Summer
Strawberries with Cassis
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.
Grilled Pizza with Fresh Corn, Bell Pepper, Pancetta, and Fontina
Roasted poblano chilies add a wonderful smoky flavor to this pizza; however, if they are not available in your area just omit them from the recipe.
Grilled Peppers with Garlic-Herb Oil
John serves the peppers as an appetizer with toasted country bread.
By John Vincent Serra
Tomatoes with Moroccan-Style Fish Stuffing
Preserved lemons are a staple Moroccan condiment that can take up to 2 weeks to make in the traditional manner. Added to various foods, they impart a tangy brininess similar to that of olives but with the unique perfume of lemon. In most Moroccan dishes only the peel is used, the pulp being scraped away and discarded. However, the pulp is not wholly without value, making a delicious addition to Bloody Marys, and to salad dressings — wherever a salty-sour taste is welcome. The recipe below is an effort to approximate preserved lemons without having to plan a week or more in advance.
Hoisin-Marinated Filets Mignons with Nectarine Salsa
By Elizabeth J. Westmark
Strawberry-Lemon Tartlets
Very nice for a fancy dinner party, these little tartlets have an almond crust, tangy lemon filling and strawberries on top.
Passion-Fruit and Blackberry Jellies with Lemon Verbena Cream
These soft jellies, layered with tart passion-fruit and sweet blackberry purées, are a wonderful summer dessert. Unbelievably cool and delicious, they're well worth the extra time it takes to make them.
Active time: 1 1/2hr Start to finish: 17hr (includes chilling)
Boysenberry-Grand Marnier Ice Cream Bonbons
Pretty ice cream treats, decorated five different ways. Turn the freezer to the coldest setting for best results. Pack the left-over ice cream into a container and freeze it to enjoy after the bonbons are gone. Begin this recipe at least a day ahead (and you can start up to a week ahead). Once you¸ve mastered the technique here, create bonbons of your own using other homemade ice creams or your favorite purchased ones.
Strawberry Margarita Ice Pops
To make these ice pops nonalcoholic, substitute freshly squeezed orange juice for the tequila.