Sometimes I just can’t follow a recipe to save my life. Last weekend I set out to make Alanna’s Strawberry Salsa. Then, with additions and substitutions of cinnamon basil, fresh ginger, pineapple and a splash of balsamic vinegar, I had a fresh fruit salsa that was fragrant, tart-sweet, and just a little bit spicy. By adapting a good recipe to the realities of my kitchen at the moment I created my own Sweet Strawberry Salsa.
Lost and Found When I think of summer desserts one of the first recipes that comes to mind is for Sablé of Berries and Soft Cream, attributed to Jacques Pépin in an article I cut from a magazine many years ago. This recipe is simple and yet sublime. It is […]
While the tabletop grill is now history, the Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs turned out to be quite good. The strawberries were warm, tender and delicious glazed in a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. The cake was toasty and slightly crisped. Together they draw a nice conclusion to a casual summer meal.
Pan-Roasted Balsamic Strawberries make an exceptional and simple Strawberry Shortcake. Layer with your favorite cake, scone or biscuit and top with Balsamic Whipped Cream. Honestly, summer desserts can scarcely get any better than this!
Strawberry Shortcake, at its seasonal best, starts with beautifully ripe berries freshly cut and macerated. Layer these on shortcake still slightly warm from the oven. Finally top with cream, cool and just whipped. The subtle play of warm cake against cool cream, of tender berry against crispy crust, of tart fruit bathed in sweet juice, makes a beautifully balanced and expressive dessert.
Rattlesnake Beans lose their distinct markings when cooked. Luckily Heirloom Tomato Vinaigrette makes this dish a stand out all on its own.
Strawberries with Golden Sake Sauce combines sour cream and sake to make an easy, slightly sweet and creamy sauce. Spooned over berries, it is pretty and elegant. It also adds a touch of thoughtful interest to fresh berries creating a beautifully simple dessert.
From the sunny shores of Macedonia comes this recipe for “summertime in a bowl.” Sangria Fruit Salad combines a variety of seasonal fruits and embellishes them with a taste of Spain. Enjoy the sweetness of summer and the expressive flavor of Sangria in this beautiful fresh fruit salad.