I have a shopping problem. Fortunately, it’s not for shoes or designer handbags, it’s at the farmers market. I am so enamored of all the beautiful fresh produce and artisan made foods that my eyes are often bigger than my shopping bag. I try to go with a plan and a list, but I just get so enticed by all the wonderful things. The fire-engine red tomatoes in every size and … [Read more...] about Zucchini Sort of Soufflé
Vegetables
Asparagus with Sauce Maltaise
Spring is finally here, and one of the first green vegetables to appear is asparagus. Those tender little stems signal the end of the frosty winter and the hope of more good produce to come. Treating the first spears simply seems like the right thing to do, after months of braises and stews and root vegetables, what could be more refreshing than simply cooked green … [Read more...] about Asparagus with Sauce Maltaise
Roasted Vegetable Stracciatella
Italian egg-drop soup. That’s how I have heard versions of this soup described. And there appear to be many versions, with light chicken broth, or added spinach or chicken. In fact, the first time I concocted this soup, I didn’t know stracciatella was an actual thing. It was pure kitchen happenstance, and one little discovery I am glad to have made. My … [Read more...] about Roasted Vegetable Stracciatella
Green and Gold Collards
Greens on New Year’s Day are an important tradition here in the South. It’s a wish for prosperity in the new year, you see, greens representing the foldin’ money you hope to have in your pocket. Collards are a traditional green and here you can add a little wish for some jangly change in your pocket too with the golden coin-like dumplings. Serve them with some black-eyed peas, … [Read more...] about Green and Gold Collards
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