Now that Spring is here, I'm looking forward to the fresh and vibrant flavors that come alive during this time of year. The bounty of fresh herbs, vibrant citrus and spring vegetables, to name a few, make for delicious and versatile fare that can be enjoyed all season long.
Although it's hard to name just one, two, or even three, of my favorite tastes of Spring, I am highlighting three recipes that resonate fresh, vibrant and versatile flavors and deliver Spring eating in all of its scrumptious glory!
Basil Pesto
Orzo Pasta Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables
Happy Eating!
My week is already off to a busy pace, but before too much time elapsed, I wanted to share a fun "cooking" project I undertook this past weekend: preserving lemons. Not so much cooking, as it is assembly, it was the perfect little break in my full agenda to get me into the kitchen with one of my favorite ingredients. The bright and fresh citrus was like Spring come early.
Preserved lemons are lemons pickled in salt and their own juices. They are quick and easy enough to make and pack loads of scrumptious flavor once the pickling is complete. After they're set up, then the "hard work" of waiting patiently for them to pickle over several weeks kicks in. After that, you can feast on them for months to come, enjoying them in favorite recipes and even creating your own around this special ingredient.
I'm excited to have discovered the simple art of preserving lemons and imagine my pantry will never be absent of them again! I was inspired by Food52 and followed their easy video tutorial to set up my beauties. I hope you'll watch and then give it a go in your own kitchen.
Happy Eating!
Tell Me: Do you have any favorite pickling, canning or preserving recipes or techniques?
I've had the pleasure of tasting my way through some parts of Italy, beginning North in Milan, and finishing South on the surreal Amalfi Coast, with stays in Venice, Florence and Rome along the way. I know what it means to be captivated by a cuisine that is as exciting as it is decadent, and my love for the often surprisingly simple, yet layered and indulgent, flavors of Italy spurs me to recreate similar dishes in my own kitchen. From homemade pizza to white bean soup to tiramisu, gelato, pasta and more, the tastes, smells--and memories--will always have a place in my home and cooking regimen.
Sooo...when I came across a certain food app recently, it didn't take long to realize that I had uncovered another gem in the world of Italian eats. If you have a remote affinity for Italian cuisine, or are just curious to explore more, then Chef Sara Jenkins' New Italian Pantry app is one to have.
Beautifully designed around the essentials she keeps in her pantry (from the basics of extra-virgin olive oil and dried pastas to the more obscure of salt-packed capers and Aleppo chile pepper), you can gather featured recipes around the items you have in your pantry (love this!) or create a custom list based on what looks good at the market that day--or what your craving is saying to you (my normal). :)
Beyond a recipe app--and more akin to an Italian cookbook--it's another foray into the delicious tastes of Italy; tastes that I will always love to explore.
Happy Eating!
Tell Me: Do you use any food-related/cooking apps?
