Happiest of New Years! We’re starting ours with a healthy but substantial salad to begin to offset yesterday’s food transgressions. Time to pay the piper, but let’s do it deliciously, with a warm barley and roasted cauliflower salad that feels like a meal. It’s also a great side with chicken or fish, and as cold leftovers – well, there won’t be any but if there were, you’d enjoy them. Wishing you a year of peace, health and good food! Barley […]
“And I think this word ‘sallet’ was born to do me good…” – Henry IV, Part II When I worked at the White House, the Bushes held a dinner one year to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday. The menu card contained a quotation from Shakespeare to accompany each course, and this quote from Henry IV came from the salad course. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun planning a dinner, pouring through Shakespeare quotations looking for just the right one. (Dessert: […]
When melon is no longer in season, and pears have yet to reach their prime – cue the dates! A staple on an autumn cheese plate whose nutty flavor and sweetness cut the saltiness of the prosciutto, this quick salad is substantial and satisfying. Add fresh spinach, a smattering of pecorino, walnuts for a little crunch, and you’ve got a hearty starter salad or an easy-to-assemble dinner. Who doesn’t love a little prosciutto? Serves: 4 as appetizer, 2 as entrée […]
Food and Wine magazine is one of my favorite sources of inspiration for new recipes, and last summer they had an intriguing recipe for cherry and onion salad with an Asian fish sauce and vinegar dressing. The fish sauce was strong, but when I tried it with a simple balsamic vinaigrette instead, it allowed the cilantro, cherries, and onions to meld without overwhelming them with additional flavor. I loved it! It reminds me of the mango and black bean salad […]
I’m a big fan of Gourmet magazine (I still miss the monthly version), and I found this appealing summer salad recipe in their grilling issue a few months ago. It’s fresh, and very beautiful – all the bounty of summer on one big treat-yourself plate. Pair this with a baguette and a glass of icy white wine, and you’ve got a brilliant, elegant meal. Grilled Chicken Salad Prep time: 1 ½ hours Serves: 4 Adapted from Gourmet magazine For lettuce: […]
