Mushrooms Inside & Out Pasta

Amsterdam, Netherlands The canals of Amsterdam captured our favor immediately. They are shimmering corridors inter-woven into this Northern European city. Our three-night stay began with a walk along the Herengracht, one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam. It took us from our hotel to the city center. Sixteenth and 17th century architecture lines the…

Goat Cheese, Mushroom & Asparagus Omelet

Goat Cheese, Mushroom & Asparagus Omelet – Our omelet, inspired by our trip to the French countryside outside of Paris, draws its earthy flavors from mushrooms, asparagus and goat cheese. Simplicity here, just like the French prefer. – mushroom (shitaki, portabello, button), asparagus, butter, salt and black pepper (to taste), cooking spray, olive oil, egg…

West Coast Nicoise Salad

West Coast Nicoise Salad – – Nicoise Salad: Romaine lettuce, asparagus (grilled al dente with olive oil & red pepper flakes), tomato (grape, fresh, halved), egg (hard cooked and quartered), red onion (sliced), black olives, salmon (blackened on the grill with blackening spice), Balsamic Vinaigrette: balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, olive oil (extra virgin…

Pan-Sauteed Asparagus

Pan-Sauteed Asparagus – – asparagus (fresh), chicken broth, lemon, lemon, salt and black pepper (to taste), citrus vinaigrette (see notes below), Wash the asparagus and bend the stalks to break off the woody ends. Remove the tough outer skin with a vegetable peeler.; In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth to a simmer. Add…

Butter-Braised Asparagus with Proscuitto

Butter-Braised Asparagus with Proscuitto – – butter, asparagus (fresh, trimmed of tough ends.), chicken broth, proscuitto (sliced thin, cut long-ways into three thin strips each), Parmesan cheese, Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the trimmed asparagus and saute for a minute. ; Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce to…

Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus Risotto – – butter, onion (diced small), Aborio rice, chicken broth (14.5 oz. can, heated), white wine, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt (to taste), asparagus (butter braised and cut into 1" pieces), Melt the butter in a heavy pot (Le Crueset, for example). Saute the diced onion until tender and golden. ; Add the…

Oven-Fried Asparagus Sticks

Oven-Fried Asparagus Sticks – – soy sauce, asparagus (fresh, tiny, washed and trimmed of tough stalk (fresh whole green beans may be substituted)), flour (seasoned with 1 tsp. each salt, pepper and garlic powder, or to taste), eggs (beaten), Panko breadcrumbs, cooking spray, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Place soy sauce in a shallow pan add…