Spaghetti with Calabrese Broccoli, Green Garlic & Nasturtium Blossoms

We all know broccoli is good for
us. But one has to admit that the same “commercial” broccoli that
we are relentlessly exposed to can get a little tiring. That is why I always
get a little excited whenever I see less ubiquitous varieties of broccoli at
the market. The particular calabrese in this recipe was small and tender,
making it a great, quickly seared pasta stir fry. In retrospect, I wish I had
taken a photo of it at the market, but the finished dish gives you a good
sense of the anatomy of this broccoli. The green garlic adds a spring
time garlic kick, and the nasturtium adds a slight peppery essence, for an
uncomplicated, light springtime meal. By the way, if you are wondering where
to find nasturtiums, they grow like crazy everywhere, so just tap into your
“inner hunter-gatherer” and you should be okay. You might even have
some growing in your own yard! Read More


Basil-Hemp Pesto Spaghetti with Veggies

I am kind of on a hemp kick
right now. Hemp seeds have almost earned “BFF” status in my kitchen
life. Unlike their chia and flax counterparts, hemp seeds have a buttery
nut-like texture making them an ideal go-to for those times you need to fill
that “dairy” component in a recipe or a dish. And, three
tablespoons of hemp seeds have ten grams of plant based protein! If you
can live with their fat content then I say keep them around and discover all
their hidden talents. I put them to a pesto test and I was delighted and a
bit surprised that it came out better than the traditional pesto with
parmesan. By the time it got to the plate it had become the star of a
refreshing spring pasta dish. Read More