Fragrant Fried Herbs
Crisp-fried herbs are an unexpected (and delicious!) garnish for the likes of pastas, salads, soups and more.
Ingredients:
Fresh herbs of your choice, such as basil, mint and sage leaves, plus parsley, thyme and rosemary sprigs
Neutral frying oil, such as canola or vegetable
Method:
1. Wash and dry all herbs thoroughly. The herbs need to be very dry to prevent splattering when fried.
2. Pour oil about ¼ -inch deep in a small pot and bring to 325°. (To test the heat, drop a small piece of bread into the oil and it should turn golden brown in about 30 seconds).
3. Working in batches, drop a few herbs at a time into the hot oil. Cook for 30 seconds. Flip over using tongs and continue cooking for 30 seconds to 1 min, or until the herb appears slightly darkened in colour and evenly fried. Gently remove from oil with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Allow to cool before serving.
Summer Stone Fruit Salad with Raspberry-Honey Vinaigrette
This bright and lively salad is perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Ingredients:
2 heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges
1 cup Sungold cherry tomatoes
2 ripe but firm apricots, cut into wedges
2 ripe but firm peaches, cut into wedges
1 Tropea onion, thinly diced
⅓ cup feta, crumbled
Fresh basil and mint leaves
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
For the vinaigrette:
¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup raspberry wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1-2 teaspoons honey
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Arrange the tomatoes, peaches, apricots and red onions on a large platter.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the salad ingredients with the vinaigrette and lightly toss to coat. Top with feta, basil and mint, and then season generously with salt and pepper.
Sparkling Spearmint Lemonade
This fizzy concoction is pure bliss when enjoyed on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup packed spearmint leaves, stems removed
1 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Ice
Club soda or sparkling water
Method:
1. To make mint simple syrup, combine sugar, water, and mint leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Immediately reduce heat and allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Strain the leaves.
3. To assemble the lemonade, add 1 ounce each of simple syrup and lemon juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with about 6 ounces of club soda or sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with fresh mint.
Happy & Healthy
As we greet June, we all have our fingers crossed for a warmer (and sunnier!) month ahead, don’t we? But despite any lingering June gloom, this week’s box at least is off to a bright and happy start with such favorites as rich and buttery King salmon, locally foraged Morel mushrooms, Pain au Levain bread and creamy chevre from Lost Peacock Farm. In addition to our farm-fresh eggs and garden herbs, this week’s lineup also awaits with such produce all-stars as asparagus, red spring onions and a beautiful mix of salad greens. Enjoy!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Morel Mushroom & Asparagus Eggs Benedict
Served over toasted bread, this eggs Benedict is truly stunning.
Asparagus with Salt & Pepper Whipped Cream
Topped with decadent cream, this simple side dish is just delicious.
Roasted Radishes with Brown Butter & Lemon
The sweet, nutty brown butter here lends a beautiful finishing touch.
Meyer Lemon & Dill Buttermilk Dressing
Drizzle this light and creamy dressing over your favorite salad greens, or serve with fresh veggies as a dip!
Charred Red Spring Onion Gremolata
This smoky sauce is wonderful slathered on grilled bread.
