Romesco Sauce

This toasted almond and roasted red pepper sauce may look like the Harissa Sauce posted earlier this spring, but the similarities end with the color and roasted red peppers. This Spanish sauce is deeply flavorful, bright and punchy (in an acidic kind of way), and absolutely delicious. It comes together quickly in the food processor and now is the perfect time of year to give this a whirl while both tomatoes and peppers are at their peak.

Cherry Tomato Gratin

Looking to make the most of those gorgeous red and yellow jewels that have all but taken over your farmer’s market? Look no further than this simple but intensely flavorful cherry tomato gratin!

The tomatoes are tossed with a hit of fresh orange juice and balsamic vinegar for some nice acidity to wake up the flavor, then slow-roasted under a blanket of seasoned breadcrumbs and become slightly reduced, bubbly and utterly delish.

Greek Gazpacho

One of the things I love most in life is stumbling upon a new group of friends. But what I love even more is when this happens completely by surprise. When David and I moved from NYC to Westchester and then from Westchester to Connecticut, we had enough people in our lives between families and existing friends who live in that close-enough radius so we didn’t feel isolated. But we didn’t exactly know people here either. That is changing for me after joining a new gym.

Classic Penne Genovese

Basil is at it’s summer peak right now! Fellow foodies, I know you recognize the necessity of that exclamation point, and the significance of this joyous equation: Basil = Pesto! Now that is the kind of math I can comprehend.

Cool Avocado Soup with Spicy Shrimp and Chili-Lime Pepitas

Need a new way to beat the heat, other than cranking up the AC, jumping in your neighbors kiddie pool or sticking your head in the freezer? I’m telling you, you’ll cool right off with this refreshing, stunning, deeply flavored avocado soup. With a slice of grilled bread, or a cob of corn and a salad, this makes a wonderfully filling yet light summer meal or impressive first course. Though, there is always the garden hose …

Roast Corn Salad with Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon

Happy 4th of July! Our neighborhood has been in full-fledged celebration since Friday, every night around 9pm various fireworks displays have been going off from each of our neighbors yards. And lets not discount those sparklers – they seem to have come a long way from what I remember as a kid! If only our little pooch were as entertained – am hoping by Monday she’ll be all barked out.

Roasted Summer Squash and Cherry Tomato Pasta

I was at my local farmer’s market this week and pledged to get there more often. Stalls were abound with fresh-harvested lettuces and micro-greens, many just picked that morning. Pints of organic strawberries, fresh baked breads, cheeses, and local artisans selling their wares from soaps to flowering plants to music were among the other delights. After all the much-encouraged sampling, I was almost too full to pick up lunch. Almost. Until I hit the Calcutta Kitchens stall, where I sampled the coriander coconut simmer sauce, fresh makhani simmer sauce and spiced chickpeas. You might think Indian food is too heavy for summer but these sauces were light, garden-fresh and perfectly spiced. I came away with a pint of the spiced chickpeas and upon devouring them with some nice crusty bread was soon wishing I’d stocked up on more.