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
creme fraiche
Blanquette de Veau (Creamy Veal Stew)
Blanquette de veau is a delicious, classic French dish with a real difference. I’ll admit though, I’d never really considered tackling it, because, at first look, it seems a bit complicated. But I recently hosted a book club at my house to discuss the book Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris, a rich, evocative story laced with memories of classic French food. So of … [Read more...] about Blanquette de Veau (Creamy Veal Stew)
Roasted Butternut and Chestnut Purée
I love autumn. I love wearing sweaters, snuggling under a blanket, comforting, slow-cooked stews, steaming bowls of soup. And my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, which of course leads to a wonderful Christmas season. But I will admit, that when fall comes on in earnest, and I see the end of tomatoes at the farmer’s market, my herb garden fades and I am not quite ready to … [Read more...] about Roasted Butternut and Chestnut Purée
Peas with Pancetta, Mint and Crème Fraiche
I am still waiting for the bounty of spring vegetables to arrive. It’s almost here, but has not fully taken over, and it’s a few more weeks to the opening of the Farmer’s Market. So in the meantime, my need for something green leads me back to my favorite way of preparing that old standby, frozen peas. Fresh mint, crispy, salty pancetta and creamy crème fraiche make … [Read more...] about Peas with Pancetta, Mint and Crème Fraiche
