When the first good tomatoes appear, I buy fresh basil and a good sized chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and whip up a no-cook pasta. It’s not the heat. It’s the deliciousness. I like it even better than the red sauce of winter.
Vegetables
Dreamy, Crispy Roasted Potatoes
The secret to beautifully roasted potatoes is boiling the potatoes in water that has been laced with baking soda before roasting them, which gives them unbelievably fluffy interiors.
Homemade Ramen Noodle Hack
Holy moly do I love ramen. And, by the way, I’m not talking about the “Peel off the lid. Pour boiling water into the cup. Let sit for three minutes. Stir well and serve” variety. I’m talking about huge bowls of chewy, luxurious noodles swimming in a flavorful, savory broth with an assortment of proteins, loads of garnishes, and a soft- boiled egg floating on top. Comfort food of the highest order.
“Use a Spoon” Chopped Salad
When Paul Newman and I agreed to open Dressing Room, one of his first requests was that there always be a really good chopped salad on the menu. He loved an array of flavors and textures in each bite. This version is seasonal, fresh and delicious.
Perfectly Steamed Asparagus
Simmering asparagus briefly in well-salted water is the way for first-of-the-season asparagus. A stellar first course or a light lunch.
Baked Peppers with Feta and Bread Crumbs
Sweet peppers seem destined for stuffing, given their shape and hollow interior. There are all kinds of delightful sweet peppers available, in every color and size. I found some diminutive, colorful Gypsy peppers at the market one day and came up with this dish, which actually qualifies as dainty and delicate.
