SEPARATOR
There are dozens of varieties of basil around the world and it is a key component in Italian, Vietnamese, Thai and many others cuisines. Although basil is primarily associated with the classic pesto sauce, there are an infinite number of both sweet and savory uses for this herb. In Italy, basil is known as a symbol of love, a fitting title for the many foods it partners with and the pleasurable result it leaves on your taste buds.
Fresh basil should be stored in your refrigerator and wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. When cooking with basil, because of its delicate nature, it is best to add near the end of the cooking process or toss it in after your food is cooked, so you get the full-bodied aroma and flavor.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy basil is to make a simple pesto by pureeing basil, pine nuts, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice together. Remove this from the blender; add in some salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Grill some bread, top with some of the pesto, fresh mozzarella or burrata, and drizzle some good extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top for a great little appetizer.
Here’s another light, savory dish to serve at your next dinner party or romantic date.
One of the best ways to enjoy Hatch chiles, from the Hatch Valley in New Mexico, is by roasting the chiles to remove their outer skin and seeds. The easiest way to accomplish this is with your home broiler. Simply place your chiles on a sheet pan or roasting pan, and turn them every minute under the broiler until the skin is charred on all sides. Once charred, remove the chiles...
Radicchio is a vegetable in the chicory family, and has been around since ancient times. It is widely cultivated in Italy, especially in the Veneto region near Venice, but it is also grown year round in California with peak season lasting from mid-winter through early spring. It’s rich in fiber as well as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium. It also contains intybin which stimulates the appetite...
Asparagus comes from the Greek root word meaning sprout. It is native to the Mediterranean and was cultivated over 2,000 years ago. There are many different varieties to choose from like white asparagus, violet –green asparagus, pencil thin asparagus and jumbo asparagus. In China, asparagus is candied and eaten as a special treat, but it’s actually really easy to prepare and enjoy...
