Triple Berry Whopper Pannacotta
The perfect Summer dessert is one that requires little effort and delivers a lot of oomph. A pannacotta is a classic that despite much written about its ease always impresses people when done right. This recipe is a play on the joy of layers and depths - a parfait of berry jam and maple vanilla pannacotta topped with preserved berries and fresh blueberries. It is silky and smooth on the tongue, has just enough oomph to make you go all jelly inside and has a sweet finish that leaves you satiated and palate coated.
The Secret to a Good Monday
This Monday (and for every one), I suggest fortifying oneself with a nice runny yolk fried egg. And, mayhap, that is not sufficient, let's kick some ass with the spice of blistered shisito peppers. But, maybe you were unlucky to find that one chilli that is really true to its genre rather than being the milder, mostly amused cousin. Let's cover our base and ground all of this with a thick grilled pineapple steak!
There! Now, I think we have the winning recipe to start the week right....
Sumac and Mint Marinated Goat's Cheese
For me Summer heralds a not-so-subtle switch in lifestyle. Outdoor fun, roof top gatherings, long long days for long long amusements, days when you can be dine with work and still have time to play in the light! More, importantly though, this is season, I become more vegetable focuses, swept away by the abundance of variety and richness of flavor that marks this season.
I also start my herb garden and distinctly look forward to using as much of it as possible. The sweet distinct aromas that simply make the dish from ordinary to elegant. This is my joy.
Today's recipe was one such inspiration I stumbled upon through Jul's blog. As you can see from her and my creations, it is an all weather recipe using the best herbs of the season. However, the line that struck a chord with me was that the flavors of fresh goat cheese is akin to lamb. In fact, that is why it makes so much sense to pair them as is often done.
An Artichoke Story of Second Chances
Second chances.... How often do we get them? And, when we do, how different do we play the rerun? What do we learn from the first attempt? What would we not do again? What did we lose and what did we gain? Do we realise what felt right and what is right?
How do artichokes fit into this series of existential questions? Well, the thing is, my experiences in life (full story inside) has made me dispositioned to give things a second chance. So, when, after being inspired by gorgeous photographs and gushing description, I picked up some artichokes for bit of play. I have never cooked them before because well, it seemed a lot of effort for little return (yes, this is the old numerical me!).
The first attempt I made with these was ok, not great and I was left with a feeling of void where all those massive expectations had been. But, I was determined to give these chokes another try and that was fortified by the flood of suggestions I received when I wailed about my lackluster experience. So back to the kitchen it was with globes, shears and knife.
Blue Cheese and Buttered Pear Ice Cream
Oh yes! It's ice cream season. Well, is not that what Memorial Day is all about? The subtle signal that Summer is here and now?! Speaking of which, hope you all had a great long weekend. We in the US, don't have nearly enough long weekends. So, we may as well make the most of it. As to me, I jetted off to wet and hot Austin from Spring rebound NYC. I am still there. So when I am back I will have some nice photos of water dripping from awnings! :)
In the meantime, let me tell you about this ice cream. Blue Cheese Ice Cream. Because, it blew my mind! Ever since a little Italian gelataria opened by me, I have been fascinated with savory ice creams. They make an amazing olive oil one that is served with the charcuterie platter. Divine. And, yes, that is where my inspiration for this came about.