Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Mozzarella and Parmesan

These zucchini boats make a delicious appetizer, lunch, or healthy dinner! Grilled and filled with pizza-like toppings, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Get creative with the fillings and toppings, or try our suggestion of caramelized onion, red sauce, and cheese. Makes 8 zucchini boats.

Ingredients:
4 medium-sized zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon
2 tablespoons butter
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade cut for garnish

Directions:
1. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon or melon baller. Brush the 8 zucchini boats with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fire up the grill!
2. In a skillet, sauté the red onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelize. Set aside. 
3. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan, prepare the red sauce. Add the garlic, the remaining butter, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil and and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the garlic begins to sweat. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes on medium-low heat until the flavors are incorporated. Add the cooked onions to the sauce.
4. Grill the cut, scooped-out zucchini on direct heat for 3 minutes on both sides. Remove the zucchini from the grill, and place on a platter in order to fill the boats.
5. Spoon the sauce evenly inside the zucchini boats, then sprinkle with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the grill. Cover the grill, and grill over medium heat until the cheese is has melted and turned golden brown, about 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the finished boats with additional Kosher salt, pepper, and fresh basil and serve immediately

Grilled and Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Medallions

Portabella mushrooms are a hearty vegetable that love the grill. Add minced garlic and a splash of olive oil before grilling for exceptional flavor. After grilling, these mushrooms are stuffed with sautéed spinach, grilled red pepper, and warm, crispy goat cheese medallions — a vegetarian’s paradise. Serves 2.

Ingredients:
2 portabella mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Stuffng Ingredients:
1 red pepper
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 oz spinach, chopped

Goat Cheese Medallion Ingredients:
4 oz goat cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons
Panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Directions:
1. Trim the stem off of the mushroom caps. Mince the garlic, and sprinkle inside the caps. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the mushrooms on the grill with the gill side up. Grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes, turn, and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until soften and tender.
2. Cut the red pepper in half, and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Place the pepper halves in a brown paper bag and close. Allow the pepper's heat to steam in the bag for about 4 minutes. Remove from the bag; the peel should be easy to remove at this point. Cut the pepper into a small dice and combine with the capers in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. In a small saute pan over medium heat, cook the garlic in the olive oil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach and saute for 2 minutes until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
4. Cut the goat cheese into 1/2” slices. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Pour the bread crumbs into a low bowl or plate. Dip the goat cheese medallions into the beaten egg and then coat all sides with the bread crumbs. In a nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat and add the coated goat cheese medallions, cooking for 10-15 seconds on each side, or until lightly golden brown. Place the “toasted” medallions on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
5. Spoon the red pepper mixture in the well of the mushroom, topping with sautéed spinach and a goat cheese medallion. Serve immediately

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

This is one of our favorite ways to prepare quick, cheesy stuffed jalapeños! The filling is smooth and creamy, while the jalapeños still retain a little bit of a crunch! Not into jalapeños? Substitute baby bells! Makes 8 stuffed pepper halves.

Ingredients:
4 jalapeno peppers
4 oz cream cheese
4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 small shallot finely chopped
1 small clove garlic clove, minced
1/2 tablespoon cilantro, minced

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the filling ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Split the jalapeño peppers in half, or if you prefer a deeper pepper boat, slice away just one side.
Remove the seeds and ribs from the pepper.
3. Place the halved peppers onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spoon the filling into each pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pepper boats become tender and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beans, Rice, and Corn

Stuffed peppers are one of those back pocket recipes that leaves us asking, “Why don’t we make these more often?”. They feel both nostalgic and practical, hearty yet forgiving. We love how they come out of the oven in perfectly portioned cups, waiting to be consumed. These stuffed peppers are packed with sweet corn, earthy beans, rice, saucy tomatoes, and a hint of cheese. Makes 8 stuffed pepper halves.

Ingredients:
4 bell peppers (variety of red, orange and yellow)
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, minced, seeds and stem removed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced grape tomatoes
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 cup pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese for sprinkling

Garnishes:
2 green onions, diced
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with oil and set aside.
2. Halve the peppers lengthwise, removing the seeds and ribs. Arrange the peppers cut side up in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and minced jalapeño and cook for another minute. Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally to toast the spices. Add the grape tomatoes, corn, and beans and continue to cook until heated through.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the cooked rice, pepper jack cheese and cilantro. Spoon the filling into the peppers, pressing down to gently pack the ingredients in tightly. Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake the stuffed peppers for 40 minutes until the peppers are tender. Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the peppers with the reserved cheddar cheese. Increase the heat to 400°F, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown.

Make Your Own Summer Blueberry Hand Pies

SUMMER BLUEBERRIES burst with a flavor that only happens when truly in season. One of our favorite ways to celebrate these little nutritional powerhouses is to place them in hand pies. The berries’ diminutive size fit neatly into petite packets, which highlight the rich cream cheese-based crust — a truly mouth-watering match!

Summertime Blueberry Hand Pies
Makes 6 - 8 hand pies

Cream Cheese Crust Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1-1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
8 oz. (1 pkg) cream cheese
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), well chilled

Crust Assembly Ingredients:
2 egg whites, beaten
1 tablespoon coarse sugar for crust topping

Blueberry Filling:
2 cups blueberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

1. PLACE the flour, sugar, and salt in
the bowl of the food processor. PULSE a few times to evenly distribute the sugar and salt.
2. CUT the butter and cream cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Use a little of the flour mixture to keep the pieces from sticking together. CHILL the cut butter and cream cheese cubes for 15 minutes.
3. PLACE the butter and cream cheese cubes in the food processor with the flour mixture. PULSE 6-8 times to cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour. The dough mixture will be coarse with some pea-sized pieces of butter and cream cheese remaining. (Resist the urge to keep pulsing.)
4. REMOVE the rough dough from the work bowl and form into a ball using your hands and a light touch.
5. FLATTEN the dough ball into a disk about a half-inch thick, and wrap in plastic wrap.
6. CHILL the wrapped dough disk for an hour or overnight.
7. REMOVE the dough from the refrigerator when ready to bake the hand pies and let set for 10 minutes on the countertop while the filling is mixed.
8. STIR the cornstarch and sugar together, then sprinkle over the fresh blueberries. Gently toss the fruit to distribute the cornstarch/sugar mixture. Set aside while finishing crust preparation.
9. ROLL the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/8- to 3/16-inch thickness.
10. CUT circles from the dough (5-inch circles for 6 pies; 4-inch circles for 8 pies). TRANSFER half of the circles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. BEAT the egg whites with 2 teaspoons of water, and BRUSH the egg white wash lightly on the edge of each circle.
12. SPOON the prepared blueberries into the center of each bottom circle mounding them slightly. Leave about 1/2-inch of the crust clear for sealing.
13. STRETCH the top circles slightly to fit over the mounded blueberries. MATCH the edges of the top crust with the bottom crust pressing them together. CRIMP the edges with fork tines.
14. BRUSH the formed hand pies with the egg white wash. SPRINKLE lightly with sugar if desired. VENT the pies by cutting small slits on the top with the tip of a paring knife in a decorative design of your choosing. (We like a simple star with five small cuts placed in a radiating pattern.)
15. BAKE the hand pies in a 400° oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
16. SERVE warm or cooled to room temperature.

Zhoug Sauce (Spicy Cilantro Sauce)

This spicy and herbaceous sauce transforms creamy hummus to the next level of deliciousness. Zhoug, (sounds like “zoog”), is a spicy cilantro sauce that originates from Yemen. It is a flavorful, spicy sauce that is a delicious used as a condiment. Enjoy it swirled in hummus with fresh veggies, or as a stand-alone spicy dip. It’s also wonderful drizzled over falafel, grilled meats, fish, roasted vegetables, or even as a great way to accent a baked potato. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Ingredients:
1 bunch cilantro, some tender stems ok
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 jalapeños, cored, seeds removed
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:
Blend all of the ingredients together in a high-powered blender until smooth. Serve as a spicy dip or condiment. Swirl into hummus and enjoy with fresh vegetables and pita.

Chimichurrri Steak Skewers

A great appetizer, these steak skewers are marinated in the zingy, slightly spicy, chimichurri sauce, then grilled to perfection. We also recommend using this chimichurri sauce as a marinade or sauce for other cuts of beef, chicken, and vegetables. Makes about 16-20 mini skewers.

Chimichurrri Sauce Ingredients:
2 cups fresh Italian parsley
4 tablespoons fresh oregano
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 shallot, halved
1 cup olive oil
1 small jalapeño pepper, quartered, seeds removed
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steak Skewers:
1-1/2 lbs. top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper mini wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes before grilling

Directions:
1. In a powerful blender or food processor, combine all of the chimichurri ingredients and puree until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the chimichurri sauce. (Reserve the remaining sauce in a separate bowl for dipping.) Toss the beef cubes with the sauce to cover well. Cover the marinating steak pieces and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, submerge the wooden skewers in water to soak.
3. Skewer three steak bites onto each of the small skewers. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
4. Serve the grilled mini-skewers with a generous drizzle of the reserved chimichurri sauce.

Mint Chutney

This minty sauce is refreshing and flavorful! The herbs and aromatics are well-balanced with creamy Greek yogurt. This is an excellent dip or sauce for fried or air-fried appetizers like samosas or pakoras. It pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled vegetables. We enjoyed it recently with grilled cauliflower steaks; every bite was a delight! Makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients:
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves, tender stems ok)
1/2 inch ginger, peeled and minced
1 clove garlic, peeled
4 scallions
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Directions:
Blend all of the ingredients together in a high-powered blender until smooth. Serve with cauliflower steaks.

Cauliflower Steaks:
Slice a cauliflower into 1-1/2” thick slices or “steaks.” Use any remaining florets for another recipe. Season the cauliflower steaks generously with an array of spices such as Kosher salt, pepper, curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil. Grill on high heat until fork tender turning, as needed. Place on a generous bed of mint chutney, or drizzle on top.

Grilled Corn and Quinoa Summer Salad

Two grains, corn and quinoa, share an ancient history as important crops in the developing Americas. IN THIS ISSUE, we’ve made them the cornerstone of a salad that’s hearty, and nutritionally balanced enough to be the main entrée. Grilled sweet corn only gets tastier with the addition of healthy quinoa, summer-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bright lemony vinaigrette.

Grilled Corn and Quinoa Summer Salad
Serves 8-10

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ears of corn, grilled, kernels removed
1 pint cherry (or grape) tomatoes, quartered
8 large basil leaves, chiffonade
1 medium shallot, finely minced
4 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (or Feta)

Dressing Ingredients:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 olive oil
Zest of one lemon
Juice of one lemon, (about 3-4 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons stone-ground Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Prepare the quinoa by cooking in a small saucepan. Combine 1 cup of grain with 2 cups of water salted with Kosher salt. Cover, bring to a boil. Turn off the heat but keep the pan on the burner. Allow the grain to sit and absorb the water, about 15 – 20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.

2. Prepare the corn by husking and removing the corn silk. Brush each ear with olive oil and grill over direct, medium heat turning every 2 minutes until all sides are grilled. (Alternatively, the corn may be steamed, boiled, or microwaved). Remove the kernels from the cob.

3. Combine the quinoa, corn kernels, tomatoes, basil, shallot, crumbled cheese in a large bowl and toss. 4. Whisk the dressing together by combining all dressing ingredients together and whisking vigorously.

5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and corn, toss well to combine evenly. Refrigerate and allow the salad to rest and the flavors to blend for about an hour.

Refresh with Spicy Salmorejo Gazpacho

Spaniards have perfected many things, like tapas, wine, and paella. So it’s no surprise they have also mastered gazpacho. This cold, tomato-based soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on warm summer nights — it’s delightfully bright, yet surprisingly rich.

With this recipe, we revisit the Andalusian classic, Salmorejo, which incorporates a loaf of bread into a blended tomato base. The result is creamy, refreshing, and oh, so satisfying!

Fresh Blueberry Crostata

This crostata is one of the many ways to enjoy blueberry season! It features fresh blueberries encased in a simple crust that has just the right sweetness. Its rustic presentation couldn’t be simpler. The crust is rolled, filled, and the edges flipped over the fruit. Serve wedges of this crostata with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

Pâte Brisée Crust Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), well chilled
4-6 tablespoons ice water

Blueberry Filling
5 cups fresh, blueberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Crust Topping:
1 egg for egg wash
1 tablespoon white sugar for crust topping

Directions:

1. PLACE the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of the food processor. PULSE to evenly distribute the sugar and salt.

2. CUT the butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Use a little of the flour mixture to keep the butter pieces from sticking togeth- er.CHILL the cut butter cubes for 15 minutes.

3. PREPARE the ice water by filling a small bowl with ice cubes and adding water. STIR until the water is well-chilled.

4. PLACE the butter cubes in the food processor with the flour mixture. PULSE 4-5 times to cut the butter into the flour.The flour-butter mixture will be coarse with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. (Resist the urge to keep pulsing.)

5. ADD 2 tablespoons of the ice water by sprinkling on top of the flour and butter mixture. PULSE 2-3 times. CONTINUE adding ice water by the tablespoon pulsing after each addition until a rough dough is formed. Test the dough by pinching together – if it holds together, enough water has been added. If it crumbles apart, add another tablespoon of water. (Avoid adding too much water or pulsing too much.)

6. REMOVE the dough from the work bowl gathering it into a rough ball. FLATTEN the dough ball into a disk about a half-inch in thickness and wrap in plastic wrap.

7. Forming the Crostata: CHILL the wrapped dough disk for an hour or overnight.

8. REMOVE the dough from the refrigerator when ready to bake the crostata and let set for 10 minutes on the countertop while mixing the filling.

9. STIR the cornstarch and sugar together, then sprinkle over the fresh blueberries. Gently toss the fruit to distribute the cornstarch/sugar mixture. Set aside while finishing crust preparation.
10. ROLL the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16-inch rough circle with about a 1/8- to 3/16-inch thickness.
11. TRANSFER the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The sides of the dough may temporarily drape over the edges.

12. PLACE the prepared blueberry filling in the center of the crust circle and spread into an even layer leaving a 2 to2-1/2 inch perimeter of crust free. FOLD the edges of the crust over the filling.

13. BEAT an egg with 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. BRUSH the egg wash on the crust’s surfaces.

14. SPRINKLE with coarse sugar. CHILL the crostata in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.

15. BAKE the crostata in a 400° oven for 20-25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The crust will develop a lovely golden brown color and the filling will be bubbling and slightly thickened. The filling continues to thicken as is cools.

16. SERVE warm or cooled to room temperature with a side of vanilla bean ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Fresh strawberry pie is hard to beat! Unlike most fruit pies where the fruit cooks and changes character during baking, this chilled pie celebrates strawberries in fresh form. All the goodness of these red gems is held in a flaky crust that bakes quickly and perfectly complements the strawberries’ starring role. It’s a pie best eaten within a day or two – but accomplishing that is usually not a problem!

Fresh Strawberry Pie
Makes a 9-inch pie

Pie Crust Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2/3 cup shortening
6-8 tablespoons cold water

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Prepare the Pie Crust

Filling Ingredients
3 tablespoons corn starch
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup sugar
1/2 package or 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
2 quarts fresh strawberries, sliced,about 5 cups, hulled and sliced

1. In a food processor, add the flour, salt, and sugar. pulse a few times to combine.

2. Add the shortening, and pulse to cut the shortening into the flour mixture. The mixture should be coarse with some pea-sized pieces of shortening remaining.

3. Slowly add water a tablespoon at a time to the dough while pulsing in short bursts until a dough ball is just formed. Test the readiness by pinching together -- if it holds together, enough water has been added. If it crumbles apart, add another tablespoon of water. Be sure to not over mix; this will ensure that a flakier crust is achieved. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. Roll the dough ball into a rough 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.

5. Using a rolling pin to help lift the dough, place the crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim off excess crust around the edge, and pinch the edge into your favorite edge finish style.

6. Dock the pie crust with a fork to make steam holes for the crust. Line the crust with pie weights and bake in a 450 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
7. Dissolve the cornstarch in three tablespoons of the cold water. Set aside.

8. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and remaining water. Heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear. Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the sugar mixture. Increase the heat and with continuous stirring, allow the mixture to reach the simmering stage and begin to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring until nicely thickened.

9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the gelatin.

Assemble and Serve the Pie;
10. Add the sliced strawberries to the baked and cooled pie crust. Pour the strawberry filling over the strawberries.

11. Cover and refrigerate the pie until the filling has set, about 2-4 hours. 12. Serve with whipping cream or vanilla ice cream and enjoy immediately.

Summer Peach-Almond Galettes

Sweet, ripe peaches are nearly synonymous with summer! These amazing fruits develop their sweet flavor and tangy taste on petite trees over several months – a test of patience amply rewarded when picking time arrives! Botanically related, this peach preparation features a pairing with almonds and almond flavoring. The combination creates fabulous complementary flavors in both the crust and filling. This recipe makes four individual galettes, or one larger rustic pie. The crust is sweeter and richer than a typical pie crust – we think you’ll love it!

Summer Peach-Almond Galettes
Makes 4 individual servings

Pâte Sucrée Crust Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), well chilled
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4-6 tablespoons heavy cream

Crust Topping:
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
2 tablespoons heavy cream, for brushing on crust
1 tablespoon coarse sugar for crust topping

Peach-Almond Filling:
4-6 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (or 4 cups sliced)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

The crust may be mixed by hand or with a food processor. Choose your preferred method, then continue forming the galette at Step 7.

Directions:

Mixing by Hand:

1a. MIX the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl with a whisk until evenly distributed.

2a. CUT the butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Use a little of the flour mixture to keep the butter pieces from sticking together. CHILL the cut butter cubes for 15 minutes.

3a. PLACE the butter cubes in the flour mixture. Using a simple pastry blender, cut the butter and flour mixture together until a coarse texture is reached with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

4a. BEAT the two egg yolks together with the vanilla and almond extracts. ADD to the flour-butter mixture and cut several times with the pastry blender.

5a. ADD 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream by sprinkling on top of the flour and butter mixture. With a fork, gently toss the mixture. CONTINUE adding cream one tablespoon at a time tossing after each addition until a rough ball of dough forms. (Avoid adding too much cream.)

6a. FLATTEN the dough ball into a disk about a half-inch thick, and wrap in plastic wrap.

Mixing with a Food Processor:

1b. PLACE the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of the food processor. PULSE a few times to distribute the sugar and salt.

2b. CUT the butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Use a little of the flour mixture to keep the butter pieces from sticking together. CHILL the cut butter cubes for 15 minutes.

3b. PLACE the butter cubes in the food processor with the flour mixture. PULSE 4-5 times to cut the butter into the flour. The flour-butter mixture will be coarse with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. (Resist the urge to keep pulsing.) 4b. BEAT the two egg yolks with the vanilla and almond extracts. ADD to the flour-butter mixture, PULSE 3-4 times.

5b. ADD 2 tablespoons of the cream by sprinkling on top of the flour and butter mixture. PULSE twice. CONTINUE adding cream by the tablespoon pulsing after each addition until a rough dough is formed. Test the dough by pinching together – if it holds together, enough cream has been added. If it crumbles apart, add another tablespoon of cream. (Avoid adding too much cream or pulsing too much.)

6b. REMOVE the dough from the work bowl, forming a rough ball. DIVIDE into four pieces. FORM into individual balls, then FLATTEN each into a disk about a half-inch in thickness and wrap in plastic wrap.

Forming the Galettes:

7. CHILL the wrapped dough disks for an hour or overnight.

8. REMOVE the dough from the refrigerator when ready to bake the galettes and let set for 10 minutes on the countertop while the filling is mixed.

9. STIR the cornstarch and sugar together, then sprinkle over the fresh peach slices. Gently toss the fruit to distribute the cornstarch/sugar mixture. Set aside while finishing crust preparation.

10. ROLL out one disk of dough into a rough 8-inch circle, about 3/16-inch in thickness, on a lightly floured surface. Repeat with the remaining three dough pieces. Leave the edges rough, or if you prefer, use a plate to cut a neat circle of dough.

11. TRANSFER the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The sides of the dough may temporarily drape over the edges.

12. PLACE the prepared peach slices in the center of the crust circle arranging the wedges evenly. Leave a 1- to 1-1/2 inch perimeter of crust free of filling.

13. FOLD the edges of the crust over the filling pleating or overlapping as you go.

14. MIX equal parts of flour, sugar and butter (2 tablespoons each) together until combined and a crumbly texture is formed. SPRINKLE the crumb mixture and sliced almonds over the exposed fruit portion of the galettes.

15. BRUSH the crust’s surfaces with heavy cream. SPRINKLE with coarse sugar. CHILL the galettes in the refrigerator for 10 minutes while the oven preheats.

16. BAKE the galettes in a 400° oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbly and slightly thickened. It will continue to thicken as is cools.

17. SERVE warm or cooled to room temperature with a side of vanilla bean ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream.

Fresh Strawberry and Mango Salad and Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Fresh Strawberry and Mango Salad and Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Makes 2 Salads

Both savory and sweet, this balanced salad celebrates fresh summer fruits and crisp greens. The creamy balsamic vinaigrette, fresh strawberries, and sliced mango add color and a touch of sweetness to the heartier elements of red onion, avocado, and pecans. This salad is a true delight!

Salad Ingredients:
2 cups gem lettuce or bibb lettuce, rinsed and dried
2 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and halved
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup pecans, toasted

Directions:

Creamy Balsamic Dressing Ingredients:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1-2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 clove garlic, minced

1. Whisk together the creamy balsamic dressing ingredients and set aside.

2. Create mango rosettes by slicing each half into very thin pieces. Fan out the slices of one half by slowly moving the slice at an angle on a large cutting board. Do not fully separate slices. Continue moving the slices until one long strip is created and the slices are slightly overlapping. Starting at one end, carefully roll the end slice tightly onto itself (this is the center of the rosette). Continue wrapping the long section of slices into itself until you reach the other end.

3. In a large bowl, use tongs to lightly toss the salad dressing with the lettuce and spinach. Add the remain- ing salad ingredients and toss once more (be careful not to over toss or avocados may begin to break down).

4. Use a large spatula to lift mango rosettes from the cutting board and onto the top of the salad and serve.

Spicy Kale & Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Spicy Kale & Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Makes 4 salads

This salad highlights fresh kale, grilled chicken in a lemony, salty Caesar dressing. We love the charred flavors that only a summer grill can create. And, the buttery, herbed croutons add both great flavors and wonderful crunch. Bright, grape tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon bring this showstopper home.

Salad Ingredients:
2 bunches Lacinato kale, torn
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon 2 chicken breasts, grilled, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
4 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Homemade Crouton Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
4 cups cubed baguette (slightly stale is best) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
Spicy Caesar Dressing Ingredients:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup whole milk greek yogurt
3 tablespoons mayonaise
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Preheat the grill. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon for 15-20 minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, use your hand to massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the leaves begin to break down and the kale becomes softer in texture, roughly 2 minutes.

3. Grill the chicken breast for 4-5 minutes and flip with grill tongs. Continue grilling the chicken until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165° F. Remove chicken from the grill, and let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch slices.

4. Make the croutons by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cubed bread to the butter and toss the bread in the butter, coating the edges. Add the garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper and stir to evenly distribute. Continue cooking while tossing occasionally until the croutons are slightly golden in color, about 10 minutes.

5. Prepare the Caesar dressing by whisking all of the dressing ingredients into a salad dressing jar, or a wide-mouthed jar, or mixing bowl.

6. Toss the kale, dressing, and half of the parmesan until the kale is coated. On top, add the tomatoes, chicken breast, and croutons. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.

Grilled Mushroom and Grana Padano Salad

Grilled Mushroom and Grana Padano Salad
Makes 4 salads

This salad is filled with rich, savory flavors! Earthy, grilled mushrooms absolutely shine when paired with bitter arugula, aromatic celery, and nutty grana padano cheese. Bright lemon flavors add a layer of piquancy, while the buttery pine nuts add a nice crunch. Your taste buds will be delighted and your hungry stomach satisfied.

Salad Ingredients:
24 baby Bella mushrooms, halved
24 fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 cups arugula
1 cup peas
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced with a mandoline
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup thinly shaved Grana Padano

Directions:
Dressing Ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat the grill. In a large bowl, toss the mushrooms in 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In two batches, place the mushrooms in a grill basket and grill until mushrooms are tender and lightly browned, using tongs to turn the mushrooms halfway through cooking. To prevent steaming, do not crowd the mushrooms or stack them on top of each other. Remove mushrooms from heat. Repeat with the second batch of mushrooms and set aside.

2. In a salad dressing shaker jar, or a wide-mouthed jar, or bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together.

3. Toss the arugula, peas, and celery with the dressing.

4. Plate the mixture of greens. Top with the grilled mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, and Grana Padano.

Sweet Biscuit Strawberry Shortcakes

One of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries is as strawberry shortcake -- the biscuit kind, not the cake kind. We grew up with this treat, so its seasonal comeback revives all kinds of wonderful memories in addition to all the great tastes! In this recipe, chopped strawberries are added to the biscuit dough, which makes the biscuits sweeter, and the biscuit color a lovely shade of pink! 

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Sweet Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake
Makes 8-10 shortcakes

SWEET STRAWBERRY BISCUITS:
2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 tablespoon baking powder 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 pint strawberries (1 cup, finely chopped)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup buttermilk 
4 tablespoons butter, melted

STRAWBERRY FILLING:
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

WHIPPED CREAM INGREDIENTS:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper. 

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and lemon zest. Add the chopped strawberries, gently stirring to distribute. 

3. In large bowl, stir together the milk and buttermilk. Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture and stir a couple of times until barely combined.

4. Pour in the melted butter and continue to fold in until combined. Do not over mix. It will be a coarse dough, and rather sticky. 

5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 8 equal portions. Bake biscuits for 18-20 minutes, or until baked through and the top and edges begin to turn golden brown. Cool on the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

6. While the biscuits are baking, prepare the strawberries by hulling and slicing. Combine the citrus juices and honey in a small bowl, whisk until the honey is dissolved. 

7. Pour the honey-sweetened juice over the sliced strawberries and toss to evenly coat the berries. Let the sweetened strawberries stand and macerate while the biscuits bake.

8. In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Split the biscuits and add a layer of strawberries. Add the biscuit top, and place a generous dollop of whipped cream.

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Comfort Flavors: Pan Fried Asian Noodles

A simple sauce, a little time to marinate, and some fast wok magic equals a delicious meal. IN THIS ISSUE, we feature pan-fried pork noodles with baby bok choy for a tasty dinner-at-home win.

Pan Fried Pork Noodles
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 lb of dried or fresh egg lo mein noodles
1 lb pork loin, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons peanut oil
4 small heads of baby bok choy, finely sliced
1 white onion, thinly sliced pole to pole

Garnish:
2-4 green onions, sliced

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Directions:
1. Cook the dry noodles according to their package instructions. Remove from the water 1-2 minutes short of their time for an extra al dente noodle. The noodles will finish cooking in the wok. Rinse the noodles after draining, and set aside.
2. Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a small bowl or jar until combined.
3. Finely slice the pork and then dust the sliced pork with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir until fully coated with the cornstarch. Pour half of the marinade over the thinly sliced pork, and reserve the rest for later. Stir the pork and then cover, and let marinate for 30 minutes - 1 hour in the refrigerator.
4. Prepare the bok choy. The white and the green parts of the cabbage will take different amounts of time to cook. Because of this, slice the white parts of the cabbage into strips, and place together in a bowl. Roughly chop the green parts and place in a different bowl.
5. Slice the onion into thin slices pole to pole.
6. Once all ingredients are ready and prepared, mis en place, it’s time for some wok magic! In a large wok, heat the peanut oil until hot. Add the marinated pork and cook until fully cooked, stirring frequently. Remove the pork, and place in a bowl.
7. Add the onion to the wok, and cook until just tender. Add the white slices of bok choy , and sauté while stirring. Cook until just tender.
8. Add the pre-cooked noodles to the wok. Stir the noodles while adding the remainder of the sauce. Add the cooked pork back into the mix and the green parts of the bok ahoy and stir until combined and hot.
9. Enjoy warm with a garnish of green onions.

Roasted Garlic, Leek, and Potato Spring Soup

Perfect for a first course or a lovely lunch, this savory soup features the bold flavors of roasted garlic and tender spring leeks. The creamy texture is achieved not with cream or butter, but with Yukon gold potatoes and a powerful blender. The crispy bacon garnish adds the perfect salty crunch to each spoonful.

Serves 4

Soup Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bulb garlic, roasted
4 large leeks, white parts only
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock
3-4 Yukon gold large potatoes, diced (about 2 cups) Kosher Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Garnishes:
4 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled Chives, minced

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the top off of the garlic bulb and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the bulb in aluminum foil and place in a baking dish. Bake until the garlic is tender, golden brown, and fragrant, about 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, wash the leeks very well. (They are often sandy inside.) Slice the leeks into 1/4” slices.

3. In a large soup pot, sauté the sliced leeks in 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook until very tender.

4. Add the vegetable stock and the potatoes and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes.

5. Remove the roasted garlic cloves from the bulb with a tiny spoon or fork. Add about 5-6 cloves, or 1/2 of the bulb to the soup. (Use the remaining roasted garlic cloves for another recipe or smear directly on toast, or freeze for later use).

6. Carefully blend the soup in batches in a blender, or use a hand blender and blend until smooth.

7. Taste the soup and season with the lemon juice, Kosher salt, and pepper.

8. Adjust seasonings or add more roasted garlic, as desired.

9. Serve warm with a garnish of bacon crumbles and chives.

Savory Steak Kebabs with Garlic Butter

These steak kebabs with garlic butter might just be our favorite way to enjoy our suppertime deck. Tender bites of steak alternate with savory mushrooms, potatoes and charred red onions. It’s a complete meal on a stick! Makes about 8 kebabs.

Ingredients:
1 lb sirloin tip steak, cut into
1-1/2-to-2-inch cubes
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, whole
1/2 red onion, cut into
2-inch chunks
8 purple fingerling potatoes, parboiled and sliced into 1-inch slices
1 green pepper, sliced into 1-inch chunks
Olive oil, for grilling

Garlic Butter:
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons parsley, minced

Steak & Mushroom Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice of one small lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon rosemary, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
1. Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
2. Prepare the steak and the vegetables.
3. Add the steak and the mushrooms to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate. Marinate for 2-4 hours.
4. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes on the stovetop in a pot of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until barely tender to the tip of a knife. After the potatoes have cooled, cut into 1-inch slices.
5. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling. Metal skewers work well for the hearty ingredients in this combination. Skewer the marinated steak and mushrooms, alternating with the red onion, potato, and green peppers.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
7. Prepare the grill until very hot. Make sure the grilling grate is clean and oiled. Brush the kebabs with olive oil. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature of beef reaches 145 degrees F.
8. Brush the cooked kebabs with garlic butter.