European
The Scandalous Scandinavian
Smoked Salmon, Hard-Boiled Egg, Tomatoes, Greens and Caper-Onion Mayo
This is another one of those fabulous "adult sandwiches." It's hearty enough to pack for work, yet it's perfectly appropriate for a luncheon or brunch. The hardest part of this recipe is assembling the ingredients: that's how easy it is, yet it tastes like a gourmet sandwich you'd find on a restaurant menu or at a specialty deli. Thanks to the salmon, the sandwich is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that our body can't make on its own; it's high in protein and delivers a whopping amount of nutrients per calorie. In other words, it's the heavyweight nutrition champ of sandwiches!
Kippers and Bits
Kippers, Vidalia Onions, Lemony Mayo and Greens
When I went to Norway two years ago, I was amazed by how healthy everyone looked. The women, in particular, had complexions that were milky white; their hair was shiny, and they had a radiance about them that could only come from the incredible amounts of omega-3-rich, cold-water fish they ate. When I returned home, I tried to maintain a high level of fish consumption, knowing it would also be beneficial for my brain, heart and muscle mass. Scientifically speaking, the protective effects of fish consumption greatly outweigh any of the risks you may read about. This recipe was inspired by my trip to Norway, and it's as delicious as it is nutritious; the sandwich is bursting with heart-healthy fats, vitamins D and A and the minerals calcium and potassium. Kippers are salted, cold-smoked herring; if you can't find them, try sardines or anchovies. While this meal isn't the most kid-friendly, it will keep you nourished and energized so you can tackle whatever life throws your way!
Fresh Pasta
Because this dough is eggless, it has great al dente texture. If you can't find durum wheat flour, all-purpose will work well, too.
Eggplant, Tomato, and Pesto Stack
"I spend most of late summer picking these veggies," Bemis says. "I have to get creative to keep up. The pesto makes this combo so refreshing."
Strozzapreti with Spinach and Preserved Lemon
This bright, vegetarian sauce features lemon three ways: juice, zest, and preserved lemon peel.
Classic Potted Pork
They look unassuming, but these little jars of unctuous spiced meat served with crunchy toast and rich shallots are a decadent and satisfying treat.
Fish and Chips With Malt Vinegar Mayonnaise
Key when making this batter: Be sure your beer and club soda are ice cold, and chill the batter if prepping ahead.
Sautéed Greens with Olives
This dish is called misticanza ("mixed greens") on the Ava Gene's menu. You can sauté whatever leafy greens you like or happen to have on hand; it's an ideal way to use up those slightly past their prime.
Peach Galette
If I were making dessert for one of my favorite movie stars, George Clooney or Meryl Streep, I'd bake this galette because it is simple, rustic, and honest. If you want to serve it to a large group for a special gathering, the recipe doubles easily to make a 12-inch galette. Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and you have a totally scrumptious home-style dessert. --Marcy
Roasted Red Pepper Panzanella
If you'd like, let the croutons sit in the pepper mixture until the bread is fairly soft; it'll soak up the flavorful dressing.
Whole Wheat Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
The rich flavors of sausage and broccoli rabe stand up beautifully to the earthy taste of whole wheat pasta. Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite vegetables, but it has a bitter taste that isn't for everyone. Feel free to substitute regular broccoli in this recipe if you prefer.
Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Ribbons
Fettuccine Alfredo, with its ribbons of pasta coasted in a luxurious cheese sauce, is the very definition of decadent comfort. This recipe is all that—redefined. Zucchini ribbons mingle harmoniously with the noodles, allowing a big serving, healthfully. The sauce is made creamy with thickened milk but kept full flavored with plenty of real, fresh grated cheese.
Caesar Salad
Though modern spins on this recipe classic often contain anchovies or anchovy paste, the original did not. Its delicate anchovy flavor came from Worcestershire sauce.
To ensure that things move smoothly, have all ingredients measured and ready to go at the outset.
Corpse Reviver 3000
Corpse Revivers were once a category of drinks, what might now be categorized as "hair of the dog" cocktails. The most famous of these is the Corpse Reviver No. 2, of which Harry Craddock wrote in his 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, "Four of these taken in quick succession will unrevive the corpse again." By the end of the twentieth century, No. 2 was the only Corpse Reviver anyone could remember, if in fact they knew any at all. In this variation on No. 2, absinthe replaces the gin, and St-Germain fills in for Lillet—a Corpse Reviver of the future.
Salted-Caramel Semifreddo with Hot Fudge
A combination of whipped cream and ice cream gives semifreddos a frozen mousselike silkiness. The rich chocolate sauce is just the icing on the sundae.
Peach-Berry Sangria
On a really hot day, freeze fruit for an hour or two prior to serving—it acts like sweet ice cubes.
Farmers' Market Pappardelle
Combine rich egg noodles with the best of the summer harvest for a gorgeous dinner that requires a bit of chopping, but very little cooking.
Basic French Vinaigrette
This classic dressing is delicious as is, but it's also a perfect template for further embellishments. For ideas on what to add—as well as more recipes and tips—see our Homemade Salad Dressing Primer.
Blender Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a breeze to make when the blender is enlisted to do most of the work. For more about mayonnaise and other salad dressings, see our Homemade Salad Dressing Primer.
Note that raw eggs are not recommended for infants, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with a compromised immune system. To avoid the risk of salmonella infection, use pasteurized eggs instead.
Michel Richard's Fish Soup with Flounder, Crayfish, and Squid
Washington, DC's renowned chef-owner of Citronelle has a special relationship with seafood: He was born in Brittany on the northwest coast of France. Chef Michel Richard has been decorated with nearly every cooking award, including the James Beard award, and he is known for combining fresh California ingredients with traditional French cooking. This recipe, a simplified take on a traditional French bouillabaisse, is sure to satisfy.