smooth.

  • Whole-Wheat Pesto Mozzarella Panini

    Whole-Wheat Pesto Mozzarella Panini

    Serves 6 Ingredients Whole-wheat bread Fresh mozzarella slices Tomato slices Salt Basil sauce (recipe follows) Olive oil Directions Place basil sauce on each side of the bread slices and on the basil sauce place sliced mozzarella and tomato, season with a little salt. Combine the slices to form a sandwich and brunch the top side…