Easy, Portable Picnic Favorites

Photo credit: Mette Nielsen Summer’s on! Ditch the dining room and take the party outside. Think casual charm for the perfect picnic. These picnic recipes are quick to make and easy to tote. They hold up in the heat and are easy to serve. Suns out, breezes are soft, and you don’t want to miss a minute of these glorious … Continued

Easy Chickpea and Cilantro Salad

Make this simple salad ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to mellow. It will keep several days in the refrigerator and is great as a side salad or stuffed into pita or flat bread. Serves 4 to 6   Ingredients 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 4 tablespoons sunflower oil 3 cloves garlic, … Continued

Picnic Favorite Chocolate Cherry Biscotti

Cut these biscotti into thick slices so that they stay whole during vehicle, bike or walking transport. Cut them in half or quarters just before serving. Made extra? These will store nicely in an airtight container for several weeks. Makes about 12 biscotti   Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour, or mix of whole wheat and … Continued

Tasty Potato Salad with Fermented Veggies

This simple, quick potato salad recipe gets a nice update and a bit of a kick from the fermented fennel. Not a fennel fan? Fermented daikon radish works beautifully, too! Serves 4   Ingredients 1-1/2 pound Yukon Gold baby potatoes or larger potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon coarse … Continued

Build a Beautiful Banh Mi Summer Sandwich

This iconic Vietnamese sandwich comes in many different iterations. Even in Vietnam, no two combinations are ever alike. You can vary the ingredients to suit the season and your own preferences. The key ingredients are quickly marinated, shredded or thinly sliced vegetables, and a good, spicy aioli or mayonnaise. In this version, we decided to … Continued

Summer Soba Noodle Salad with Tahini Dressing

Make this in the high heat of summer when the vibrant colors from summer squash and zucchini take over the garden and the corn is super sweet. Don’t skimp on the fresh garden basil! This dish is easily doubled or tripled for whatever company you have coming over. Serves 4 to 6   Ingredients 12 ounces … Continued

Fight Salad Fatigue With Two Spring Greens Recipes

Photo Credit: Mette Nielsen Two recipes (that work even better together) to help refresh your spring menus. Fresh quick sautés are a bold, bright spring dish and one of the best ways to fight off salad fatigue. The bright, fresh, refreshingly bitter taste of spring greens helps balance the heat and richness of this lush potato … Continued

Spring Brunch: Eggs Bene-Duck

Photo Credit: Mette Nielsen Big, beautiful, local duck eggs are ramped-up versions of chicken eggs with brighter yolks and whiter whites. Higher in protein and nutrients than chicken eggs and just as easy to cook–but the generally 50% bigger yolk means recipes need a little adjusting. The flavor is richer, the texture is creamier and they’re worth … Continued