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Labor Day Celebration Ideas
We have weeks of summer left, yet Labor Day signals a return of sorts. Little ones get tucked into their fluffy beds a bit earlier. Colleagues come back from their last beach vacation and quicken the pace of work. Even sunlight itself, which seemed endless some days, is meeting the streetlights while we watch. If summer is about ripening berries, September is about the few left to find, making Labor Day celebrations a time to savor what we cherish most about the season. As you entertain family and friends, or take a moment to relax, here are my tips on how to make the most of the holiday. Serve and…
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Broccolini in Sweet and Sour Sauce
While its name suggests that it’s a diminutive form of a common vegetable, broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and the Chinese vegetable gai lan. With longer stalks and smaller florets, broccolini takes a more delicate shape on the dinner plate than broccoli, yet has a robust flavor that stands up well to a sweet and sour sauce with a bit of spiciness. On its own, this recipe makes a hearty vegetarian dish, and when served as a side, it never seems like an afterthought. In place of the refined sugar and ketchup that often make their way into sweet and sour sauce, I rely on honey, tamarind, tomato paste,…
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Potato Gnocchi
Pillowy potato gnocchi pan-seared in butter and garlic sauce, maybe even tossed with some wilted spinach, may be one of the simplest yet most satisfying dinners. Yes, it takes a little work to prep these Italian dumplings, but the rewards are great enough to attempt this dish on your own. Homemade gnocchi are nothing like their store-bought counterparts, which often have very little potato flavor. Once you get the hang of it, I think you’ll be craving these on the regular. Ingredients 2 pounds russet potatoes 2 egg yolks ¾ teaspoon salt ¾ cup flour (plus more for shaping the dough and dusting the counter) Even if you’re hesitant about…
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Pink Pepper Berry
When you’re in the mood for refreshing berry flavor with a hint of spice, turn to the Pink Pepper Berry, which can be made as a non-alcoholic drink or cocktail. Unlike other peppercorns, the pink variety are actually berries, making them a fitting addition in the form of an infused simple syrup. Fresh strawberry puree lends the majority of the berry flavor, with tarragon and a squeeze of lime adding the right balance. Since friends and family who don’t imbibe aren’t often treated to individual pours, break out a set of bar tools to make the scene festive. Just keep track of which set is for which version. If you…
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Tiny Fruit
If you’ve been reading and cooking along with me, you may have noticed the painting that squiggles its way between Thirsty and Radish at the top the page. The inspiration for the Thirsty Radish name, it encapsulates a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen. While that painting is larger than it appears, often I paint tiny fruit. These little rough-edged creations make their way to notes that I write, having no other purpose than brightening the day for the recipient. Once in a while, I plan to share a tiny fruit to brighten your day and let you know how much I cherish our community of…
