pomodorini e mozzarella ciliegine

IMG_6036

pomodorini e mozzarella ciliegine

Sorry but I really am tired of the Caprese Salad and all its incarnations. Caprese grilled cheese, caprese kabobs, caprese bruschetta, caprese pasta salad, caprese pizza, caprese schmaese. But when I saw a photo of cherry tomatoes paired with cherry-sized mozzarella and edible flowers from a restaurant called “Salt” I just had to make my own version. The idea of the colors alone had me hooked.

After all, there truly is something magical about the classic pairing of tomato and mozzarella and basil. Especially in summer. And of course, with limited ingredients in the dish, the best quality of each component is required. Heirloom cherry tomatoes from the farmers market. Flowers and herbs from my own garden. Balsamic vinegar, gran riserva.  Fresh mozzarella crafted in the Italian style. My favorite fruity olive oil from California Ranch.

Continue reading “pomodorini e mozzarella ciliegine”

It’s The One Dish To Serve With Those Grilled Steaks!

eggplant and garbanzo salad
Grilled Eggplant Topped with a Chickpea Mash
Tomato Cucumber Onion Relish, Tahini Sauce, Mint Garnish

It’s a side dish, it’s a salad, it’s a vegetarian entree. Throw some steaks on the grill and serve them with this fabulous vegetable-bean dish! That’s the whole menu, right there. Smoky grilled eggplant is the base, topped with a terrific warm chickpea mash, a lively colorful relish, and a creamy sauce. It’s one unfussy yet pretty vegetarian platter bursting with flavor, the perfect accompaniment to grilled meat, chicken, or fish…

Continue reading “It’s The One Dish To Serve With Those Grilled Steaks!”

Charred Baby Octopus Salad

grilled baby octopus salad
Charred Baby Octopus, Lemons, Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Chili Peppers
Mixed Lettuces, Lemon Oregano Dressing

Just a few ingredients result in a smashing summer salad. Charred baby octopuses are the star, supported by hot cherry tomatoes that burst in the mouth. Blistered chili peppers satisfy the craving for hot weather piquancy. It all comes together with a lemony dressing flavored with oregano and garlic. Gorgeous colors, interesting textures, bold flavors. This salad makes a great addition to any summer buffet.

how to grill baby octopus

Par-boil the octopodes ahead of time, then this salad can be prepared in just a few minutes on a hot barbecue. A grill basket makes cooking a snap!

grilled baby octopus salad

Exotic. Smoky. Charred. Lemony.

Continue reading “Charred Baby Octopus Salad”

BBQ Oysters – Gochujang Butter, Kimchi, Scallion

BBQ Oyster - Korean Style

BBQ OYSTERS – KOREAN STYLE
Gochujang Butter, Kimchi, Scallion

Let’s not pretend that these BBQ oysters will appeal to everyone. But surprisingly, those who said they were not fans of bivalve molluscs nor fermented cabbage found themselves enjoying several of the Korean Style Oysters hot off the grill. At a recent party, we served Fanny Bay Pacific Oysters boldly dressed with Korean flavors – a spicy rich gochujang butter, complex kimchi, and fresh scallion. And paired with cold Hite lager to get the party has started!

Continue reading “BBQ Oysters – Gochujang Butter, Kimchi, Scallion”

THE BRISKET KID: 10-year-old makes world’s most tender brisket!

the brisket kid

THE BRISKET KID

This kid has helped cook the Passover brisket since he was 4-years-old. Now with six years of experience under his belt, he has delivered 15 lbs. of the most tender, delectable brisket by himself! And I couldn’t be more proud of my nephew, bravo Stone!

Continue reading “THE BRISKET KID: 10-year-old makes world’s most tender brisket!”