Deep-Fried Cheese-Filled Polenta Balls

Deep-Fried Cheese-Filled Polenta Balls

Polenta is a wonderful grain dish to become familiar with because it is so quick to make, and it goes well with most vegetables and sauces. This is a sumptuous appetizer that is richly varied in texture, with a crispy coating on the outside, light and moist polenta…

Cucumber and Peanut “Boats”

Cucumber and Peanut “Boats”

The use of a mandoline is key for these little boats, as the cucumber needs to be sliced very thin so it wraps easily. If your cucumber is too thick, you can use a length of green onion or chive to “tie” it into place. Rice Prep Time: 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 15…

Pickled Ginger

Pickled Ginger

If you don’t have a mandoline, use a vegetable peeler to slice the ginger root as thinly as possible. Prep Time: 25 minutesMakes about 4 servings One 2-in (5-cm) length fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced4 tablespoons salt1 cup (250 ml) Sushi Rice Dressing…

Raspberry lemon spitzer

Raspberry lemon spitzer

PREP: 10 minutes | COOK: 0 minutes | YIELD: 2 x ¾-cup servings Avoid alcohol’s unnecessary calories (and the fact that it lowers your ability to resist tempting holiday treats) by choosing this Clean cocktail instead. The addition of antioxidant-rich kombucha…

Chilled Scallop And Lychee Martini

Chilled Scallop And Lychee Martini

In 2005, Emeril and I hosted a winemaker dinner and served it beneath the stars. Fabulous! This was the most popular starter. With its tropical influences, it really reflects the Floribbean-Latino heritage of Miami, as well as the diversity of our ingredients. (Local…

Wild Florida Shrimp Mojito

Wild Florida Shrimp Mojito

This is my personal twist on the classic mojito, made with good rum, lime, and mint. I use locally caught wild Florida shrimp, but feel free to use any fresh shrimp, then splash it with the mojito fixings. It’s like a tropical vacation on a plate—colorful, sultry, and…

Carrot Air With Bitter Coconut Milk

Carrot Air With Bitter Coconut Milk

I created carrot air in 2003, as a tapas-appetizer to be served at cool room temperature. That was the year I was heavily inspired by nature and the essential elements of our planet, including earth, air, sea, and snow…and that was the year that “airs” were born. As…

White Sturgeon Caviar With Crepe Au Mousse De Creme Fraiche

White Sturgeon Caviar With Crepe Au Mousse De Creme Fraiche

I like this recipe because it’s a riff on the classic pairing of blinis with caviar. The caviar conveys a sense of luxury, so it elevates any celebration—the same way a great bottle of Champagne would. SERVES 12 CRÈPES 1¼ cups milk 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons butter,…