Author Archives: fjbnyc
Wax Beans with Caramelized Fennel and Black Olives
I’ve just received the first of this summers’ stringbean crop from my neighbor Beppi’s garden. He raises three varieties–long beans, wax beans, and regular stringbeans. I love the yellow wax beans–they’re sturdy in texture but mild and sweet in flavor. … Continue reading
Golden Beet Risotto
The golden beets have been so sweet and irresistable, I’ve been serving them nonstop in one form or other for the last couple of weeks. Risotto is the perfect way to showcase them. Their sweet earthiness is the perfect complement to … Continue reading
Italian Flat Stringbeans with Zucchini and Tomato
As I indicated in my last post, my favorite meals for entertaining this time of year are those which consist of something from the grill, plus a variety of make-ahead side dishes. My mother is visiting again this weekend, and … Continue reading
Quinoa with Golden Beets, Cucumber and Dill
This is the perfect summer dish–a cross between a grain and a salad. In the summer, I’m always looking for dishes that can be served at room temperature. My summer meals are often a combination of room-temperature salads with … Continue reading
Pasta with Fava Beans and Speck
This past weekend, I had my 90 year-old neighbor Beppi and his family over for dinner. Cooking for Beppi is always a challenge, since he was the owner of the former San Marco Restaurant, one of New York City’s only … Continue reading
Mom’s Squash Flower Fritters
Squash flowers are a fleeting delicacy that emerge with the new summer crops of all the winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc.). They must be picked and cooked on the same day, or at most, the next day–they wither and die … Continue reading
Beppi’s Luganiga Sausage with Mushrooms and Polenta
This dish came by way of my 90 year-old neighbor, Beppi. In the Veneto, Beppi’s region of Italy, polenta is eaten quite often, if not daily. When Beppi makes polenta, I’m usually the recipient of a nice portion of it. … Continue reading
Caramelized Celery Root with Kale and Cranberry Beans
This is a great, nutritious combination that goes well with simple grilled meats or fish. Celery root is available year round and, like most root vegetables, despite its dirty, craggy exterior, what’s inside is sweet and complex. The dish begins … Continue reading
Orrechiette with Chorizo, Kale and Cranberry Beans
The combination of smoked sausage, beans and greens is one that I never tire of. Chorizo is a particular favorite of mine, with its extra-smokey bite of Spanish paprika that turns everything it touches a deep scarlet color. Generally I … Continue reading
Dry-Brined Roast Chicken with Crispy Potatoes
This is a very similar technique to my butterflied roast chicken, with one key difference. Here, I’ve used a dry-brine, as opposed to the wet brine in the prior recipe. They are both wonderful methods of cooking a chicken. This … Continue reading
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