Pea and Artichoke Dip

My Aunts hosted an at-home cooking class in my Aunt Mary’s beautiful kitchen (scroll down for pics) a few nights ago which was incredibly informative and fun. On the menu: Pea & Artichoke Dip, Guacamole, Grits with Zucchini Custard, Grilled Chicken with Curried Couscous, Spinach, and Mango and Banana Nutella Crepes. They are both huge fans of Fine Cooking Magazine which shares recipes based on what’s in season. Below is a different take on the classic baked artichoke dip…a delicious way to eat your peas.

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Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup panko
  • 3/4 cup finely grated pecorino romano
  • 1 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 8.5-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 cup shelled fresh peas or frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium clove garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce

Directions:

Heat the oven to 475°F. Combine the panko, 1/4 cup of the pecorino, and the olive oil; set aside.

In a food processor, pulse the artichoke hearts, peas, mayonnaise, cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup of the pecorino, 1/4 tsp. salt, a few grinds of pepper, the garlic, and 2 healthy dashes each of the Worcestershire and hot sauce until combined. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish (about 9×6) in an even layer; sprinkle with the panko mixture.

Bake until browned and warmed through, about 8 minutes. Serve right away.

{recipe via Fine Cooking}

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Terrain of Westport, CT

A local florist gave us the OK to start planting in my parent’s garden Mother’s Day weekend so in preparation, my sister and I have been doing our homework and taking trips to Terrain in Westport, CT (full disclosure: I can barely keep a succulent alive so the homework part is key). Not only is Terrain a 17,000 sq ft gardening mecca but the store is stocked with one-of-a kind pieces. Think: handmade furniture, herb-infused candles, dinnerware, cashmere blankets, plants and topiaries, beautiful coffee table books and more. Seriously, it’s some of the best visual merchandising I’ve ever seen so it’s no wonder this place is frequented by tastemakers such as Martha Stewart and Blake Lively. Terrain even offers classes and I’m looking foward to attending the Spring Marketplace on May 2nd.

FullSizeRender (1) IMG_6838 FullSizeRender (2) IMG_6840IMG_6842FullSizeRender (9)FullSizeRender (8)FullSizeRender (5)FullSizeRender (4)IMG_6875FullSizeRender (7)We made a brunch reservation at the Garden Cafe for this weekend so more to come!

48 hours in Greenwich, CT

A guide to dining out

Posting about my shower in Greenwich, CT yesterday got me thinking about all the food (pretty much the only thing on my mind) I miss from back home. If you ever find yourself in this lovely NYC suburb, here’s where you should eat:

DAY ONE: 

Breakfast
Versailles– order the quiche or omelette du jour. Those escargots look pretty tasty too.

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Lunch
Aux Delices– the food is so incredibly flavorful and fresh here (especially the salads). Also, it’s the only place in the US where I’ll order chicken which is saying a lot. I really hate chicken.

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Dinner
– Homestead Inn– for a truly memorable night out or special occasion. The Chef, Thomas Henkelmann, is a recipient of the coveted titles: Relais & Châteaux— Grand Chef, Tradition et Qualite — Les Grandes Tables du Monde and Extraordinary (4 star) by the New York Times. Chef Henkelmann offers contemporary French cuisine, seasonal specialties and the signatures dishes for which he has become famous. Classic French training, a German background and time spent in France, Germany and Switzerland’s finest 3 star Michelin restaurants, inspire his menu for fine dining in Greenwich.

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 DAY TWO:

Breakfast
– Rinaldi’s Country Deli: pick up some delicious bacon, egg and cheeses on a roll and enjoy at Tod’s Point beach in Old Greenwich.

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Lunch
Meli Melo– my love for this restaurant runs deep. I’m pretty sure from age 10- 18, I ate here at least 1x a week. And now, it’s always on my must-visit when home. Try any of the fresh squeezed juices, soups, Spring or Parma savory crepes, Beet Salad, Nutella & Banana sorbet, dessert crepes–you really can’t go wrong.

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Dinner
L’Scale– beautiful dining room with equally beautiful views of the Sound.

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OTHER TOP CONTENDERS: 
Best Bagel: Upper Crust
Best Sandwich/ Sub: Alpen Pantry
Best Hangover Food: Chicken Joe’s or Garden Catering
Best Steakhouse: Gabrieles
Best Italian: Terra
Best Seafood: Elm Street Oyster House or Mediterraneo
Best Modern American Cuisine: Rebeccas
Best Sushi: Kira Sushi
Best Pizza: Pizza Post (or the salad pizza from Glenville Pizza)
Best Afternoon tea/ coffee: The Drawing Room
Best Ice Cream: Gofers

 

 

 

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