Gifted. I am lucky in my new hometown to live near so many agricultural farms. I am also lucky to have a friend who knows the farmers. I received a bunch of fresh water spinach and set out for a simple Little Jewel– Water Spinach with Sweet Soy Glaze. Continue reading Water Spinach with Sweet Soy Glaze
Category: Side Dish
Roasted Asparagus with Feta & Hazelnuts
Spring produce just keeps appearing at the farmers market. I really don’t think I can turn down fresh asparagus. Roasted Asparagus with Feta & Hazelnuts is a new taste I have savored this season.
Risi e bisi (Rice with Peas)
“The peas are green! Spring has begun! Long live Venice!” The April 25th Venice tradition is for the Doge (the Chief Magistrate) to taste a spoonful of the city’s most famous dish, Risi e bisi, in public to annunciate the start the Feast of Saint Mark. Risi e bisi (Rice with Peas) marks the start of spring – join Bijouxs in celebrating this little jewel of dish. Continue reading Risi e bisi (Rice with Peas)
Seasonal Arugula Citrus Salad
Salads, can we ever have enough recipes? This lovely little jewel originates from Charcoal in Venice Beach. Citrus season makes this a perfect time for this salad with blood oranges and grapefruit, tossed with arugula, radicchio and French feta, a healthy and delicious little jewel.
L.A. RESTAURANTS
I am a L.A. born and bred girl now living along the beautiful central coast. I have tried to utilize our extended down time by cruising through all of my cookbooks, hundreds in fact. Eat. Cook. L.A. brings recipes from many of my favorite haunts in L.A. like this salad. Sadly, with the downturn, many of my favorite restaurants have closed. I am happy though to cook recipes from L.A.’s great restaurants in-between cooking and creating my new No. 4 Beautiful Food By Design Cookbook.
CITRUS SEASON
This is a favorite time of year. The winter citrus crops bring that bright spot to winter, vibrant color while we wait for Spring. There are so many choices, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and blood oranges just to name a few. California citrus are exported for enjoyment all over the world.
SEASONAL ARUGULA CITRUS SALAD
I have lightly adapted the original recipe, substituting a few of my favorite ingredients such as Sherry vinegar & olive oil. French feta is my favorite but a Greek Goat milk feta will work just as well. Use baby arugula, or better yet grow your own. My garden is just beginning to produce lettuce. It is wonderful to go out and collect lettuce for your evening salad. I have other citrus salads on the website, such as Beet, Citrus and Olive Salad, Blood Orange and Fennel Salad, and a classic Orange & Olive Salad. All deliver the fresh California forward flavors.
Wishing you a happy and safe new Spring.
Sweet-Hot Baked Potato
Some like it hot, and sweet, two of my favorite flavor profiles. The humble baked sweet potato takes on a spicy sauce, a light & easy weeknight recipe. Sweet-Hot Baked Potato, keeping things simple in the Bijouxs Little Jewels Kitchen. Continue reading Sweet-Hot Baked Potato