I fell in love with summer rolls many years ago at a small Vietnamese restaurant. Light, fresh, healthy, versatile so and easy to make, they remind me of a very simple Persian appetizer called “Noon o Sabzi” (bread and greens). This Persian treat is a platter of fresh herbs, peppery greens, radishes, onion and cheese served with thin lavash bread. The diner chooses a selection of herbs to roll in the lavash like a summer roll. My shrimp and vegetable summer rolls add the perfect fresh starter to my summery menu. I love creating with rice papers as they provide a perfect background to deliver everything from beef, seafood, poultry to vegetarian. For this recipe I am using artSAVOR 75 for the dip to creating all many levels of flavor deliver savory deliciousness in every bite.
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A veritable symphony of flavors, – sweet, sour, citrusy, tangy, bitter, nutty, and salty – this simple orange salad is a prelude to my Mediterranean inspired dinner. You will revel in the simplicity of this refreshing alternative to plain green salad. Orange slices arranged on a bed of slightly bitter curly frisée topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese and slivered pistachios. This summery salad is so easy. All you need is to drizzle my artSAVOR 75 Champagne vinaigrette for the crowning crescendo to this savory concerto.
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Back by popular demand, a frequent family request, here is another pizza on my menu for Father’s Day Simple Summer Dinner with delicious edits in flavor and texture. I used store bought pizza dough for the crust as I find it more savory and nutty in flavor. Brushing the dough with artSAVOR 70 makes it tangier and more citrusy with its lime ingredient. The frisée with its bitterness, dressed in an artSAVOR 75 vinaigrette contrasts with the sweet roasted tomatoes. All of this together creates complex layers of delicious flavors and textures.
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I recently was in Paseo Robles with friends for an art event right before the lock down in early March. I discovered a beautiful house overlooking Morro Bay for our stay. We located the local farmers market where I’m not exaggerating, I found the most beautiful artichokes ever! They were so perfect and so fresh. The thought of grilling them on the patio with that stunning view of the bay with its famous rock was exciting and my mouth was watering in anticipation. I also picked up a Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked Bourbon to start our delightful evening, which we enjoyed while getting the artichokes grill-ready by cleaning and steaming.
I am literally not exaggerating that the end result was the best charred, smoky flavor that I have ever had yet enhanced by my versatile artSAVOR 75. Ok, maybe the view had something to do with it too. Are you ready for some splash of flavor? I am thrilled to share the recipe for these mouthwatering delights. In your mind’s eye, you may even catch a glimpse of Morro Bay! Be creative and have a Blast!
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My family love King Crab Legs, but it is seldom that you find these giant fresh ones. Steamed crab legs do not require much to shine beyond lemon juice, melted butter, and a good cocktail sauce. All you need to do is place the platter on the table on kitchen counter where your guests can congregate, provide them kitchen scissors or seafood crackers and watch the fun begin. It is a fun and jovial scene.
To enhance the buttery luscious texture of the monster crab legs, I set out bowls of melted butter, lemon juice, artSAVOR enhanced cocktail and vinaigrette sauces. The simple addition of artSAVOR 75 to a store bought cocktail sauce or vinaigrette will elevate this seafood platter to new and delicious heights!
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Salmon sashimi is definitely a family favorite, particularly of my son. I include it in my menu whenever I can get sashimi grade salmon. I try to make the raw salmon, typically served with soy sauce and wasabi, more interesting and exciting by adding extra flavor as well as visual appeal. To me, saltiness of soy sauce sensory profile is so profound that it can totally overshadows its moderate umami, sweet and very slight bitterness flavors. Soy sauce best flavor performance results from its interaction with other complimentary flavors. You guessed it! Combining my artSAVOR 75 with soy sauce unlocks and enhances to the natural umami burst.
But why stop there? Another unexpected idea that compliments the luscious, rich buttery texture of salmon is quick dip in a simple vinaigrette enhanced with my versatile artSAVOR 75. Talk about melting in your mouth, you will be a culinary star!
Finally garnishing your salmon sashimi platter with wasabi, micro greens and basil adds to the visual appeal. Remember the palate is more than just the sense of taste, but really all the senses!
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Watermelon salads make regular appearances on my summer menus. I grew up eating watermelon with a touch of salt and love how the natural sweetness become savory. This was the origin of my many variations on a theme of summer melon salads. I started adding a splash lemon juice, then a sprinkle of Persian goat cheese, then Persian cucumber and then . . . as you can see from this recipe is expansive, creative and deliciously fun. Naturally, I brought this combination together my own signature flavors in a heavenly artSAVOR 75 vinaigrette.
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There is nothing like a great piece of fresh salmon prepared with my artSAVORs and BBQ grilled until perfectly tender and flaky. This salmon is delicious hot from the grill, served at room temperature or even cold. When cooked correctly, salmon just melts in your mouth.
I decided to get creative with my marinade by using a combination of artSAVOR 70, artSAVOR 75, chopped fresh cilantro and parsley. The combination of the dried and fresh herbs creates a smoky magical umami to the already umami-rich salmon. While perfect just as is, my herby green sauce made with artSAVOR 75 creates a fresh and citrusy savory essence that is the ideal compliment. You can serve this salmon with any side as entrée. On Father’s Day this year, it played a starring role along side grilled ribeye on my buffet menu.
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Potatoes are undeniably, a family favorite, especially with steak. This is one of my easiest and incredibly delicious preparations. These multi-colored potatoes tossed with artSAVOR 75 and finished with fresh tarragon are crispy little flavor nuggets. They are nearly fail-proof for even the most novice kitchen artist. Parboiling them is the secret to getting them quickly crispy in the sauté. I like to plate them together with the steak.
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Pizza is nearly the perfect food that can be a starter, an entire meal and with a change of toppings even dessert! This simple creation with four main ingredients is full of flavor, texture and cheesy goodness. On top of being delicious, it is bright and colorful. The tie that binds this pizza creation is artSAVOR 75.
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Finally venturing out from quarantine to the Laguna Beach Farmers Market, I was like a kid in a candy store. Even though the market had fewer vendors sadly, I caught sight of this beautiful pile of bright and lovely brussels sprouts. They were so beautiful that I immediately envisioned a sweet, savory and tangy salad that would capitalize on their raw goodness. Normally I only prepare them in the fall and winter, but who says you can’t have a brussels sprouts salad in summer?
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