Archive for August, 2010

Wild Rice Pilaf with Forest Mushrooms

Wild Rice Pilaf with Forest Mushrooms, paired with Magret of Duck with Cherry Sauce
— 4-6 servings
Wild rice isn’t actually rice, technically it’s a grass seed. Whatever its botanical classification, it’s high in protein (but gluten-free!), the amino acid lysine, and dietary fiber, plus low in fat. Best of all, it has a deliciously chewy texture [...]

Magret of Duck with Sour Cherries

Gamey red meat like duck pairs beautifully with a cherry sauce — the slight acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the meat. Red wine and shallots cooked until soft and sweet round out the sauce.

Balsamic-Glazed Strawberries with Half-Dipped Hazelnut Spice Shortbreads

One the best and simplest ways to complete a Summer meal: red-ripe strawberries drizzled with a thick balsamic glaze. Easy, tart-sweet, and healthy! Here the strawberries are accented with crisp shortbreads, richly flavored with ground nuts and spices. To further gild the lily, the shortbreads are topped with crunchy whole hazelnuts and half-dipped in melted bittersweet chocolate.

Salad of Mache, Endive, and Radishes

Crisp and juicy, this exceptionally refreshing salad combines nutty mache, bitter endive, and spicy radishes, crowned with a mustard vinaigrette. The slight licorice flavor of the tarragon mustard complements both the gentle sweetness of the mache and pleasantly bitter endive. If mache is unavailable, butter lettuce can be substituted.

Sweet & Savory Cherry Galette

You know it’s summer when you see basket upon basket of beautiful fresh cherries in the farmer’s markets. This easy to make galette is a lovely way to end your meal with cheese and fruit instead of a typical dessert.