I love the simplicity of grilled clams. I favor littlenecks, smaller than topnecks, cherrystones and chowder varieties, as I find them to be sweeter in taste. Once cooked, serve them with a drizzle of olive oil and some bread and you’ve got the perfect summer first course or appetizer. Add some grilled vegetables or a green salad to…
SIMPLE CHIMICHURRI
Meet the green sauce you will be making all summer long. Perfect spooned over grilled meats, fish and even vegetables, chimichurri is a versatile herb condiment that can also double as a marinade. Try it on cooked pasta, too! Chimichurri is best when it is fresh but can be made ahead and refrigerated up to…
PAPPA AL POMODORO
While most of us associate sun-ripened tomatoes with warm, summer days, I think they are best enjoyed in September. Pappa al Pomodoro, a Tuscan peasant soup made traditionally with tomatoes and stale bread, is a perfect meal for a cooler night. Part of my tomatoes and bread collection, I use croutons in place of stale bread, simmered with…
RASPBERRY COMPOTE
Once cooled and stored in the refrigerator, this compote will last up to three days. It’s excellent on toast for breakfast. Raspberry Compote makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 pint fresh raspberries, about 12 ounces 1/4 cup granulated sugar Rinse raspberries well and drain. Combine half of the berries with the sugar in a small saucepan…
JALAPEÑO PESTO
There’s no need to fire up the grill for just one jalapeño. The next time you grill dinner throw a jalapeño on and let it char while the rest of your food cooks. Covered in plastic wrap, the cooked pepper will store well in the refrigerator for 3 days. I have very sensitive skin and…
THREE WAYS: TOMATOES AND BREAD
Here are three easy, summery sides using two Summer Basic Recipes. The perfect combination of summer tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic make a winning Simple Tomato Salad. Add crisp Simple Croutons and you’ve built a dish for an al-fresco dinner, impromptu summer meal with friends or a savory brunch side. Panzanella Combine Simple Tomato Salad and Simple Croutons in a large bowl. Taste…
SIMPLE TOMATO SALAD
This salad is one of the easiest dishes you can make all summer. No cooking is required. It’s delicious on its own but if you’d like to dress it up for entertaining add a platter of grilled baguette slices and some fresh mozzarella with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Simple Tomato Salad makes about 6…
GRILLED CORN
The quintessential summer side dish, simple grilled corn is the perfect accompaniment to any warm weather meal. Fresh from the market you can eat corn on the cob raw and it’s delicious. I occasionally grill it for deeper flavor. While grilling the ears don’t focus so much on making sure it’s “done” but rather cook…
GRILLED SAUSAGES
Grilled sausages are my favorite protein to make in the summer. They sear quickly on the grill and it’s easy to cook a large batch for a crowd. It’s fun to do a mixed grill of different varieties of sausage, from pork to chicken and sweet to spicy. Grilled Sausages serves 4 Ingredients 2 pounds…
CRATE COOKING: SUMMER
Basic Crate Here are my Basic Crate items for Summer. Beginning with these ingredients you can create dozens of meals once adding seasonal produce. Think of the Basic Crate as a foundation for making perfectly simple food. Baguette Butter, Unsalted Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella Cream, Heavy Eggs Gnocchi Lemons Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Peppercorns Ribs, Baby…