Restaurant (Re)creation: SPQR's Gemelli with Green Spring Vegetables, Black Pepper + Ricotta Salata

My husband and I recently had date night at SPQR and I had the most divine dish.  It was a Gemelli pasta with green spring vegetables, mascarpone, black pepper and ricotta salata.  It was fresh and light, yet creamy and totally satisfying.  We both agreed that I ordered the best dish and I promptly devoured it.  Two days later, I decided to try it in my own kitchen.  My neighborhood Whole Foods was fresh out of mascarpone, so I used whole milk ricotta instead.  Otherwise, I tried to stick pretty true to SPQR's preparation.  This meal can be cooked in mere minutes and looks like it came straight from a Michelin star restaurant.  That sounds like a winning combination to me.  Hope you agree!

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Gemelli pasta
• 1/2 lb. English peas, shelled
• 1/4 lb. snow peas, sliced diagonally
• 8-10 stalks of asparagus, sliced diagonally
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta (or mascarpone)
• 3-4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• grated ricotta salata, for finishing

Directions:

-Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

-Shell the peas, and diagonally slice the snow peas and asparagus in 1/2 inch pieces.

-Add the Gemelli to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than the package suggests.

-Add the peas and asparagus and cook the pasta and vegetables for an additional 2 minutes.

-Remove from heat, drain, and return to the cooking pot.

-Drizzle 3 tbsp. olive oil over the pasta and vegetables and season with salt and ample pepper.

-Scoop in 1/4 cup of ricotta and mix until well distributed.  

-Spoon the pasta onto plates and top with grated ricotta salata and freshly ground black pepper.

-Add a dollop or two of the remaining ricotta to the top of the pasta and enjoy immediately.

SPQR

1911 Fillmore St.

San Francisco, CA

(415) 771-7779

Recipe Creation: Coconut + Almond Butter Milkshake

I don't know about you, but there is nothing more refreshing to me than an ice cold milkshake on a hot day.  I have recently discovered that I am completely obsessed with almond butter.  Like crazy obsessed. I have it at least twice a day (and blame it on pregnancy cravings). Anyhow, I figured nothing could be better than drinking my favorite food in the form of a frothy, creamy, and refreshing treat!  I decided to do some research, found a few versions on blogs I liked, and made a few changes.  Voila- liquid perfection!  Plus, it has healthy fat, fiber, and protein in it so it's totally a health food.  At least that is what I tell myself ; )

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 5 large dates, pitted
• 1 14 oz. can of light coconut milk
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups ice
• (*optional- add Stevia, to taste)

Directions:

-In a high-powered blender or Vitamix, add all of your ingredients.

-Blend until smooth and creamy.

-Pour in two tall glasses and enjoy.

Recipe Creation: Fava Bean + Burrata + Radish Crostini

Holy goodness! I have been obsessed with fava beans for some time now and LOVE that so many San Francisco restaurants are offering a variety of dishes showcasing this lovely little green bean.  My favorite dish with fava beans has to be a fava crostini. I recently had one at Firefly, one at Locanda, and one at Contigo.  I decided to combine all of my favorite elements of those and add my two other favorite ingredients: radishes and burrata.  I also used Judy's Lovesticks to make the crostini, since I love the added nutty flavor the sunflower seeds add.  This dish is a perfect appetizer on a warm evening.  It's almost as beautiful as it is delicious.  Enjoy!

Makes 10-12 crostini

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. fresh fava beans
• 2 tbsp. finely grated parmesan
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped mint
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup fresh burrata cheese
• 2 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. balsamic reduction
• 10-12 slices of baguette

Directions:

-Preheat the broiler and bring a medium saucepan of salted water to boil. 

-Remove the favas from the shells and blanch in boiling water for about 5 minutes.

-Transfer favas to a small ice bath to cool and peel off the waxy outer layer.

-In a small Cuisinart, combine the favas, parmesan, olive oil, mint, and lemon juice.

-Pulse until well blended, but not perfectly smooth.

-Meanwhile, brush bread slices with olive oil and broil for 1 minute on each side.

-Remove from oven and slather with a spoonful of the fava mixture.

-Top with radish slices, a dollop of burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

-Garnish with any leftover mint leaves and transfer to a platter for immediate consumption.

Recipe (Re)creation: Shaved Asparagus Pizza

I had this pizza at my friend Ashley's house and have been dreaming about it ever since.  Luckily, she was was so kind as to share the recipe with me.  The shaved asparagus lends a delicate grassy flavor and the green onions add a little bite, all atop of cheesy chewy pizza crust.  It is pretty darn close to perfect.  This does not surprise me since the recipe comes from Barefoot Contessa herself.  I even played around with the original and added chicken apple sausage to a version and it was delicious. The recipe is easily adaptable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.  You're just going to have to trust me on this one.

Makes 1 10-12 inch pizza

Ingredients:

• 12 spears of asparagus
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 14 oz. pizza dough
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt & pepper

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
-Wash and dry asparagus and set aside a medium bowl.
-Hold each asparagus by the base and shave from base to tip with a vegetable peeler.
-Toss shaved asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and set aside.
-Meanwhile, roll out or stretch the pizza dough to about 10-12 inches.
-Place dough on a pizza stone or floured baking sheet.
-Top with 1/4 cup grated cheese, followed by the shredded mozzarella.
-Evenly distribute the shaved asparagus on top and place in the oven.
-Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on the edges.
-Remove from oven, sprinkle with sliced scallions, and slice in wedges.
-Serve immediately.

Restaurant (Re)creation: Arii Moana's Chilled Cucumber + Coconut Soup

I just got back from an amazing trip to the Bora Bora and this dish was inspired by a soup I had at the Four Seasons' signature restaurant, Arii Moana.  It was love at first bite.  It's the perfect soup for a balmy evening, totally ingredient driven, light, and refreshing.  Naturally, I went back home on a mission to bring Bora Bora's finest to my very own kitchen.  This soup is simple, straightforward, and perfect for spring!

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut yogurt (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 large organic cucumbers, sliced in rounds and halved
• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp. kosher salt

Directions:

-Cut 1/4 of one of the cucumbers off, finely dice and set aside for later.
-Next, add the remaining sliced and halved cucumbers to a high powered blender or Vitamix.
-Pour the coconut milk and yogurt into the blender with the cucumbers.
-Add the shredded coconut and salt and blend to your desired consistency.
-Ladle into bowls and top with diced cucumbers and a dollop of coconut yogurt.

~Enjoy~

Recipe Creation: Spring Asparagus + Feta Frittata

I love that we are finally getting to enjoy the produce of spring.  Asparagus is one of those bright green veggies I associate with the the onset of this wonderful season.  This frittata is the perfect dish for Easter brunch or any lazy spring day.  It's actually just as delightful for dinner or as leftovers.  It's so easy, yet looks and tastes divine. Enjoy!

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup minced shallots
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 lb. asparagus, ends removed and sliced diagonally in 1-inch pieces
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta

Directions:

-In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat.

-Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.

-Add the asparagus, cover, and cook on medium-low for 3 minutes.

-Add a pinch of salt to the eggs and pour the eggs over the asparagus. 

-Cook for 5 minutes, or until set, and preheat the broiler.

-Sprinkle feta over the eggs and place in the oven for 5 minutes, or until cooked.

-Remove from heat and let cool on a platter.

-Slice and serve with a simple green salad.  

~Happy Easter~

Recipe (Re)creation: The PERFECT Green Smoothie

I wish I could take full credit for this recipe.  Alas, I cannot.  I found it on a wonderful blog called, oh she glows. I added flaxseeds to the original recipe and tinkered a bit with quantities, but otherwise, I stayed pretty true to the original.  I will say, it is a pretty darn near perfect smoothie.  You can also swap the apple for a pear, if you prefer.  I have tried both, and it turns out delicious either way.  Your body will thank you for this one.

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby kale
• 1 gala apple, cubed
• 1/2 large english cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds
• 5 ice cubes

Directions:

-Place the kale, apples, cucumber, lemon juice, ginger, coconut oil, and flaxseeds in a high powered blender or Vitamix.  

-Next add the ice and maple syrup and blend until smooth.

-Serve immediately and gulp down the liquid goodness!