The combined flavors of the perfectly ripe avocado and thin slices of toasted French bread in this garlicky vinaigrette are incomparable. Black pebbly skinned Hass avocados are the best variety because they are the creamiest. SERVES 4 ВЅ cup Classic Vinaigrette 2...
I have tried all methods of preparing asparagus to ensure even cooking dicing the stalks, tying them together with a string and cooking them upright, cutting a cross in the stalks to encourage quicker cooking, etc., and none of them has ever been satisfactory to me;...
The incomparable flavor of arugula can easily be overpowered by a strong salad dressing. The best way to accentuate its wonderful flavor is to use only a light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. SERVES 4 1 head Boston lettuce,...
Although there are some store-bought varieties of hummus that are good, none compares to this luxurious version. For a delicious lunch, try spooning leftover hummus over sauted vegetables that have been stuffed into pita bread. MAKES ABOUT 2ВЅ CUPS 16-ounce can...
Pesto is usually served as a sauce on pasta and sometimes is used to enhance vegetables. But by far the most luscious way to enjoy pesto that I know of is to spread it on slices of toasted French bread and have them as an appetizer. MAKES 12 SLICES 12 slices French...
This is a richly flavored, spicy dip that is very easy to prepare. It is one of my favorite appetizers, and a good choice to acquaint newcomers to the flavors of curry. I highly recommend serving it with hot pita bread triangles so you can scoop it up, but it also...
This dip deserves the popularity that it has gained. Though it's delicious served with crackers or crudits, I think it's even more appetizing when served with corn chips. MAKES 1Вј CUPS 2 ripe avocados (preferably Hass variety) Juice of ВЅ lemon or lime 1 tomato,...
This spread is reminiscent of the filling of traditional cheese ravioli and lasagna so luscious and satisfying. MAKES 1ВЅ CUPS 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably part-skim) Вј cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon milk 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh...
This Middle Eastern method of making fresh cheese out of yogurt is easy and fun. You simply place the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined strainer and let it drip until the yogurt reaches the consistency you want; the longer it drips, the firmer it gets. To make a creamy...
This is a simple Greek dip that has a pungent garlic flavor. It is especially good served with hot pita bread triangles. MAKES 1Вј CUPS ВЅ medium cucumber 1 cup yogurt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill Вј teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon minced fresh...
