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Peach Pie. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

When T. S. Eliot had J. Alfred Prufrock ask, “Do I dare to eat a peach?,” it was most probably with the understanding that eating a ripe peach is a messy business and not for those who are impeccably dressed and cannot afford to have peach juice running down their chins. Biting into a rosy-skinned peach is, for me, the long-awaited reminder that summer is around the corner. And once I’ve gotten over that, slicing a peach into a bowl, dusting it with just a little sugar and dousing it with cream is next on my list. From there, as peaches consistently dominate the fruit bowl on my kitchen table, I get really cavalier and grill them with pork chops or make a peach pie for dessert. And on a hot day, a peach cooler is heavenly.

Grilled Pork Chops and Peaches

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Six 3/4” thick pork chops, trimmed

6 fresh peaches, pitted and halved

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS: 

Prepare grill to high heat; place large cast iron skillet on grill, allow to get very hot, then reduce heat to medium. While grill and skillet are heating, in a small bowl combine the garlic, rosemary, 6 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt and pepper to form a paste; smear paste on both sides of pork chops. Brush skillet with remaining olive oil and allow to heat until oil shimmers. Place chops in skillet and cook until nice and brown, about 8 to 10 minutes; add peaches, cut side down, brush them with butter and cook until they are charred, about 5 minutes; remove them and set aside to keep warm. Turn chops and cook in butter from peaches another 5 minutes until brown on both sides but still juicy. Place on platter and serve with the peaches,  rice and a leafy green vegetable.

Peach Pie

YIELD: Makes one pie

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, diced

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 cup ice water

5 cups peeled sliced fresh ripe peaches

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

DIRECTIONS: 

Place first three ingredients in bowl of electric food processor fitted with steel blade and pulse a few times until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually drizzle ice water over mixture and continue to pulse until dough pulls together into a rough ball.  Remove and place on floured board, form into a ball and roll around until coated with flour; divide dough in half to form two balls, coat again with flour, then press into 5 to 6” discs; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. 

Meanwhile make the filling: In a large bowl combine peaches, lemon juice, sugar and quarter cup of flour; set aside. When ready to roll out dough, preheat oven to 425 F. Remove dough from fridge, unwrap, coat again with flour, then roll out; place in a 9” pie dish which has been set on a rimmed cookie sheet; add peach mixture, and roll out second disc and place over peaches. Trim and pinch edges of pastry together, make a few slits in top crust and bake for 15 minutes, then lower heat to 375 F and bake 45 minutes to one hour, until crust is golden. Serve with peach or vanilla ice cream.

Peach Cooler

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks

Freshly squeezed juice from 3 limes

2 cups unamended iced tea

1/4 cup sugar or to taste

2 cups sparkling water

One peach, cut into 6 to 8 slices for garnish

6 to 8 sprigs mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS: 

In bowl of food processor fitted with steel blade puree peaches with lime juice and sugar. Place ice cubes in 6 to 8 ounce glasses, pour in 2 to 3 ounces tea and 2 to 3 ounces sparkling water; with long-handled spoon stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons peach puree. Garnish with peach slice and mint. Serve with biscotti.

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METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Chances are this Father’s Day, if you’re not taking Dad out, you’re probably grilling. And since Dad is usually the one who’s slaving over a hot grill (even though he may have an ice cold beer in one hand), wouldn’t it be nice if you did the grilling for a change? No? Well then, how about you do some marinating to make whatever he’s grilling moist, tender, flavorful and fit for the king of the household and patriarch of the family. Here are some marinades to give that meat, poultry or fish an extra special taste. The rest is up to you. Note: Salt should be added to all marinades just before grilling.

Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary Marinade

YIELD: Makes about one cup.

INGREDIENTS:

Freshly squeezed juice from 3 large lemons

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves or 2 T dried

2 garlic cloves, minced

DIRECTIONS: 

Combine all ingredients except salt in a small bowl and whisk vigorously; pour into gallon size resealable plastic bag. Place meat in bag and tilt to coat thoroughly. Rotating and tilting bag every half hour, refrigerate for 3 hours. Use marinade to baste while grilling. This is especially good with chicken or pork accompanied by roasted potatoes and Vidalia onions.

Teriyaki and Scallion Marinade

YIELD: Makes approximately two cups

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dry white wine

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 scallions, trimmed and sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

In a medium bowl whisk together all ingredients. Pour into resealable gallon plastic bag and add beef, pork or poultry, then seal; tilt bag to coat thoroughly; refrigerate for up to 12 hours, rotate and tilt bag every so often to evenly distribute marinade. Use marinade for basting. This is best with beef but also very good with fish, poultry or pork accompanied by your favorite rice and a cucumber salad.

Cilantro and Lime Marinade

YIELD: Makes about 1 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup rose wine

3 garlic cloves, minced

Freshly squeezed juice of one large lime

1 tablespoon cumin

3 tablespoons chopped oregano leaves

1 tablespoon chili powder

Hot red pepper flakes to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except salt. Whisk thoroughly, then pour into resealable gallon plastic bag, add meat or poultry and seal; tilt to evenly coat. Refrigerate for up to 12 hours; tilt and rotate bag frequently. Use marinade to baste. This is a wonderful marinade for steak or chicken accompanied by fresh corn and roasted peppers.

Tropical Citrus Marinade

YIELD: Makes about 1 2/3 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup orange – mango juice

1/3 cup soy sauce

Freshly squeezed juice of one lime

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

In a medium bowl whisk together all the ingredients; let sit until sugar dissolves, then transfer to a gallon resealable bag; add chicken, fish or pork, seal bag and tilt to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for up to one hour for fish, 4 hours for pork or chicken; tilt and rotate from time to time to even distribute the marinade. This is particularly good with swordfish, chicken or pork accompanied by pineapple salsa and sweet potato fries.

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Watermelon Margarita Punch. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

If you want to pack a powerful hospitality punch, serve punch! No longer the stereotypical iced tea and lemonade, fruit juice and ginger ale old standby of baby showers and afternoon tea parties, punch has cashed in on the many flavored liqueurs and liquors as well as wines and exotic fruit juices now on the market. Punch is a great way to get the party rolling as guests stand around the punch bowl and sip and schmooze. (You can also sip in the kitchen while you’re putting last minute touches on the snacks and salads and side dishes.) Here are 4 punches that will sock it to your guests. Note: All ingredients should be completely chilled.

Watermelon Margarita Punch

YIELD: Makes 12 to 16 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 3/4 cup tequila

1 cup triple sec

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 cups chopped watermelon

1 bottle Prosecco or champagne

2 quarts seltzer or club soda

1 1/2 limes, thinly sliced

1/2 lime cut into wedges

1/4 cup coarse salt

DIRECTIONS: 

In a blender or food processor, puree tequila, triple sec, lime juice and watermelon together until smooth. Transfer to chilled punch bowl or pitcher, add Prosecco and seltzer and stir to thoroughly combine. Wipe rims of glasses with the lime wedges, turn glasses upside down and dip in salt. Place a lime slice on edge of each glass and float the remaining slices in the punch. Serve with guacamole and tortilla chips.

Tropical Rum Punch

YIELD: Makes 10 to 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups pineapple juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

2 cups grenadine syrup

3 cups light rum

Fresh mango slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS: 

In a large chilled punch bowl or pitcher, combine all ingredients; serve with canapés.

Sparkling Peach Punch

YIELD: Makes 20 to 30 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 bottle cognac

1 bottle sparkling white wine

3 cups peach liqueur

4 cups peach nectar

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

5 peaches

2 blood oranges

DIRECTIONS: 

Chill a large punch bowl or pitcher. When ready to serve punch, combine all liquid ingredients in bowl; thinly slice peaches and blood oranges and float them on top of mixture; add ice as desired. Serve with boiled shrimp and cocktail sauce.

Bloody Mary Punch

YIELD: Makes 15 to 20 servings

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups diced celery with leaves

3/4 to 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

8 cups tomato juice

2 cups vodka

1/4 cup prepared white horseradish

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce

1 teaspoon celery seeds

Lemon and cucumber slices for garnish.

DIRECTIONS: 

In a chilled large punch bowl or pitcher combine all ingredients. Pour over ice cubes into glasses. Garnish with lemon and cucumber slices. Serve with deviled eggs.

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Fusilli with Basil Pesto and Confetti Veggies. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Summer pastas take advantage of the season’s bounty and feature veggies and herbs and other warm weather flavors that go hand in hand with the outdoors where the livin’ is easy.  They’re light, they’re colorful and they’re savory. And like the livin’, they’re easy to put together. My favorite is a pasta with lemon and herbs. Of course, there’s pasta with pesto which is wonderful on its own and even more wonderful with the addition of finely diced summer veggies. And if spring and summer take you fishing, boating or beaching and you get a hankering for seafood, there’s pasta with crabmeat and peas.

Farfalle with Lemon and Herbs

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound farfalle pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 garlic clove, bruised

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley leaves

1/4 cup snipped fresh garlic chives

1 tablespoon (T) fresh lemon thyme leaves

1 T chopped fresh lemon verbena leaves

1 T chopped fresh lemon balm leaves

1 T finely grated lemon zest

2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

1/2 to 2/3 cup pasta water

DIRECTIONS: 

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium heat; add garlic clove and cook one or two minutes until it releases its aroma; remove and discard. Add basil, parsley, chives, thyme, verbena, lemon balm, zest, and juice, salt and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat. When pasta is just al dente, drain and add to skillet with the half to two-thirds cup pasta water; over medium-low heat, toss to  coat thoroughly. Serve hot or warm with fresh sliced tomatoes and mozzarella.

Fusilli with Basil Pesto and Confetti Veggies

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound fusilli

8 to 10 large sprigs of basil, leaves removed

1/2 cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese

1/2 cup pignoli nuts

1 large garlic clove

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup or more pasta water, if needed

1 small zucchini, cut into half-inch dice

1 medium potato, peeled and cut into half-inch dice

1 medium tomato, seeds removed, cut into half-inch dice

DIRECTIONS: 

Cook fusilli according to package directions. Meanwhile place basil, cheese, nuts, garlic, 3/4 cup of the oil, salt and pepper in bowl of electric food processor. Puree mixture, scraping bowl often, until it is smooth and turns a light green color; if it seems too thick, add pasta water a tablespoonful at a time until right consistency is achieved; set aside. In large skillet heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; add zucchini, potato and tomato and saute, stirring frequently until tender, about 5 minutes. In large pasta bowl, toss pesto and pasta together, sprinkle with sautéed veggies and serve hot, warm or at room temperature with a crusty bread.

Capellini with Crabmeat and Peas

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound capellini (very thin spaghetti)

1 pound fresh or frozen shelled peas

8 ounces unsalted butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves

1/4 cup fresh snipped chives

1/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese

Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over

DIRECTIONS: 

Cook pasta according to package directions but 3 minutes before end of cooking time add peas to pasta water and continue to cook until it is al dente. Meanwhile, in a very large skillet over moderate heat, melt butter; add herbs. Add pasta and peas, grated cheese, half a cup (more if needed) of pasta water, salt and pepper to skillet. Tossing constantly, continue cooking the mixture over low heat until pasta is coated with a light creamy sauce, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add crabmeat and cook over medium-low heat, just enough to heat through, about a minute or two. Serve hot or warm with an arugula salad and crisp dry white wine.

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Lemon Bars. Photo from Pexels

By Barbara Beltrami

With Memorial Day just around the corner, we will finally be gathering without guilt or fear with family, friends and neighbors to whoop up together at picnics, barbecues and maybe even pool parties. It will be a time to remember not just those Americans who have fallen on the battlefield but the more than 600,000 who have succumbed to the coronavirus over the past year. Like so many large get togethers, this one will probably be a cooperative effort with each guest bringing some part of the meal. If the answer you got to “What can I bring?” was “dessert,” then I suggest you think about dessert bars. Easier than cookies and good travelers, they will delight both young and old. 

Maria’s Pineapple-Coconut Bars

YIELD: Makes about two dozen bars

INGREDIENTS:

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

Pinch salt

2 sticks unsalted butter

12 ounces softened cream cheese

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs

One 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained

1 1/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut

1 cup finely chopped almonds

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2” baking dish. In a medium bowl combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar and salt. With pastry blender or fork, cut in 1 1/2 sticks of the butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Spread over bottom of prepared pan and press into place with fingers; bake for 12 minutes. In medium bowl combine cream cheese, the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla and eggs. Spread over baked crust, then spread pineapple evenly on top.  Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter and let cool; In a separate bowl, combine coconut, melted butter and almonds; spread over pineapple — cream cheese mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until coconut and almonds are nicely browned. Let cool 15 minutes, then chill until set. Cut into squares and serve with hot coffee or tea.

Mary Alice’s Golden Squares

YIELD: Makes about two dozen 2” squares

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, well-beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg white

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 13x9x2”pan. With electric mixer on low speed, beat butter until fluffy; gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until mixture is light in color Add eggs and vanilla; beat to combine. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder, then thoroughly blend with wet mixture. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Beat egg white until stiff; add brown sugar and continue to beat until stiff again. Fold in nuts, then spread over batter in pan. Bake 25 minutes, remove from oven and let cool to room temperature; cut into squares and serve with iced tea, coffee, or lemonade.

Stephen’s Mother’s Lemon Bars

YIELD: Makes about 20 squares

INGREDIENTS:

Two 8-ounce sticks unsalted butter, softened

3 1/2 cups sugar

3 cups flour

Pinch coarse salt

6 extra-large eggs at room temperature

3 cups sugar

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Confectioners’ sugar, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large electric mixer bowl cream the butter and 1/2 cup sugar; add two cups of the flour and the salt and mix on low speed just until combined. Turn dough onto a floured board and gather into a ball; flatten and press into a 13 x 9 x 2” baking dish; build up a two-inch edge on sides; refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes, then bake 15 to 20 minutes until crust turns a light golden; remove, place on wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar and flour, lemon zest and juice, then pour into crust; bake until set, about 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then dust with confectioners’ sugar, if using, and cut into squares. Serve with raspberry sorbet.

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Quinoa. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Lately I’ve developed a taste for quinoa which, according to Wikipedia, botanists classify not as a grain but as a pseudo cereal because it does not come from a grassy plant; rather the quinoa plant is more similar to beetroot or spinach. No wonder it’s become so popular. It is a remarkable source of protein, amino acids, fiber and antioxidants among many other nutrients, is cooked very much like rice and has a pleasant nutty taste that marries well with just about anything. The following recipes are merely suggestions because quinoa is one of those foods that you can adapt to whatever you have on hand or feel like concocting.

Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Currants and Apricots

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup dried currants

1/4 cup diced dried apricots

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 cup quinoa

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup toasted almonds

DIRECTIONS:

In small bowl, soak the currants and apricots till soft, about 30 minutes; drain.  In large saucepan heat oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers; add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until opaque and soft, about 10 minutes; add quinoa, salt, pepper, broth, currants and apricots; bring mixture to a boil, stir, cover, reduce heat to low and cook until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to bowl or dish and sprinkle almonds on top. Serve hot or warm with grilled chicken, lamb, pork or beef.

Quinoa Waldorf Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup quinoa

Freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon

2 apples, cored and sliced into half-inch wedges

2 celery ribs, trimmed and sliced into half inch pieces

2 scallions trimmed and sliced

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

DIRECTIONS:

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil; vigorously stir in quinoa and boil until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes; drain and let cool to room temperature. Toss apple pieces with lemon juice to prevent discoloring; drain any residual juice. In medium bowl, combine apples, celery, scallions, mayonnaise, oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Stir in quinoa, transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle with walnuts. Serve at room temperature with fish, meat or poultry.

Quinoa Porridge

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 cup quinoa

2 1/3 cups milk

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 pear

DIRECTIONS:

In microwave safe bowl heat honey with 1 tablespoon water; add raspberries and stir to coat; let sit at room temperature 10 minutes. In medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add quinoa and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to pop, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add half the milk, the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg along with one cup water, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer gently, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat, keep covered and let sit until any remaining liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes; fluff with fork. Stir in remaining half of milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and creamy, about 3 minutes. Pare, core and dice pear. Ladle mixture into individual bowls and top with raspberries and pear. Serve with breakfast juice, coffee or tea.

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Creamy Curry Dip

By Barbara Beltrami

Light years ago when I was a young homemaker whose weekly culinary adventure was dreaming up creative nibbles for Tuesday’s night bridge club, I would spend afternoons while the babies napped experimenting with concoctions from the magazine clippings I hoarded. Our card game was, in retrospect, not so much a game of bridge as one of our flaunting our newly acquired culinary talents, and any one of the young marrieds who belonged to that elite sorority of four would rather have died than be caught serving the same snack twice, much less a Tupperware bowl of potato chips.  

How many dips I dreamed up for oven-warmed frozen potato puffs, how many combinations of sour cream and something I invented, how many slices of sandwich bread I trimmed and rolled and stuffed and sliced. Actually, I think I burned out early for I haven’t had as many good ideas, even given the food revolution that began in the 80’s or the advent of the internet since.

But now after a year of COVID isolation and quarantine and a few months of post-COVID immunization, our social life is getting back into gear and we’re inviting people over for drinks or dinner to get re-acquainted. In a burst of retro creativity and nostalgia, I find myself foraging through those yellowed files and pulling out the oldies but goodies (although I must confess I’ve tinkered with a few here and there).These many years hence, the thing that has really changed is that I’m the one who needs the nap.

Creamy Curry Dip

YIELD: Makes 8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

1 shallot, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Few dashes hot pepper sauce

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients; cover and chill. Serve surrounded by cooked shrimp, bite size raw cauliflower florets, raw carrot sticks, raw celery sticks and any other crunchy veggie suitable for dipping. 

Nutty Cheese Log

YIELD: Makes one large log or two small

INGREDIENTS:

6 ounces goat cheese

10 ounces cheddar cheese, grated

12 ounces cream cheese

2 tablespoons minced onion

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1/4 cup snipped chives

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS:

Soften cheeses to room temperature.  In a medium bowl combine cheeses, onion and wine. Blend in half the parsley, chives and nuts; shape into a log, enclose in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Combine remaining herbs and nuts in a small container, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. One hour before serving spread reserved herbs and nuts on a sheet of waxed paper or cutting board and roll cheese log in them until it is well coated. Serve with crackers.

Hot Cheese Puffs

YIELD: Makes 12 pieces

INGREDIENTS:

3 slices sandwich bread

2 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 cup grated Swiss cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Remove crusts from bread; toast and cut into quarters. Preheat broiler. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold in baking powder, salt, cayenne, paprika and cheese. Spread mixture 1/4″ thick on each toast square; broil until browned, about 5 minutes. Serve with cocktails or wine

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Strawberry, Spinach, Orange and Almond Salad

By Barbara Beltrami

Moms love salads. They order them in restaurants and for take out and carry them to work in plastic containers. They probably try to get you to eat them. So why not make Mom a special salad or two or three for her special day? It’s a project that accommodates lots of chefs and sous chefs and is fun to prepare and assemble. Here are some out of the ordinary salads that are sure to bring a smile to Mom’s face and lots of hugs to the kitchen crew.

Tomato, Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup orange juice

Freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons

1 shallot, minced

1 tablespoon simple syrup

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1” cubes

1/8 seedless watermelon, cut into 1” cubes

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1” cubes

3/4 pound cubed feta cheese

1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, shallot, syrup, oil, salt and pepper till thoroughly emulsified. In a large salad bowl combine tomatoes, watermelon, cucumber, feta and dill; when ready to serve toss with dressing and serve with toasted pita bread.

Strawberry, Spinach, Orange and Almond Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons minced red onion

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

7 cups baby spinach, washed 

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 large orange, peeled, cut into bite-size cubes

1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegars, onion, salt and pepper. In a large salad bowl toss together the spinach, strawberries and orange. When ready to serve toss with dressing and top with almonds. Serve with sliced grilled boneless chicken breast, lamb chops or steak and baked potato.

Southwestern Chopped Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup  freshly squeezed lime juice

2 teaspoons grated lime zest

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 garlic clove, smashed

1 teaspoon chopped fresh jalapeno pepper

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 head Romaine lettuce, washed, chopped

One 14-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained

1 medium-large tomato, chopped

1/2 cup peeled chopped jicama

1 cup fresh, frozen or drained canned corn kernels

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 avocado

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice and zest, oil, honey, garlic, jalapeño, coriander, salt and pepper; let sit and before using, remove and discard garlic. In large salad bowl toss the lettuce, beans, tomato, jicama, corn, onion, bell pepper and cilantro. Immediately before serving, peel avocado and dice, add to salad and immediately toss with dressing. Serve with tacos, nachos, hamburgers, pizza, steak or anything grilled.

Asparagus, Pea, Radish and Bibb Lettuce Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 to 2 teaspoons honey

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

1 head Bibb lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces

1/2 pound snap peas, cut into 1” slices

1 bunch radishes, washed, trimmed, sliced

2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, oil, honey, salt and pepper. Steam asparagus until barely al dente, about 3 to 4 minutes; immerse in cold water to stop cooking. When cooled, place in large salad bowl and toss with with lettuce, peas and radishes. When ready to serve toss with dressing, sprinkle with chives and serve with meat, fish or poultry. 

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'Midnight Pasta'

By Barbara Beltrami

Even if you are not one of those people who insists on anchovies for their pizza topping, please read on because those tiny, salty little fillets that come in that hard-to-open tin can be judiciously included as an ingredient to enhance taste in many recipes. 

While most anchovy recipes that I’ve tried are Italian ones, it logically follows that they can be found in any Mediterranean cuisine. Think of them as part of an antipasto platter, in a “midnight pasta” with olive oil and garlic, as a focal ingredient in bagna càuda, on a crostini, adding zing to otherwise bland sautéed greens or as a topping on flatbread. 

Still not convinced? Then try anchovy cream or paste which comes in a tube and squeeze a little on a piece of grilled Italian bread anointed with olive oil or try the recipes below. And don’t forget, it’s anchovies that make a classic Caesar salad one of your favorites.

‘Midnight Pasta’

‘Midnight Pasta’

YIELD: Makes 2 to 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup olive oil

4 garlic cloves, mashed into a paste

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

One 2-ounce tin anchovy fillets, mashed into a paste

4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter

1/2 pound thin spaghetti

1/4 cup chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes and anchovy and with back of wooden spoon incorporate into garlic and oil. Cook, constantly stirring, one to two minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in butter. Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil, add salt to taste, add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to skillet, add parsley, toss with garlic-anchovy mixture and serve immediately with a tomato salad.

Bagna Càuda

Bagna Càuda

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 stick unsalted butter

12 anchovy fillets

6 garlic cloves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

3 celery ribs, cleaned and cut into sticks

12 bite-size cauliflower florets

1 green bell pepper, seeded, cut into 12 strips

1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips

12 wedges fennel bulb

1 crusty French baguette, sliced

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor or blender make an emulsion of the oil, butter, anchovies, garlic, salt and black pepper; transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. Pour into fondue pot or flame proof casserole over alcohol burner. Place veggies on a large plate encircling pot and have guests dip them into the oil mixture, being sure to scrape the bottom and hold over bread slices to catch the drips. Serve with a dry white wine.

Anchovy and Egg Crostini

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

16 half- inch thick slices French baguette

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

16 anchovy fillets

Scant tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Freshly ground white pepper to taste

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup freshly snipped chives

1/4 cup chopped dill

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat broiler or grill on high setting.  Brush one side of each slice of bread with a little of the oil and place, oiled side down, on baking sheet or grill and toast on one side, until golden brown, about one minute. Remove from heat, place grilled side down on a platter. In medium bowl, mash anchovies with back of a fork and combine with the remaining oil, lemon juice and pepper; add egg slices and gently toss them with the mixture, then spread them on toasted bread slices. Scatter chives and dill on top. Serve with prosecco.

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Lemon Chicken

By Barbara Beltrami

Mrs. Betty Haynes who lived next door to us when I was a kid, was a nice lady and a terrific cook. Short and rather rotund, she would shuffle about her kitchen in slippers into the rocking chair in the corner and fan herself. “Honey, I ain’t no spring chicken,” she’d exclaim after she’d  put a chicken into the oven or pot or frying pan. It seemed that all she ever cooked was chicken (In fact, much to our parents’ consternation, we kids used to secretly refer to her as Mrs. Chicken). Eventually, she moved to Florida, and when we visited her, she would regale us with her chicken as she always had, but it had taken on new twists…twists of lemon and orange and lime from the trees in her tiny backyard. Here are my takes on her citrus-y chicken dishes, perfect for spring taste buds. 

Lemon Chicken

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves chopped

1/3 cup dry white wine

Freshly grated zest of 1 large lemon

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram leaves

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4 boneless half-pound chicken breasts with skin, washed and patted dry

1 lemon cut into 8 wedges

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small saucepan heat two tablespoons oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook briefly, about one minute; remove pan from heat before garlic turns brown. Next add wine, lemon zest and juice, marjoram, thyme and a little salt; pour mixture into ovenproof baking dish. Place chicken breasts, skin side up, in baking dish; drizzle with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper; tuck lemon wedges among chicken pieces. Bake 30 to 45 minutes until skin is light golden and chicken is done. Remove from oven, cover tightly with aluminum foil and let sit for 10 minutes. Slice and serve with fresh asparagus and new potatoes.

Lime Chicken

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

8 large chicken thighs with bone and skin, washed and patted dry

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pinch ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup dry white wine

2 cups chicken stock or broth

Freshly squeezed juice of two limes

4 garlic cloves, chopped

Chopped leaves from 1 bunch of cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the salt, pepper, cayenne and nutmeg. Rub thighs on both sides with spice mixture (be sure to smear it under the skin as well). In a large cast iron skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Brown thighs, turning once, until golden, about 8 to 10 minutes per side; remove from skillet and set aside. Stirring with back of wooden spoon, deglaze pan with white wine, reduce liquid to half the volume, then add broth.Bring to a simmer and add lime juice and garlic. Return chicken to pan, bring to strong simmer, and add cilantro; simmer 5 minutes. Cover pan, transfer to oven and bake until cooked through, about 40 to 45 minutes; remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes or so. Serve hot with couscous or pilaf.

Orange Chicken

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 large orange

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

6 chicken thighs

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grate zest of orange; remove pith and cut orange into 6 wedges. In a small bowl combine the zest, one tablespoon of the oil, the paprika, rosemary and salt and pepper. Rub chicken (including under the skin) with mixture, transfer to shallow nonreactive baking dish and tuck orange wedges among chicken pieces. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh registers 165 F, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, let sit 5 minutes and serve with broccoli or coleslaw.

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