Mini Gruyère Scones

Mini Gruyère Scones

Seems I have a reputation for making savory quick breads to go along with a meal. Whenever I suggest, or simply serve them up without saying a word, the response is always positive. An empty plate is always a sign of appreciation. My latest excursion into savory meal accompaniments somehow had to be cheesy as the weather gets cooler. There is nothing quite like Gruyère cheese, smoky or otherwise. It's truly a wonder the small block even made it into the scones, but I am glad it did, strutting it's goodness with flair as it does in these little bites. Nothing more needs to be said. Easy, irresistible and just fine with tea or any meal that you wish to adorn.
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Butter Fried Corn with Potatoes, Beans, Peppers and Mushrooms

green bean and corn stir fry

Colorful stacks of fresh local vegetables are practically bouncing off the market shelves and bins these days, and there may be no better way to enjoy the vibrant fresh tastes of the local produce than to fry them in plenty of good quality churned butter. I'm especially smitten with slathering butter on ears of amazingly sweet local corn, but I can't resist all of the other local vegetables either — tomatoes, green beans, garden peas, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, radishes, carrots and so many more. It's been a bumper crop this year, so why restrict yourself? Fry up a bunch of these seasonal goodies in one pan, and you've got an extraordinarily flavorful, colorful and wholesome plate that will be gone in no time.

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Green Peas Curry (Mattar Masala)


Visit the Indian Food Glossary for information on the ingredients in this recipe
mattar masala

I could assert that this green pea curry smothered in a rich and spicy tomato herbed sauce is restaurant quality, but that would be an understatement and wouldn't be quite the truth either, as this dish is even better than any such preparation I have ever enjoyed outside of my home.

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Red Lentil and Moong Dal


Visit the Indian Food Glossary for information on the ingredients in this recipe
red lentil dal

There are times when there is nothing more comforting than a simple lentil curry. Spiced with attention, showcasing staples from the pantry, and vibrant tomatoes from my backyard garden, simplicity in this case steals the show. In my opinion, such easy dals, especially suited for busy midweek meals, are sometimes just as good, maybe even better, than more elaborate preparations. The creamy texture of the dal is an ideal base for rich and pungent spices and audacious hot chilies. In fact, this dish is so delightful and flavorful, it deserves a spot on any table with an Indian theme, no matter the occasion or lack thereof.

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