Mashed Turnips & Parsnips
This side dish is rich and comforting, thanks to the combination of turnips, parsnips and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
3-4 turnips, peeled and cubed
3-4 parsnips, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh herbs of your choice, such as parsley, oregano and thyme, chopped
1 cup milk
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Add the turnips and parsnips to a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until soft and tender, about 20 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, add the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and foamy, add the garlic and herbs and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the butter begins to brown. Season with salt and pepper. Add the milk and bring to a simmer.
3. Drain the turnips and parsnips in a colander in the sink. Add the turnips and potatoes back to the pot they were cooked in. Add the hot milk mixture and roughly mash the vegetables. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender and purée until smooth and silky. Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper if needed.
Celery & Fennel Salad with Herbs
This side salad from Martha Stewart is incredibly crisp and refreshing.
Ingredients:
6 celery stalks, thinly sliced crosswise
2 fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Toss together celery, fennel, parsley, mint, and oil in a bowl. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Fried Squash Blossoms
The ultimate summer starter, incredibly beautiful and flavorful.
Ingredients:
12-16 squash blossoms
1 cup ricotta
1 large egg yolk
¾ cup Grana-style cheese, divided
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup chilled seltzer water or club soda
¼ cup finely-chopped mint
2 tablespoons each finely-chopped parsley and basil
3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Stir together ricotta, egg yolk, herbs, half of the cheese and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Carefully open each blossom and fill with about 2-3 rounded teaspoons of the ricotta filling, gently twisting the end of the blossom to enclose. Tip: Use a pastry bag for this! (You may have filling left over.)
3. Whisk together flour, remaining cheese, about ¼ teaspoon salt, and seltzer in a small bowl.
4. Heat ½ inch oil to 375° in a 10-inch heavy skillet. Meanwhile, dip blossoms in the flour batter to thinly coat. Fry coated blossoms, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining blossoms. (Return oil to 375° between batches.) Season with salt and serve immediately.
Summery Orzo & Corona Bean Salad with Arugula
This orzo salad is always a hit; feel free to swap your favorite summer produce in!
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 cup canned Corona beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
¼ cup each orange and red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 cups arugula greens
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
3.tablespoons chives, snipped
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup currants, plumped in hot water and drained
Dressing:
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar and garlic, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked orzo and beans with the dressing. Let cool.
2. Add the remaining salad ingredients, tossing lightly to distribute evenly. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (This can be prepped up to a day in advance, though wait to add the arugula until just before serving.)
