A LATE WINTER’S LUNCH

Spode flower plates + anemones + Deborah Madison’s Black Rice with Mixed Beets Salad

I fell hard for these vintage Spode plates while antiquing in Three Oaks, Michigan last fall … but in a rare move, I reined in my impetuousness and did not buy them. Thanksgiving was around the corner and another set of plates by Wedgwood—equally beautiful but decidedly autumnal in a mustard, brown, and aubergine palette—felt like the better choice. So I left with those, reminding myself that I have almost as many floral motif plates as I do striped shirts and sweaters. But I could not stop thinking of the Spode beauties, with their modern feeling, oversized florals and simple rims, each depicting a different flower.

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Farmers’ Market | Shaved Zucchini and Fresh Apricot Salad with Basil and Goat Cheese

Shaved Zucchini and Fresh Apricot Salad with Goat Cheese and Basil, fletcher + fork

I know what you’re thinking. Zucchini? Apricots?? Please, please hear me out.

Something magical happens when you shave vegetables rather than chop them. Zucchini, which can be bland as cardboard if left to its own devices, will fall into crisp-tender ribbons and soak up whatever you choose to drizzle over it. Continue reading “Farmers’ Market | Shaved Zucchini and Fresh Apricot Salad with Basil and Goat Cheese” →

Greens + Things | Seared Steak Salad with Blackberries and Goat Cheese

Whenever I gather friends for lunch, salad is the number one request. It feels virtuous and leaves room for dessert, allowing us to linger in conversation without a food coma. Certain boxes need to be checked though, before I’ll put it on the table. Will it delight their tastebuds in a new way? Is it visually delicious? Will it carry them to dinner without hunger pangs striking at 4pm?  Check. Check. Check.

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(Mostly) Make-Ahead | Seared Salmon and Lemon Dill Sauce with Red Rice, Pistachio and Arugula Salad

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Seared salmon is a staple in our home. In fact, it’s the only fish preparation my definitively non-fish loving son will eat without complaint! Once you make it this way, I doubt you’ll ever go back. The salad is best at room temperature, so you can serve it immediately or prepare it a day in advance and set it out an hour before serving. The salmon isn’t make ahead, but it cooks in eight minutes max! By the time you set your table, the entire meal is ready. Continue reading “(Mostly) Make-Ahead | Seared Salmon and Lemon Dill Sauce with Red Rice, Pistachio and Arugula Salad” →

Grain Bowl | Quinoa Shrimp Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Feta

Quinoa Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients. I frequently make a big pot and use it in different ways throughout the course of a week. A scoop warmed gently with almond milk, a pinch of cinnamon, dried fruit, and a generous dollop of honey and chopped nuts makes a wonderful, nourishing breakfast. A dinner side comes together in no time when you heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a sauté pan, add cooked quinoa, season well, and toss in a generous handful of chopped tender herbs and scallions. My favorite way to enjoy quinoa, though, is in a veggie and protein packed salad like the one below. Continue reading “Grain Bowl | Quinoa Shrimp Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Feta” →

Greens + Things | Construction Hell + Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Clementine Vinaigrette

We are two and a half weeks into a full-gut kitchen and mud room remodel, and it feels like it’s been two and a half months. The above video was taken just after the demo crew tore out the sheet rock ceiling in one fell swoop, rumbling the entire house with such  force that I thought the second floor was going to collapse. Though the builder and project manager have been incredible, there is no escaping the dust and acoustic hell. I now understand why my ballerina daughter goes completely stir-crazy when she has too much time out of the studio! I miss the smell of garlic and onions sputtering on the stove, the feel of a chef’s knife in my hand, the satisfaction of putting a meal on the table. Yes, we are throwing things on the grill from time to time, but anything that requires rinsing (vegetables and fruit) or washing (dishes) needs to be done in our bathroom sink. So that “This will be fun! Just like camping!” feeling disappeared after three days, then spiraled into total misery. At this point I am (a) worried we may die of scurvy and (b) certain no one in this family will ever have peanut butter toast again. I have no doubt, however, that it will all be worth it. And I cannot wait to share the pictures with you. Continue reading “Greens + Things | Construction Hell + Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Clementine Vinaigrette” →

Sea | Seared Sea Scallops with Citrus Tarragon Confetti Salad

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Sea scallops are elegant in presentation yet incredibly fast and easy to prepare. Their sweet, creamy flesh cooks in about four minutes, making them the perfect entertaining dish. Prepare the salad ahead of time, bring it to room temperature, and dress it just before serving. Then sear and plate the scallops before your guests realize you’ve stepped away! If it’s a beautiful evening and you’re dining outside, brush them with canola oil, season with salt and pepper, and throw them on a medium-high heated grill instead. Serve with a crisp, chilled Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.

I created and photographed this recipe for the April issue of Sheridan Road magazine, wanting to share a recipe that embraced spring flavors yet transitioned to easy summer entertaining. And truth be told, I wanted a dish that would look beautiful in my antique Wedgwood shallow bowls. I have a serious china addiction, and these are one of my absolute favorite finds! Continue reading “Sea | Seared Sea Scallops with Citrus Tarragon Confetti Salad” →

Greens + Things | Kale and Chickpea Salad with Honeyed Almonds and Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette

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Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, providing loads of vitamins A, C and K as well as folate, lutein, potassium, calcium and zinc. I made this salad with hearty Red Russian Kale, but Tuscan (lacinato) also works well. Creamy chickpeas provide protein and fiber, and the sweet and crunchy honeyed almonds are a perfect counterbalance to warm, smoky paprika vinaigrette. Continue reading “Greens + Things | Kale and Chickpea Salad with Honeyed Almonds and Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette” →

Greens + Things | Lemony Lentil Salad with Dill, Cucumber and Feta

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This Greek inspired lentil salad hits all the right notes – crunchy, creamy, light-yet-filling, and bursting with bright flavors. The lemony dressing will seem like too much at first, but the lentils will absorb it over time. French green lentils are worth seeking out – they have a wonderful nutty flavor and do not get mushy like other lentils. I also love French feta if you can find it – it is milder and creamier than other varieties. Continue reading “Greens + Things | Lemony Lentil Salad with Dill, Cucumber and Feta” →