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REDPEPPERSUMMERSOUPRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:15minCooking:35minMakes:12portionsIngredients:5lbs.redpepper1bigonion6tbsp.extravirginoliveoil2qt.“chickennochicken”broth(canberealchickenbroth)½cup(100ml)milk¾cup(150ml)heavycreamfreshbasil(enchiffonnade)fordecorationsaltandpeppertotaste.hotredpepperorcumin(optional)Preparation:Washthepeppers,takeofftheseedsandcuttheminpieces.Mincetheonion.Inasouppot,heattheoilandsautétheoniononmediumheatuntilitistransparent.Addpeppers,broth,salt,andpepper.Bringthesouptoaboil,andthenreduceittoasimmer,untilthepeppersaretender.Skimthesoup.Blendandsiftifyouwant.Addthemilk.Reheatthesoupandaddthecream.Mixandtaste.Addseasoningifnecessary.Servetoppedwithbasilleavesandsometoastedbread.

Tipsandinfo:Bellpeppers,alsoknownassweetpeppers,arenativetoMexicoandtheCentralandSouthAmericanregions.FromtheretheyspreadtotherestoftheworldbySpanishandPortugueseexplorersduringthe16thand17thcenturiesandarenowgrownwidelyinmanypartsoftheworldasanimportantcommercialcrop.ChristopherColumbusandSpanishexplorersweresearchingforpeppercornplantstoproduceblackpeppernamedpeppers.Theycomeinavarietyofcolorsincludingyellow,green,orange,red,purple,white,andblack.Thegreenonesarethemostcommoningroceriesandsupermarkets.However,notallpeppersbegingreenandsometimesyoumightbuyanun-ripeversionoftheothercolorvarieties.Bellpeppersdon'tproducethechemicalthatcancauseastrongburningsensation(orsimplyahottaste)whenitcomesincontactwiththemouth.Itiswhytheyarecalledsweetpeppers.Theyareactuallyfruitbecausetheyareproducedfromafloweringplantandcontainseeds.Thepulpywhiteinnercavityisedibleandhasalotofvitamin,butmanyofusdiscarditthinkingitgivesabittertaste.Someotherpeoplepeelpeppersforthesamereason.Redbellpeppersaresweeterthanthegreenbecausebellpepperssweetenastheyripen.TheyhavetwiceasmuchvitaminCasthegreenones.Peppershavemorevitaminswhentheyareripe.Whenthepeppersareallowedtoripenontheplanttheyaresweeterthanwhentheyharvestgreenandripeinstorage.

CHERRYCLAFOUTIRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:20minCooking:30minMakes:12portions

Ingredients:3lbs.cherries4oz.(1/2cup;120g)meltedbutter4largeeggs8oz.(1cup:250g)sugar7oz.(7/8cup;210g)all-purposeflour½tsp.salt14oz.(1¾cup;420g)sourcream(crèmefraichebetter)1tsp.vanillaextract14fl.oz.(12/3cup;400ml)milkbutterormargarineforthedish

Preparation:Preheattheovenat375F.Butterandsprinkletheoven-proofdishwithsugar.Inabowlwhisktheeggswith1.6oz.(50g.)sugarandthevanillaextract.Addthedryingredientsandthemilk.Putthefruitsonthebottomofthedishandpourthemixtureonthetop.Bakeuntilabladecomesoutclean..

Tipsandinfo:IntheregionofLimousine,theyuseun-pittedblackcherriesinthistraditionalsummerdessert.Thenameclafoutiorclafoutiscomesfrom"clafi"whichmeanstofill,underliningwithcherries.Itisacakemadewithacrêpebatterandcherries.Traditionallythecherriesarenotpittedtokeepthefulltasteofthecherriesandthecolorofthebatteryellow.Itbecamepopularinthe19thcentury.Youcanhalveandtakethepitoutofthecherriesorusejarorfrozencherries.Ifyouuseanyotherfruitscutthemintopiecesandtakeoutthepitifnecessary.Ifyouwanttouseraspberries,plums,apricots,peaches,nectarines,pears,apples-2pounds(500g)areenough.Butitwillbemoreappropriatetocallthissummerdessert"flognarde."Inthewinteryoucanusedryfruitslikeprunes,raisins,ordriedapricots.Iftheseareused,youwillneedtosoakthefruitinwaterovernight.Itisbettertopreparethebatter2to3hoursbeforeuse,evenovernight,andtokeepitintherefrigerator.Itwillmakethecakemoister.

RATATOUILLLEORVEGETABLESTEWRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:25minCooking:55minMakes:8portionsIngredients:12.25oz.(350g.)eggplantcubed1”pieces12.25oz.(350g.)zucchinicubed1”pieces12.25oz.(350g.)peppers(redandgreen)12.25oz.(350g.)oniondiced1”pieces17.5oz.(500g.)rippedtomatoes3garlicclovesminced6tbsp.oliveoil1sprigfreshthyme1bayleafsaltandpepperPreparation:Peelandcutthetomatoes,theeggplants,andthezucchinis.Dicetheonions.Inalargepotheat2tbsp.ofoliveoil,frytheonionsandthepepperuntiltender.Addthetomatoes,themincedgarlic,thethyme,andthebayleaf.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Coverandsimmerfor45minutes.Meanwhile,sautétheeggplantandzucchiniinapanwitholiveoilfor15minutes.Tastethevegetables,theymustbeverytender.Addtheeggplantandzucchiniintothepotwiththepeppermixtureandcook10minutesmore.Tasteandaddsaltandpeppertotaste.

Tipsandinfo:Iadvisetosimmerthestewaslongaspossible.Thestewwillbeevenbetterthenextday.ThewordratatouillecomesfromtheOccitanratatolhaandtherecipecomesfromOccitancuisine.ItoriginatedinProvence.In1778,thewordratatouilledesignatedaroughstew;itisonlyinthetwentiethcenturythatthewordtakesthemeaningweknowtoday.“Thesecretofagoodratatouilleistocookthevegetablesseparatelysoeachwilltastetrulyofitself.”JoëlRobuchon(averyfamousFrenchchef).Butyoucansimplycookallthevegetablestogetherforalongertime.EggplantsoriginatefromIndia.TheycametoEuropeinthe16thcentury,aperiodinwhichthisdecorativeplantwasconsideredpoisonous.TomatoescamefromMexicoandwerebroughttoEuropeinthe16thcentury.Theirsizeswerethesameasthecherrytomatoesthatweknownow.TheycametoParisundertheRevolutionwithvolunteersfromMarseille.ZucchinisarefromAmerica.Theyaresquashespickedupbeforetheyareripe.Theywerecalledzucchinisin1929.SweetpeppersalsooriginatedfromAmerica.TheywereanintegralpartoftheNativeAmericandiet,alongwithcorn,beans,andsquash.IfwetakeofffromtheratatouilletheIndianeggplantandtheAmericansquash,tomatoandpepper,onions,garlicandolivesaretheonlyvegetablesleft.OliveswerebroughttoProvencefromAsiaviaGreeceinthe6thcentury.SoonlygarlicandonionsarefromEuropeandthisrecipewasprobablyinventedonlyinthe18thcentury.BayleavesorLaurelwereusedinAncientGreeceandRomeaswreathstocrowntheirvictors.ChampionsoftheOlympicgamesworegarlandsofbayleaves.Ourword“baccalaureate”means,“laurelberries”andsignifiesthesuccessfulcompletionofone’sstudies.

FRESHSEASONALFRUITSQUINOATABOULERecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:20minutesCooking:10minutesMakes:6-8portionsIngredients:1cup(150g.)quinoa1¼oz.(300ml.)water1oz.(30g.)brownsugar2½oz.(70g.)raisins1orangejuiceandzest½poundstrawberries½cantaloupe1-pintblueberries(seasonalfruits:1kiwi,1nectarine,1apricot,strawberries)1tbsp.sunflowerseeds1tbsp.pumpkinseeds3tbsp.freshmintchopped2tsp.orangeblossomwaterPreparation:Rinsethequinoa.Cookthequinoawiththewater,orangejuice,brownsugar,andraisinsduringatleast15minutes.Drainandcoolit.Setitaside.Washthefruitsandcuttheminmediumpieces.Toasttheseedsinapan.Putallthefruits,seeds,orangeblossomwater,mint.Addthequinoaandmix.Refrigerateuntilreadytoserve.

Tipsandinfo:Youcanuseanyseasonalfruits,changetheherbaccordingtoyourtaste,andswitchtheseedsforpistachiosandpinenuts.Quinoawasused3,000to4,000yearsagoinBolivia,PeruandColumbia.ItservedasastaplefoodintheIncanDiet.TheUnitedNationsdeclaredquinoaa“superfood”withaproteinvalueequaltothatofmilk.Quinoalookslikeagrainbutitisactuallynotagrain!Itisveryclosetogreens(likechard),beets,andspinach.Ithasanaturalcoveringcalledsaponin(abitterresinthatkeepsbirdsaway)anddoesnotneedtobetreatedforcultivation.Itiswhywemustrinseitbeforecooking.Quinoacontains15%proteinand70%carbohydrates.Itisconsideredacompletesourceofproteinbecauseitincludesall9essentialaminoacids.Itisgluten-freeandalsocontainsvitalminerals,suchasmagnesium,iron,copper,andphosphorus.Nasaprovidedquinoatoitsastronautsinspacetripsduetoitsexceptionalnutritionalcontents.TabouliorTaboulé(inFrench)ororiginallyTabouleh,isadelicioussavorysaladmadefromavarietyofingredientsthatprimarilyincludeslotsofparsley,bulgurorcouscous,mint,springonions,andtomatoes.Italsoincludesoliveoil,lemonjuice,saltandpepper.AtraditionallyArabsalad,ithasbecomeverypopularworldwide.Chefsaroundtheworldcreatetheirownversionthatcanalsobesweetforaverysummerydessert.HereIreplacedthecouscouswithquinoabutanyothergraincanbeused.CantaloupederivesitsnamefromthetownofCantalupo,Italy,wherecantaloupeseedsarrivedfromArmeniaandwereplantedinthePapalGardensinthe16thcentury.IthasbeengrowingintheNileValleyinEgyptsinceancienttimes.TheUScantaloupeisfrequentlycalledmuskmelon.However,muskmelonisafamilyofmelonthatincludesthecantaloupe,honeydew,andcasabamelon.Cantaloupeisamemberofavine-cropfamilywhichincludesothersmelons,squash,cucumbers,pumpkinsandgourds.Today,theyareproducedinCalifornia,Arizona,andTexasandareavailablethroughouttheyear,althoughthepeakseasonisthesummer.Whenchoosingacantaloupe,useyournose–pickthecantaloupethathasasweetsmellbecauseitdoesnotripenafterbeingpicked,soitwillnotsweetenanyfurther.

FALAFEL:SPICYCHICKPEAFRITTERSRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minutesCooking:15minutesMakes:6-8portionsIngredients:1mediumonion1smallbunchflatleavesparsley2garliccloves28oz.(800g.)cannedchickpeas4to8Tbsp.all-purposeflour1tsp.groundcoriander1tsp.groundcuminvegetableoilforfryingPreparation:Choptheonionandtheparsleyfinely.Peelandcrushthegarlic.Rinseanddrainthechickpeas.Mashthechickpeas.Mixintheonion,garlic,flour,parsley,corianderandcumin.Withflouredhands,rollthemixtureintoballsaboutthesizeofagolfball,andthenflattentomakesmallpatties.Heatoilandfrythemforafewminutesoneachsideuntilgoldenbrown.Drainonpapertowel.

Tipsandinfo:Trytofryonepatty,andcheckthatitdoesnotfallapart.Ifitdoes,add1or2tbsp.offlour,mix,andtryagain.Theparsleycontainsalotofwater,whichiswhywehavetoaddflourtothemixture.ServethemwithanIsraelisalad(tomatoes,cucumber,onionandparsleycutverysmall),hummusandpita.Falafelcanbeshapedlikeaballwithasmallballscooperanddipfried,orshapedlikeaflatburgerandsautéedinafryingpan.Itmayhaveapaleordarkcolorandhaveasmoothorgrainytexture.Itisthesecondmostcommondishmadeofchickpeasafterhummus.ItiseateninmanyArabandMediterraneancountries,eachwithitsownspecialversion.Israeli’swerethefirsttospreadfalafeltoEuropeandtheUSaroundtheearly1970’s.AcommontheorysuggeststheEgyptianCopts,whobroughtitwiththemtotherestoftheMiddleEasttoreplacemeatduringLent,inventedfalafelsome1000yearsago.Anothertheorydatestheinventionoffalafelbacktothe6thcenturyADorevenearlier,placingitinIndiawheretheymakealotofchickpeabaseddishes.

CUCUMBERSAUTEEDWITHCHIVESRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:10minCooking5minMakes:12portionsIngredients:5lbs.cucumber2bigbuncheschives2smallbunchesparsley12tbsp.(6oz.)freshcream(canbesourcreamornon-dairycream)70g(2½oz.)butter,margarine,orvegetableoil4tbsp.(2oz.)DijonmustardSaltandpeppertotastePreparation:Peelthecucumbers.Spoonouttheseeds.Cutintobatonnets.Chopthechivesandparsley.Meltthebutterinafryingpanorwok.Addthecucumbers.Addsaltandsautéfor2minutes.Addthecreamandbringtoaboil.Whenitbeginstoboil,takeitoffthefire.Addtheherbs,mustard,andadjusttheseasoning.Mixwellandputinaservingdish.Serverightaway.

CUCUMBERSALADWITHCREAMANDDILLSAUCE(TATSIKI)RecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:10minResting:40minMakes:12portionsIngredients:4to5bigcucumbers20fl.oz.(600ml)heavycream(canbenon-dairysourcreamthinningwithnon-dairymilk)6lemons,juiced6tbsp.freshdillkoshersaltandpepperPreparation:Peelthecucumbersandslicethemthin.Puttheslicesinastrainerandsprinklewithkoshersalt.Mixwelltocoatallthesliceswithkoshersalt.Letthemstandforaround40minutes.Rinseanddrainthem,thenplacethecucumbersinasaladbowl.Meanwhile,makethesauce:mixtogetherthecream,halfthelemonjuice,pepperanddill.Taste,addmorelemonjuiceifnecessary.Mixthecucumberwiththedressing,andthentasteandadjusttheseasoningwithsalt,pepperandlemonjuice.Refrigeratebeforeserving.Tipsandinfo:Cucumbersareamemberofthegourdfamily,alongwithmelons,squashandpumpkins.OriginatinginIndia,theyhavegrownfor3000years,andmadetheirwayhereinthemid-1600’s.FloridaproducesthemostcucumbersintheUS.Theygrowonavineandthereare2maintypes:slicersandpicklers.Theycontain95%water.Thelargestcucumbergrownweighed59pounds.TheyaregreatsourcesofvitaminA,C,K,calcium,andpotassiumandaregreatfordigestionaswellashelpingyourskincooldown.Ittakesaweektopicklecucumbers.Batonnets:Cutvegetablesorfruitsinsticksof½in.x½in.x3in.

TARTELETTEFINEALATOMATEETPARMESANRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minCooking:30minMakes:12portionsIngredients:12rectangleofpuffpastrydough,6”x3½“12mediumtomatoes6vegetariansausages3¼cups(11oz.:320g.)parmesancheese2cupsormoreextravirginoliveoil4tbsp.freshthyme12mediumredonionssaltandpepperPreparation:Preheattheovenat410F.Peelandmincetheonions.Sautétheonionswith8tablespoons(1/2cup)ofoliveoiluntiltheymelt.Addsalt,pepper,andthyme.Mix.Setaside.Slicethetomatoesin3mm(0.12”)thick.Withavegetablepeeler,makethinslicesofParmesan.Cutthesausagesintomediumslicesenoughtocovereachtomatoslice.Cut12rectangles(6”x3½“)inthepuffpastry.Pokeholeswithaforkandputthedoughonacookiesheetcoveredwithparchmentpaper.Putsomecookedonionsoneachpieceofdough.Thenaddslicesoftomatoesandsausage.Sprinklewitholiveoil.Bakefor25minutes.After14minutes,reducethetemperatureto350F.WhenyoutakethetartsoutoftheovensprinklewithParmesan.

Tipsandinfo:Tomatoesarethefruitsofthetomatoplant.Ithasseedsandgrowsfromafloweringplant.TheyoriginatedaroundPeru.TheAztecsinSouthernMexicofirstusedthemasfood,andthenexplorersbroughtbackseedsfromMexicotoEuropeinthe16thcentury.TheybecamepopularintheMediterraneancountriesbuttheBritishinparticularconsideredthefruittobebeautifulbutpoisonous.Itwasonlybythe19thcenturythattomatoeswereinuseacrosstheUS.TodayitisconsideredthefavoritevegetableoftheAmericanpublic.TheyarethestatevegetableofNewJerseyandtheofficialstatefruitofOhio.Chinaisthelargestproducer,accountingforonequarteroftheworldproductionin2009.TheUSandIndiaarethesecondandthirdhighestproducers.Therearemorethan7,500tomatovarietiesgrownaroundtheworld.Floridaisthenumberoneproduceroffreshmarkettomatoes.

MARBLECHEESECAKERecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minCooking:30to40minMakes:12-16portionsIngredients:4(8oz.)largeeggs¾cup(6.5oz.)sugar¾stick(3oz.)buttersoften2tsp.(0.35oz.)vanillaextract32oz.(4boxes)creamcheeseroomtemperature2to3cups(9oz.)cookiecrumbs¾stick(3oz.)meltedbutterchocolatesyruporganacheforswirlingPreparation:Preheattheovenat375F.Mixtogetherthemeltedbutterandthecookiecrumbs.Butterthecakemold,coverthebottomwithparchmentpaperandbuttertheparchmentpaper.Pressthecrumbs-buttermixture¼inchthickonthebottomofthepan.Beattogetherthecreamcheeseandthebutteruntilsmoothandfluffy.Setaside.Beattogethertheeggs,sugar,andvanillaextract.Addthiseggmixturetothecreamcheesemixtureandbeatuntiljustwellincorporated.Donotovermix.Pourthebatteronthecookingtrayandspreadevenlywithanoffsetspatula.Pourswirlsofchocolatesyrupmakingadesignofyourlikingandwiththehandleofaspoonswirlit.Bakeuntilthesidesaresetandthemiddleisalittlewobblywhenyoumovethepan.Takeitoutoftheoven.Whenitiscoolrefrigeratethecakeuntilfirm.Itisbettertoleaveitintherefrigeratorthewholenight.

Tipsandinfo:Thefirst“cheesecake”mayhavebeencreatedontheGreekislandofSamos.InGreece,cheesecakewasconsideredtobeagoodsourceofenergy,andthereisevidencethatitwasservedtoathletesduringthefirstOlympicgamesin776B.C.Greekbridesandgroomswerealsoknowntousecheesecakeasaweddingcake.Thesimpleingredientsofflour,wheat,honeyandcheesewereformedintoacakeandbaked.ThefirstGreekcheesecakerecipewaswrittenin230A.D.WhentheRomansconqueredGreece,thecheesecakewasjustonespoilofwar.Theymodifieditincludingcrushedcheeseandeggs.Theseingredientswerebakedunderahotbrickanditwasservedwarm.TheRomanscalledtheircheesecake“libuma”andtheyserveditonspecialoccasions.AstheRomansexpandedtheirempire,theybroughtcheesecakerecipestotheEuropeans.EachEuropeancountryusedingredientsnativetoeachregion.Itwasnotuntilthe18thcenturythatcheesecakewouldstarttolooklikesomethingwerecognizeintheUnitedStatestoday.WhenEuropeansimmigratedtoAmericatheybroughttheircheesecakerecipeswiththem.CreamcheesewasanAmericanadditiontothecakeanditbecameastapleingredient.TheclassicNewYorkstylecheesecakeisservedwithnotopping.Itgetsitssignatureflavorfromextrayolksinthecreamcheesecakemix.

PIZZAALACARTERecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minutesCooking:15-20minutesMakes:10portionsIngredients:2.1lbs.(500g)Allpurposeflour1cubeoffreshyeast(around42g.,1.1/2oz.)(14gactivedryyeastor2packetsofinstantdryyeast,dependingonthebrandthenumberofpacketsmayvary)2cupstepid(warm)water2tsp.salt3tbsp.oliveoilToppings:Tomatosauce,freshslicedtomatoes,eggplants,zucchinis,mushrooms,hartofpalm,artichokes,peppers,onions,olives,freshherbs(basil,oregano,thyme),cheese(mozzarella,goatcheese,Swisscheese,cheddar,brie,oramixtureofyourchoice),youcanalsoputmeats(slicedsalamiorpepperoni)ortuna.Foradesertpizza:Heattheovenat450F.Rolloutthedough,spreadsoftNutellaonit,andthenspread2oz.ofbuttercutupinpiecesontop.Bakefor15minutes.Youcanslicebananaontopandsprinklewithcoconut.Checkthepizzaafterthe10firstminutesintheoven.InsteadoftheNutellamelt8oz.ofchocolatewith2oz.ofbutter.Preparation:Puttheflour,salt,andoliveoil,andthedissolved-into-water-yeastintoabowl.Knitthedoughuntilithasasoftconsistency.Formaball,andcoveritwithakitchentowelandletitriseinawarmplaceuntilitdoublesinsize.Rolloutthedough.Placeitonaflouredoventray.Putonyourfavoritetoppings.Drizzleitallwitholiveoilbeforebakingat405Fforaround15to20minutes.Checkthetop,thecheeseshouldbemelted.

Tipsandinfo:Cutthevegetablesinverythinslicesorsmallpiecesbecausethecheesetendstocookfaster.Ifyouareusingfreshherbs,hidethemunderthecheesesothattheydon’tburn.PizzaactuallydidnotoriginateinItaly,butwasfirstbakedbytheGreeks.Itwasfirstroundflatbreadtoppedwithvariousfoodslikepotatoes,spicesandoliveoil.Tomatoeswerenotdiscoveredatthattime.Inthe18thcentury,thechefofqueenMargherita,RafaelleEspositomadeaveryspecialpizzajustforher.InNapleshebakedapizzatoppedwithtomatoes,Mozzarellacheeseandfreshbasil(torepresentthecolorsoftheItalianflag:red,whiteandgreen).ThepizzaMargaritawasborn!VariationsbegantobemadeindifferentpartsofItaly.InBologna,forexample,meatbegantobeadded.AfterWorldWarIIpizzaspreadstoAmerica,France,England,andSpain.SomepopularpizzatoppingsinJapanaresquidandMayoJaga(mayonnaise,potatoandbacon).IntheU.S.pepperoniisthemostfamoustopping,beforemushroom,extracheese,sausage,greenpepperandonions.Eachperson(men,women,children)inAmericaeatsabout46slicesayear.SeventeenpercentofallrestaurantsinAmericaarepizzerias.Thirty-sixpercentofAmericansconsiderspizzatheperfectbreakfast.Womenaretwiceaslikelyasmentoordervegetablesontheirpizza.Finally,ninety-threepercentofAmericanseatatleastonepizzapermonth.

QUICHELORRAINEwithSMOKEDSALMONRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:25minCooking:40minMakes:8-12portionsIngredients:Patebrisee(seerecipe)6largeeggs2cups+1½Tbsp.(17oz.;500ml)crèmefraicheorsourcream9oz.smokedsalmonsalt,peppertotastePreparation:Preheattheovenat375F.Rolloutthedoughinatartmold.Makeholesintothedoughwithafork.Spreadthepiecesofsalmonontothebottomofthetart.Inabowl,mixthecreamandtheeggs.Addsaltandpeppertotaste.Pourthemixtureontopofthesalmon.Bakeforaround40minutes.Checkwithaknifedeepinthecenterafter30minutes,itshouldcomeoutclean.Youcanaddanykindofherbsyoulike.Ifyouwanttoaddvegetables,youhavetosautéthembeforetotakeoffsomeofthemoisture.

KALESALADWITHORANGESUPREMEANDBLACKOLIVERecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minCooking:noneMakes:12portionsIngredients:1bunchkale3oranges1bigredonion1canofpittedblackolivesDressing:2portionsoliveoilfor1portionbalsamicvinegar,saltandpeppertotastePreparation:Washtheleavesofthekaleandremovethestem.Cutortearsmallpiecesofitintoamixingbowl.Peeltheorangesandremovethewhiteskinaroundtheflesh.Separatethesuprêmesandputthemontopofthekale.Squeezethejuiceleftontheskinontothesalad.Peelandcuttheonioninhalflengthwise.Sliceitacrosstheflesh(itiscalledsaladcut)inthinslicesandputaroundthesalad.Addtheblackolives.Makethedressingwith8Tbsp.ofbalsamicvinegar,1/2tsp.saltand1/4tsp.ofblack.

INDIANDALREDLENTILSRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:15minCooking:20minMakes:12portionsIngredients:2cups(400g)orangeorredlentils2bigfreshtomatoesdiced2bigonionsdicedSomestringbeans,cauliflower,carrotsorpotatoesalreadycookedorfrozen6garliccloveschopped1heapingtbsp.ofcurrypowder2tsp.groundcumin1tbsp.freshgratedginger2cans(around10fl.oz.)heavycream1bunchfreshcilantrochoppedsalttotastePreparation:Putthelentilsinabigpotwith3to4timestheirvolumeofcoldwaterwithoutsalt(salthardenstheskinofthelentilsandlengthensthecookingtime)orbroth.Cookthemfor10to15minutes.Meanwhilespreadthedicedonions,withghee(clarifiedbutter)oroliveoil.Ifyouareusingfrozenvegetables,sautéthemwiththeonions.Whenitishalfthecookingtime,addthedicedtomatoesandthechoppedgarlic.Thenaddthevegetables,cilantro,andspices.Mixeverythingwellandaddthecoconutmilk.Checkthatitdoesnotboil.Simmerforafewminutesandtaste,addsaltifnecessary.

Tipsandinfo:Curryisacomplexcombinationofspicesincludingmoreorlesschiliesdependingofthelevelofspicinessyouwant.Therearemanydishescalled“curries”butitreferstothesauceinwhichtheingredientsarecooked.Suchdishesarecalledbyspecificnamesthatrefertotheirnationalorregionalculturaltraditions.Themainspicesfoundinmostcurrypowdersarecoriander,cuminandturmeric;awiderangeofadditionalspicesmaybeincludeddependingonthegeographicregionandthefood.ThecurrypowderislargelyaWesterncreation,datingbacktothe18thcentury.TheyarethoughtofasbeingfirstpreparedbyIndianmerchantsforsaletomembersoftheBritishColonialgovernmentandarmy.

CHOCOLATECRINKLECOOKIESRecipebyIsabelleLapinCooking:10to12minPreparation:15minMakes:2-3dozenIngredients:1/2-cupvegetableoil2cupssugar2cupsall-purposeflour1cupcocoapowder4largeeggs1tsp.vanillaextract2tsp.bakingpowderconfectionersugarPreparation:Preheattheovenat350F.Mixallingredientsinabowl,exceptconfectionersugar,untilitformssoftdough.Rolloutintowalnutsizeballs,thenintotheconfectionersugar.Placeonparchmentpaper.Leaveroomforspreading.Bakeat350Fforaround12minutes.

CHAPATIBREADRecipebyIsabelleLapinIngredients:1½cup,6oz.flour(½wholewheat,½whiteisthebest)½cupwarmwater1tsp.oil½tsp.saltPreparation:Mixalltheingredients.Kneadthedoughfor5minutes.Placeitinanoiledbowl.Coverthedoughwithakitchentowelandletitrestfor30minutes.Makewalnutsizeballsandrollitoutverythin.Cookitonagriddleorafryingpan.Itistimetoturnitwhenitpuffsout.Becarefulitcooksveryfast.Youdon’tneedtoputoilonthepanorthegriddle.Youcankeepitfromdryingbycoveringthebreadwithadamptowel.

VEGETARIANSUSHI:RecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minCooking:30minMakes:10full-sizedrollsIngredients:3Lb.8oz.(1.59kg)shortgrainrice64fl.oz.(1.92L)water6fl.oz.(180ml)unseasonedJapanesericevinegar2-¼oz.(35g)fineseasaltzucchini,yellowsquash,carrots,cucumbers,avocadosimitationcrabsticksextrafirmtofucutinstickscoldomeletcutlengthwisecreamcheese(dairyortofu)seaweedleavesPreparation:Rinsethericeundercoldwateruntilthewaterrunssemi-clear.Drainwell.Combinericewithwaterinadeepdish.Steamthericeuntilalmostcompletelycooked,around30minutes.Coverandletitrestfor10minutes.Combinethesaltandvinegar.Warmoverlowheattodissolvethesalt;donotletthemixtureboil.Coolatroomtemperature.Transferthericeto2platesanddrizzlethevinegarmixture.“Cut”andfoldthericeoverusingawoodenricepaddleorflatwoodenspatula.Continueuntilthemixturehascooled.Cutallthedesiredvegetablesintosticks¼inchthick.Makethesushirolls.

Tipsandinfo:Thevinegarmixtureisoptional.Youcanuseplainsushirice.Wrapyoursushimatinplasticwrapsoitwillbeeasiertoclean.Donotputtoomuchriceandfillingontheseaweedleafotherwiseitwon’tclose.Youcancreateanykindofsushiroll,usingcookedsweetpotatoesandbutternutsquash,evendessertoneswithyourfavoritefruits.Makeafruitorchocolatesaucetodipyourdessertsushi.SushioriginatedinSoutheastAsiaasapieceoffermentedfishwrappedinsourrice.Theseasonedricewasusedtopreservethefish.ThenitspreadinChinaandultimatelyinJapan.ThesushithatweknowtodaywasinventedbyHanayaYoheiinJapansometimeattheendoftheEdoperiod,1868.Theystartedascheapfastfoodoraquicksnacktoeatwithyourhands.Onlysashimi,whichisraw,slicesoffish,iseatenwithchopsticks.SushirollsarecalledMaki,fromtheJapaneseMakisu,whichisthebamboomatweusetomaketherolls.TheJapanesepeopleprefernigiri,whichisapieceoffishpressedontopofastripofrice.Makicanbewrappedinsoypaper,cucumberoregg,notonlyinNoriseaweed.Thereare10,000recognizedvarietiesofseaweedintheworld.Manyseaweedslooklikeplantsandarecategorizedbytheircolor:green,brown,orredalgae.

CHINESESALADRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:15minCooking:5minMakes:12portionsIngredients:1500g(52.6oz.=3.3lbs.)shreddedChinesecabbage(orbeansprout)2lbs.carrotsgratedorjulienned3-10oz.packagesfrozengardenchickenscaloppinidefrostedandmedium-diced1-bunchscallionscutinbias1bunchmintchiffonade150gtoastedsunflowerorpumpkinseeds(Ifnoallergyputsaltedpeanuts)Dressing:8tbsp.oil4tbsp.cidervinegar2tbsp.soysaucesaltandpepper4lemongrassstalkspeeledandchoppedsmallPreparation:Inafryingpanputsomeoil.Whenhot,sautéthe“chicken”untilbrown.Putinabowlwiththelemongrass.Washthebeansprouts.Putalltheingredientsinabowl.Addthedressing.Tosswellandrefrigerateuntilserving.

Tipsandinfo:Youcanaddallkindsofvegetablestothissaladincludingtomatoes,cucumbers,andpeppers.YoucanreplacethegreenlettucewithbeansproutsinyourfavoritesaladforanAsiantwist.Thebeansproutwasnamedafteritsmeaning,whichis“growingout”thesprout.TheChinesebeansproutsarealsocalledmungbeans.Itisthemostwidelyconsumedsproutintheworld.ItisnativetoIndiaandlaterspreadtoChinaandSoutheastAsia.TheyweredomesticatedinMongolia.IntheUS,mostmungbeansaregrowninOklahoma.Youcantrytosproutthemungbeansyourself.Onepoundofbeansproducessixpoundsofsprouts.Lemongrassisnotrelatedtolemon.Itscitrussmellandflavorcomesfromcitral,whichisanessentialoilalsofoundinlemonrind.NativetoSriLankaandSouthernpartsofIndia,itisapopularingredientinThailand,Vietnam,Malaysia,Cambodia,andIndonesia.Indianlemongrassisusedmostlyinperfumesbecauseithasalongershelflife.WestIndianlemongrassisusedincooking.NapaCabbageisthesamefamilyasBrusselssproutandbroccoli.IthasaceleryflavorandisverypopularinChina.Youcanuseitinsoup,tomakeaslaworastir-fryortodecoratethebottomofaplate.

STRAWBERRY-ROSEMARYSCONESWITHLEMONBUTTERRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:20minCooking:15to18minMakes:8portionsIngredients:1-cupfreshdicedstrawberries2cups(250g.)all-purposeflour3tbsp.sugar1tbsp.bakingpowder½tsp.salt¼tsp.nutmeg3tbsp.freshchoppedrosemary(orlavender)6tbsp.coldbutter(85g.)cutinpieces½cupto1-cupheavycreamorbuttermilkheavycreamandsugarintherawforthetopPreparation:Preheattheovenat425F.Placethecutupstrawberriesonapapertoweltoabsorbtheirjuice.Combineflour,sugar,bakingpowder,saltandrosemary.Withyourfingertipsortwoknivescutthebutteruntilitcoatstheflourandresemblecoarsemeal.Addthefruitatthattimeandcarefullyincorporatetotheflourmixture.Makeawellandpourthebuttermilk.Gentlystirthemixtureuntilitformsdough.Turnitontoaflouredsurface.Kneadgentlyandpatdoughdownintoa9”roundandcutinto8wedges.Brushwithcreamandbakeuntiltopisjustgoldenbrown.LEMON-HONEYBUTTER:1-quartheavycreamzestof2lemons(canbe1orange)½cuphoney(canbemaplesyrup)pinchofsaltCombineallingredientsintothechilledbowlofastandmixer.Usingthewhiskattachmentwhiponlowspeeduntilitthickens.Thenwhiskonhighuntilitseparates(thesearethebuttermilkandthebuttersolids).Stopwhipping.Strainoutthebutterandsqueezedry.Workthebutteracoupleoftimestobringittogethertoformaniceball.Refrigerate.Itwillmakealittlelessthanacup.

Tipsandinfo:Youcanusefreshapricotswithlavender,peacheswithmintorthyme.Youcanomitthenutmegorputgroundginger,allspice,cardamomorclove.Inthewinterusepearsorappleswithcinnamonornutmeg.Forthebutteruseanyherbsyoulikeinsteadofthezestsandomitthehoney.SconesgottheirstartasaScottishquickbread.Somesaythattheoriginoftheword“skone”comesfromtheDutchword‘schoonbrot’,whichmeansbeautifulbread.OthersarguethatsconesarerelatedtotheancientWelshtraditionofcookingsmallroundyeastcakesonbakestones,andlaterongriddles.Finally,somesuggestthatitcomesfromtheStoneofDestiny,wheretheKingsofScotlandwerecrowned.Originallysconesweremadewithoats,shapedintoalargecircle,scoredontofourorsixwedges,andgriddlebakedoveranopenfire(later,astovetop).Today’ssconesarequickbread,similartoAmericanbiscuitsandtheyarebakedintheoven.Thegriddlesconesarenowfriedratherthanbaked.ThankstoAnna,theDuchessofBedford(1788-1861)sconesbecamepopularandanessentialpartofthefashionableritualoftakingteainEngland.StrawberriesareinseasonintheU.S.WaituntiltheendofMaytogopickyourowninNewYorkstate.EverystateintheU.S.growstheirown.Californiagrows80%ofthetechnicallyaberryhasitsseedsontheinsidebutstrawberrieshavearound200seedsontheoutside.Sotheyarenottrueberrieslikeblueberries.Theyarememberoftherosefamily.NativeAmericansatestrawberrieslongbeforetheEuropeansettlersarrived.Asspring’sfirstfruit,theywereatreat,eatenfreshlypickedorbakedintocornbread.

TOMATOSALSAANDCHEESECRACKERSRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:30minCooking:10to12minMakes:6dozencrackersMakes:16servingssalsa

Ingredients:3oz.gratedcheese(parmesan,gruyereorcheddar)¾cup+2tbsp.all-purposeflour¼tsp.bakingpowder¼tsp.salt1tbsp.butter¼cupwholemilk2tbsp.lightlybeatenegg(fromalargeegg)

Preparation:Preheattheovento350F.Whisktogetherflour,bakingpowder,andsaltandgratedcheese.Withyourfingertips;blendinthebutteruntilitresemblescoarsemeal.Formawellinthecenter.Addmilkandeggs.Stirwithawoodenspoontoformdough.Onaflouredsurface,kneadthedoughuntilsmooth.Whileyourollouthalfthedough,refrigeratetheotherhalf.Cutoutshapesandputthemonacookiesheetcoveredwithparchmentpaper.Bake10to12minutes.

FRESHTOMATOSALSA

Ingredients:1smallonion3mediumtomatoes1limejuice2tbsp.extravirginoliveoilsaltandpeppertotastefreshchoppedbasilorcilantro

Preparation:Finelydicetheonions.Cuttomatoesinhalfandscoopoutanddiscardtheseeds.Dicethetomatofleshfinely.Mixthelimejuice,oliveoil,herbs,saltandpepper.Addonionandtomatoes.Mixwell.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning.Tipsandinfo:Tomatoesarethefruitsofthetomatoplant.Ithasseedsandgrowsfromafloweringplant.TheyoriginatedaroundPeru.TheAztec’sinSouthernMexicofirstusedthemasfood.ExplorersbroughtbackseedsfromMexicotoEuropeinthe16thcentury.TheybecamepopularintheMediterraneancountriesbuttheBritishinparticularconsideredthefruittobebeautifulbutpoisonous.Itwasonlybythe19thcenturythattomatoeswereinuseacrosstheUS.Today,itisconsideredthefavoritevegetableoftheAmericanpublic.TheyarethestatevegetableofNewJerseyandaretheofficialstatefruitofOhio.Chinaisthelargestproducer,accountingforonequarteroftheworldproductionin2009.TheUSandIndiaarethesecondandthirdhighestproducers.Therearemorethan7,500tomatovarietiesgrownaroundtheworld.Floridaisthenumberoneproduceroffreshmarkettomatoes.Condimentisaspice,sauceorotherfoodpreparationthatisaddedtofoodtoimpartaparticularflavor,toenhanceitsflavorortocomplementadish.

KAISERSCHMARRN:CSASZARMORZSARecipebyIsabelleLapin/EszterSebestyenPreparation:15minCooking:15-20minMakes:8portionsIngredients:2-1/2cupall-purposeflour2tbsp.sugar2cupsmilk8eggs1tsp.vanillaextractbutteroroilforcookingconfectionersugartoservePreparation:Inabowl,beattheeggsandaddthemilk.Inanotherbowlcombineflourandsugar.Pourthewetingredientsintothedryandmixwelluntilcombined.Heatafryingpanandaddsomebutter.Waituntilthebutterismeltedandpourthebatterinthepan.Cook,undisturbeduntilthebottombeginstobrown.Then,scramblethepancakebatter,andthenallowsettlingandbrowningonthebottom.Repeatuntilthebatterincookedinpiecesallover.Sprinklewithconfectionersugartoserve.

DERUNY:UKRAINIANPOTATOPANCAKESRecipebyIsabelleLapinPreparation:15minCooking:8mineachMakes:6-8portionsIngredients:1½lbs.potatoes2eggs3to5tbsp.all-purposeflour1tbsp.sourcreamsalttotasteoilforfryingPreparation:Peelandshredthepotatoes.Addflour,eggs,andsourcreamandmixwell.Addateaspoonofsalt.Warmupafryingpan.Coverthebottomwithvegetableoil.Addheapingtablespoonsofbatterandmakelittlemounds.Cookuntilgolden,thenflip.Repeat.Servewithsourcream.