Category: Sides and Condiments
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Hassleback Potato Casserole
This is a “mash-up” of a classic French gratin and a beautiful Hassleback potato recipe. The idea is to stand the potato slices vertically rather than lay them flat, ensuring each serving receives a creamy potato and a crispy edge in each bite. You’ll Need: 4 to 4 ½ pounds…
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Decadent Creamed Corn Casserole!
Trust me when I say– someone at your dinner table will ask you for this recipe! You’ll Need: 8-10 ears of fresh shucked corn off the cob, or 1 pound frozen white kernels and 1 pound frozen yellow kernels. Or, all yellow. 1/2 onion, peeled halved and studded with 3-4…
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Roasted Butternut Squash with Candycap Mushroom
The haunting maple flavor of Candy Cap Mushrooms transforms this dish into a versatile masterpiece. Although, this sweet winter squash can be a unique side dish that will impress your guests—with, or without the mushrooms! You’ll Need: 2 butternut squash, peeled and cut in half 1/2 cup dried candy cap…
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Oven-Fried Crispy, Garlic & Herb Smashed Potatoes
The cooking techniques in this recipe are responsible for the deep flavor layers you will taste on the interior of these potatoes. So much so I’m willing to bet these will quickly become a family favorite. Oh, and did I mention the additional crunchy oven-baked texture? Whoa! Pair with a…
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Leftovers? Make Mash Potato Bombs!
Baked or fried these are a fun way to use up any left-over mash potatoes… or, a good excuse to make more! You’ll Need: Filling: 3 cups chilled mashed potatoes 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded ½ cup bacon, chopped small dice 1 bunch chives, chopped Pepper to taste Breading Station:…
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Green Beans with Brown Buttered Walnuts and Caramelized Shallots
I love to cook green beans, especially Haricots Verts, pronounced { herəkō ˈver } they are delicious and so tender. They are the French variety typically slimmer and longer than the common green bean we see here in America. You can use any fresh green bean for this recipe. You’ll…
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Carrot Salad with Roasted Cashew & Spicy Honey Vinaigrette
You’ll Need 1 cup unsalted cashews, roasted 2 cloves garlic, peeled1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes1/8 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup local honey1/2 cup olive oilKosher salt and fresh ground pepper1 pound carrots, peeled, julienned Here’s HowPreheat oven to 350’F Degrees. Toast cashews on a…
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Fresh Summer Cherry Vinaigrette
It’s easy to speed through the Central Valley of California or roll along the farm-bounded country roads less traveled, and find some great fresh fruits, nuts and delicious vegetables, especially during summer. If you find yourself in the heart of some of the world’s most productive farmland, grab yourself…
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Spring has Sprung in California! Try my Recipe for Oven Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon & Crunchy Toasted Almonds
LOVE.. LOVE… LOVE…. Asparagus. Spring time is right around the corner, and asparagus season is closer than we think. Best measure is to always source young fresh stalks of asparagus but if you are using very thick stalks of asparagus, peel away the tough outer layers. The easiest way is to grasp…
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Skinny Garlic Pommes Frites
In the production of a really good ‘French Fry” the type of fat used to fry with can make all the difference. Not to mention the type of potato and the potatoes sugar content will make a difference as well. Seriously, this subject for scholarly debate! Many establishments that place “Pommes Frites”…
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Buttered Baba Ganoush
Buttered Baba Ganoush -(Moutabal aka, baba ganoush) is made with aubergines, tahini, pine nuts and plenty of garlic. Beautiful and exotic — these are two words that best describe a delicate, aubergine. They come in so many varieties. Most commonly seen are the lavender to purple varieties, but what many of us didn’t know,…
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How to Make a 10 Minute Dashi Broth
What is Dashi? Dashi is a very simple broth that is one of the cornerstones of Japanese cooking. It is made with kombu (dried kelp), and bonito fish flakes. The results produce an amazing flavorful clear broth. One that has the taste and smell of a fresh salty ocean.…
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10 Minute Umami Fried Rice
During the week families need meals that are fast, cheap and easy. If I make rice I ALWAYS make additional and set some aside just for this recipe. My family loves this fried rice and I do too because it is practically a meal-in-itself. Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken…
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Bourbon Maple Meatballs for Cocktail Time! Oooohh yeah!
These little appetizer meatballs are a delicious start to kick off your party ! Ingredients: 1 pound ground meatloaf mix, (ground beef, pork and veal) 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs 1 large egg 2 clove garlic, minced fine 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon…
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Lucious Parsnip Purée with Truffle Oil !
Parsnips are my all time favorite root vegetable to purée or mash ! They are so naturally sweet and not too starchy, which makes for an ultra-silky side dish! Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh parsnips, peeled, thinly sliced- tough cores should be removed on larger parsnips but not necessary on small…
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Drunken Bacon for that “Grown-up” Sunday Brunch you’ve been longing for ! (This Bacon is Hot, Sweet and Sticky, so be prepared to have “Breakfast in Bed!” )
Clothing optional ! I’d serve these sexy bits of heaven with a side of warm melted chocolate – but that’s just me. #ParentsDayOff Ingredients: 1/4 cup good quality pure maple syrup 1/4 cup good quality Bourbon 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 pounds,…
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How to Make Simple Syrup & Why You Need It in Your Life!
Simple syrup! Typically I use a 2 to 1 ratio (2 sugar, 1 water) to make my simple syrup. You’ll need: sugar filtered water Here’s how to make it: Bring mixture to a roaring boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for at least 10 minutes to reduce and…
Chef Gigi Gaggero 