Orange Curd Ambrosia

Have you ever had a dish at a restaurant that wowed you so much you immediately knew you needed to have it in your life. So you wondered if it was possible to recreate this love at first bite dish at home? Well that happened to me last week while having lunch with a very good friend. One I met decades ago during my first week at college. When she suggested having lunch at a restaurant where her professionally trained goddaughter was the chef, I was all in! For years I have heard her talk about how creative and talented Grace was as a chef. And after meeting and eating her food, I wished she was my goddaughter! Not only was Grace incredibly generous and humble, her food was beyond amazing. She has created the kind of food having seemingly simple layers of flavors and textures, the kind you couldn't bear to leave one bite behind, and the kind just tempting you to lick the plate in public. 

While the recipes below are mine, the concept and inspiration for this dish are all Grace. I can't take any credit for conceptualizing this creative take on a layered ambrosia. One made with an orange curd infused mascarpone, homemade granola, mixed berries (including roasted strawberries), and toasted coconut. I can only take credit for the recipes below. My taste buds were dancing and my head was spinning the moment I took a bite Grace's dish. Within milliseconds I knew I absolutely had to figure out how to create it.

So before I bring you along on my Orange Curd Ambrosia journey or lose some of you as you read through this post (or sneak ahead to recipes), let me say this is not a difficult dish to make. I think I have to say this again. This is not a difficult dish to make. It is a relatively simple dish that looks complex. At least two of the ambrosia's layers (the orange curd and the granola) can be made days ahead. Assembling the dish will take less than thirty minutes (if you decide not to roast the strawberries) or maybe forty minutes (if you decide to roast the strawberries). Because if there was ever a dish worth your time and energy, this would be the one!

I would also be remiss if I didn't disclose that this isn't what many of you will think of when you hear the word ambrosia. It's not the canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, coconut, maraschino cherries, whipped cream (or sour cream) version of ambrosia you may have grown up with. This version is a night and day different from that one. I might be slightly biased but I think this Orange Curd Ambrosia is truly the food for the gods (and goddesses).

As soon as I got home from spending the afternoon with my friend, I started researching Orange Curd recipes. And as much as I would have liked to make a Blood Orange Orange Curd, I quickly learned they are currently out of season (which is generally December through April). At first I tried to adapt my favorite recipe for Lemon Curd, but for a myriad of reasons the orange curd version just wasn't 'good enough'. So after making some changes to the number of eggs, amount of butter, amount of freshly squeezed orange juice as well as an alteration to the cooking method, I created this dreamy, creamy Orange Curd. One so good you will just want to eat it off a spoon.

Creating a delicious Orange Curd was just the first of many challenges in trying to create this Orange Curd Ambrosia. Making the orange curd infused mascarpone was the second one. What should the ratio of curd to mascarpone be? Should there be any additional sweeteners added? What should be used to give it a creamy texture? My first attempt was good, but again, not good enough. However, my second attempt at making the orange curd infused mascarpone was better than good enough. Whether or not it even comes close to Grace's recipe, I may never know. But the combination of mascarpone, orange curd, confectionary sugar, heavy cream, and some extra orange zest for good measure gave way to dreamy deliciousness. So with the first layer of the ambrosia down, I only had three more to go.

The second layer of the ambrosia is granola, preferably homemade granola. Because I almost always have a bag of my favorite one on hand (recipe linked here), I didn't need to spend any time creating a granola recipe. For those you who don't want to make a homemade granola for this dish, use the best quality granola you can find. Although I would be remiss if I didn't try to convince you to make a homemade one. You won't be sorry.

The layer of mixed berries is relatively easy, right? Just mix some blackberries, blueberries and cut strawberries together and let them macerate with a small amount of sugar, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, you absolutely could do this. But, what if you roasted the strawberries with a small amount of sugar and mixed the warm strawberries along with the sweetened juices together with the blackberries and blueberries? Would that make for an even more flavorful layer? The answer as you might guess is YES! Roasting strawberries in the oven with just a little bit of sugar for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees (F) intensifies their sweetness along with creating a deeper, richer flavor and slightly softer texture. 

So now that's three layers down! The orange curd infused mascarpone, homemade granola, and mixed berries (either all fresh or roasted strawberries with fresh blackberries and blueberries. All that was left to make was the toasted coconut layer aka the final layer. I had two choices. Make either toasted sweetened shredded coconut or toasted desiccated coconut. Taking a cue from Grace, I decided a toasted desiccated coconut would be the best finishing touch as it would add a slight nuttiness to the ambrosia. 

Having tasted fresh berries with an orange curd infused mascarpone, I may never serve them with a bowl of yogurt, even a bowl of honey infused yogurt again. I am completely over the moon smitten with this Orange Curd Ambrosia. It will definitely be what I serve at my next brunch and at every brunch going forward! 

Little did I know just how much spending time with a really good friend would be inspiring on so many levels! Now every time I make this Orange Curd Ambrosia I will remember the day we spent together and meeting as well as being inspired by Grace Goudie (someone who I genuinely believe will be as famous as Erin French someday). 

Recipe

Orange Curd Ambrosia

Serves up to 6

Ingredients

Orange Curd

3 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 3-4 Navel or Blood Oranges)

1 1/2 cups (150g) granulated sugar

Zest from 2 oranges

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into eight tablespoons, room temperature

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Homemade Granola - approximately 1 generous cup

Mixed Berries

1 pound (454g) strawberries, stems removed and cut in half (See notes)

6 ounces (170g) blackberries

2/3 pint (12 ounces - 300g) blueberries

Orange Curd Mascarpone 

8 ounces (227g) mascarpone

1/3 cup plus 1 generous tablespoon of orange curd

2 Tablespoons confectionary sugar

2 Tablespoons of heavy cream

Optional: zest from one half of an orange

Toasted Coconut

1/4 to 1/3 cup of desiccated (I used unsweetened)

Directions

Orange Curd

1. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt. Whisk in the orange juice and zest.

2. On the top of a double boiler simmering over low-medium heat, pour in the orange curd mixture.

3. Stirring frequently, cook the curd until it has the consistency of a mayonnaise. 

4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter.

5. Strain the curd through a mesh strainer.

6. Let cool before covering and chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. Curd will be good in the refrigerator for at least one week. Note: The orange curd can be used to make the orange curd infused mascarpone after the curd sits for at least thirty minutes.

Homemade Granola

Mixed Berries

1. Combine the strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.

Orange Curd Mascarpone 

1. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the mascarpone, orange curd, confectionary sugar, and whipping cream using a hand mixer. Beat until creamy and well blended.

Toasted Coconut

1. In a preheated 350 degree (F) oven, place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of desiccated coconut on a baking sheet. Make sure the coconut is in a flat layer.

2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning often, until it's lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven. Let cool.

Assembly

1. Spread the orange curd mascarpone on the bottom of a dish.

2. Sprinkle the granola on top of the mascarpone layer.

3. Spoon the fruit over the granola layer.

4. Sprinkle 3-4 Tablespoons of the toasted coconut over the top of the fruit layer.

5. Serve immediately.

Notes: (1) To roast the strawberries, mix the cut strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cut side down on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 degree (F) oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer the strawberries, juices and melted sugar to a medium sized bowl. Mix together with the blackberries and blueberries. (2) If not roasting the strawberries, mix the cut strawberries with a couple tablespoons of sugar. Then mix in the other berries. Let the berries sit while you are making the orange curd mascarpone.

Grilled Baby Sweet Peppers w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette & Burrata

Last weekend my sister came over to help me with finally creating a wine inventory. With a growing number of wine bottles purchased or gifted over the years, I needed to get a handle on the drinkability dates of more than a hundred bottles of wine. As anticipated (but with some trepidation), we discovered there were more than a dozen bottles of wine "technically past their prime drinking dates". We stopped the inventory at 106 bottles, leaving another twenty or so for me to finish. Not because we were tired, but because I was beginning to feel some stress. Sensing my feelings of dread over realizing just how many really good bottles of wine should have been enjoyed over the past several years, my sister (the family wine expert and connoisseur) told me not to throw them away. Telling me that sometimes those 'past their best drinkable date' wines might still be really very good or even good enough to use in cooking. So the other day I decided to test out her advice and open up a 2013 bottle of Zinfandel to serve with these Grilled Baby Peppers w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette & Burrata. If there was ever a (rare) time I wanted my sister to be right and me to be wrong, this was it. And guess what? She was, thank goodness. But while I know not every bottle of 'expired' wine will be 'good enough' to drink or cook with, somehow discovering there was at least one bottle tasting better than good enough (it was actually really, really good) helped to relieve a bit of my wine anxiety. Beyond being able to spend some long overdue time with my sister and finally getting the inventory done, I had quite a few 'wine' takeaways from the experience. Although stop buying more wine wasn't one of them. 

Last year I shared a recipe for Roasted Mini-Sweet Peppers, Burrata and Italian Meats Crostini. While this new recipe is made with baby sweet peppers, burrata and a sliced baguette, the flavors between the two appetizers couldn't be more different. They are sort of like the difference between a chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. 

For the best flavor, grill the baby sweet peppers until they are softened and slightly charred (about 3-4 minutes per side). Just as grilling vegetables makes them 'over the top' tasteworthy, the same thing happens when bread is grilled. Brushing both sides of the bread slices before placing them on the grill and then rubbing a cut clove of garlic over each grilled slice adds another dimension of flavor.

Maybe the most critical element to this appetizer is the White Balsamic Vinaigrette as it's a savoriness is a game changer when its' drizzled over the grilled baby sweet peppers and burrata.  The vinaigrette is light, herby and has just the right amount of tartness from the white balsamic vinegar. Using fresh herbs and a good quality extra-virgin olive oil is key in this vinaigrette. And i by chance you can't find a white balsamic vinegar, feel free to use a champagne vinegar. 

To prepare the baby sweet peppers, simply toss them in some extra-virgin olive oil and season them with some Kosher salt and pepper. Grilling time for the peppers will depend on how hot your grill is. Plan for grilling the peppers for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. As soon as grill marks appear on one side of the peppers, flip them over. Note: If you don't have an outdoor gas grill, use a stovetop grill pan. Grilling on the stovetop might take a little bit longer.

Arrange the grilled baby sweet peppers and pieces of burrata on a large, beautiful platter. Drizzle the White Balsamic Vinaigrette over them, then arrange the slices of the grilled baguette around the edges. Garnish with some fresh herbs (basil and thyme) and/or some edible flowers. Then serve and enjoy!

The Grilled Baby Sweet Peppers w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette & Burrata might be one of the most visually appealing appetizers you serve this summer. More importantly, it might also be one of the most flavorful! Serve it with a really good wine (one whose drinkability date didn't expire years ago!) or some sparkling water garnished with a lemon, lime or fresh fruit. Then sit back and watch the platter of Grilled Baby Sweet Peppers w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette & Burrata disappear. 

Recipe

Grilled Baby Sweet Peppers w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette & Burrata

Serves 6-8 

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or use champagne vinegar)

2 Tablespoons basil, julienned

2 Tablespoons chives, finely chopped

1-2 Tablespoons thyme, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 pounds (675-680g) baby bell peppers in assorted colors

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8-12 ounces (226-339g) burrata, cut into 4, 6 or 8 pieces

Baguette, cut into generous 1/4" slices

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing

1 clove of garlic, for finishing the grilled baguette slices

Optional but good: Fresh herbs and/or flowers for garnishing

Directions

Vinaigrette

1. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the white balsamic vinegar, basil, chives, thyme, garlic, Kosher salt and pepper.

2. Slow add in the olive oil and whisk until combined. Set the vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to develop.

Grilled Baby Sweet Peppers

1. Heat the grill.

2. Toss the baby bell peppers with 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with the Kosher salt and black pepper.

3. Lay the peppers on the hot grill. Cook the peppers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until grill marks are on both sides of the peppers.

4. Transfer the grilled peppers to a large platter.

5. Arrange pieces of the burrata on the platter and drizzle the peppers and cheese with the vinaigrette. Lightly sprinkle with some Kosher salt. While the grilled peppers and burrata marinate in the vinaigrette, grill the bread.

6. Add slices of the grilled baguette on the platter. Garnish with some fresh herbs and, if possible, some edible flowers.

7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes: (1) To make the best slices of a grilled baguette, lightly brush both sides of the bread with some olive oil. Place on a hot grill. Cook until light grill marks appear on both sides. Rub the grilled slices with a half clove of garlic. (2) The recipe calls for an 8 ounce ball of burrata cut into pieces. If you can find four ounce balls of burrata, buy three of them (for a total of 12 ounces). Cut them each into four pieces and arrange on the platter. (3) When buying baby sweet peppers, try to buy an assortment of colors (red, yellow, orange).

Classic Banana Bread

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be on a quest to be admitted into the Banana Bread Hall of Fame. But apparently, I am. Because if that wasn't a goal deeply buried in my subconscious, I would probably have to admit to being on a relentless pursuit of creating the Banana Bread Holy Grail recipe. That, or I am extremely persnickety when it comes to Banana Bread. However, I refuse to be pigeon-holed into any of those characterizations as I am a little bit of each of them. 

For the record there are seven, soon to be eight recipes for banana bread now on the blog. Banana Bread (Original Recipe), Banana Bread-Version 2, Banana Bread with Streusel Topping, Cocoa Banana Bread, Cheesecake Banana Bread, Walnut Banana Bread, and Spiced Pecan Banana Bread are all ones I have said were my favorite at one time or another. 

Yes, I know, I am teetering on the brink of having a Banana Bread credibility issue, of telling you little white lies, or of leading you down a banana bread recipe path only to tell you turn around. So, here I am again asking you to trust me when I tell you I think, no I believe, this just might be the only Banana Bread recipe you should be making now and in the foreseeable future. On a scale of 1 to 10, I am going to tell you this version is a 9+. 

If you love a slightly dense in texture, moist but a little bit crunchy on the edges, not too too sweet, having the right amount of banana-ness, and a detectable hint of cinnamon banana bread, then this is the Banana Bread you need in your life. The one you make to impress your friends, to garner all of the attention at a potluck brunch, to enter in the local fair....you get the picture.

Without going full on excel spreadsheet on you comparing all of the existing seven banana bread recipes to this one, I will give you the Reader's Digest version highlighting the myriad of nuances in ingredient amounts. 

Ranging from having the least amount of sugar (3/4 cup), to the most baking powder (one teaspoon), to the most butter (6 Tablespoons). There is only one other recipe using sour cream, only one specifying using up to 1 1/2 cups of mashed ripe bananas, and only one using two cups of flour. Somehow, the ingredient amounts, in what I am calling a Classic Banana Bread recipe, combine to create the most delicious, dreamworthy loaf. 

For the most optimal eating experience, let this Classic Banana Bread rest overnight to allow the flavors to more fully develop. In all honest, I loved this banana bread on day one. But on day two I was deeply, madly, hopelessly, deliriously in love with it. If there was such a thing as a Banana Bread Hall of Fame, this insanely delicious recipe would be the one guaranteeing me entry. Hope I have convinced you make this your go-to Banana Bread loaf.

Recipe

Classic Banana Bread

Makes one delicious 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf

Updated May 2022

Ingredients

2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups (about 344g) very ripe bananas, mashed (about 3-4 bananas)

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (OR 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1/4 cup (60g) sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup (75g) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (see notes)

Optional, but really good: Sparkling Sugar to sprinkle over the top of bread before baking

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" metal loaf with parchment paper (spray pan with canola or vegetable spray or butter before adding in the parchment paper).

2. In a medium sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, Kosher salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.

3. In a large bowl whisk together the mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream and vanilla until combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients and walnuts to the dry ingredients. Blend with spatula until just combined. Do not over mix.

5. Transfer the banana bread mixture to the prepared pan. If using, generously sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Place pan on a large baking sheet. Note: Instead of putting the unbaked banana bread into the oven, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours before baking.

6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Note: Rotate pan midway through the baking process.

7. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow to rest at least 20 minutes before lifting out of the pan. Return the bread to the cooling rack. Continue to allow the bread to cool for another 20 minutes before slicing into thick slices.

8. Store any leftovers covered. And honestly, this Banana Bread is even better on days two and three. Note: To extend the life of the banana bread, store covered in the refrigerator. Eat chilled or reheat in the microwave.

Notes: (1) I used only 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Because I like a stronger presence of cinnamon in my banana bread I will be increasing the amount to somewhere between 3/4 and 1 teaspoon. (2) To toast the walnuts, place on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 degree (F) oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet so they can cool down a little more quickly. (3) If you like chocolate in your banana bread, feel free to replace the walnuts with 3/4 to 1 cup miniature chocolate chips. (4) If you like a crunchy top to your banana bread, top with 2-3 Tablespoons of sparkling or sanding sugar.

Rosemary Shortbread Apricot Bars

Ever since discovering how apricot preserves elevated the Ham, Brie and Arugula Sandwich to a swoonworthy level of deliciousness, my affinity for all things apricot deepened even further. For the first time, I shifted from looking at apricot preserves through a sweet only to a sweet and savory lens. When apricot preserves are paired with something slightly bold and savory, like rosemary for example, the interplay of flavors becomes an unexpected, irresistibly addictive combination. In other words, the taste of the two flavors experienced together are even better than either one of them are on their own. As is the case in these binge worthy Rosemary Shortbread Apricot Bars. 

A rosemary shortbread base, topped with apricot preserves given a boost of flavor with brandy, and a buttery, dark brown sugar, toasted pecan crumble topping are a trifecta of layered scrumptiousness. 

Before you scroll down to the recipe, let me just say 'please don't be adversely swayed by the number of steps' involved in making these luscious Rosemary Shortbread Apricot Bars. As much as I too love the easy recipes, the ones having both high visual and taste appeal, I hate having be the one to say there are no quick and easy shortcuts when flavor layering is involved. However, in spite of the number of steps involved in making these bars, it's really a pretty easy recipe. 

As far as ingredients go, I live by a few rules. High quality ingredients are a must. Given the choice between a regular unsalted butter and a European-style unsalted butter, I always go with the latter. When cookie or bar recipes involve nuts, the nuts must always be toasted first. Fresh herbs and dried herbs are not always interchangeable. I know those may sound a bit fussy, but given the choice between good enough and great (especially when food is involved), my tendency is to go for great. 

Freshly minced rosemary, room temperature European style butter, a good vanilla, some Kosher salt, all-purpose flour, and confectionary sugar are the shortbread base ingredients. Once the shortbread dough comes together in a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, it gets pressed into a parchment paper lined 9" square baking pan. After spending about 30 minutes in the refrigerator, the shortbread is baked for 25-30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree (F) oven. While the dough is chilling, toast the pecans and mix together the apricot preserves and brandy over low heat until the brandy is absorbed. Let the pecans cool slightly before chopping and allow the apricot preserve mixture to cool down slightly. The butter pecan crumble topping can be made in a medium sized bowl (using your hands or a fork) and chilled until you are ready to use.

After the shortbread layer bakes for 25-30 minutes or until golden, the apricot preserve/brandy layer goes on, followed by the buttery dark brown sugar pecan crumble. Before mixing in all of the chopped pecans into the crumble, reserve about two tablespoons to sprinkle on top. To get that bakery finish look to your crumble topping, squeeze small amounts of the crumble mixture together with your fingers and then drop them on top of the apricot layer. 

Once all of the layers are assembled, the bars go back into the oven for an additional 24-26 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely before dusting with confectionary sugar and cutting. Even better, chill the cooled bars for at least an hour before dusting and cutting them into 16 evenly sized bars.

The bars can be served at either room temperature or chilled. I really like them best slightly chilled.

Next to the Raspberry Crumb Bars, these Rosemary Shortbread Apricot Bars are now up at the top of my favorite dessert bars list. The combination of textures and flavors in these bars will satisfy cravings you didn't even know you had. The unexpected sweet and savory combination of the apricot preserves and fresh rosemary gives rise to an extraordinary, amazing interplay of flavors. 

Recipe

Rosemary Shortbread Apricot Bars

Makes 16 two inch sized bars

Ingredients

Rosemary Shortbread

1 3/4 cups (228g) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 1/2 teaspoons, fresh rosemary leaves, minced

3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature (recommend a European or European-style butter)

1/2 cup (60g) confectionary sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Apricot Filling

12-13 ounces (340-370g) apricot preserves

1 Tablespoon brandy (optional, but really good)

Pecan Crumble Topping

1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon (73g) all-purpose flour

4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup (72g) pecan halves, toasted, coarsely chopped and divided

1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt

Confectionary sugar for finishing

Directions

Rosemary Shortbread

1. Line a 9" square baking pan (metal) with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, Kosher salt, and rosemary leaves. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and confectionary sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

4. Beat in the vanilla.

5. On low speed, add in the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough begins to come together.

6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring there is a slight edge of dough along the sides of the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Place the pan of shortbread on a large baking sheet. Bake the shortbread base for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden (rotate the baking sheet midway through the baking process).

8. Remove from the oven and place pan on a cooling rack. Keep the oven on.

Apricot Filling

1. If using brandy, heat the apricot preserves and brandy together in a small saucepan over low heat until the brandy is absorbed.  

2. If not using the brandy, you do not need to heat the preserves.

3. Spread the preserves over the baked shortbread layer.

Pecan Crumble Topping

1. In a medium sized bowl, blend the flour, butter, dark brown sugar, coarsely chopped pecans, and Kosher salt until well blended. Place in the refrigerator to chill while the shortbread layer is baking.

2. Squeeze pieces of the crumble topping in your fingers and drop on top of the apricot preserve layer. Top with the reserved 2 Tablespoons of chopped pecans.

3. Place baking pan on the baking sheet, return to the 350 degree (F) oven and bake for 23-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

4. Remove from the oven. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let the bars come to room temperature before cutting. The better option is to allow the cooled bars chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before dusting with confectionary sugar and cutting into 16 even sized bars.

5. Serve immediately or store well wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes: (1) I used Kerrygold unsalted butter and Bonne Maman Apricot Preserves. (2) To toast the pecans, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the pecans on a baking sheet for about 7-8 minutes. Remove the toasted pecans from the oven and immediately transfer to a cutting board to allow the pecans to begin to cool down. Allow your coarsely chopped pecans to cool down before adding them to the other crumble ingredients.

Basil Butter with Radishes and/or Grilled Bread

 

"When there is a hill to climb. Don't think waiting will make it smaller." Apparently I am a bit of a procrastinator. A quality I have often vehemently denied existed in my persona. So what caused me to admit, and publicly no less, to this character flaw? Well, a little more than seven years ago I moved back from Rhode Island. After unpacking all of the household goods and antiques acquired during my stay, I took a pause. A very, very, very long pause. Eight or nine hanging bags filled with clothes remained unopened until earlier this week when I finally opened them all up. Going through each bag was a cross between discovering a gold mine and feeling as if I was going through someone else's closet. After sorting the clothes into keep and donate piles, the euphoria of finally getting this long over due project done (and discovering I could again fit into that timeless Burberry skirt I bought more than 15 years ago) was slightly overshadowed by chiding myself for the years spent making procrastination excuses. But this got me thinking. Unless I want to remain being a procrastinator in denial, I need to get moving on a few more things. 

While in the big picture of things, telling you about radishes and butter may neither be the most pressing thing I need to get done, nor may be it be the most original concept. However, if you have never had fresh radishes slathered in soft butter and lightly sprinkled with salt, you have been missing out. A lesson I learned when I first tasted them more than twenty years ago while out to dinner with friends. A dish of radishes and butter was one of the appetizers they wanted to order. Just the idea of eating butter and radishes wasn't one I was particularly excited about. But then, I tried one. Then another, just to be polite or maybe it was just to be sure this flavor explosion wasn't an anomaly. It was in the second bite, I saw the 'radish and butter' light. 

If I had shared with you a 'recipe', if you want to even call it that, for butter and radishes in the early days of the blog, I may have never been inspired to share this Basil Butter and Radishes recipe with you. While this may be an exception to the rule of holding out (let's not call it procrastinating, okay?), that minor delay may have turned out to be a really good blog decision. Because even better than having creamy butter slathered on radishes and sprinkled with salt, is creamy Basil Butter slathered on radishes and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. As the basil butter and flaky sea salt take this simple radish appetizer from good to great!

The most common of all radishes and the one most easily found at the grocery store is the Table Radish or Red Radish (like these). Still common, but maybe not as easily found, are the French and Watermelon Radishes. Basil Butter would both tame and enhance the flavor of the all of those peppery radishes.

Let me tell you a little about this silky, herby, ever so slightly citrusy whipped Basil Butter. A butter as heavenly as it is versatile. The keys to making the most flavorful Basil Butter are fresh basil (briefly blanched and then plunged in an ice bath), a high quality unsalted (European-style quality) butter, and serving it room temperature. When the basil and butter are combined in a food processor with some olive oil, freshly grated lemon zest and a small amount of Kosher salt, the flavor of the butter is almost addictive. You just might be tempted to eat it off of a spoon instead of spread on a radish or some grilled bread. 

Before slathering the Basil Butter on Radishes, we had smeared it on some freshly grilled sourdough bread. I was temporarily rendered speechless. And then all I could think to say was 'wow'. So if you are looking for a simple appetizer to serve this summer, pair the Basil Butter with either or both radishes and grilled bread. And wait for either the temporary silence or a few wows. Throw in some Marinated Olives and entertaining will never feel more effortless, more satisfying. Any Basil Butter leftovers (the recipe below makes a generous amount, feel free to reduce it in half) can be stored in the refrigerator and used on freshly grilled or steamed vegetables. Or another platter of radishes or grilled bread!

Technically a three ingredient appetizer (radishes, basil butter, and salt or bread, basil butter and salt), the deliciousness of Basil Butter and Radishes comes from both it's freshness and simplicity. Think of it as a kind of understated sophisticated dish, one validating the less is more way of thinking. 

With fresh basil and radishes now in season, there may be no better time to start serving Basil Butter with Radishes and/or Grilled Bread. Whatever you do, don't procrastinate on making this unfussy, sweet and peppery, impressive appetizer.

Recipe

Basil Butter with Radishes and/or Grilled Bread

Makes enough to serve at least 8, if not more. Feel free to cut the recipe in half if you don't want leftovers.

Ingredients

2 cups (80g) packed basil leaves (see notes)

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup water

1 pound (454g) unsalted butter, room temperature (European-style preferred)

Zest of one large lemon (about 2 teaspoons)

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

Large bunches of radishes, washed, trimmed, served whole, cut in half or cut in quarters

A baguette or loaf of sour dough bread, cut into thick slices and grilled

Directions

1. Prepare a medium sized bowl with ice cold water and a large handful of ice cubes. Set aside.

2. In a medium sized saucepan, bring lightly salted water to boil. Drop in the basil leaves (pressing down so they are submerged) and blanch just until the leaves turn a very bright green (about 15-20 seconds).

3. Immediately remove the basil leaves and place in the bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. When the basil have cooled, remove the water and squeeze dry. Place on a paper towel to let dry completely.

5. In the bowl of a food processor, add the dried basil leaves, 1/4 cup water, and olive oil. Process the mixture for about two minutes or until the basil leaves are pureed. Pour the basil puree through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Press down to help remove the liquid.

6. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter. Add in the basil puree. lemon zest, and Kosher salt. Beat until all ingredients are fully blended.

7. Transfer to bowl and serve with the radishes and/or grilled bread and a small dish of flaky sea salt. 

Notes: (1) I highly recommend weighing your basil. Remove any thick stems before weighing. (2) The butter can be made several hours ahead, covered and kept out. If made ahead, cover, refrigerate, but take out at least two hours before serving to return it room temperature.

Marinated Olives

Late this past week I registered for the Lululemon Seawheeze virtual half-marathon! Officially committing myself to running 13.1 miles in late September and spending the summer training in the sometimes oppressive midwest heat and humidity. Earlier this spring I made the decision to train solo. I had vacillated between rejoining the half-marathon running group or repeating last summer's solitary running plan. Ever since I first started running more than twenty-five years ago, I have never been able to master the whole talking while running thing. Which makes me 'not the most fun person' when running in a pack. It's one of those rare moments when I am not my normally chatty self. So, as much as I love and benefit from the camaraderie that comes from running with others, this will be the summer of digging deeper into my resiliency and working on my mental toughness (my Achilles heel). When running alone I keep my mind occupied with music, holding silent but sometimes spirited conversations with myself, and thinking about all the foods I want to make to keep my head preoccupied. On one of my recent runs, my food thoughts skewed to the savory rather than sweet side. Recipe ideas for brined pork chops, basil butter, and marinated olives helped to keep me distracted for at least two miles.

I am always woefully disappointed when the small dish of olive oil marinated vegetables and a pittance of olives is brought to the table at one of my favorite Italian restaurants. So the idea of serving a whole bowl of marinated olives, maybe served with thick slices of grilled or fresh bread and some basil butter or maybe served on a charcuterie board sounded a bit luxurious. And as it happened I picked up some beautiful pitted Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives at the Farmer's Marker earlier in the week.

One of the nice things about making Marinated Olives is that they can be made earlier in the day or the day before, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated right before serving. Because they store well in the refrigerator, you always have a ready appetizer for an impromptu gathering. Not only are homemade Marinated Olives so much better than anything you might pick up at the grocery store, you never have to wonder how long they have been sitting out on the olive bar or in the deli section. 

Starting with the pitted Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, the other ingredients include fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, bay leaves, fresh garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, wide zests of both a lemon and orange, and some good quality extra-virgin olive oil. Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives happen be my favorites and I like the flavor and color combination of the two. However, feel free to use just one or any other of your favorite imported olives.

To optimize the flavor of the fennel seeds, heat them in the saucepan until they become fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Then add all of the other remaining ingredients and cook over low heat for about 8-10 minutes. Just until the olive oil begins to lightly bubble (not boil) and everything is heated through. Remove the pan from the heat and let the olives cool down slightly. 

Marinated olives can be served slightly warm or at room temperature. If you make the olives ahead of time, they become even more flavorful as the heat from the crushed red pepper, the pungency of the garlic, the mild lemon and orange citrusiness and the aromatic rosemary shines through. 

You can remove the cooked rosemary from the marinade or let it remain. I removed mine and added a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to the serving dish. Because the color of the lemon and orange peels will fade when cooked in the extra virgin olive oil, I topped the Marinated Olives with a couple of pieces of the reserved lemon and orange zest. 

This may be one of the simplest, most impressive appetizers you can make. Olive lovers will be transported to olive heaven when the dish of Marinated Olives is brought to the table. If serving only the Marinated Olives as an appetizer, definitely serve them with some fresh or grilled (French, Italian, or Sourdough) bread to use to dip into the luscious olive oil marinade. 

Between the healthy fats in the olives/olive oil and the carbs in the bread, this may also be the perfect 'night before a long run' appetizer for your olive loving running friends. 

Recipe

Marinated Olives

Ingredients

2 cups (about 290g) pitted, drained olives (recommend a combination of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives)

1 Tablespoon fennel seeds

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (but if you like your marinated olives a little spicier, use up to 1 teaspoon)

2-3 cloves of garlic, each cut into 2-3 pieces

Zest of a lemon (cut into wide strips), reserve two strips for garnishing

Zest of an orange (cut into wide strips), reserve two strips for garnishing
2 bay leaves

2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

1 to 1 1/4 cups good quality extra virgin olive oil

Optional: Fresh flower and/or fresh rosemary sprig garnish

Directions

1. In a medium sized skillet and over low heat toast the fennel seeds, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant (approximately 2-3 minutes).

2. Add in all of the remaining ingredients. Continue cooking over low heat for 8-10 minutes until the olive oil is gently bubbling and all of the ingredients have been warmed through.

3. Turn off heat, remove pan from burner and allow the mixture to to cool to room temperature. Note: Allowing the olives to marinate for at least an hour makes them incredibly flavorful. 

4. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add in the reserved lemon and orange strips and top with a flower and/or fresh rosemary garnish (if using). 

5. Serve the marinated olives with either some thickly sliced fresh or grilled artisan/sourdough bread and some whipped feta an/or an herb butter.

Notes: (1) When buying olives, buy only ones packed in brine, not in olive oil. (2) You can make the olives ahead. Transfer the cooled olives to a jar or tightly covered bowl and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture (the olive oil will solidify when chilled) until warmed. Let cool slightly before serving or let cool completely. (3) The marinated olives can be stored in the refrigerator for up to to two weeks!

 

Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado, May 2021