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Grilled Nectarine and Arugula Salad with Feta, Pistachios and Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
“Talking of Pleasure, this moment I was writing with one hand, and with the other holding to my Mouth a Nectarine — good God how fine.” – John Keats Smoother than a peach, nectarines are an ideal stone fruit for grilling – no peeling required. Juicy and sweet-tart, they become even more flavorful after a brief turn on the grill pan, with char marks signaling where the natural sugars have caramelized. For a summer salad, I top baby arugula with the grilled wedges. Feta adds lightly salted creaminess, and pistachios lend the right amount of crunch. When nectarines are in season, tomatoes are too, right in a summer garden or…
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Golden Beet Salad with Feta
With their long stems and bright greens, beets lure in quite a few people at the market. They pick them up but then put them down. On their faces I sometimes see the flashbacks to horrible childhood beet experiences, many beginning with the canned red ones. If you have such memories, I recommend the golden variety as the gateway beet that might just make you change your opinion. In contrast to their red counterparts, golden beets are more mellow and slightly sweeter. They perk up with the addition of white wine vinaigrette and feta, making a great lunch salad or side dish. Since beets are filling but won’t leave you…
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Marinated Feta with Pink Peppercorn and Fennel Seed
One of my favorite cocktails combines champagne with pink peppercorn and a few delicious herbal ingredients. With these bright, fresh flavors in mind, I created a marinated feta that is perfect for snacking, topping salads, or accompanying a charcuterie board. The reddish pink berries and sprigs of bright green oregano – reminiscent of holly and winterberry – also make this a great appetizer for Christmas parties and winter celebrations.
