Nothing like fresh, ripe avocados being mashed & turned into a zesty, cooling, filling, healthy condiment and dip. “Table side guacamole” is a trend at Mexican restaurants everywhere. I find guacamole to be one of those recipes which you can’t really mess up and has so many tasty versions. I never really make it the [...]

Pesto is a fresh and flavorful combination of a leafy green (think herb, arugula, spinach, etc.) + some type of nut (pine nuts, walnuts) + olive oil + sharp aged cheese (like parmesan) + garlic that can serve as an Italian sauce or spread. My basil plant is the only thing in my garden that I happen to [...]

(Polenta cakes served with goat cheese, roasted veggies and hot sauce.) Polenta, which originated in Europe, is similar to grits as both are made from stoneground corn. The type of corn for each varies as does the coarser texture of the cornmeal used to make polenta. I consider polenta to be a great vessel for [...]