ARTICLES For Appetizers
SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD WITH AVOCADO AND TOMATOES

WITH NO COMMENTS
This refreshing and crunchy smashed cucumber salad is perfect for a hot sultry evening or to pair with spicy food. The crunch of the cucumbers pairs well with the silkiness of the avocados and the tomatoes add color and pop. Can be made in advance.
TOMATO CONFIT WITH TORN, TOASTED DIPPING BREAD

WITH 10 COMMENTS
Tomato confit turns ho-hum tomatoes into wow-wow-wow tomatoes. Serve with toasted torn dipping bread and you have a delightful appetizer or meal accompaniment.
ALMOND HUMMUS

WITH 2 COMMENTS
Almond butter hummus is made with almond butter instead of traditional tahini. It is smooth, delicious and great for anyone with sesame allergies or sensitivity. This recipe includes great tips for
MODERN CRACKER JACKS

WITH ONE COMMENT
This tasty and healthy snack is an update on classical Cracker Jacks. I use date syrup, butter, spicy pecans and some flakey salt to make an addictingly good snack or light dessert.
GRILLED OCTOPUS — TWO WAYS

WITH 2 COMMENTS
Grilled octopus is surprisingly simple to make. The key is tenderizing the cephalopod before you grill it. This recipe provides two methods: sous vide and braising.
PAPER AIRPLANE COCKTAIL

WITH NO COMMENTS
The Paper Airplane cocktail is a bitter, sweet and sour riff on a classic whiskey sour. Created by world renowned bartender Sam Ross, this cocktail is a wonderful before-dinner drink that will prep your appetite and your palette for the coming meal.
EASY & HEALTHY LARB SALAD

WITH NO COMMENTS
My version of Laotian Larb salad has been modified for access to readily available ingredients in the U.S. It is an intensely flavorful salad that uses Thai sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter flavors to create a delicious salad that stands alone as a complete meal. Serve as a tossed salad, as lettuce wraps or pack in mason jars for lunch.
QUICK SOUS VIDE MUSHROOMS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

WITH NO COMMENTS
These umami-rich sous vide mushrooms can be used in so many ways to make your meals delicious. They take 10 minutes of active time to prepare and 30 minutes in a sous vide bath. Prepare multiple bags at a time and store them in the fridge for later use.
WATERMELON, FETA AND TOMATO KABOBS

WITH 2 COMMENTS
These skewers are perfect no-cook, super-easy summer appetizers. I have not included ingredient amounts as the recipe can be created for just a couple people or increased for a large bash. Just remember one watermelon square, one cube feta, one cherry tomato, one basil leaf and one mint leaf per skewer. Time to prepare depends on how many skewers you are making.
SUGAR KISS MELON GAZPACHO

WITH 6 COMMENTS
A delicious and refreshing chilled melon and avocado gazpacho that uses the best of late summer and early fall ingredients. A pomegranate, pepitas and feta cheese garnish balances the sweetness of the soup and provides texture and contrast.