Crispy Chicken Cutlets with an Arugula and Fennel Salad
Panko cutlets seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne, fried crisp and topped with a lemony arugula and shaved fennel salad.
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus charred on the grill with smoked paprika and olive oil, finished with white balsamic, crisped prosciutto and basil.
Balsamic Teriyaki Chicken & Salad
Chicken thighs soaked in milk and lemon, glazed with a balsamic teriyaki of honey and soy, and served over dressed greens with shaved Parmesan.
Confit Carrot
Whole carrots cooked slowly submerged in olive oil with garlic, thyme and rosemary until silky. A side that tastes like far more work than it is.
Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Roasted sprouts with crisp pancetta, pomegranate and sage, dressed in a white balsamic and lemongrass vinaigrette with a fig balsamic glaze.
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo di Pomodoro)
Roma tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano and basil simmered into the sauce everything else is built on. Worth making in batches.
Pesto
Basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmigiano brought together with good olive oil. The Ligurian original, with Pecorino if you want more bite.
Veloute
One of the five French mother sauces: a pale roux loosened with warm chicken or fish stock and sharpened with lemon.
Tomato Jam
Six pounds of heirloom tomatoes cooked down with sugar, balsamic and lemon zest. Yields five jars and belongs on every cheeseboard.
Chicken Piccata
Chicken breasts pounded thin, seared, and finished in a lemon, caper and butter pan sauce over spaghetti.
Fried Zucchini and Squash
Zucchini and yellow squash sliced into rounds, dredged and fried until golden. Equally at home as an appetizer or a side.
Trapani Pesto
The Sicilian pesto: tomatoes, almonds, basil and garlic. Made for busiate, since both come from Trapani.