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Grow Something
Small, and sometimes secret, spaces make the best spots for growing. Acres of fields have their vast beauty, but I have always been drawn to the figs peeking out of a city garden or the potted olive tree. The most flavorful produce is often grown right where you live. It’s hard to get much more fresh than ripe, just-picked tomatoes, and the sweetest, albeit tiniest, strawberries I’ve ever eaten were from a plant I grew at the age of six. Whether you care for a lone berry plant or commit yourself to the summer-long haul of coaxing vegetable vines upward in a narrow yard, find a place to grow something.…
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Green Goddess Buttermilk Vinaigrette
Whether it is the crumb on a muffin or the chile chive drizzle on a piece of freshly grilled fish, I love a good topping. This green goddess buttermilk vinaigrette has become my latest go-to dressing for salads, smoked salmon, and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a healthy and incredibly delicious way to add an extra layer of flavor to a dish, this recipe will not disappoint. Green goddess is traditionally made with mayonnaise and sour cream, but I lightened it up a bit. In the form of buttermilk vinaigrette, the dressing is thicker than a typical oil and vinegar emulsion, but healthy enough that you can use it liberally.…
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Pork Meatballs with Basil and Brioche
Small plates are great for tapas-style entertaining, appetizers, or a lively midweek meal. A menu of savory bites usually includes at least one meat option, and these pork meatballs with basil and brioche pack incredible flavor. With a slight sweetness from the tiny pieces of bread, they also have a freshness that lightens up the pork, thanks to the abundance of basil that is laced throughout each piece. Passing around dishes can break up the dinner routine, turning it into a time to unwind, slow down and share. Whether you are in the mood to relax and cozy up or to spark some conversation, the act of sharing small plates…
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Chile Chive Oil
When I was growing up, cream cheese had one companion – chives. Many, many chives. Bright green and full of flavor, they were delicious confetti. But sometimes I want to add their light, onion flavor to a dish without contributing extra texture or spots of color. Consider corn chowder or lobster bisque. A drizzle of chile chive oil adds herbal onion flavor and a fun, spicy kick that melds beautifully where chopped chives would fall short.
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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.
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