Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Side Dishes

Baba Ganoush

Makes 1 quart The puréed eggplant gives a silky smooth texture to this baba ghanoush. Enjoy it as a dip for vegetables or serve with pita bread. Its versatility makes it a natural candidate to put out on a meze table alongside other dips and spreads. Ingredients 2 large eggplants […]

Main Dishes

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Makes 6 to 8 servings This classic fried chicken is salted overnight with lemon zest, resulting in tender, juicy, flavorful chicken that’s a perfect match for the lightly seasoned crispy coating. Ask your butcher to break down a whole chicken, if you like, or pick your favorites, like all dark […]

One-Dish Meals

Chicken Tagine With Apricots & Golden Raisins

Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 12 chicken thighs Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 12 cipollini onions, blanched for 10 seconds and peeled 3 tablespoons peeled, sliced ginger 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons toasted cumin seeds, ground 1/8 […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Ginnie Meyer

Makes 1 serving Meyer lemons are sweeter than everyday lemons, with a flavor that might remind you of a slightly tart orange. They are also usually a brighter, more vibrant shade of yellow that looks beautiful when sliced for garnish. You should be able to find them at most grocery […]

Soups and Stews

Greek Egg and Lemon Soup (Avgolemono)

Makes 6 to 8 servings Add shredded chicken, sausage, cooked beans, or even some frozen veggies, like peas, to this soup to stretch it a bit. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, if you prefer. Ingredients 6 cups chicken broth 1/3 cup long-grain white rice 4 eggs, separated Salt […]

Side Dishes

Green Beans With Frizzled Prosciutto & Gruyère

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 3 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons minced shallots 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more as needed 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use 1 lb green beans, ends […]

Side Dishes

Green Lentils with Chard and Lemon

Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1 lb dried green lentils (lentilles du Puy) 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup chopped cilantro Kosher salt, to taste 10 large Swiss chard leaves, stemmed and cut into chiffonade (see Chef’s Note) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Grill Anything (Yes, Even Pasta!)

By the end of this summer, I will be able to write a book on how to cook exclusively outside. As I’ve mentioned, probably too often, I live in Texas, where it is currently HOT. My house is small, but tragically under-cooled in the summer, so when I turn on […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Lamb Kebobs with Walnut-Herb Sauce

Makes 8 servings Grilled lamb is a nice change of pace from the typical chicken or steak kebobs, and we are especially fond of this combination of lightly marinated lamb shoulder and the flavorful walnut-herb sauce, bright and tangy from lots of lemon. Use the same marinade and pairings for […]