Elle Republic

With the abundance of fresh local spring radishes picked at their height of freshness and flavor, I’ve been trying to think of other ways to use then rather than just have them play second fiddle as a mere garnish in a green salad. Why? Because I love these little root vegetables. Fresh and crunchy, they are a real treat. Especially in this spring radish salad where tasty sweet citrus...

This is a tasty and easy salad that can be prepared well in advance of guests arriving. The salad can be prepared beforehand and just needs to be tossed with the dressing as soon as the guests sit down. Because of the colors, this salad looks fabulous in its own right, as simple as it is. A simple Strawberry Spinach Salad -- dressed up with mixed greens I dressed up this...

I was first introduced to a traditional Tortilla Española by a Spanish student that was staying with me a few years back. She demonstrated exactly how it should be done and of course the result was first class, but I have to admit I was alarmed by the amount of oil she used (and the mess the splattering oil made!). Of course I am myself a fan of olive...

I mean who could say no to creamy homemade hazelnut pesto made from fragrant roasted hazelnuts? The robust flavor of the roasted hazelnuts gets a nice brightness from the lemon zest and lemon juice, and when whirled together with a generous glug of olive oil and a large handful of flat-leaf parsley and peppery arugula, plus a little parmesan, not to mention garlic, the pesto comes together as a...

I especially love roasted nuts. And one benefit of roasting them is clear -- if you think roasted nuts taste better -- then roasting will encourage you to include them in your diet. My kitchen is always stocked with some kind of nuts. With so much variety they literally work with anything and add a dose of crunch and goodness to whatever it is you’re eating. All nuts have different...

This dish is a winning combination for fans of eggplant, lamb, and aromatic Persian flavors! Lamb and eggplant are two things I really enjoy but don’t eat very often. Firstly, because not everyone loves lamb and secondly, not everyone loves eggplant. Which is a pity, since together these two ingredients deliver a complex, robust and earthy flavor combination that's truly satisfying. Lamb Curry Rogan Josh -- a mild curry recipe This dish...