Blender Gazpacho

Gazpacho is one of my standard favorites for a summer heat wave. It’s best when it’s had time to chill. I make it the day before I want to serve it because the flavors blend better on the second day. One of the things that’s so great about gazpacho is that it’s almost infinitely flexible — almost any vegetable will work nicely as either part of the broth, or as garnish. It’s also incredibly easy if you have a blender, taking only about a half an hour from start to finish. Here’s a basic recipe, but be creative and make it your own. [...]

Bean and Rosemary Dip

My friend Paula, with whom I shared an art studio for an idyllic two years in Berlin, shared this recipe for bean and rosemary dip with me. It’s become one of my favorite party dips, and this recipe makes a party-sized serving. Making a quarter the amount will provide enough dip to serve four people as an appetizer or side dish at lunch or dinner. [...]

Bärlauch and Asparagus Frittata

I’d never run across bärlauch until I found it growing all over my front yard in Switzerland. It’s a leafy plant that smells like a wonderful combination of garlic and scallions and during its short season (mid-March to April) the Swiss use it for everything from soup greens to a base of pesto. [...]

Avocado Bowls with Balsamic Vinegar

A wonderful, rich appetizer with great flavor and aroma. It’s also extraordinarily simple. All you need is a perfectly ripe avocado, a little balsamic vinegar, and some fresh herbs. [...]