• Heart shaped Valentine's Day cookies
    Baking

    Pistachio Cookies with Chocolate and Strawberry

    Dressed up with white and dark chocolate drizzles plus crushed dried strawberries, these pistachio cookies incorporate the classic trio of Neapolitan dessert flavors.  The cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re in the mood for pistachio plus a little extra, consider adding the drizzle and the naturally bright and tangy bits of strawberry.   The melted chocolate helps the strawberries adhere and lend their vibrant color while keeping the ingredients natural. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, offer a plate of festive homemade cookies instead of traditional chocolates.  Cut them into hearts as seen here or pick another shape that speaks to you or your loved ones on…

  • Grilled nectarine and arugula salad with feta, pistachios, and cherry tomato vinaigrette
    Food

    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…