Recipes and Ruminations

With summer upon us, potato salad season isn't far behind! This one is guaranteed to spark up a picnic!...

Nothing says summer more than this pasta dish. Jam-packed with some of the season's great produce and laced with spinach pesto, it's got all the makings of a perfect meal. You won't miss the meat one bit! Pappardelle [pah-pahr-DEHL-lay] is long, wide (5/8") pasta often found in Italian markets. Fettuccine is a fine substitute....

Once the "Rodney Dangerfield" of beef cuts, flank is now finally getting some well deserved respect. Why? Because it has terrific flavor, is very versatile, and can be surprisingly tender ? if treated properly....

Green goddess was the rage in the 1920s after it was created at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It was named for the stage play, "Green Goddess", showing in town at the time, and was served to the play's star, George Arliss. But for whatever reason, the dressing vanished years ago ? it shouldn't have. Its herby-ness is good drizzled over bitter greens, but perfect with seafood and fish....

"Marinating" the potatoes in pickle juice is key to this salad's flavor. Take care not to overcook the potatoes ? test them often....