Green Beans with Anchovy Parmesan Dressing

This incredibly zesty dressing is perfect for green beans as well as lots of other vegetables. These measurements will yield about twice as much as you’ll need for one meal so you’ll have a chance to try it on something else this week.

Remove the ends of your beans and cut to the desired length before steaming or blanching for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately run them under some cold water until cool all the way through.

Drain and finely chop a full tin of anchovies, or a couple teaspoons of anchovy paste, then stir together with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard and a handful of chopped parsley. Whisk in a cup of extra virgin olive oil followed by a cup of freshly grated parmesan, salt and pepper to taste. Toss with your green beans well before serving.

Penne with Swiss Chard Pancetta and Ricotta

Remove the leaves from the stems and coarsely chop a bunch of Swiss Chard, place in a shallow pot of simmering water for a couple of minutes and drain well. In a deep pan add a splash of olive oil and sauté a quarter pound of chopped pancetta or bacon until nearly crisp then set aside.

In the same pan sauté some minced garlic and shallot for a minute then stir in your cooked and drained penne along with a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water. Turn off the heat and toss evenly to coat along with a quarter cup of parmesan, a cup of ricotta, the drained chard, and salt and pepper to taste. Chili flakes are always a good option to spice things up.

Tomatillo Salsa

I had never made this spicy green salsa before but after my daughter showed me how easy it was I already can’t wait to make it again. If you don’t have a grill you could roast the tomatillos and garlic in the oven but it wouldn’t have the smoky charred flavor that made it so incredibly tasty…so grill if you can.

Husk a pound of tomatillos and grill until lightly charred along with a small peeled and halved onion, a jalapeno pepper, and two to three peeled garlic cloves. Let cool, remove the pepper stem and combine everything in a blender or food processor with a splash of olive oil, the juice from half a lime, a pinch of cumin, a small handful of cilantro, and salt to taste. You can make it smooth or chunky depending on how long you blend it, or add a half an avocado for an even creamier texture.

Melon with Chili and Lime

It’s melon season and whether you’re thinking snacks for a day on the water or a refreshing summer dessert this typical Mexican street food is just the thing. And it couldn’t be easier…just combine some cut melon, fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and some chili powder. Chopped cilantro is optional.

It may be September but summer isn’t over yet.

Lamb Chops with Tomatoes and Parsley

Drum roll please…peak tomato season is here! And for lovers of all things simple and easy it doesn’t get any better, like these lamb chops with tomatoes and parsley. Before you even light the grill toss your bite sized tomato chunks with a bit of parsley and plenty of kosher salt and your best extra virgin olive oil. The longer you let that sit the more tomato juice you’ll find at the bottom of your bowl. Be sure to serve your chops with some rice or grilled bread so you don’t take a chance spilling any of the luscious juices when you tip the plate to your mouth at meal’s end.

Cucumber Cocktail

Overrun with cucumbers? It’s much more fun to drink than eat them and this cocktail tastes equally refreshing with vodka, gin, or white rum. Peel and cut a couple of large cucumbers into small chunks then puree them in a food processor or with a stick blender. Line a strainer with cheese cloth or a coffee filter and drain the cucumber juice into a bowl by pressing down on the pureed solids.

Squeeze a half a lime and a tablespoon of sugar into the bowl of juice and stir until the sugar dissolves. Chill before serving. Some chopped mint would make it even more refreshing…just the thing to cool you down on a hot summer afternoon.

Asian Squid Salad

Just had my first local corn of the season and it was incredible, cut off the cob it added just the right amount of sweetness to this flavorful summer salad. Start by tossing about a pound of squid with some oil and salt then cooking it in a hot pan or on the barbecue before setting aside.

For the dressing mix together the juice of one lime, a few tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, a few teaspoons of sesame oil, a tablespoon each of chili paste and sugar, and a teaspoon of salt. Cut the cooked squid into small pieces and combine with an ear of corn, four cups of chopped cabbage, a medium hot chopped pepper, some halved Sungold or cherry tomatoes, and a half a cup each of chopped mint, cilantro, and scallions.

Before serving toss with the dressing and a half a cup of finely chopped salted peanuts, add more rice vinegar and salt if needed.

Grilled Chicken with Tahini Sauce

I always have a can of tahini in the fridge for hummus, salad dressings, and this tangy sauce that makes an ordinary piece of grilled chicken into something special. Whisk together or food process a half cup of tahini, the juice of one lemon, and a quarter cup of hot water until smooth then salt to taste. Minced garlic or cayenne pepper are optional. It’s August…more time at the river, less time in the kitchen.

Shred an Egg

Sungold tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, scallions, and the list goes on…summer salad season is here. And no matter what vegetables you’re using your salad will be way better topped with a shredded hard-boiled egg.

Cover your eggs with cold water, bring to a boil, cover, then remove from the heat and let sit for eleven minutes before transferring to a bowl of cold water. Once peeled shred the eggs with a box grater or force them through the mesh of a wire ladle, spread on your salad and top with salt.

It goes without saying that local eggs taste best.

Black Bean and Corn Burger

Give this veggie burger a try, unlike many I’ve had it’s loaded with flavor and holds its shape in the bun. Start by sautéing a small onion and a couple of garlic cloves until golden, about 8 minutes. Add a drained can of black beans, one and a half teaspoons of cumin powder, a half teaspoon of chili flakes, a teaspoon each of chili powder, smoked paprika and salt then continue to cook for another few minutes.

Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor and pulse until it’s mixed thoroughly, add a half a cup of panko and pulse once or twice more. Scoop the mixture into a large bowl and add another can of drained beans and a half a cup of corn. Mix well with your hands adding salt or more panko if needed. Form patties and bake at 350 for thirty minutes or pan fry in a bit of olive oil. If you’re daring you can cook them on the grill after refrigerating for at least half an hour.

Chili Mint Shrimp

The combination of the sour, spicy, and mint makes this an especially refreshing summer dish that can be prepared in less than ten minutes and be served hot or cold. Start by combining the juice of one lemon with a handful of chopped fresh mint in a bowl and set aside. Season your peeled shrimp with salt, pepper, and a spicy chili powder such as cayenne, Aleppo, or ancho.

Using a grill or cast iron pan on medium heat cook the shrimp for two minutes per side or until they’re just barely cooked through. Remove and toss immediately with the lemon juice then salt and pepper to taste.

Garlic Butter

No surprise that July 4th ranks as the number one grilling day of the year? So whether you’re grilling, meat, chicken, fish, or veggies finishing them off with some garlic butter is an easy upgrade for your holiday bbq. It also helps that you can prepare it several days ahead of time.

Using a food processor, mixer, or large fork combine a slightly softened stick of butter, three finely chopped garlic cloves, and kosher salt and pepper to taste. Once smooth, cover and refrigerate. Before serving let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours so you can spread it easily over your grilled food with a spatula.

Have a tasty 4th!