Seasonal recipes and a dash of science.
Tapioca cheese bread bites with butternut squash and shallots are an easy version of Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) with a California fresh and seasonal flair. Perfect for pairing with wine from Suisun Valley Filling Station for your holiday party appetizers. Today’s dash of science: Tapioca starch – what is it and how to use it.
Mini peppers stuffed with ricotta, shallots and fresh oregano are a tasty appetizer for late summer or early autumn. Also great with other sweet peppers if you can find them, like habanadas – the capsaicin-less (non-spicy) version of habeneros.
This sweet corn tomato gazpacho is a quick, no cook, gluten free, and vegan soup appetizer or light meal. So easy to make ahead and store in the fridge for later.
These savory plum and goat cheese tarts are a great summer appetizer, including a spiced plum jam swirled with mild, whipped goat cheese blend in a nutty pastry case. Beautifully highlighted by a bit of mint and a drizzle of aromatic olive oil.
Fresh tomatoes and cucumber highlight these chicken lettuce wraps with Asiatic flavours. Perfect for summer appetizers or eat several as a light meal.
A white nectarine salsa with a subtle sweetness, earthy flavours and just a hint of spice. Excellent with fresh tortilla chips or served on chicken or fish.
Fresh fava beans marinated with dill and caraway make for a great recipe to add to your next mezze platter or cheese board. Like peas, fava beans are one of the things I planted in the garden this year that are doing well for once. Not many, but some. I also get a lot of them during the spring from our local farm stands. I typically use them in salads or as part of a sauté, but I wanted to offer something different for a change and with this heat I’ve been eating a lot of cold vegetables for supper.…Continue Reading
A chutney with fresh strawberries, herbal cilantro, and a hint of spice from ginger and white pepper. Perfect for a spring cheese or charcuterie board or just to have on toasty as a savoury alternative to jam.
A versatile sauce made from any leftover greens you have, with a hint of garlic and spring onion. Good as a dip or a spread!
Braised lamb spiced with coffee and paprika on polenta rounds makes for tasty appetizers (or when you’re making a meal of small bites).