Lemon Balsamic Dressing

  I am always looking for tasty dressings to drizzle atop my garden veggies. I make a mean Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, a lovely Poppy Seed Dressing, a tangy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette and a garlicky Ginger Sesame Dressing. But for the cukes and carrots and one last leftover beet that wound up in this week’s salad, IContinue reading “Lemon Balsamic Dressing”

Arugula Salad

This simple salad is a must-make in the spring and fall when our arugula plants get big and we are looking for ways to enjoy their peppery, spicy crunch. Can you mix arugula with lettuce, spinach, chives, parsley, chicory and endive to make a stellar mixed greens salad? Absolutely. But this dish of straight arugula will surprise you. TheContinue reading “Arugula Salad”

Chicken Piccata

  This lovely dish was our Christmas dinner last year. It was flavorful, but not heavy, fancy but not fussy, with the added advantage of offering a simple chicken tender and pasta option for the pickiest eaters at our table. Serves 6 Ingredients 2 large lemons 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to 1/4 inchContinue reading “Chicken Piccata”

Grilled Spiced Okra

  I’m a subscriber of and sometimes writer for the fantastic food magazine The Local Palate. So I’m always excited when one of their recipes becomes a keeper in my kitchen. This dish took the okra from our garden and turned it into spicy, crispy, Indian-leaning goodness. Inspired by a Local Palate recipe from Chef StevenContinue reading “Grilled Spiced Okra”

Mint Pesto

  Mint grows like a weed, so finding a tasty use for all that herb feels satisfying. Try this twist on traditional pesto alongside lamb kebobs or steak. Slather it on your baked potato or thin it with extra lemon juice and olive oil for a simple salad dressing. I brought my three favorite pestosContinue reading “Mint Pesto”

Carrot Top Pesto

Did you know you could make pesto out of just about anything? Like the tops of carrots or kale leaves or even a weed called purslane? I tried making three kinds of pesto this summer and this was my favorite. I liked it even more than basil pesto. It tastes bright and crisp and lemon-y. The perfectContinue reading “Carrot Top Pesto”