Lima Bean Hummus

Lima Bean Hummus

While in N.C. on vacation, I bought a small tub of lima bean hummus. I believe it was made by Roots, and I went for it because I've never met a lima bean I didn't like. This did not disappoint; on the contrary, it was love at first bite. Spectacular flavor and spice. It was so smooth and made a chip feel fancy and a good sandwich feel all gussied up! This is my attempt to recreate. Delicious!

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie, Version 2

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie, Version 2

This is an insanely good strawberry-rhubarb pie. Instead of using the more traditional lemon juice to add tang and brighten the flavors of the fruit, I've used orange juice and almond extract for a slightly more mysterious taste profile. It's so fantastic that I made a jam with the same elements!

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Strawberry-Cardamom Jam

Strawberry-Cardamom Jam

As many of you know, strawberry jam can be cloying, too sweet to be enjoyed. By and large this is because strawberries have little in the way of natural pectin so you really have to add a lot of sugar to compensate. As well, cooking strawberries seems to concentrate their natural sweetness, adding to the sugary taste factor. To compensate for lack of natural pectin, I added one grated apple per 4 cups of berries and cooked things until thick. What results is a beautiful, richly colored loosely set preserve whose sweetness is perfectly offset by lemon juice, cardamom and the slight tang of the apple. 

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Mustard Greens Provencal

Mustard Greens Provencal

In the midst of winter, I enjoy a warm lunch salad. For this, sturdy greens make a great base. I bought a gleaming bunch of mustard greens recently- they were so fresh and healthy that they appeared to be lit from inside. As I got out my trusty Lodge pan and gently warmed some oil and garlic, I was reminded of another dish that I simply adore: my mom's tomatoes Provencal. At that point I knew I simply had to merge the two ideas into one.

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Nanny’s Cranberry Sauce

Nanny’s Cranberry Sauce

This is another recipe that's come through the generations of my family on my mom's side, and it's a jewel in our crown of goodies. This is the best cranberry sauce I've ever had, and I really mean that. In addition to a "must" at our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, this sauce elevates a turkey sandwich to greater heights, is wonderful with roast pork, with yogurt in the morning, or again, plain for a little treat.

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Em-i-lis’ Green Machine Salad

Em-i-lis’ Green Machine Salad

I've never been a coleslaw fan, but I do like the idea of thinly sliced veggies in a tangy, creamy dressing. The crisp, crunchy freshness of Granny Smith apples, celery and fennel is infinitely pleasing, especially when dressed with a refreshing aioli infused with celery leaves and fennel fronds. This is a great summer salad; hearty enough to be a simple lunch when paired with some great bread and/or some grilled shrimp, or a terrific start to dinner on the patio. 

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