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Apricot Baklava
Serves 6 Ingredients 1 cup walnuts, chopped fine 1 cup apricots, chopped fine ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla 2 cups apricot syrup (recipe follows) 1 package whole-wheat Phyllo pastry (white can be substituted) 1 stick butter, unsalted and melted Directions Pre-heat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, mix…
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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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Basil Lime Sodas & Herbal Melon Ice Cubes
Makes 1 soda Ingredients Herbal melon ice cubes Juice of 1 lime 2 ounces basil lime syrup Soda water Melon ball ice cubes Directions Squeeze the juice of 1 lime into a large glass filled with herbal melon ice cubes. Place 2 ounces of the basil lime syrup inside and fill with soda water and…
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Stone Fruit Herbal Sodas
Makes 1 soda Ingredients Ice 2 ounces herbal stone fruit syrup of choice Soda water Stone fruit garnish of choice Directions Pour two ounces of the stone fruit herbal syrup on a large glass filled with ice. Fill with soda water and stir. Add more syrup for added sweetness, stir and garnish with a piece…
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Nectarine Mint Syrup
Makes 2 cups Ingredients ½ cup mint ½ cup sugar 1 cup water 1 ripe nectarine, pitted and chopped Directions Combine the mint, sugar, water and nectarine 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.
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Rosemary Plum Syrup
Makes 2 cups Ingredients 3 tablespoons rosemary leaves ½ cup sugar 1 cup water 2 ripe plums, pitted and chopped Directions Combine the rosemary, sugar, water and plums 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.
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Tarragon Peach Syrup
Makes 2 cups Ingredients 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves only ½ cup sugar 1 cup water 1 ripe peach, pitted and chopped Directions Combine the tarragon, 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…
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Herbal Lemony Iced Tea (Italian Style with Prosecco)
Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients 1 cup basil 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, parsley, sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer…
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Lavender Lemonade
Makes ½ Gallon Ingredients 1 cup lavender lemon sugar syrup, recipe below (see note*) 1 cup lemon juice (10 to 12 big juicy lemons) 1 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers 5 cups water 2 cups sparkling water Directions In a one gallon pitcher combine lavender lemon sugar syrup, lemon juice, lavender flowers, water, and sparkling water,…
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Prosecco with Lovage Syrup
Ingredients ½ cup lovage leaves and more for garnish 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Sparkling wine Lemon peel Directions Place water, sugar and lovage leaves in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few more minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool. Strain through…
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Watermelon Rind Pickles
Makes a large batch of pickles Ingredients Seedless red watermelon rind with a touch of red flesh left on (entire watermelon) 1 cup salt 1 teaspoon alum powder (pickling preservative for crispness/totally optional) 1 quart cold water 3 cups white distilled vinegar 2 cinnamon sticks 15 cloves 3 cups sugar Directions In a large mixing…
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Black Cherry Ice Cream
Makes 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups heavy cream, whipped to thick consistency 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cups ripe black cherries halved Directions Make sure the heavy cream is whipped to a thick consistency and mix in sugar and lemon juice and fold in cherries. Freeze by using an ice cream maker…
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Almond, Black Cherry Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Sandwich
Makes 6 sandwiches Ingredients 12 Almond cookies 1 cup Black Cherry Ice Cream 9 ounces bitter sweet dark Chocolate Directions Place a scoop of ice cream on a almond cookie and place another cookie on top, squeeze down to make a sandwich. Place in freezer on a lined baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.…
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Blackberry Lemon Thyme Sorbet
Makes about 5 cups Ingredients 2 cups water 2 cups sugar ½ cups fresh lemon thyme leaves 2 cups fresh blackberries Zest and juice of 1 lemon ½ cup heavy cream Directions Make simple syrup in a medium saucepan by combining the sugar and water and lemon thyme. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves,…
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Local New York Blackberry Jam
Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 cups fresh blackberries 1 cup sugar 3 fresh bay leaves 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest ½ cup red 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…
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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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Natural Cola
Makes many colas Ingredients 3-4 cloves 1 cup molasses 2 cinnamon sticks ½ cup sugar ½ cup water Seltzer water Directions In a sauce pan combine cloves and molasses and simmer for about eight minutes, take off heat and cool, discard cloves. At the same time combine the cinnamon sticks, water and sugar and bring…
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Raspberry Buttermilk Gelato
Makes 3 cups Ingredients 1 vanilla bean, halved and scraped 1 tablespoon cornstarch ¾ turbinado or raw unprocessed sugar 2 cups buttermilk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup raspberries, pureed Directions In a medium sauce pan combine the sugar and corn starch on medium heat and whisk in the buttermilk and the cream, whisking continuously…
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Watermelon Lime & Mint Granita
Makes 3 cups Ingredients ½ cup sugar ½ cup water ½ cup fresh mint leaves Juice and zest of 2 limes 2 cups watermelon Directions In a blender place all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a low metal dish with sides and freeze. After the first hour, using a fork, scrape puree…
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Blueberry & Lemon Thyme Sorbet
Makes about 5 cups Ingredients 2 cups water 2 cups sugar ½ cups fresh lemon thyme leaves 2 cups fresh blueberries Zest and juice of 1 lemon ½ cup heavy cream Directions Make simple syrup in a medium saucepan by combining the sugar and water and lemon thyme. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves,…
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Tarragon Peach Ice Cream
Makes about 3 cups Ingredients 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup sugar 4 egg yolks, beaten 3 large ripe peaches pitted and peeled and pureed or mashed (¼ cup reserved for nectar) 1 cup tarragon peach nectar (recipe follows) 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped Directions In a heavy saucepan on medium heat, heat the cream…
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Lavender Lemon Sugar Syrup
Ingredients 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2 tablespoons lemon zest ½ cup fresh lavender flowers or 2 tablespoons dried Directions In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, add sugar, water, lemon zest and lavender flowers warm through until sugar is dissolved. Take syrup off heat and let cool until ready to use. *Note: If…
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Tomato Macaroons with Lemon Olive Oil Savory Buttercream
Makes 1 dozen macaroons For the outer shells… 1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup almonds, finely ground (grind in spice grinder or use almond flour) 3 egg whites (stored at room temperature for 6 hours prior) Pinch of salt ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons tomato powder (recipe follows) 1 tablespoon dried basil For the lemon…
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Blueberry Macaroons with Lemon Buttercream
Makes 1 dozen macaroons Ingredients For the outer shells… 1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup almonds, finely ground (grind in spice grinder or use almond flour) 3 egg whites (stored at room temperature for 6 hours prior) Pinch of salt ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons condensed blueberry puree 1 tablespoon minced dried blueberries For the…
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White Chocolate Lavender Peach Macaroons
Makes 1 dozen macaroons Ingredients For the outer shells… 1 cup powdered sugar ¼ cup almonds, finely ground (grind in spice grinder or use almond flour) 3 egg whites (stored at room temperature for 6 hours prior) Pinch of salt ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons white cocoa powder 2 tablespoons crushed dried lavender flowers For…
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Strawberry Basil Cream Macaroons with Sugar Fried Basil Leaves
Makes 1 dozen macaroons Ingredients For the outer shells… ¾ cup powdered sugar ¾ cup almonds, finely ground (grind in spice grinder or use almond flour) 3 egg whites (stored at room temperature for 6 hours prior) Pinch of salt ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons condensed strawberry puree For the basil cream 1 cup basil…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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)
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Arroz con Coco
Serves 6 Ingredients 2 cups long white rice 2 cups coconut milk 2 cups water 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt Directions Combine all the ingredients into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling cover and reduce to a low temperature. Simmer covered for about 20 minutes and then…
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Orange Sherbet
Makes 4 cups Ingredients 1 cup fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups whole milk Directions In a blender blend up all ingredients until smooth. Process in an ice cream maker using the manufacturer’s directions.
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Frozen Beet Orange Sherbet Sandwiches
Makes 6 sandwiches Ingredients 2 medium red beets, trimmed peeled and sliced 1 navel orange ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup fresh tarragon leaves Orange sherbet (recipe follows) Directions In a medium saucepan placed sliced beets, juice and zest of the orange, sugar and tarragon and heat to a low boil stirring gently. Cook beets for…
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Basil Ice Cream
Makes 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups whole milk ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped ½ cup sugar 4 egg yolks 1 cup heavy cream Salt Directions In a medium sauce pan combine milk, sugar and basil leaves and bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes allowing basil to infuse,…
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Garden Tomato, Bacon and Basil Ice Cream Sandwiches
Makes 6 sandwiches Ingredients 2 tomatoes on the vine, sliced about ¼ inch thick Basil ice cream (recipe follows) 6 bacon slices, cooked Directions On a baking sheet lines with parchment paper, freeze the tomato slices. Place a spoonful or two of the basil ice cream on top of a tomato slice and smash down…
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Ginger Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Makes 4 cups Ingredients 1 cup cream cheese 1½ cup whole milk ¾ cup sugar 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoons orange zest 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Pinch of salt ½ cup heavy cream Directions In a blender, blend cream cheese, whole milk, sugar, orange juice and zest, nutmeg…
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Greek Style Baklava
Serves 6-8 Ingredients For the filling 1 cup walnuts, chopped fine ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla For the pastry 1 package phyllo pastry 1 stick butter, unsalted and melted For the syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cinnamon sticks ½ cup tablespoons honey…
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Santorini Dried Tomatoes
Makes 1 pound of dried tomatoes Ingredients Olive oil 1 pound Santorini tomatoes (or very good quality cherry tomatoes), sliced in half 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped Directions Preheat the oven to 170°F. On a greased or lined baking sheet,…
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Herbal Ouzo Lemonade
Makes one pitcher of lemonade Ingredients ½ cup fresh tarragon leaves, 1 tablespoon reserved ½ cup fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon reserved ½ cup fresh thai basil leaves, 1 tablespoon reserved 1⁄3 cup water 1⁄3 cup sugar 1 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup simple syrup 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1½ cups ouzo Ice Directions…
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Minted Iced Cocoa
Makes 4 iced cocoas Ingredients 4 cups skim milk ½ cup fresh mint leaves ¼ cup sugar 4 ounces dark chocolate Directions In a medium sauce pan combine the milk, mint leaves and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Remove mint leaves and add dark…
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Strawberry Basil Fizzy
Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped fine ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped fine ½ cup sugar, chopped fine ½ cup water Zest of 1 lime or lemon Juice of 1 lime or lemon 2 cups ice Seltzer water Directions In a small saucepan combine strawberries, basil sugar and water and bring…
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Horracha de Arroz con Mango (Mango Rice Milk)
Makes 12 drinks Ingredients 2 cups rice 6 cups water 1 cup mango puree ¾ cup sugar 2 teaspoons freshly grated cinnamon 1 fresh vanilla bean Directions Soak the rice overnight in the six cups of water. In batches in a blender blend the rice and water mixture until smooth about 2-3 minutes. With a…
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Cinnamon Basil Syrup
Makes 1 cup syrup Ingredients ½ cup to 2 cups sugar ½ cup to 2 cups water ½ cup fresh cinnamon basil leaves Directions Place water, sugar and cinnamon basil leaves in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for a few more minutes. Take off heat and…
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Lemon-Mint Brown Sugar
Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated 1 tablespoon mint, chopped superfine ¾ cup light brown sugar, fine Directions Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!
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Mint Ice Cream with Fresh Orange-Beet Swirls
Makes 5 cups INGREDIENTS 2 cups 2% milk 2 cups half and half 1 cup sugar 2 cups fresh mint, chopped 10 egg yolks 1 medium red beet, cooked and peeled and cubed ½ cup orange juice ½ cup sugar DIRECTIONS In a heavy bottomed saucepan bring the milk, half and half, sugar and mint…
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Herbal Simple Syrup
Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup sugar (any type of sugar will work) 1 cup water 1 cup fresh herbs leaves & stems Directions Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes depending on how potent you wish the syrup to…
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Ramptini
Makes one cocktail INGREDIENTS 2 ounces gin 1 ounce dry vermouth ½ ounce pickled ramp juice Ice Pickled ramps (recipe follows) DIRECTIONS Shaken: In a shaker combine the gin, vermouth, and ramp juice and ice, shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with pickled ramp. Stirred: In a large glass filled with ice,…
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Mango Mint Sorbet
INGREDIENTS 2 cups water 2 cups sugar ½ cups chopped mint 2 cups fresh mango, peeled, deseeded and chopped Zest and juice of 1 lime ¼ cup heavy cream DIRECTIONS Make simple syrup in a medium saucepan by combining the sugar and water and chopped mint. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, simmer for…
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Cactus Fruit (Prickly Pear) Cilantro Lime Tequila Coolers
Makes 1 cocktail INGREDIENTS 1½ ounce tequila blanca 1½ ounce Grand Marnier 1 ounce cactus fruit syrup (recipe follows) 1 ounce agave syrup 1 ounce lime syrup (recipe follows) DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients into a strainer filled with ice, shake vigorously. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Serve over ice garnish with a lime wedge and…
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Tarragon Beet Salad
Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 1 cup mixed baby lettuces 2 medium beets, cooked, trimmed and sliced 1 red grapefruit, peeled, pitted and segmented 1 navel or cara orange, peeled, pitted and segmented 1 small shallot, chopped fine ¼ cup champagne vinegar ¼ cup fresh tarragon, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 3 tablespoons almond oil Juice…
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Sundried Tomato & Herb Chicken Sausage Pizzas
Makes 3 10-inch pizzas INGREDIENTS 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken breasts, cubed ½ pound pork fat, cubed (optional) 2 cloves garlic, chopped ½ medium yellow onion, chopped 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped fine 2 tablespoons salt Casings, of your choice Canola or olive…
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Pecan Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Makes 1 8×12 cake INGREDIENTS For the streusel 1⁄3 cup all purpose flour ½ cup packed light brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, cold and cut into pieces 1 cup pecans, chopped For the coffee cake 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, softened ½ cup packed light brown sugar ½ cup sugar…
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Cardamom Dried Cherry Crumb Cake Bars
Makes 12 bars INGREDIENTS For the crumb topping ½ cup all purpose flour ½ cup walnuts, chopped 1⁄3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon grated orange zest ½ teaspoon instant espresso ½ teaspoon ground cardamom 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, cut into pieces For the cake 2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon…
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Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Makes 1 Bundt Cake INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 12⁄3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon confectioners’…
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Fresh Mint Ice Cream
Makes 4 cups INGREDIENTS 2 cups 2% milk 2 cups half and half 1 cup sugar 2 cups fresh mint, chopped 10 egg yolks DIRECTIONS In a heavy bottomed saucepan bring the milk, half and half, sugar, and mint to a boil and reduce heat immediately, and simmer for about 10 minutes stirring gently, allowing…
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Buttermilk Pie
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons flour 1 cup sugar 2 cups buttermilk ¼ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled 3 eggs, separated DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix flour and sugar together. In a separate bowl, beat yolks until light, and then add to sugar mixture. Add to buttermilk, along with melted butter (slightly cooled…
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Southern-Style Collard Greens
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS Smoked ham hock (optional) 2 bunches fresh young collards, washed free of any grit 1 onion, chopped medium 1 tablespoon bacon grease or vegetable oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 red chili pepper, or ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper ½ cup water, plus more as…
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Cucumber and Onion Salad
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS 2 long regular or English cucumbers 2 Vidalia or other sweet onions 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar A pinch of fresh black pepper or crushed red pepper ¼ cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, mint, basil, or tarragon DIRECTIONS Slice the cucumbers and onions as thin…
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Buttermilk Biscuits
Makes approximately 30 INGREDIENTS 2¼ cups sifted cake flour, or 2 cups sifted all purpose flour, plus more for your work surface and hands 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons cold unsalted butter, cut into several pieces 2 tablespoons cold lard or vegetable shortening, cut into…
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Sweet Vanilla Dried Strawberries
Makes 1 cup dried fruit Ingredients 2 cups strawberries, destemmed and sliced thin 3 tablespoons sugar 1 vanilla bean, scraped (bean discarded) Directions Preheat oven to 225°F. Mix vanilla bean scraping with sugar in a small bowl. Lay on top of prepared strawberries, and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in oven…
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Apéritif de Lillet Cannelle Basilic
Makes 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 ounce cucumber infused gin 2 ounces lillet blanc ½ ounce blood orange juice ½ ounce cinnamon basil syrup Garnish with cucumbers marinated in cinnamon basil and lillet blanc Cinnamon basil leaves for garnish Directions In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lillet, blood orange juice and cinamon basil syrup.…
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Ginger Whipped Cream
Makes approximately 1 cup INGREDIENTS 1½ cups heavy cream, chilled A ½” piece of ginger, peeled and grated 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, add cream, and whip until soft peaks form. Add ginger, sugar, and vanilla, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Serve with lime pie.
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Quick Preserved Lemons
Makes 4 cups INGREDIENTS 10 lemons, scrubbed of wax 2 tablespoon kosher salt 4 tablespoons sugar DIRECTIONS Slice lemons, including peel, removing as many seeds as possible. Put the lemons and their juice in a bowl, and sprinkle with the salt and sugar. Toss well, and transfer to a jar. Let the mixture sit for…
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Persian Lime-Ginger Soda
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS 2 cups lime juice, freshly squeezed 1½ cups sugar 1 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced Ice Soda water DIRECTIONS In a small saucepan over medium heat, add lime juice, sugar, and ginger, and warm until sugar is dissolved and syrup is infused with ginger. Strain, and cool. To serve, fill…
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Grapefruit Tarragon Soda
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS ½ cup water 1 cup sugar 2 fresh tarragon sprigs 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice Ice Soda water DIRECTIONS In a small saucepan over medium heat, add water, sugar, and tarragon, and warm until sugar is dissolved and syrup is infused with tarragon. Strain syrup and cool. Once chilled, add tarragon syrup…
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Shrimp with Sweet Basil, Purple Eggplant and Peppers
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons soy sauce A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped fine 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 tablespoons canola or peanut oil 1 purple eggplant, cubed 1 red bell pepper, chopped ½ cup water 1 small chili, chopped fine 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 2…
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Chicken and Cashews
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 2 pieces skinless boneless chicken thighs, sliced thin ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons canola or peanut oil 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 small green chili, chopped fine 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped fine 3 scallions, sliced thin (separate…
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Sichuan-Style Green Beans
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS ½ cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons mirin 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil 2 teaspoons black soy sauce 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1½ pounds green beans, trimmed 2 tablespoons canola or peanut oil 2 scallions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 small chili, sliced thin DIRECTIONS…
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Chocolate Guinness Cake with Irish Cream Frosting
Serves 12 INGREDIENTS For the cake 2 cups Guinness 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder 4 cups all purpose flour 4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking soda 1½ teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 11⁄3 cups sour cream For the icing 2 cups cream cheese, softened ½ cup (1 stick) butter,…
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Puff Pastry Pear Tart
Serves 8 INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup sugar in the raw ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, quartered and sliced thin ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut in cubes Juice and zest of 1 lemon DIRECTIONS Preheat…
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Cactus Fruit (Prickly Pear) Lime Tequila Coolers
Makes 1 cocktail INGREDIENTS 1½ ounce tequila blanca 1½ ounce Grand Marnier 1 ounce cactus fruit syrup (recipe follows) 1 ounce agave syrup 1 ounce lime syrup (recipe follows) DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients into a strainer filled with ice, shake vigorously. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Serve over ice garnish with a lime wedge. Cactus…
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Ger-Nis Chai & Mango Bubble Teas
Makes 1 drink INGREDIENTS ¼ strong black tea ¼ cup cooked tapioca pearls ¼ fresh mango syrup or Chai syrup (recipes follow) ¼ cup coconut milk Crushed ice DIRECTIONS Make black tea and allow to cool. Allow to cool in the refrigerator. In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil on…
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Caramel Almond Pear Tart
Makes 1 long rectangular tart INGREDIENTS For pie dough 1 sweet pie dough recipe 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated 1 teaspoon cinnamon For filling 1½ cups sugar ½ cup pear juice ½ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup almonds, chopped 2 Bosc…
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Pumpkin Tart with Maple Sage Crust and Cnadied Sage Leaves
Makes 1 tart, serves 6 to 8 people INGREDIENTS For pie dough 1 sweet pie dough recipe 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped 1 tablespoon maple syrup For filling 1½ cup pumpkin, cooked ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 pinch cloves, ground 1 pinch salt 3 eggs, beaten…
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Savory Pie Dough (Pate Brisée)
Makes 1 large pie crust or two tart shells Ingredients 2½ cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water Directions In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and salt. Cut in butter with two forks or a pastry…
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Sweet Pie Dough (Pate Sucrée)
Makes 1 pie crust or tart shell large or 8 tartlets Ingredients 1½ cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes 1 egg yolk 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water Directions In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Next, cut in butter with a pastry…
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Caramelized Banana Tartlets with Chocolate Port Sauce
Serves 8-10 INGREDIENTS ½ cup raw hazelnuts 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon melted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 bananas, sliced in rounds about ½ inch thick 1 package puff pastry, thawed 4 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons light brown…