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Spiced (Right) Cranberry Pear Coffee Cake
Makes 1 large round cake Ingredients For the crumb 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup chopped nuts (ideally pecans) 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted 2 large pears, cored and cubed…
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Fresh Mango Margarita (Rocks)
Makes a few cocktails…. Ingredients 3 ripe mangoes, peeled, deseeded and chopped Zest of 1 lime Juice of 2 limes Juice of 1 orange 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup hot water tequila Blanco Coarse salt Limes for garnish and taste Directions Mix together in a blender ( or with a hand held emulsifier) mangoes, lime…
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Ahi Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Tortilla Chips
Serves 2 -4 1 teaspoon super finely, chopped ginger 2 garlic cloves, chopped superfine 1 teaspoon orange zest, plus juice of one orange 1 teaspoon lime zest, plus juice of one lime ¼ cup yuzu rice vinegar ¼ cup tamari sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil ½ medium red onion, chopped superfine…
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Mexican Samurai
Makes 1 cocktail 2 ounces (really good quality) Anejo Tequila ½ ounce Domaine de Canton Ginger Liquor 1 ounce Ginger, Mango & Chili Syrup* Juice of 1 Lime Sake (ice cold and preferable a floral dry type) Chili Pepper Cilantro – Lime Garnish* In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, ginger liquor, syrup…
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Parsley & Lemon – Ricotta Cupcakes
Makes 6 large cupcakes Ingredients 2 cups all purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup turbinado sugar 3 tablespoons lemon zest 3 tablespoons chopped fine, parsley 1 stick butter ( salted) softened ¾ cup ricotta cheese 1 egg juice of three lemons Directions Heat oven to 350…
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Peas, Potatoes and Yuerba Buena Harissa
Serves 4 An accidental combination of the best kind, this dish is inspired by Salatata Batata al Tunis (Tunisian Potato Salad), and uses some of the fresh and vibrant local ingredients that I found here in Ecuador;  baby potatoes, peas , spicy red chilies and yerba Buena. The spice mixture is a little plainer in…
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Rosemary & Concord Ginger Shortbread with Fairy Dust
Makes 6 dozen cookies Ingredients 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine 10 tablespoons (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons heavy cream 2 tablespoons Concord Grape Ginger Jam ( Recipe Follows) 1 large…
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Cinnamon Basil Grilled Plums and Sichuan Pepper Ice Cream & Toasted Quinoa Spiced Crumble
Serves 6-8 , makes 1 quart Ingredients 2 tablespoons fresh cinnamon basil, chopped fine 2-3 tablespoons turbinado sugar 2 teaspoons  Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon pink salt 2 pounds red flesh plums, halved ½ cup of honey or cinnamon basil syrup ( Field Apothecary) 2 cups heavy cream Toasted Quinoa Spiced Crumble Directions On a…
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Holy Basil Nectarine Sparkler
Ingredients 1 ripe nectarine ½ cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon lime zest 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons holy basil laves ¼ cup elderflower liquor Cava Basil Sugared Nectarines* Directions Make a simple syrup but thicker like a puree syrup with the nectarines water and honey, let cool. Blend with fresh basil, lime…
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Blackberry Holy Basil Rose Summer Sparkler
Ingredients ½ cup blackberries ½ cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon lemon zest 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons holy basil laves ¼ cup elderflower liquor Sparkling Rose Lemony Basil Sugar* Directions Make a simple syrup but thicker like a puree syrup with the blackberries water and honey, let cool. Blend with fresh basil,…
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Black Olive, Parsley & Caper Chimichurri
Makes 1 ½ cups Ingredients ½ medium red onion, chopped fine ½ small red shallot, chopped fine ¼ cup capers, chopped coarsely ½ cup calamata olive, chopped coarsely 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped fine 1 teaspoon lemon zest ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar ( lighter)…
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Blackberry Sage Agua Fresca Sparkler ( Spiked with Elderflower Liquor and Linoncello)
Makes  1 small mason jar of mix Ingredients ¼ cup blackberry puree ¼ cup blackberry sage syrup* ½ cup lemon juice ¼  cup limoncello ¼ cup elderflower liquor Sparkling RoseLemony Sage Sugar* Sage Leaf Directions Place all the ingredients except sparking rose and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain and chill. Place…
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Watermelon Agua Fresca Slushy (Spiked with Tequila)
Makes 1 pitcher 1 ½ cup  jalapeño Infused Tequila* 1/2  cup  Sweet Cilantro Syrup* 2 cups  frozen watermelon chunks 1 cup water ½ cup fresh lime juice Sugared Jalapenos* Place all the  ingredients except the Sugared Jalapenos in a blender and blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into a glass and garnish with a Sugared…
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Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca (Spiked with Gin)
Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1 cup Serrano simple syrup* 2 cup waters 3 cucumbers, peeled and chopped 1/2  cup lime juice 2 tablespoons mint Zest of 2 limes Pinch of salt Ice 1 ½ -2 cups Farmers Organic Gin Cucumber Slice Garnish Minted Lime Salt Garnish ( optional)* Directions Place the simple syrup, cucumbers, zest,…
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Seared Scallops with Spring Herbs & Greens Butter /Israeli Shug Butter
Sea scallops are labeled two ways, wet and dry. Dry sea scallops have not been treated with the solution STP (sodium tripolyphosphate) which is added to make the scallops retain a high moisture content and ultimately helps commercial seafood counters get a longer shelf life than should be recommended. It also makes the scallops weigh…
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Ginger Ice Cream with Chai Spiced Oven Caramelized Blood Oranges and Pistachios
Serves 5 Ingredients For the ice cream 2 eggs 1 cup turbinado sugar 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups whole milk 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped fine (chopped not grated) For the topping 1 vanilla bean, split, scraped and cut into pieces 3 blood oranges, halved and sliced…
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Lemon Risotto with Spring Greens Butter
Serves 5 Ingredients 5 cups spring seasoning essence water * water  seasoned with the following: 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper corns, 2-3 lemon ends or slices, 1 garlic clove, smashed, fennel fronds or a few greens ends and tips fine, 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 shallot, chopped fine 1½ cups Arborio rice…
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Scallop Crudo Lemon Shooters
Chili Mint Scallop Crudo with Shaved Baby Fennel and Ginger Serves 6 Ingredients 6 large scallops, (side muscle removed) and sliced thin and cut into strips 2 teaspoons salt Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lime Juice of ½ orange 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon…
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Yemini Zhug
Makes 2 cups Ingredients ½  teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted 1 teaspoon rainbow pepper corns, toasted 1 cardamom pod, cracked and toasted 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted ½  teaspoon caraway seeds, toasted 2 teaspoons salt 3 cloves garlic2 cups cilantro leaves 4 -6 hot green chilies, chopped (any type is fine- Serrano, jalapeño, cayenne a combination…
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Mediterranean Olive & Bay Leaf Chimichurri with Fried Lemon Peels And Chilies
Makes 1 cup A lovely take on Chimichurri, with fried lemon peels and bay leave to intoxicate with Mediterranean flavors. Excellent on steak and fish. Ingredients 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 medium shallot, chopped fine 1 fresh red chili pepper, chopped ( deseeded and de-pithed for less heat) 3-4 fresh…
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Oven Caramelized Citrus Sundaes with Vanilla and Sage
Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lemon, halved and sliced 1 lime, halved and sliced 1 mandarin orange, halved and sliced 10 kumquats, halved 1 cup demerara sugar Handful of fresh sage leaves 1 fresh vanilla bean, split Vanilla Ice Cream Directions Pre heat oven to 400° F.  In a large bowl combine all the citrus halved…
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Quick Pickled Turnips
Makes 3 cups Ingredients 2 cups water ¾ cup white vinegar 3 tablespoon kosher salt 2 fresh bay leaves 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, cracked 3-4 turnips, peeled and chopped 1 turnip, peeled and sliced in wheels 1 red beet slice 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin Directions In a small sauce pan combine the…
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Ginger-Beet Cava with Fresh Tarragon Orange Zest
Ingredients 2 orange beets, peeled and chopped 1 sprig of fresh tarragon, a few leaves reserved Juice of 1 orange 1 tablespoon of orange zest ¼ cup sugar ½ cup water Champagne or sparkling wine 1 navel orange for garnish Directions Combine the beets, tarragon, orange juice, zest, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan…
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Apple & Sage Pork Burgers with Caramelized Maple Onions
Serves  4 Ingredients 1 pound ground pork 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, cracked 2 cloves chopped garlic 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped fine 1 medium shallot chopped fine ¼ cup apple, chopped fine 2 medium yellow onions Olive oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup Apple Sliced (thin) Buns Directions…
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Caramelized Citrus & Sage Upside Down Cornmeal Cake
Serves 8-10 Ingredients 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), separated 1 cup sugar 1 lime, sliced thin and slices halved 1 lemon, sliced thin and slices halved 1 mandarin orange, sliced thin and slices halved 12-15 fresh sage leaves ¾ cups cornmeal ¾ cups flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda 3 tablespoons…
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Watermelon Singe
1.5  ounces Jalapeño Infused Tequila* .75  ounce Sweet Cilantro Syrup* 1 ounce  ounces watermelon agua fresca* .5 ounces fresh lime juice Watermelon Slices (thin and round) Sugared Jalapenos* Place all the ingredients except the watermelon slices and sugared jalapenos in a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a coupe or martini style glass.…
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Nectarine and Basil Thirst Quencher
Nectarines are one of my favorite summer fruits and I am always looking for ways to incorporate this perfect summer flavor into more of what I eat and drink. Â Nectarines and basil are a lovely pairing the spicy anise flavor melds perfectly with the perfume sweet nectarine flavor. Â This iced tea is the perfect remedy…
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Black Cherry and Thyme Sun Soother
There is nothing quite as spectacular as the small window of local cherries and this sun soothing iced tea not only delivers the subtle cherry  and thyme flavors but a gentle pick me up of black tea. Ingredients ¼ cup fresh thyme leaves ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped 1 cup turbinado sugar or…
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Indonesian Heat Healer
The herbal flavors of Indonesia for me are the most thirst quenching of all the herbal combinations. There is something amazingly soothing about combining mint, cilantro, thai basil and lemon grass together in a drink! Ingredients 1 cup pineapple core simple syrup* 2 mango black tea, tea bags 2 tablespoons  fresh thai basil leaves 2…
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GREENMARKET GATORADE / HERBAL LEMONADE
Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar (any kind-raw or turbinado or white) 1 tablespoon lemon zest ½ cup lemon juice ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves ¼ cup fresh basil leaves ¼ cup fresh mint leaves ¼ cup fresh lemon thyme leaves ¼ cup fresh sorrel leaves 4-6 cups seltzer water or…
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Ginger and Lemon Thyme Pesto Scones
Makes 6 scones Ingredients 2 teaspoons sugar 2 â…“ cups of flour â…“ teaspoon of baking soda ½ tablespoon of baking powder ¼ cup sugar ¾ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1-inch cubes ¾ cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2…
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Hand Pounded Pesto with Pecorino
Pesto, simply translated means pounded. It is one of the Lingurian regions most prized ingredients and traditionally hand pounded. Today many use food processors or blenders but you can still find devoted traditionalists who hand pound it proving that the taste is still superior with this method due to the increase of released essential oils…
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Cilantro & Roasted Jalapeno Pumpkinseed Pesto with Aged Cheddar & Pickled Red Onions
Makes 2½ cups pesto and 3 cups of pickled onions Ingredients For the Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Jalapeno Pesto 1½ cups fresh cilantro leaves 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon lime zest Juice of 2 limes 3 roasted jalapeños, deseeded, peeled and chopped ½ cup pumpkin seeds 1½ teaspoons salt ¼-½ cup olive oil For the…
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Spring Asparagus & Mint Pesto with Chive Blossoms & Smoked Gouda
Makes 2 ½ cups pesto Ingredients 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed (½ inch off only) and chopped ½ cup fresh mint leaves, stems removed and chopped 2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup raw almonds ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1½ teaspoons salt Baguette Smoked gouda Chive blossoms Directions Place all…
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Strawberry Balsamic Cooler
Ingredients 1 ounce strawberry puree Sweet Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar* Seltzer Directions Pour strawberry puree into glass. Top with seltzer and Sweet Balsamic Vinegar. *Sweet Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar- In a medium sauce pan, combine  ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 smashed strawberries, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (crushed coarsely) and 1 cup…
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Strawberry Cilantro Soda
Ingredients 1 ounce strawberry puree Seltzer Sweet Balsamic Vinegar Directions Pour strawberry puree into a glass. Top with seltzer and Sweet Balsamic Vinegar. *Sweet Cilantro Syrup-In a blender blend ½ cup simple syrup, the juice and zest of 2 limes and 1 cup cilantro leaves to form a pesto-like, smooth substance.
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The Lavender Beet
Ingredients 1 ounces of vodka ½ ounce lillet blanc 1 ounce lavender beet syrup* ¼ ounce fresh orange juice ½ ounce lemon juice Orange Peel Lavender Flower In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lillet, beet syrup and citrus juice and shake gently until the mixture gets cold. Strain into a low ball…
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Fresh Strawberry Black Pepper-Balsamic Cocktail
Ingredients 1 ½ ounce gin 1 ounce fresh strawberry puree 1 ounce lemon juice ¼ ounce basil syrup* 1/2  ounce Sweet Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar* Rose sparkling wine Black Pepper Dried Strawberry (recipe follows) Directions Place the gin, strawberry puree, lemon juice, basil syrup and shrub in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously.…
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Ginger-Thai Rhubarb Tequila Spritzer
Ingredients 1 ½ ounces tequila 1 ounce Ginger Thai Basil Syrup* 1 ounce lime juice Seltzer Basil Sugar Lime Wheels* Brooklyn Hemispherical Rhubarb Bitters Directions Place the tequila, ginger basil syrup and lime juice in a tall Collins glass filled with ice and stir. Fill the glass with seltzer and stir again. Garnish with a…
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Parsley- Mint Lemon Prosecco
Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1 cup mint leaves 1 cup parsley leaves 1 cup sugar 2 cups water ½ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 lemon sliced in rings 1 bottle prosecco Directions In a medium sauce pan, add basil, mint, sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer…
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Rose Sparkler with Sweet Cilantro Syrup
Ingredients 1 ounce strawberry puree Rose sparkling wine Sweet Cilantro Syrup* Directions Place one ounce of pureed strawberries in a champagne flute and fill with rose sparkling wine. Stir and squirt or spoon a little Sweet Cilantro syrup on the top. *Sweet Cilantro Syrup-In a blender blend ½ cup simple syrup, the juice and zest…
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Pickled Ramps
Makes 1 pound of pickled ramps Ingredients 1 cup white vinegar ½ cup dry white wine ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon of each of mustard seeds, coriander, pink peppercorns, fennel seeds ½ teaspoon chili flakes 1 bay leaf 1 sprig of fresh thyme ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves…
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Fresh Carrot Margarita
Ingredients ½ tablespoon lime zest 2 tablespoons smoked alder salt Lime wedge 1½ ounce tequila (Centenario Rosangel) ¾ ounce Cointreau ¾ ounce fresh lime juice ¾ ounce fresh carrot juice Blackberries Mole Bitters (Brooklyn Hemispherical Blackberry Mole)* Directions Mix together the lime zest and the alder salt and place on a small plate. Rub the…
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Ramp Gibson
Ingredients 2 ½ ounces gin (Hendrick’s Gin) ½ ounce pickled ramp brine (from Pickled Ramps recipe) Splash of dry vermouth Ice Pickled Ramps (recipe follows) Directions Shaken: In a shaker combine the gin, vermouth, ramp brine and ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with pickled ramp. Stirred: In a large…
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The Reformed Presbyterian
Makes 1 cocktail Ingredients A few fresh mint leaves 1½ ounces bourbon ¼ ounce Gran Classico ½ ounce lime juice 1 ounce fresh ginger syrup (turbinado sugar) 1 cup sugar 2 ounces seltzer Lime peel & fresh ginger sliver garnish Directions Muddle a few mint leaves in a shaker. Add all other ingredients except for…
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Maple & Meyer Lemon Bourbon Sauce
Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 teaspoons Meyer lemon zest 1 tablespoon corn starch ½  cup Meyer lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup 2 tablespoons Buffalo Trace White Dog Bourbon 1 cup sugar 3 large eggs, beaten Pinch of salt Hemispherical Meyer Lemon Bitters  Directions Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to…
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Bourbon Buttermilk Doughnut Bites
Makes about 20 doughnut bites  Ingredients 2 ½ cups flour ¼ cup almond flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated 1 cup sugar 1 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons Buffalo Trace Bourbon 2 eggs 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon orange zest  Directions Combine all the…
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Honey Ricotta Bourbon Fritter with Dried Fig & Pear Bourbon Sauce
Makes about 25 fritters  Ingredients 1 pound fresh ricotta, drained 3 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup flour 2 tablespoons Buffalo Trace Bourbon Oil for frying Dried Fig & Pear Compote (recipe follows) Directions In a large bowl whisk together the ricotta, eggs, vanilla, sugar, baking powder,…
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Spiced Bourbon Apple Fritters with Bourbon Black Pepper Glaze
Makes about 20 fritters Ingredients  2 cups flour ½ cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated 2 teaspoons cinnamon, freshly grated 1 teaspoon all spice ½ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, chopped fine 2 eggs, beaten ½ cup milk ¼ cup *Buffalo…
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Roasted Grape & Red Onion Kale Farro with Gorgonzola
Serves 4 Ingredients 1 medium red onion, chopped small 2 cups red grapes, halved 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 1 chicken thigh, boneless, skinless, chopped fine (optional) 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly cracked 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons currant vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups purple and Tuscan kale, chopped small 2 cups farro, cooked…
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Fall Fruit Farro Tart
Makes 1 tart, serves 6 to 8 people Ingredients  1 cup farro, cooked 2 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing pie dish 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 4 medium plums, chopped 2 teaspoons cinnamon 3 cups ricotta cheese 2 eggs pinch of salt Freshly grated nutmeg Plums & Rosemary for decorating the top Honey…
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Baked Corn & Wheat Cumin Cilantro Chips
Ingredients 10-12 whole wheat tortillas, cut into 3 inch triangles 12-15 corn tortillas, cut into 3 inch triangles 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted Juice of 1 lime Salt Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut tortillas and place in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl…
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Grilled Chicken Paillard with Nectarine Salsa and Peach BBQ Sauce
Serves 6 Ingredients 4 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless Salt/pepper Peach BBQ Sauce (recipe follows) 2 nectarines, not fully ripe, firm, deseeded and chopped small ½ red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped small 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped small ½ red onion, chopped small 1 serrano chili, deseeded and chopped fine ½ cup…
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Bacon & Maldon Salt Truffles
Makes about 30 truffles Ingredients ½ cup heavy cream ¼ cup bacon, chopped super fine 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped Black Volcanic Salt for dusting Directions In a heavy bottom saucepan, heat the heavy cream and bacon to a simmer, about 3 minutes, using a rubber spatula to scrape the side of…
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Baked Camembert with Thyme and Garlic Toasts and Maple Glazed Grapes
Serves 9-12 Wine Pairing: Rose D’Anjou Ingredients 1 whole small Camembert cheese 2 cloves garlic, sliced thin 2 sprigs fresh thyme Olive oil Salt and black pepper, freshly ground For garlic toasts 1 baguette 1 garlic clove Extra virgin olive oil For grapes 1 large bunch of red seedless grapes, washed and stemmed 6 sprigs…
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Ginger Carrot Wholegrain Pancakes
Makes 6-8 cakes Ingredients 1½ cups whole wheat flour 1½ cups 1% milk ½ cup wheat bran ½ cup carrot puree (cooked & blended carrots) ½ cup buckwheat flour 3 large eggs ¼ cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons lowfat plain yogurt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon grated ginger Directions In a large bowl,…
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Lemon-Chive Aioli
Ingredients 1 clove garlic 1 egg yolk, room temperature 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (or substitute half-vegetable/canola oil and half-olive oil) 1 teaspoon or slightly more fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) Pinch of salt Directions Finely mince and pulverize the garlic clove by smashing against a cutting board with the side of…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Lemony Whole Wheat Chips
Serves 4 Ingredients 10-12 whole wheat tortillas, cut into 3 inch triangles 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon canola oil Juice of 1 lemon Salt Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut tortillas and place in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl mix the parsley, oil, lemon juice and salt, mix well and…
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Roasted Spring Vegetable Salsa and Whole Wheat Chips
Makes 2-3 cups salsa Ingredients 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2 small spring onions, chopped fine ½ cup fennel bulb, chopped fine 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped fine 3 spears of asparagus, chopped fine ½ cup fresh peas ½ cup carrots, chopped fine ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped fine ½ cup fresh…
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Sweet Delicate Friday
Makes one drink Ingredients Ice 1 ounce gin 1 ounce elder flower liquor 1 ounce tarragon ginger syrup (recipe follows) Grapefruit juice (fresh) Fresh ginger slice Directions Fill a medium glass or a wide mouth low glass with ice, pour in the gin and the elderflower liquor. Next add the ginger syrup and fill the…
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Ger-Nis’ Herbal Mint Julep
Makes 1 drink Ingredients Lemon mint brown sugar (recipe follows) 4-5 fresh mint leaves Crushed or shaved ice ½ ounce lemon mint herbal syrup (recipe follows) 2 ½ ounces bourbon (Makers Mark is our preferred choice) Crushed or shaved ice Directions Wet the rim of a old fashioned or low wide mouth glass with a…
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Guatamalan Red Chili Pork Chuchitos (Tamales)
Makes 20 tamales INGREDIENTS For the red chili pork 2 cups water 1 medium tomato, chopped medium 1 red chile, torn into pieces 1 medium yellow onion, chopped medium 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted 1 pound pork butt 1 teaspoon salt 1 fresh bay leaf 2…
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Pa Amb Tomaquet
Serves 10 Ingredients 1 loaf country bread, cut into ½ to ¾ inch slices (preferably from a round loaf) 2 cloves garlic 2 ripe tomatoes Extra-virgin olive oil Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cut bread on a baking sheet and lightly toast the, just until the crumb is somewhat abrasive. Cut the garlic crosswise…
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Tortilla Espanola
Serves 10 Ingredients ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ¼ pounds red bliss potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 8 large eggs Directions Preheat the broiler. Heat ¼ cup of the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet.…
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Preserved Lemon-Mint Chili Chimichurri
Chimichurri originally hails from Argentina and Uruguay. It is a green herb sauce generally used to flavor meats that incorporates vinegar, garlic, and other spices. There are many variations of Chimichurri throughout the world, from Central America to France and Italy. This version adds a bit more depth and brightness with the preserved lemons. An…
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Roasted Red Pepper Cilantro Cumin Seed Hummus
Serves 10 Makes 3 cups Ingredients 2 cups of chick peas, canned or soaked overnight and cooked (reserve ½ cup cooking liquid) 2 cloves garlic, chopped â…“ cup tahini 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil â…“ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 roasted red bell pepper, peeled,…
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Lemon Rosemary Soda
Makes 1 large pitcher Ingredients For lemon rosemary syrup 2 sprigs rosemary 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon zest For soda 2 cups lemon juice 2 cups soda water Ice Directions For lemon rosemary syrup In a small saucepan over medium heat, place all 4 ingredients and warm through until sugar is…
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Tangerine Basil Soda
Makes 1 large pitcher Ingredients For tangerine basil syrup 1 cup basil leaves 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoon tangerine zest For soda 2 cups tangerine juice 2 cups soda water Ice Directions For tangerine basil syrup In a small saucepan over medium heat, place all 4 ingredients and warm through until sugar…
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Milk Infused with Mint
Makes 3 cups Ingredients 3 cups milk 1 cup fresh mint, crumbled between fingers Directions In a medium saucepan, add milk and fresh mint. Heat on simmer, about 5 to 8 minutes. Strain out mint, and discard.
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Chocolate Mint Pudding
Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1½ cups sugar ¼ cup cornstarch 12 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate 3 cups milk (infused with fresh mint, recipe follows) 3 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla Salt Directions In a heavy bottom saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Add chocolate, and melt down, whisking well. In another bowl, beat eggs with milk,…
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Raspberry Lemon Thyme Granita in Herbed Pavlova Cups
Serves 6-8 (Makes 3 cups of granita) Ingredients For pavlovas 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon thyme leaves, chopped 3 egg whites 3 tablespoons cold water 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar For granita 2 cups water 1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼…
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Blackberries with Mint & Honey-Crème Drizzle
Serves 6 Ingredients 3 cups fresh blackberries ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup crème fraiche ¼ cup honey ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped Maldon salt Mint leaves, for garnish Directions Arrange berries in 6 single serving bowls. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, crème fraiche, honey, and mint until thick and creamy. Spoon…
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Strawberry-Basil Galette
Makes 1 large galette Ingredients For the pastry 2½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt ¾ cups (1¾ sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into chunks 1 large egg yolk ½ teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons orange liqueur For the filling: 6 cups strawberries, stems removed and cut in half…
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Thyme Cream
For serving with Rhubarb-Thyme Crisp Makes approximately 1 cup Ingredients 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon orange zest ¾ cup heavy cream Directions Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until thick and creamy.
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Spaghetti with Black Pepper and Pecorino (Cacio e Pepe)
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 1 pound spaghetti 2 teaspoons black peppercorns 1 cup finely grated Pecorino cheese DIRECTIONS Toast peppercorns in a dry small skillet over moderately high heat, swirling skillet, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Coarsely crush peppercorns in a mortar and pestle and set aside. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti…
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Peruvian Ceviche
Ceviche is the national dish of Peru, with records of the dish ranging back over 2000 years. Recipes for ceviche are diverse throughout the world and there is a great deal of argument about where ceviche originated and which country and culture has the “best “recipes. What we know of Peruvian ceviche and Peruvian seafood…
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FRESH GINGER LEMON ICED TEA
Sometimes inspiration is sought, and sometimes inspiration appears before you and you must figure out what to do with it. I like both avenues in which it is delivered. Often the later is challenging, but and can also give witness to some of the best creativity one has to offer. We have recently begun to…
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Beet Stem Cake
“I don’t see why a person couldn’t add a handful of diced pears, cubed apples, you name it – maybe even swiss chard. This recipe is easy to use and creates a cake that tastes of Christmas. It also has worked a treat as a breakfast slice, instead of a granola bar. Somehow I believe…
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September Roasted Plums with Rosemary Cream
A simple decadent dessert, quick to make and hard to forget, using tasty sweet fall plums.
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Late Summer Garden Chicken and Herbed Dumplings
Everyone’s favorite chicken & dumplings gets a big garden boost from late summer goodies in this healthy recipe!
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Sweet Corn Chowder With Roasted Poblano Peppers
This dish is a lovely way to keep corn a staple in our meals even after corns peak season, the corn is not as sweet this time of year, which is why it is delicious in this spicy corn chowder! Don’t worry the corn is still plenty sweet to give the perfect balance of sweet…
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Indian Summer Ratatouille
This version of the traditional fresh Provencal vegetable stew is both easy and tasty as well and utilizes the best of the late summer/early fall bounty!
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Pork Loin And Potatoes With Rosemary, Leeks & Cream
Serves 1-2 INGREDIENTS 1-2 servings pork loin, sliced ¼ medium yellow onion, chopped fine 1 Yukon potato, chopped 1 leek, chopped 3 tablespoons cream Several sprigs rosemary PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400ËšF. Place sliced pork loin on prepared foil. Top with onion, potato, leek, cream, and top with several sprigs of rosemary. Wrap and bake…
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Chicken Breast & Chard with Thyme, Garlic, White Wine & Lemon
Serves 1 – 2 INGREDIENTS 1-2 servings chicken breast, boneless, skinless, sliced Juice of ½ lemon 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine 3 tablespoons white wine 1 cup chard, chopped Several thyme sprigs PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400ËšF. Place sliced chicken breast on prepared foil. Top with juice of ½ lemon, 2 chopped garlic cloves, white…