GourmetGrrl Bites

Here’s a sample recipe from the Plats du Jour cookbook; a pistou bursting with the bright, earthy flavor of favas. Fava Bean Pistou 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 1 garlic clove, peeled 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup fava beans, blanched and peeled 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Salt and [...]

This week we’re sipping Chardonnay. Yes, we used the c word. When we find a Chardonnay we like we’re not afraid to share, and the 2010 Napa Cellar Napa Valley Chardonnay is worth telling everyone you know.

With cold nights ahead (and some cold days), we turn to comforting dishes that can be eaten by the fire–with or without guests.

Pears are officially in season, so liven up a fall brunch (or Thanksgiving holiday) with a sparkling pear cocktail. PEAR SPARKLER 2 bottles Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled 4 cups pear nectar 1 lime, cut in wedges For each serving, pour 3/4 cup of Champagne into a Champagne flute and top with 1/2 cup of pear nectar. Squeeze [...]

With cocktail season approaching (who doesn’t need a pre-holiday cocktail?), it’s nice to have a little bowl of something to crunch on. Ditch the peanuts and make batches of these crunchy pumpkin seeds instead. SWEET N SALTY PUMPKIN SEEDS 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne [...]