A few years ago, on a family trip to Italy, we had an amazing meal prepared by a local chef that included handmade ravioli with a zucchini mint pesto sauce. It was one of the culinary highlights of the trip for me. I asked the chef how it was made, but my lack of Italian and his lack of English didin’t make for very good instructions. I have wanted to recreate that dish since … [Read more...] about Zucchini Pasta Bake with Mint Pesto
Vegetables
Radishes with Browned Butter Spread
I think radishes are absolutely gorgeous and I love it when they start to appear at the farmers market. Beautiful red and pink and pale purple Easter egg radishes, long ombre breakfast radishes, simply orbs of bright red. But to be honest, I’ve never really known what to do with them besides slice them for a salad. I’ve been so tempted by their beauty that I searched out … [Read more...] about Radishes with Browned Butter Spread
Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing
Fresh spring asparagus I such a lovely thing to serve at an Easter brunch, or any spring occasion really. It can easily be made ahead, it’s hugely adaptable, plus, it always looks so pretty on the table. I have several lovely oblong dishes that seem made for asparagus, and I love asparagus serving tongs. So I am always looking for a pretty and unique way to serve a pile of … [Read more...] about Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing
Red Onion, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
I love a savory tart. I just find them so versatile. They make a perfect lunch with a salad, or a homey dinner with a bowl of soup, or an elegant starter at a dinner party. They are a great thing to take to someone who needs a meal and are great eaten warm out of the oven or at room temperature, so leftovers are useful as well. Of course, the French-style Quiche Lorraine is the … [Read more...] about Red Onion, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
Creamy Roasted Onion Soup
I absolutely love soup, particularly during the grey days of winter. For me it can be a meal in itself, a side for a sandwich or salad or a starter. Soup is also a great pantry and fridge cleaner, because even the humblest ingredients can be transformed into something special, with a minimum of effort. This recipe is a perfect example, as it was born from an excess of … [Read more...] about Creamy Roasted Onion Soup
