I love the simplicity of this salad. The quality of the vegetables in this salad is important because it is so simple and finished only with some olive oil, mint, salt and pepper. You can dress this dish up by using a variety of radishes, such as Easter egg, watermelon, breakfast or even black radishes….
PEA AND PROSCIUTTO CROSTINI WITH RADISHES AND RICOTTA
This is actually a recipe for two simple spring appetizers that complement each other well. I’m going to make a bold statement: these crostini are likely to be one of the best appetizers you’ll have this spring. I built this site about a year ago beginning with a few recipes pairing peas and prosciutto and revisited…
VINAIGRETTE POTATO SALAD
I’m a big fan of vinaigrettes. They are easy to make and you can use the same recipe so many different ways in the kitchen. I start with an acid, whether it be lemon juice or vinegar, season with salt and pepper, whisk in oil then add something extra like a fresh herb or grated…
SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN
A simple roast chicken is one of the best recipes you can have in your cooking repertoire. This chicken has minimal ingredients and turns out perfect and crispy each time. A hot oven and heavy skillet are essential for consistent results. I use a dial oven thermometer to make sure my oven is at the correct temperature. Cast…
SPRING APPETIZER BOARD
Perfect for spring entertaining, this fresh and easy appetizer board is great to enjoy with cocktails or on it’s own as a light lunch. You can prepare the ricotta, purée and eggs three days in advance as well as the vegetables. When you’re ready to serve, slice the baguette and arrange everything on a large…
PEA AND PROSCIUTTO PASTA WITH RICOTTA
While you could easily add bacon or pancetta to this pasta I like the deep, salty flavor of crispy prosciutto as it pairs nicely with the creamy ricotta. After a quick sear in the skillet the prosciutto becomes very lean and easily crumbles. Prosciutto can come with a hefty price tag but a little goes…
ASPARAGUS FRITTATA
Blanching is one of my favorite ways to prepare spring vegetables. Briefly cooked in salted, boiling water and then shocked in an ice water bath, the food tastes clean. Salt – my favorite ingredient – is what brings out the natural flavor. Have your ice bath prepared before you begin cooking the asparagus. INGREDIENTS 2…
SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN WITH VINAIGRETTE POTATO SALAD
A simple roast chicken is one of the best recipes you can have in your cooking repertoire. This chicken has minimal ingredients and turns out perfect and crispy each time. A hot oven and heavy skillet are essential for consistent results. I use a dial oven thermometer to make sure my oven is at the…
PEA SOUP WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CROUTONS
I’m always amazed at how bright and green this soup turns out. It’s delicious hot or cold, making it great for a spring picnic. Frozen green peas are excellent, too, when fresh are not in season. Double the recipe and freeze some for a rainy day. While it’s great plain and simple, I like to…
SPRING PANZANELLA
Easier than poached and far prettier than hard boiled, these non-fussy, six-minute eggs are my favorite. The white is firm and set while the yolk is slightly runny and adds a bit of creaminess to each panzanella bite. The eggs can be cooked and peeled three days in advance, as long as they’re stored in…