When I first started this blog, I was a little afraid of yeast. I hadn’t had much success with bread baking and I was a little too lazy to deal with kneading and shaping. But over the years, as I have learned more and spent more time in the kitchen, I have largely conquered my fear of fresh baked bread. I even branch out to make specialty loaves, like Butternut … [Read more...] about Fresh Tomato Basil Bread
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Summer Caprese Chicken Salad
The tomato-mozzarella-basil caprese salad is a true summer staple. When tomatoes are at their juiciest best, it is a joy to serve them with as little fuss as possible. The pairing of tomatoes and mozzarella is deliciously simple, creamy and fresh classic. I’ve taken the idea of the caprese in a lot of directions to maximize this lovely flavor combination, so it’s no wonder I … [Read more...] about Summer Caprese Chicken Salad
Farro and Herb Minestrone
There are one million and one delicious versions of an Italian style bean soup that it is almost impossible to narrow down a favorite. So the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to start from scratch, and that is what I’ve done here. I don’t really know if this is technically a minestrone, a pasta e fagioli or what, all I do know is that it is really delicious. I have become a … [Read more...] about Farro and Herb Minestrone
Strawberry Basil Chiffon Cake with Strawberry Basil Sauce
Chiffon Cake always sounds so delightfully old-fashioned to me. Maybe because chiffon just sounds like a frilly, girly, poufy tea-party dress. I always see chiffon cake recipes in older community cookbooks, in all sorts of flavor combinations. I don’t think people make chiffon cakes much anymore, but the light, foamy sponge is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. Add some fresh … [Read more...] about Strawberry Basil Chiffon Cake with Strawberry Basil Sauce
Lady Pea, Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
I adore lady peas. They are as lovely as their sweet name suggests. These tiny little gems are creamy and pack a flavor punch for their diminutive size. And during the summer, when the lady peas are abundant, I use them in whatever way I can, braised in butter or in a beautiful Sunshine Succotash. This fresh salad is perfect for a late summer supper, featuring the stars of a … [Read more...] about Lady Pea, Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
