Fava Bean Dip
This simple, fresh dip enhances the inherent nutty flavor of fresh fava beans.
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh fava beans, peeled, blanched and steamed (see method)
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 clove of garlic, peeled
1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese (or use this week’s herbed cream cheese!)
1 tablespoons Grana-style cheese, grated
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Combine the cooked beans with the olive oil, mint, garlic, lemon juice and both cheeses in a food processor and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and process again until just combined.
2. Transfer dip to a small serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped mint. Serve at once.
Herbed Turnip & Beet Chips
These crispy, herb-coated vegetables are a great complement to barbecue fare.
Ingredients:
5 turnips, peeled and thinly sliced
3 beets, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh herbs, such as rosemary, parsley or thyme
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400º. Wash, peel and thinly slice turnips and beets. (For quick results, use a Cuisinart food processor with the slice-blade.)
2. Transfer onto a foil-lined cookie sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. Toss together and arrange in a single layer.
3. Put in the oven for about 20 minutes, then turn them over and let cook another 20 minutes, or until they have reached the desired crispiness.
Roasted Blood Oranges
These gorgeous oranges are a wonderful addition to a cheeseboard; or, remove the rinds and toss into a salad!
Ingredients:
3 blood oranges, sliced into thick wedges
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup pistachios or other toasted nut of your choice, chopped
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil or parchment paper and place the orange wedges on pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the exposed fruit.
2. Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the brown sugar is bubbly and beginning to brown and the edges are caramelized. Remove from oven. Drizzle orange wedges evenly with honey and top with the nuts. Serve warm.
Grana Cheese with Honey & Red Pepper Flakes
The success of this lovely appetizer depends entirely on the quality of the ingredients, so don’t scrimp!
Ingredients:
¼ pound Farm & Larder Grana-style cheese, shaved or slivered
¼ cup high-quality honey
Pinch red pepper flakes
Toasted bread
Method:
1. In a small bowl, stir together the honey and red pepper flakes.
2. Layer cheese slices in a small serving dish and drizzle over the honey-red pepper flake mixture. Serve with thinly sliced toasted bread slices alongside for dipping.
